Purdue News
Purdue News
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February 2, 2001 Dogs needed for compulsive disorder studyWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Does your dog chase its tail for a long period of time? Or snap in the air as if to catch a fly that's not there? Does your dog lick itself excessively or pace for no apparent reason? The Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic is looking for dogs with such apparently purposeless behaviors to participate in a study that will test a new treatment for canine compulsive disorder. Canine compulsive disorder affects approximately 2 percent of all dogs. These animals exhibit abnormal behavior that is performed out of context, frequently exaggerated, directed toward unnatural stimuli or objects and is often constantly repeated. The behaviors share similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorders in humans, which have been successfully treated with drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. The Purdue study seeks to compare a specific SSRI with a placebo. Dog owners interested in having their animals participate in the six-week study should contact the Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic at (765) 496-6345. A board-certified animal behaviorist will determine the animal's eligibility through a phone interview. Participants will then be able to take their pet to their hometown veterinarian for all necessary examinations and lab work. All participating veterinarians will be compensated by Purdue, and there is no cost to the dog owner. Some dogs will receive the drug being tested and some will receive a placebo. Following the controlled treatment period, dog owners will be provided with an additional eight weeks of medication at no charge. CONTACT: Dr. Mami Irimajiri, (765) 496-6345, mami@vet.purdue.edu.
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