BehavioRx Case of the Month
for January 1999

The dog, an 8-month old large pure bred male, was described by the owners as "suddenly getting stubborn." 'Danny' had started resisting when walking on the leash, whereas he had formerly been a genuine chore to walk, always ahead of the owners and usually straining with most all his might, which was considerable. Harsh, jerk-corrections on a choke collar were to no avail. Even one of the notorious pinch collars didn't faze his straining. He had also started balking at getting in and out of the back of the family van. He had started growling when the owner's attempted to lift him in or pull him out of the vehicle.

The dog's health history was unremarkable, just normal inoculations and heartworm medication. During our consultations it became apparent that something other than simple 'cussedness' may have been involved, since the dog liked to play with neighbor dogs and was generally good-natured... easy-going.

A spinal examination was recommended because of the history of harsh choke collar corrections, and in light of the recent Swedish Survey by behaviorist Anders Hallgren* which revealed spinal mis-alignments in a significant number of leash-jerk corrected and tethered dogs. The x-rays showed no spinal problem, but the veterinarian also examined Danny for hip and leg joint problems, often a problem in growing large breeds. Osteochondritis dessicans of the knee joints was revealed. This is a condition which can cause pain upon movement, which explains the dog's resistance to moving. The growling, it appeared, was his way of complaining about it. A vacation from physical activity was prescribed. As happens in many of these cases, the forced resting allowed the condition to clear up and Danny was able to get on with normal activities after six weeks. 

The lesson here is clear: When your dog starts behaving oddly, go to your veterinarian and request a thorough examination. It may cost a few bucks, but it may also save a lot of heartbreak and, even the dog's life.

*Study appears in Pet Behavior Newsletter, 1997-1.

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