Behavioural problems of elimination Flashcards
What medical issues are associated with latrine problems in cats?
Renal insuffiency
Hepatic disease with UTI
What medical issues are related to spraying problems?
renal insufficiency
Idiopathic cystitis
diabetes
Urolithiasis
What are the causes of marking and latrine behaviour?
Marking with urine or faeces:
- physical stress
- social stress
- high arousal
Latrine behaviour:
- something in ‘toilet’ area not acceptable to cat
Where are feline latrine areas typically located?
periphery of territory
quiet or secluded area
different for urination and defecation
on soft rakeable substrates
Where are feline marked areas typically located?
areas of prominence/significance
separate to latrine areas
What are the principles of cleaning areas of house soiling?
Biological/enzymatic cleaner
rinse off with water
Wipe with surgical spirit
allow to dry
DO NOT use bleaches or ammonia based detergents
What are the reasons a cat may be spray marking?
High arousal (sexual or reactional)
Stressors in environment
What are treatment options for feline spray marking?
physical intervention (neutering)
Psychological therapies
Chemical therapies
Environmental manipulations:
- L-shaped litter box
- pheromonal products
- controlling the stressor
Describe environmental manipulations for controlling stressors for cats
Reducing perceived threat:
- feliway
- provide resources for cats to co-exist together
Change interactions between cats:
- play
- desensitise
- feliway friends
- separate indoor cats
Remove outdoor cats from area
Describe the causes of latrine behaviour issues
Medical disorders:
- urinary and GI disturbances
- PU/PD
Latrine aversion:
- litter box size
- substrate
- location
Substrate preference
Inadequate house training
Lack of indoor latrine
Describe the treatment for latrine behavioural problems
Restriction:
- ensure resources are available to all cats
- confine for short periods
Resolution:
- address cause e.g., stressor
- create attractive latrine area
- retrain
Describe the medical differentials that can cause behavioural problems of elimination in dogs
Neoplastic - bladder tumours
Metabolic disorders - diabetes
Dietary - obesity
Pain related
Infectious/inflammatory - urolithiasis
Neurological
Describe behavioural reasons for behavioural problems of elimination in dogs
Lack of or incomplete house training
Sexual signalling - marking
Social signalling
Arousal
Owner relater - seeking attention
Physical distress - fear, distress
Social distress - separation
Secondary to psychogenic polydipsia
What are problems for dogs related to separation?
Destructive behaviours
Vocalisation
Elimination
Anorexia
Psychosomatic/medical - diarrhoea, excessive licking
Over-activity
What are common differentials for elimination when alone when the dog displays no distress at owner departure?
Lack of housetraining
Lack of opportunity
Response to immediate frustration/fear
Social appeasement
Marking
pain
