3Įnvironmental licking, chewing and picas may begin as normal behaviors arising from play and exploration, or because of taste, texture or odor appeal. 1,2 However, multiple neurotransmitters might be implicated, including alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways or opioid receptors. Abnormal serotonin transmission has been identified as a primary mechanism by which compulsive disorders are induced, and drugs that inhibit serotonin reuptake can be effective, e.g. With repeated stress, the behavior may become compulsive, with altered neurochemical responses, especially in individuals that are genetically predisposed. The behaviors may initially be seen in response to situations of conflict (competing motivations or uncertainty), frustration (motivation to a achieve a goal that is behaviorally or physically prevented) or in environments that do not adequately meet the pet’s behavioral needs. In addition, there may be a lack of control in terminating or initiating the behavior. They may be sufficiently intense or sustained that they cannot be easily interrupted or directed into alternate outlets. Compulsive behaviors arise from normal behaviors that become exaggerated, repetitive, out of context, and fixated on a goal. For example, self-trauma can lead to pain, inflammation, and infection, while pica can lead to gastrointestinal signs and foreign body obstructions. The diagnosis is further complicated, as the medical problem could be either the cause or an effect of the behavior. Stress may also contribute to both gastrointestinal and dermatologic disorders. Chewing, both environmental and self-directed, may be normal behavior a displacement behavior arising out of conflict, frustration and stress or an abnormal repetitive behavior which may be a result of an underlying medical condition or a compulsive disorder.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |