Correlazioni tra i disordini comportamentali e gastrointestinali nel cane e nel gatto
Behavioural and gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats
Authors
Palestrini C.
Medico Veterinario, PhD, Dipl. ECAWBM, Specialista in Etologia Applicata e Benessere degli Animali d’Affezione
Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanità Pubblica - Università degli Studi di Milano
Summary
In order to formulate a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, it is always very important to take into account the whole animal organism. Compulsive disorders in veterinary behavioral medicine are still poorly understood and therefore often over- diagnosed. Further investigations are needed in such cases for a more accurate differential diagnosis. Compulsive behaviors appears abnormal because are shown out of context and are often repetitive, exaggerated and prolonged in time. These behaviors share a similar pathophysiology (eg. changes in the serotonergic, dopaminergic and beta-endorphin systems ). Fly-biting, pica and or licking surfaces are classified as oral compulsive disorders. These behaviors must be considered as nonspecific signs that can be the result of several clinical conditions , in particular concerning the gastrointestinal system.
Keywords
dog, behaviour, gastrointestinal disorder, compulsive disorder
