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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
People who work regularly with dogs have at one time or another seen animals who angry and threatening. Dogs so out of control that they have had to be drugged to be handled in anyway. Usually this type of dog has been abused and neglected by a cruel owner, and in most cases is kept confined to a yard or even put to sleep because the owner fears the safety of the neighbors.
But if no history of abuse can be found, the dog is identified as hyperkinesis, a term that is also been applied to children to name the unexplained rages they go through. This can be treated with drugs.
Hyperkinesis information and cases need as much exposure today as ever. "Hyperkinesis," as a diagnostic entity, is described as: A hyper behavior that is treatable with stimulants. A great deal of public ignorance abounds regarding hyperkinesis, probably because it has recently been given a new label, i.e. 'attention deficit disorder.' While ADD, as it is termed, may describe certain aspects of the readily observable behavior of a hyperkinetic dogs, it lacks the physiologic symptoms which can be described and measured.
Signs associated with hyperkinesis in dogs are usually displayed when the dog is stressed by close confinement and/or social isolation. Signs include rapid heart rate and respiration, excessive salivation, a high metabolic rate and reduced urine output. The major difficulty in identifying the syndrome,and that there is no apparent cause. Clinical signs may be evident in dogs that are normal in other circumstances. Moreover, dogs identified as hyperkinetic do not always exhibit the same behavior patterns or physical symptoms.
The Diagnosis: Despite variations, clinical signs can give the veterinarian diagnostic clues in distinguishing the hyper-reactive from the hyperkinetic pet. Initial clues may come from the pet owner. Complaints fall into the following categories:
1. The dog cannot sit still, even for a minute.
2. The dog never becomes accustomed to everyday situations.
3. He cannot be taught anything (often an obedience school failure).
4. The dog salivates constantly and always seems excited or nervous.
Many dogs living in stressful environments may be stimulated toward hyper-reactivity. An amphetamine response test can differentiate hyper-reactivity from hyperkinesis. The seemingly paradoxical calming effect of amphetamines and methylphenidate (Ritalin) on hyperkinetic and even violent children and adults has been put to use for many years. In veterinary cases, amphetamines have resulted in about 75% positive results.
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