Hyperkinesis in Dogs (Canis) | Vetlexicon
canis - Articles

Hyperkinesis

ISSN 2398-2942

Contributor(s) :


Introduction

  • Rare behavioral condition.
  • Often confused with overactivity and attention seeking behavior.
  • Signs: characterized by behavioral and physiological signs.
  • Treatment: true hyperkinesis requires specific medication.
  • Hyperkinetic dogs do not respond appropriately to standard tranquillizers.
  • Prognosis: good.

Presenting signs

  • Seldom sit or lie for more than a few seconds.
  • Increased resting respiratory rate.
  • Increased resting heart rate.
  • Poor response to obedience training.
  • Excessive vocalization.
  • Tendency to jump up excessively.
  • Poor response to habituation.
  • Extreme sound sensitivity.
  • Limited attention span.
  • Aggression associated with high arousal.

Age predisposition

  • Young (1-2 years).

Breed/Species predisposition

NA

Pathogenesis

Etiology

  • Abnormality of dopaminergic stimulation - not fully understood.

Diagnosis

Subscribe To View

This article is available to subscribers.

Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.

Treatment

Subscribe To View

This article is available to subscribers.

Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.

Prevention

Subscribe To View

This article is available to subscribers.

Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.

Outcomes

Subscribe To View

This article is available to subscribers.

Try a free trial today or contact us for more information.

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Voith V L (1980) Hyperactivity and Hyperkinesis. Mod Vet Prac 61 (9), 787-789 PubMed.
  • Arnold L E, Kisilcak V, Corson S A & Corson E O (1973) Levoamphetamine and Dextroamphetamine - Differential Effect on Aggression and Hyperkinesis in Children and Dogs. Am J Psychiatry 130 (2), 165-70 PubMed.
  • Corson S A, Corson E O, Kirilcak V (1971) Tranquilising Effects of Damphelamine on Hyperkinetic Untrainable Dogs. Fed Proc 30, 206.

Other sources of information

  • Landsberg G, Hunthausen W & Ackerman L (1997)Handbook of behavior problems of the dog and cat.pp 62, 75-76 and 195.
  • Overall K L (1997)Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals.pp 317-318.
  • Landsberg G, Hanthansen W & Ackerman L (1997)Behavior problems of the dog and cat.Butterworth and Heinemanpp 62.
  • Askew H (1996)Treatment of Behavior Problems in dogs and cats.pp 262-265.

Organisation(s)

  • Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, PO BOX 46, Worcester WR8 9YS, UK. Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1386 751151; Email: apbc@petbcent.demon.co.uk; Website: http://www.apbc.co.uk.