Behavioural changes in dogs with acral lick dermatitis during a 2 month extension phase of fluoxetine treatment

Abstract

Acral lick dermatitis (ALD) is a condition described in dogs that is believed to be an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in humans. In both conditions, serotonergic neural dysfunction is believed to be responsible for aberrant grooming behaviour. ALD is the first animal model proposed for a psychiatric condition. Serotonergic antidepressants are recommended as first line treatment in OCD. However, many patients have been discouraged from using these by reports of aggression and suicide-inducing effects of these drugs. This study examined behavioural effects of a 2 month extension phase of fluoxetine treatment in dogs previously diagnosed with ALD. A 2 month extension phase ..