Signalment Factors , Comorbidity in Behavior Diagnoses in Dogs in Bursa Region , Turkey ( 2000-2004 )

Yalcin E., H. Batmaz: Signalment Factors, Comorbidity in Behavior Diagnoses in Dogs in Bursa Region, Turkey (2000 2004). Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 445-450. The aim of this study was to classify the behaviour problems of dogs reported by owners in the Bursa region. A survey was conducted with the owners of 80 dogs with behaviour problems in 2000 2004. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the demographics of the problems the owners observed in their dogs. Sixty eight dogs were selected from animals referred to the Clinic of the Internal Medicine Department of the Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and 12 dogs were selected at a private kennel. The 68 dogs diagnosed at the clinic as having behaviour problems represented 6.2% of the 1086 patient dogs older than 6 months seen in the same period. Twelve dogs with behaviour problems were selected from a total of 150 dogs at a private kennel. A total of 110 behavioural problems were detected. Some dogs showed more than one behavioural disorder. The classifi cation of the problems was as follows: 65 dogs (59%) with aggression, 13 dogs (12%) with separation anxiety, 12 dogs (10.5%) with phobia of veterinary clinics and high-volume noises such as thunders and fi reworks, 12 dogs (10.5%) with compulsive disorders (9 dogs with tail chasing, 2 dogs with lick dermatitis, 1 dog with self mutilation), 4 dogs (4%) with inappropriate elimination, 2 dogs (2%) with coprophagia, and 1 dog (1%) with puppy killing, 1 dog (1%) with false pregnancy. The breeds most often presented in our study were: German shepherd (19%), Terrier (18%), mixed breed (15%), Anatolian sheepdog (10%). The results of the study showed that behavioural problems are common among dogs in Bursa and aggression ranks fi rst, followed by separation anxiety, phobia and tail chasing. Dog, behavioural problems, aggression, separation anxiety, phobia, compulsive disorder Within the last 25 years, it has become increasingly more common for veterinarians to see animals presented for behaviour problems, and behaviour medicine is a quickly developing fi eld of the profession. Dissatisfaction with the behaviour is also one of the most common reasons for owners to abandon or euthanize their pets (Voith 1989). In one study, dogs were euthanized due to one or more behavioural problems in 23.6% of cases and, in about 2/3 of these cases, the problem was classifi ed as aggressive behaviour. A relatively large proportion of dogs euthanized due to aggressive behaviour displayed combinations of: 1) aggression towards family; 2) aggression towards strangers; and/or 3) aggression towards other dogs (Mikkelsen and Lund 2000). The types of behaviour problems and their degree of severity vary greatly. Knol (1987) reported that aggressive behaviour and/or fear (agonistic behaviour) were most frequently presented behaviour problems of dogs. Aggression is the most common presenting complaint (Beaver 1992) and potentially the most serious behaviour problem confronting the pet owner and small animal practitioner (Voith and Borchelt 1996c). Similarly, Bamberger and Houpt (2006) diagnosed aggression in nearly 75% of all dogs evaluated, mostly because of aggression directed at humans rather than other animals. In addition to these problems, separation anxiety was determined as an important behavioural problem of dogs (Takeuchi et al. ACTA VET. BRNO 2007, 76: 445-450; doi:10.2754/avb200776030445 Address for correspondence: E. Yalcin Department of Internal Medicine Veterinary Faculty Uludag University 16190 Bursa Phone: + 90 224 234 76 55 Fax: + 90 224 234 63 95 E-mail: yalcine@uludag.edu.tr http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm 2000). Separation anxiety is the most common behavioural problem in dogs at referral to behavioural practices; diagnosed in 20 to 40% of dogs referred to animal behaviour practices in North America (Voith and Borchelt 1996a). Approximately one third of the dogs presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Behaviour Clinic are presented for complaints related to separation anxiety (Voith 1989). Separation anxiety is also a very common behaviour problem in dogs in Turkey and its rate has been reported to be as high as 27% (Dodurka et al. 2000). Takeuchi et al. (2001) reported the three major behaviour problems: aggression toward owners, aggression towards strangers and separation anxiety. Fear of loud noises, especially thunder, fi recrackers, and guns, is a normal behavioural reaction, but in some dogs the usual signs of fear panting and pacing escalate to frantic attempts to escape (Houpt and Reisner 1995). Compulsive disorders are acral lick dermatitis, fl ank sucking (in Dobermans), tail chasing (in German shepherds), whirling (in Bull