Kim,. This is so sad to read about. It does sound like an OCD (or, as The Whole Dog Journal wrote, a CCD - Canine Compulsive Disorder - since it's assumed it is a compulsive behavior, without the "obsessions" which are intrusive, repetitive thoughts). There's an article in that journal (Nov., 2001). In case you're interested, their website is http://www.whole-dog-journal.com They do mention medications, to be used in conjunction with a behavior-mod program. Sounds like you've tried some version of this (and I'm sure we can assume she's not caged or in a chronically stressful situation). I hope you can arrange to have her examined by a canine neurologist (not just a regular vet). Also, since some compulsive behaviors are regarded to have a neurological component and to be genetic in origin, I have to bring up another issue which might be dismaying: Would you consider spaying her? (You made reference to her seasons.) I'm not saying that spaying cures this! - (though I think your observation, which would be correlated with hormonal changes, is significant). But I cannot imagine that one would consider breeding a tail spinner, either. I know that for anyone who loves her, this is heartbreaking to see. I wish you the best with this, and hope that a canine neurologist will be able to recommend something that will lead to a reduction of this condition, which must be impairing her quality of life. Alida
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 19:30:28 -0500 From: Kim Kaslow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Tail spinning?? Hi, I was wondering if anyone on the list has dealt with a dog that chases it's tail obsessively....for hours on end. I would have to say that I would classify it as an OCD as even when one tries to discourage the dog by giving it something else to do, the tail chasing starts agin within a few minutes. Frequently she almost seems not to hear us when trying to redirect her attention. It seems to be worse when a season is approaching and lessens a little bit after a season for a short spell. I would be interested if anyone has dealt with this if they have found any successful treatments, homeopathic, behavioral or otherwise. We tried a short round of medication, but it did not seem to help and behaviour modification hasn't seemed to help either. I feel so badly for this little girl...it is heartbreaking to watch her. Thanks, Kim Ballymena Cavaliers ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
