Excessive licking is a behavioral symptom associated with several possible underlying etiologies. The licking may be self-directed or directed at other objects including other animals, humans, or objects and surfaces in the environment.
In the case of excessive licking of surfaces (ELS), there are components of the behavior that are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, however there is evidence for an association with medical problems - specifically disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
The focus of this Evidence Based Update is excessive licking of surfaces (ELS) and the correlation with GI disorders. Discussion includes:
- Clinical features of ELS behavior in dogs
- Important questions to ask the pet owner regarding the pet's medical and behavioral history
- The approach to working-up the patient that licks excessively
- Medical differential diagnoses
- The incidence and types of GI disorders seen in ELS patients
- Treatment and outcome for affected patients
- The Specialist's Spin, the takeaway, and considerations for the small animal practitioner
Running time: 22 mins
Member Fee: $19.95; Free registration for new Members, Unlimited Plus members, and Evidence Based Update subscribers
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