terriers), freezing (in Bull terriers and Miniature schnauzers), pacing, fl oor scratching, growling at self, jumping in place, chasing real or imaginary objects, vocalizations, excessive grooming or hair chewing, self-mutilation, and licking or eating of atypical objects (Beaver 1992). Tail chasing is a repetitive behaviour that is expressed as slow to rapid circling with the dog’s attention directed toward its tail or rapid spinning in tight circles with no apparent focus on its tail (Moon-Fanelli and Dodman 1998). Blackshaw et al. (1994) reported that 4% of the dogs in their behavioural practice were referred for tail chasing. Affected dogs consisted primarly of Bull terriers (Beaver 1992), Bull terrier crosses, other terriers, and German shepherd dogs (Moon-Fanelli and Dodman 1998). Acral lick dermatitis, also known as a lick granuloma, results from an urge to lick the dorsal aspect of the carpal region, producing a thickened, fi rm, oval plaque. Behaviour of psychogenic origin can be facilitated by stress, including changes in schedules or even little environmental stimuli (Beaver 1992). Predisposed breeds include the Doberman pinscher, Great dane, Labrador retriever, Irish setter, Golden retriever, and German shepherd. Other breeds, including smaller dogs, can also develop acral lick dermatitis. It can occur at any age, although most dogs are over 5 years of age when presented for treatment. Males with the disorder outnumber females by two to one (Scott et al. 1995). The main purpose of this study was to provide information concerning the types and frequencies of behavioural problems of dogs in the Bursa region, Turkey. Materials and Methods The material of this study consisted of 80 dogs of different breeds, age and both sexes. Sixty-eight of these dogs were selected from animals referred to the Clinic of the Internal Medicine Department of the Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and twelve dogs were bred at a private kennel in 2000 2004. In each case, historytaking was performed by one of the authors (E.Y.) by asking questions according to a standardized questionnaire (Houpt 1998). The 68 dogs diagnosed at the clinic as having behaviour problems represented 6.2% of the 1086 patient dogs older than 6 months which seen in the same period. Twelve dogs with behaviour problems were selected from a total of 150 dogs at the private kennel. The study included 16 rural and 64 urban dogs. Breed types were categorized as an American Kennel Club recognized breed or as a mixed-breed. Aggression has been classifi ed by Beaver (1992) as dominance, fear-induced, idiopathic, intrasexual, learned, object-protective, food-protective, maternal, medically related, owner-protective, pain-induced, play, predatory, redirected, sex-related, territorial/protective.

Within the last 25 years, it has become increasingly more common for veterinarians to see animals presented for behaviour problems, and behaviour medicine is a quickly developing fi eld of the profession.Dissatisfaction with the behaviour is also one of the most common reasons for owners to abandon or euthanize their pets (Voith 1989).In one study, dogs were euthanized due to one or more behavioural problems in 23.6% of cases and, in about 2/3 of these cases, the problem was classifi ed as aggressive behaviour.A relatively large proportion of dogs euthanized due to aggressive behaviour displayed combinations of: 1) aggression towards family; 2) aggression towards strangers; and/or 3) aggression towards other dogs (Mikkelsen and Lund 2000).The types of behaviour problems and their degree of severity vary greatly.Knol (1987) reported that aggressive behaviour and/or fear (agonistic behaviour) were most frequently presented behaviour problems of dogs.Aggression is the most common presenting complaint (Beaver 1992) and potentially the most serious behaviour problem confronting the pet owner and small animal practitioner (Voith and Borchelt 1996c).Similarly, Bamberger and Houpt (2006) diagnosed aggression in nearly 75% of all dogs evaluated, mostly because of aggression directed at humans rather than other animals.In addition to these problems, separation anxiety was determined as an important behavioural problem of dogs (Takeuchi et al. 2000).Separation anxiety is the most common behavioural problem in dogs at referral to behavioural practices; diagnosed in 20 to 40% of dogs referred to animal behaviour practices in North America (Voith and Borchelt 1996a).Approximately one third of the dogs presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Behaviour Clinic are presented for complaints related to separation anxiety (Voith 1989).Separation anxiety is also a very common behaviour problem in dogs in Turkey and its rate has been reported to be as high as 27% (Dodurka et al. 2000).Takeuchi et al. (2001) reported the three major behaviour problems: aggression toward