THE DIAGNOSIS OF BEHAVIORAL-PROBLEMS IN D OGS, CATS, HORSES AND BIRDS- CHARACTERISTICS OF 323 CASES (JULY 1994 JUNE 1995) .2. CAT, HORSE, BIRD

To provide an overview of canine, feline, equine and avian behavioral problems for veterinarians, 323 cases presented to the Behavior Servic e of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, between July 1, 1994 and June 30, 1995 were collected. Subdivided by species and di agnosis, the frequency of occurrence of different criteria, such as ag e, gender and breed was specified for each problem. Dogs are clearly p resented more frequently than any other species (n = 236). Problems re garding aggressive behavior (62 %) caused most owner complaints. Domin ance aggression (41 %) occurs mostly in Cocker- and Springer Spaniels (24 %) and Retrievers (20 %). Male individuals are overrepresented (73 %). German Shepherds (25 %) are affected by fear aggression more freq uently than any other breed. Certain breeds, such as Terriers, Doberma n Pinschers and Retrievers seem to be predisposed to develop stereotyp ies. Each breed shows individual manifestations of stereotypic behavio r. In cats (n = 51), behavioral problems are related to elimination be havior (48 %), aggression (23 %), stereotypies (21 %), undesired vocal isation (4 %), fears, and phobias (4 %). 7 horses presented to the cli nic suffered with few exceptions from stereotypies, such as cribbing/a erophagia and self-mutilation, The majority of 24 birds seen within th e study period suffered from feather picking and self-mutilation. Incl uding a detailed summary of the current literature, and the discussion of the results of this study, it is attempted to provide a manual for veterinarians to facilitate diagnosing behavioral problems.