BehavioRx Case of the Month
for March 1997

Case #1

The following email case follow-up from Bo and Lorri is presented with their permission. It is not a complete case, but it is a vivid reminder that the BehavioRx correction instruction brochures do require serious study and re-reading. Bob's relationship with their 2 year old Rottweiler, Matsi, was on the skids due to negative punishment meted out when he returned home and found messes in the house. He wrote to find out if there was any hope in such seemingly dismal circumstances. We recommended the BehavioRx Housetraining program and Bob and Lorri obtained it, with the following results.

>Bill,

As I sit here and think how busy we all are in this world, it's hard for me to think on how a $2.50 brochure could change our lives. I'm taking this time to say thank you! We were at a point that we did not think we could change Matsi. After reading and rereading your brochure and following the instructions and program (still) I am happy to report that Matsi and us are growing to be a much happier family. Matsi has had only one problem in the house since we started following the brochure, and that was in the start. I still find it hard to believe the difference in her (and me when I don't have to worry about what I will come home to). We will keep up the program and we know that sometimes things happen, but know we can handle it properly. Once again, let us thank you, and I will keep you up to date.

Bob and Lorri >

As we said... reading and re-reading pays big dividends.

Case #2

The following case illustrates the need to persevere and pursue explanations [causes] for behavior problems, even when there seems to be no hope.

The client phoned the HelpLine in the morning of the day she had made an appointment to have her miniature Dachshund euthanized. She had just remembered that we had helped her with a puppy housetraining problem, years before.

Now, her blind 9 year old spayed female miniature Dachshund was urinating in the house and constantly searching, as if confused about where she was. The family had not gotten a full night's sleep for ten days. Formerly, the dog was perfectly house trained. The Dachsie had spinal fusion surgery several years earlier and had recovered fully. However, shortly before the current problem's onset the dog had yipped as if in pain several times when she tried to jump up onto furniture.

The owners related the symptoms by phone to the surgeon, whose orthopedic practice was some 250 miles away. He recommended that her local veterinarian examine and prescribe the anti-inflamatory steroid prednisone in the event the operated area was inflamed. The steroid was prescribed. The confused behavior and urination in the house began the next day. The client was convinced the dog was miserable, hence the appointment for the 'ultimate solution.'

We suggested she consult again with the local veterinarian to ask about possible steroid side-effects, after which the veterinarian recommended gradual withdrawal of the steroid to observe its effect. The dog's behavior returned to normal the day after the last dose. The improvement has persisted.

The HelpLine receives many calls each year involving the sudden onset of household urination shortly after a course of anti-inflamitory steroids is begun. One side-effect of these steroids is an increase in water consumption; hence, an increase in urine output. Therefore, pets taking the drug should be given increased access to their toilet area. In humans, mental side-effects include anxiety, mood swings and even nightmares. Fortunately, veterinarians are increasingly advising pet owners of possible behavioral and physiological side effects after anti-inflamatory steroid therapy.

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February 1997
January 1997
December 1996
November 1996
October 1996

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