owners, aggression towards strangers and separation anxiety.Fear of loud noises, especially thunder, fi recrackers, and guns, is a normal behavioural reaction, but in some dogs the usual signs of fear -panting and pacing -escalate to frantic attempts to escape (Houpt and Reisner 1995).Compulsive disorders are acral lick dermatitis, fl ank sucking (in Dobermans), tail chasing (in German shepherds), whirling (in Bull terriers), freezing (in Bull terriers and Miniature schnauzers), pacing, fl oor scratching, growling at self, jumping in place, chasing real or imaginary objects, vocalizations, excessive grooming or hair chewing, self-mutilation, and licking or eating of atypical objects (Beaver 1992).Tail chasing is a repetitive behaviour that is expressed as slow to rapid circling with the dog's attention directed toward its tail or rapid spinning in tight circles with no apparent focus on its tail (Moon-Fanelli and Dodman 1998).Blackshaw et al. (1994) reported that 4% of the dogs in their behavioural practice were referred for tail chasing.Affected dogs consisted primarly of Bull terriers (Beaver 1992), Bull terrier crosses, other terriers, and German shepherd dogs (Moon-Fanelli and Dodman 1998).Acral lick dermatitis, also known as a lick granuloma, results from an urge to lick the dorsal aspect of the carpal region, producing a thickened, fi rm, oval plaque.Behaviour of psychogenic origin can be facilitated by stress, including changes in schedules or even little environmental stimuli (Beaver 1992).Predisposed breeds include the Doberman pinscher, Great dane, Labrador retriever, Irish setter, Golden retriever, and German shepherd.Other breeds, including smaller dogs, can also develop acral lick dermatitis.It can occur at any age, although most dogs are over 5 years of age when presented for treatment.Males with the disorder outnumber females by two to one (Scott et al. 1995).
The main purpose of this study was to provide information concerning the types and frequencies of behavioural problems of dogs in the Bursa region, Turkey.

Materials and Methods
The material of this study consisted of 80 dogs of different breeds, age and both sexes.Sixty-eight of these dogs were selected from animals referred to the Clinic of the Internal Medicine Department of the Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and twelve dogs were bred at a private kennel in 2000 -2004.In each case, historytaking was performed by one of the authors (E.Y.) by asking questions according to a standardized questionnaire (Houpt 1998).The 68 dogs diagnosed at the clinic as having behaviour problems represented 6.2% of the 1086 patient dogs older than 6 months which seen in the same period.Twelve dogs with behaviour problems were selected from a total of 150 dogs at the private kennel.The study included 16 rural and 64 urban dogs.Breed types were categorized as an American Kennel Club recognized breed or as a mixed-breed.

Results
A total of 110 behavioural problems were detected in 80 dogs.Some of the dogs showed more than one behavioural disorder.One, two and three behavioural problems were detected in 52, 26 and 2 dogs, respectively.The classifi cation of the problems was as follows: 65 dogs (59%) with aggression, 13 dogs (12%) with separation anxiety, 12 dogs (10.5%) with phobia of veterinary clinics and high-volume noises such as thunders and fi reworks, 12 dogs (10.5%) with compulsive disorders (9 dogs with tail chasing, 2 dogs with lick dermatitis, 1 dog with self mutilation), 4 dogs (4%) with inappropriate elimination, 2 dogs (2%) with coprophagia, and 1 dog (1%) with puppy killing and 1 dog (1%) with false pregnancy.
The second most commonly observed behavioural problem was separation anxiety (13 dogs).Most of the dogs with separation anxiety were intact males and this disorder was observed in juvenile dogs.All dogs with separation anxiety and compulsive disorders in this study lived in urban areas.Phobia and compulsive disorders were commonly seen as two behavioural problems in this study.When phobia was considered, there was no predisposition due to sex and age in dogs.However, compulsive disorders were observed mostly in intact male dogs.Distribution of dogs with these behavioural problems was reported according to sex, age, and castration status in Table 1.

Discussion
This survey provides an insight into occurrence of behaviour problems in dogs in the Bursa Region, Turkey.Aggression is the most disturbing and ultimately the most dangerous canine behaviour problem, resulting in human injury and sometimes in euthanasia of the dog (Houpt 1998).Also, Knol (1987) showed that the problems most frequently presented are concerned with aggressive behaviour and/or fear (agonistic behaviour).Our study supported these fi ndings that aggression, separation anxiety, and phobia were the most frequently observed behavioural problems in our region.
