Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tail chasing in a Bull Terrier linked to seizures
By Dodman, N H et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1993·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tail chasing in a bull terrier.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Bull Terrier was brought in for continuously chasing its tail and seemed out of touch with its surroundings. After various tests, including brain scans, the vet found signs of seizures and mild fluid buildup in the brain. The dog was treated with an anticonvulsant medication (diazepam), which helped stop the tail chasing, but unfortunately, the dog later developed aggression and had to be euthanized. The findings suggest that there may be a genetic link to this behavior, possibly related to zinc absorption issues.
People also search for: dog tail chasing treatment · Bull Terrier aggression causes · seizure medication for dogs
Abstract
A Bull Terrier that was continuously chasing its tail was examined clinically, electroencephalographically, and by computed tomography of the head. The dog was also given test treatments with an anticonvulsant (diazepam) and a pure opioid antagonist (naloxone). The dog appeared to be hysterical and dissociated from its surroundings. Electroencephalography revealed a seizure pattern that was most marked over the temporal lobe, and computed tomography revealed mild hydrocephalus. Diazepam effectively controlled tail chasing, whereas naloxone did not. The dog was discharged on anticonvulsant therapy but subsequently had to be euthanatized when aggression developed. Results of examination and treatment have led the investigators to propose a hereditary mechanism for tail chasing, perhaps related to zinc malabsorption.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8454509/