When he first met Dodman, Ginns had been studying bipolar disorder and depression in genetically closed populations such as the Amish.
Their first collaboration was a genome-wide analysis on 92 flank- and blanket-sucking doberman pinschers compared with 68 control dobermans. They got one strong statistical hit called neural cadherin or CDH2. In the brain, CDH2 is involved in the development of glutamate receptors.
This was the first behavioural gene that had ever had anything to do with OCD, and one of the few behavioural genes that have been discovered. The next step was to look for CDH2 in people. The results were inconclusive. Wendland thinks that sequencing has advanced enough for it to be more beneficial to study humans than to redo any dog studies. In , Dodman decided to move his theories to a clinical setting.
For many years, he had been discussing his work with Michael Jenike, founder of the obsessive compulsive disorder institute at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. In a group of 44 patients , everyone got a drug to increase serotonin levels, but half were given memantine as well — and it worked. In brain imaging of his compulsive dobermans , Dodman found that they had structural abnormalities associated with OCD in humans.
In February , a group led by Dan Stein, head of the department of psychiatry and mental health at the University of Cape Town, published the results of an examination of the CDH2 gene in humans. In a genome-wide analysis, he found two areas of interest.
The first, in humans, is associated with an increased risk in schizophrenia, and the other harbours serotonin receptor genes. What you learn to do is appreciate the sameness. The day after Sputnik, I meet Bella, another bull terrier who used to spin but after treatment has almost completely stopped. Rowe-Varone tells us that Bella is also obsessed with balls — and she has to keep balls hidden in the garage.
Rude Crotch Sniffer. August 6, No Comments. Obsessive Dog Licking. July 12, No Comments. Subscribe to Our Newsletter. Email Address. Trending Today. Can You Afford A Dog? Trending This Week. Newsletter Sign Up. Help My Dog is Some experts believe that tail chasing may even signal mental illness in dogs. As The Guardian reports, obsessive tail chasing is considered a symptom of canine compulsive disorder.
If left unchecked, this behavior can become self-destructive, resulting in dogs damaging their tails. If you believe your dog is obsessively chasing their tail, consult your vet. According to research published by the Journal of Small Animal Practice , there may be a connection between compulsive tail chasing and high blood and cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that the 15 tail-chasing dogs they observed had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and both high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control dogs. More research needs to be conducted on the genetic link, but this was an interesting finding, nevertheless. Keep in mind, there's a vast range of reasons why your dog is chasing their tail. If you two are getting outside for plenty of exercise and playtime together, but you still notice this behavior, you may want to keep an eye on it.
If you observe your dog chasing their tail in obsessive, nonstop ways, you may want to hop over to the vet just to ensure there's nothing wrong. A dog that has an itchy tail from parasites such as fleas or ticks might be more likely to "chase" their tail in an effort chew on the itchy spot. While, dogs are more likely to sit down and try to contort their body in a way to reach the itchy spot, they may try chasing their tail at first.
If you notice your dog trying to chew on their tail, you'll want to check for any signs of parasites and contact your vet about getting it looked at by an expert. According to this article published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is evidence that breeds such as German shepherds , Bull terriers and Anatolian sheepdogs are more likely to chase their tails.
There is also indications that it is common in terrier breeds such as the West Highland white terrier and Jack Russell terriers , but there currently isn't enough statistical data to confirm. While chasing their tail may seem harmless and can provide great entertainment for both you and your dog, it's also important to monitor this behavior.
If not for the conditions listed above, there is the risk of them actually catching their tail — specifically in younger dogs that are not as "tail-aware. Additionally, if your dog does see their tail as prey , they might be inclined to chomp at it, which could result in a bite on their own tail.
So, if you notice that they are close to catching their tail, you might want to consider discouraging this behavior to ensure they don't hurt themselves. Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience.
Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction. Erin is a geek for SEO and all things social media.
She graduated from Fairfield University with an M. Erin Katribe, a Texas veterinarian and medical director of Best Friends Animal Society , a non-profit animal welfare organization with a nationwide outreach. Tail chasing is an activity like running around the yard or playing fetch.
Experts believe it can simply be a form of play, especially after being confined inside or in a crate. When your pup finally has the freedom to run, play, and explore you might find him engaging in this silly game. Try including more walks, more playtime, and puzzles , toys, or feeders that help occupy and stimulate your pooch's mental and physical health. If your dog gets a laugh from the family, applause, or a few head pats after his whirling display, it can turn into an attention-seeking behavior.
It's like a fun party trick he pulls out when looking for some lovin'.
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