Acral lick dermatitis
Acral lick dermatitis (ALD), also known as lick granuloma or canine neurodermatitis , is a stereotypical behavior in dogs that can result in self-mutilation.
In acral lick dermatitis, the stereotype is manifested by licking, chewing, or scratching, most commonly on the limbs. The permanent licking leads to hairless areas and wounds that can be several inches in size or extend over the entire limb. Continued licking prevents the wound from healing and can lead to pain and, in severe cases, crippling.
Among the large breeds, the Doberman Pinscher , German Shepherd , Great Dane , Golden Retriever, and Labrador are particularly affected.
It is generally accepted that acral lick dermatitis is a behavioral disorder with many possible causes. Licking and chewing function as tension relievers in dogs that are bored, socially isolated, restricted for long periods of time or constantly being physically punished. Licking can also be triggered by excessive alertness or nervousness on the part of the owner, which unconsciously encourage nervous behavior in his animal. The arrival of new animals or people in the household can also trigger ALD.
See also
literature
- Lloyd E. Davis: Handbook of Small Animal Therapeutics . Churchill Livingstone Inc., 1985.
- Erica G. Goldberger, JL Rapoport: Canine Acral Lick Dermatitis: Response to the Antiobsessional Drug Clomipramine. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Mar / Apr 1991. pp. 179-182.
- Bill Rivers, PA Walter, PJ McKeever: Treatment of Canine Acral Lick Dermatitis with Radiation Therapy: 17 cases. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Nov / Dec 1993. pp. 541-544.
- White, Stephen, J .: Naltrexone for treatment of acral lick dermatitis in dogs . Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. April 1990. pp. 1073-1076.
