Pet care: Milo is better and he feels great

Last in a series.

Brains are certainly interesting. Parts of their anatomy, and the chemicals that conduct their complex work, can change during life. Practice makes perfect because repetition through the neural circuits upstairs makes them stronger. Neuroplasticity is the name for these gradual modifications that can transform behaviors and physical functions.

Just derailing Milo’s vicious cycle of spinning and tail biting would help him because the responsible pathways in his brain would weaken from disuse. I told his family to avoid reprimands; telling him to stop would only draw his attention back to the problem. Punishment was also off the table. Instead, they were to leave a leash attached to this pupster’s harness full time. At the earliest hint that he might turn toward his long-suffering rear end, their job was to completely ignore, grab the leash and head to another room. As Milo relaxed they would quietly reinforce. Repeat hundreds of times.

The feedback loop in Milo’s brain, at the center of all this mayhem, needed attention because it was wired wrong. With brain transplant surgery the stuff of 1930s B movies, we rely on research-based modern medicine.

Many compulsive cats and dogs respond well to SSRI medications, like fluoxetine or sertraline. Milo improved after treatment with Reconcile (fluoxetine) but he still chased and reached for his tail much too often. Completely eliminating repetitive, compulsive behaviors is rarely achievable; a more realistic objective is to diminish them as much as possible. Our goal for Milo was a more peaceful life and a complete end to his self-injury.

Simply raising Milo’s fluoxetine dose would risk side effects. Like most compulsive dogs, he needed a tailored combination of drugs that would safely control his symptoms. After adding clonazepam, along with his anticonvulsant meds, we achieved almost normal behavior. In the bad old days routine events like a neighbor visiting would trigger excitement and tail chasing. Now Milo only looks back at his rump for 10 to 15 seconds and then acts like any normal dog. OMG! In behavior medicine we call that a home run.

• For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.