The relative incidence of behavioural problem in a breed can vary by location (Landsberg 1991).The most often presented behavioural disorder breeds were German shepherd, Terrier, mixed breed, and Anatolian sheepdog in our study, however, these dogs are very popular breeds in our region.
Previous work has indicated that male dogs are more prone to behaviour problems than their female counterparts (Flannigan and Dodman 2001), and the results of the present study also supported previous researchers that male dogs were more likely to have behavioural problems than female dogs.Over 50% of dogs presented for behaviour problems are intact males (Beaver 1992).This fact suggests that testosterone may be important in the development of behaviour problems.
The incidence of aggression as a behaviour problem varies, depending on the stage examined.Aggression is not frequently mentioned as a problem by the average dog owner, but it represents a high percentage of cases seen by veterinary behaviouristsanywhere from 20% to 66% (Beaver 1992).In our study, aggression was observed in 81% (65/80) of the dogs.The fi ve most commonly represented types of aggressive behaviours in this study were territorial/protective, predatory, intrasexual, fear induced, and dominance.Results of earlier studies (Blackshaw 1991;Beaver 1992) were similar to our fi ndings.The main age at which aggression appears as a behaviour problem is generally between 2 and 3 years old but it can occur in geriatric dogs as well as in puppies (Beaver 1992).In our study, age varied greatly, from 1 to 12 years, with the average of 4.6 ± 0.3.
Intact male dogs are more likely to be involved in aggression problems (Beaver 1992).Our results supported previous results that aggression was observed much more amongst intact male dogs.
Separation anxiety, defi ned as excessive vocalization, inappropriate elimination, and destruction associated with the owner's absence, is the second most common behavioural problem in dogs at referral behavioural practices (McCrave 1991;Voith and Borchelt 1996a).In this study, similar proportion (12%) was found to that reported (14%) in another study (Simpson 2000).However, separation anxiety was determined to be in higher proportion (20 -40% in North America and 27% in Turkey) in some earlier studies (Voith and Borchelt 1996a;Dodurka 2000).We found that male dogs (84%) outnumbered females (16%) in this study.However, some reports of separation anxiety have indicated that males and females are presented in equal numbers (Wright 1987;Landsberg 1991;Lund 1996;Voith and Borchelt 1996a), but Takeuchi et al. (2000) found that males were over-represented.The reason for the differences between studies is unclear.In this study, separation anxiety was seen at any age (juvenile, adult and senior) but more in juvenile dogs (54%); similar results have been shown by Simpson (2000).All dogs with separation anxiety and compulsive disorders in this study lived in urban areas.
Fear of loud noises, especially thunder, fi recrackers, and guns, is a normal behavioural reaction, but in some dogs the usual signs of fear-panting and pacing escalate to frantic attempts resulting in damage to the house and injury of the dog.One of the previous studies indicated that 0.8% of pet owners had discussed fearful behaviour as a problem with their veterinarians, but the actual incidence of fear in dogs has not been established (Beaver 1992).In contrast to this study, Tuber et al. (1982) found 20% of dogs seen at the clinic treated for fear of loud noises.Similar to this, fear of loud noises was found in 10.5% cases included in our study.Voith and Borchelt (1996b) reported that fobia could develop at any age and gender, as in our study.
Canine compulsive disorder commonly presents as tail-chasing, grooming, fl anksucking, pacing, whirling, snapping at the air, and chewing (Hewson and Luescher 1996).Blackshaw et al. (1994) reported that 4% of the dogs in their behavioural practice were referred for tail chasing.Tail chasing was the most common compulsive disorder (82%) in our study.Compulsive disorders were observed mostly (75%) in intact male dogs.Overall and Dunham (2002) reported that male dogs signifi cantly out-numbered females (2 : 1).Canine compulsive disorder may be common in Great danes, German shorthaired pointers, German shepherds, and Bull terriers (Moon-Fanelli and Dodman 1998).In this study, only 2 German shepherd dogs were found with this disorder.
As a result it was detected that behavioural problems are common among dogs and aggression takes the fi rst place of behavioural problems, followed by separation anxiety, phobia and tail chasing.Approaching behavioural problems in dogs in Turkey is a new subject and this study will lead to future studies.

Table 1 .
Dogs with regard to sex, age and castration status