Abstract:
A 30-month-old Labrador retriever bitch with a history of atopy was presented for acuteonset
tail biting that was leading to self-mutilation. The problem began 8 months before consultation
and was resolved after 2 months, but it recurred 3 months later and continued for 3 months until the
time of consultation. The current episode was difficult to interrupt and was being controlled through the
use of an Elizabethan collar. There had been no history of injury to the tail. On examination of the tail,
an irregularity was palpated approximately midway on the dorsal surface. Radiographs of the tail
showed soft-tissue swelling cranially and presence of an ossicle between the mid-caudal vertebrae.
Mutilation stopped with administration of tramadol and paracetamol and started again when the
medication was discontinued. No behavior modification was implemented. Although there is a possibility
that the tramadol was treating a psychogenically driven self-mutilation behavior, it is more likely
that pain was the initiating cause for the behavior. This case report highlights the importance of careful
medical evaluation of suspected behavioral problems and discusses the possible use of tramadol in
self-mutilation.
