Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment of canine acral lick dermatitis by behavior modification using electronic stimulation.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Eckstein, R A & Hart, B L
- Affiliation:
- Department of Anatomy · United States
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
In this study, five dogs suffering from a skin condition called acral lick dermatitis, which involves excessive licking on their legs, were treated using an electronic training collar that delivers a mild shock as a form of behavior modification. The treatment was successful in four of the dogs, meaning they stopped licking for at least a month without needing the collar or any protective cones. However, two of the dogs did lick again during the follow-up period of six to twelve months, but they quickly stopped after some brief retraining. Overall, the treatment worked well for most of the dogs involved.
Abstract
Canine acral lick dermatitis is characterized by excessive licking on areas of one or more limbs, usually near the carpus or tarsus. In this prospective study, five dogs with acral lick dermatitis were treated with remote punishment utilizing precisely controlled, momentary shock from an electronic training collar. The problem resolved in four dogs. Resolution was defined as one month in which no shocks (i.e., no electronic shock collar worn) or Elizabethan collars were utilized and no licking had occurred sufficiently to recreate a gross skin lesion. Relapse during the follow-up period of six-to-12 months occurred in two dogs, but licking stopped after brief retraining periods.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8731136/