Use of tramadol in a Labrador retriever presenting with self-mutilation of the tail
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Date
Authors
Zulch, Helen E.
Mills, Daniel S.
Lambert, Ruth
Kirberger, Robert M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
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.
Description
Keywords
Dogs, Tails, Pain, Self-mutilation, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tramadol, Thermography
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Helen E. Zulch, Daniel S. Mills, Ruth Lambert & Robert M. Kirberger, The use of tramadol in a Labrador retriever presenting with self-multiation of the tail, Journal of Veterinary Behavior : Clinical Applications and Research, vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 252-258 (2012), doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2011.10.009.