Today's Veterinary Practice

MAY-JUN 2017

Today's Veterinary Practice provides comprehensive information to keep every small animal practitioner up to date on companion animal medicine and surgery as well as practice building and management.

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54 SEPARATION-RELATED DISORDERS PEER REVIEWED single-owner households. 3,9 There may also be a hereditary predisposition in both dogs and cats. 3,12 CLINICAL SIGNS Onset of clinical signs in dogs and cats may occur with life events, lifestyle changes, or development of medical or other behavioral disorders ( Box 1 ). 3,13,14 Dogs with separation-related disorders can be divided into three classes: A, B, and C. 1 Dogs in class A may show initial signs in puppyhood and display hyperattachment 1 to one person by following them and soliciting attention and physical interaction. 1,3,9,13,16,17 Dogs in class B display signs triggered by a change in schedule or lifestyle or by aging and often show distress only when left completely alone. 1,14 Dogs in class C show clinical signs after a fearful experience and do not show hyperattachment. 1 Clinical signs in both cats and dogs may start in anticipation of the owner's departure. 2,3,16 Dogs may exhibit aggression in an apparent attempt to keep the owner from departing 3,8,12 or appear apathetic and withdrawn. Some dogs avoid participating in morning routines. 8 Particular signs reported in cats include urination on the owner's bed and destruction; these signs are more common among males than females. 2,3 DIAGNOSIS Step 1: Collect a Targeted History Even in affected dogs, as few as 13% of owners may seek assistance. 17 A simple behavior questionnaire with questions such as "Has your pet urinated or defecated in your house since your last visit?" or "Does your pet act differently as you get ready for work?" can decrease the time invested in the examination room. Signs of anxiety with departure cues strongly support a diagnosis of separation anxiety. 13 Behaviors that indicate 13 a diagnosis other than separation anxiety are those that: • Do not occur consistently and exclusively with departures • Occur only in conjunction with other environmental events (eg, storms) • Occur only when the pet is confined Step 2: Perform a Physical Examination and Appropriate Diagnostic Testing Complete a full examination. In dogs, monitor for caudal wear of the canines, a marker of crate chewing. 14 Complete blood count, blood chemistry, urinalysis, and thyroid testing should be performed to screen for underlying medical BOX 1 Clinical Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Cats 2,8,9,13–16 a Reported in cats. 2,16 • Vocalization a • Destruction a • Elimination a • Anorexia a • Vomiting a • Diarrhea a • Hypersalivation • Depression a • Tachycardia • Attempts to escape • Pacing • Aggression • Withdrawal • Lethargy • Tachypnea • Self-mutilation • Freezing • Exaggerated greetings • Rearranging the owner's things • Increased motor activity • Trembling • Inability to settle • Excessive licking or grooming a • Ritualized circling • Compulsive behaviors • Fearful postures • Inactivity a

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