CHAPTER 14 BEHAVIORAL OR SELF-INJURIOUS DERMATOSES 231
Neuropathy (central or peripheral)
Trauma
Anal sac disorder
Degenerative disease (arthritis, disk)
Tail gland infection
Tail docking neuroma
Vasculitis/vasculopathy. Anal licking:
Anal sac disease
Malasseziadermatitis
Allergic dermatitis
Intestinal parasitism
Colitis/gastrointestinal disorder
Degenerative disease (arthritis, disk).
DIAGNOSTICS
Basic work-up to rule out medical causes of self-injurious behavior should include
evaluation for pain or pruritus, including musculoskeletal disease, neurologic disease,
and/or primary dermatologic disease.CBC/biochemistry/urinalysis: usually normal unless associated with a specific cause
(e.g., hypothyroidism); occasional eosinophilia in cats.
Other laboratory tests:
Serum thyroxine
FeLV/FIV (feline symmetric alopecia)
ACTH-stimulation or LDDS test.
Imaging:
Radiology: evidence of osteomyelitis or arthropathy (acral lick dermatitis);
degenerative disease (tail biting or chasing, anal licking).
Behavioral history considerations:
Household composition (animals and people); include recent changes
Description of patient’s interactions with other animals
Description of patient’s temperament
Daily routines (feeding, exercise, interactions)
Patient’s response to routines (i.e., separation anxiety)
Onset and progression of symptoms; accurate description of behavior (fre-
quency, duration, situation, triggers)
Previous history of dermatoses
Previous history of therapies and responses
Owner’s response to behavior. Diagnostic procedures:
Acral lick dermatitis
Allergy work-up: adequate flea control; intradermal allergen testing; restricted-
ingredient food trial