Definition
- Compulsive disorders are relatively invariant exaggerated behavior patterns, often derived from normal behaviors but out of context and repetitive, without apparent function. May be performed to the exclusion of other normal behaviors or to the detriment of the animal.
- May be a heterogeneous group of conditions with differing pathologies including compulsive, stereotypic and neurologic; therefore abnormal repetitive behaviors might be used to describe the clinical presentation until a diagnosis is made.
- Considered here are psychogenic dermatitis/alopecia, compulsive fabric chewing, and hyperesthesia syndrome.
Pathophysiology
- Diagnosis of exclusion; must rule out pathophysiologic causes, including psychomotor seizures, before a presumptive diagnosis is made.
- Can be a behavioral response to confinement, specific anxiety-producing event, or undefined environmental conditions (e.g., conflict, stress, anxiety, frustration); over time, can become fixed and independent of the environment.
- Behaviors may be self-reinforcing-allowing some animals to cope with conditions that do not meet their species-specific needs.
Systems Affected
- Behavioral
- Gastrointestinal-fabric chewing
- Musculoskeletal-feline hyperesthesia (involves cutaneous trunci muscle), tail attack/mutilation
- Skin/Exocrine-psychogenic dermatitis/alopecia
- Nervous-feline hyperesthesia syndrome
Genetics
None identified, although the association of compulsive fabric chewing with Asian breeds suggests a heritable component.
Incidence/Prevalence
Unknown, uncommon
Geographic Distribution
None identified
Signalment
Species
Cat
Breed Predispositions
Siamese, Burmese, other Asian breeds and crosses overrepresented for fabric chewing and sucking.
Mean Age and Range
- Compulsive disorders can develop at any time, generally not seen in kittens.
- Psychogenic dermatitis/alopecia: 6 months to 12 years.
- Fabric chewing: 12 to 49 months; generally around 24 months.
- Hyperesthesia syndrome: 1 to 5 years.
Predominant Sex
None
Signs
General Comments
- Behaviors may quickly increase in frequency if reinforced with attention by owner.
- Scolding or punishment may increase cat anxiety and worsen expression of behavior.
Historical Findings
- Onset may be coincident with an environmental change (e.g., move or new household member) suggesting stress effect, cat may hide to avoid punishment.
- Psychogenic dermatitis/alopecia-may be associated with excessive grooming to the exclusion of other activities; may be history of flea exposure or diet change.
- Compulsive fabric chewing-some patients show preference for a specific fabric type such as wool or may have general texture preference. Grind fabric with molars; may ingest fabric leading to foreign body obstruction.
- Hyperesthesia syndrome-may be triggered by tactile contact (petting along the dorsum and rump), may be episodic; flea exposure.
Physical Examination Findings
- Psychogenic dermatitis/alopecia-focal, partial, and bilateral dermatitis or alopecia; most common locations: groin, ventrum, and medial or caudal thigh regions; appearance of the skin variable (normal or abnormal; erythematous to abraded).
- Fabric chewing-often normal; secondary gastrointestinal inflammation or obstruction may occur if cat ingests material.
- Hyperesthesia syndrome-may be normal. Episode may be prompted by petting or scratching dorsum; signs may include dilated pupils, salivation, alarming vocalization, “rippling skin” (hyperresponsive cutaneous trunci muscle), inappropriate urination or defecation, tail twitching, frantic grooming, self-directed (especially to tail) or owner-directed aggression, escape behavior.
Causes
Unidentified
Risk Factors
- Changes in surroundings might predispose cat to compulsive disorder.
- More commonly reported in indoor cats.
