Psychogenic Lithophagia in a German Shepherd Dog
Authors : Almina Güneş, Aynur Şimşek, Akın Koçhan, Ömer Faruk Katanalp, Besra Çakmak
Pages : 179-184
Doi:10.30607/kvj.1599958
View : 28 | Download : 48
Publication Date : 2025-06-27
Article Type : Other Papers
Abstract :Licking, chewing or ingesting non-nutritive substances is defined as pica. Although pica is generally reported to be due to trace element deficiencies, both medical and behavioral causes for pica must be considered. In the current case, it was aimed to report the clinical reflections of lithophagia associated with behavioral disorder in a dog and the haematobiochemical and some radiographic findings. The research material was consisted of a German shepherd dog with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The result of blood hematobiochemistry was not indicative of alterations that could be associated with the pica, while diagnostic imaging revealed the presence of pebbles in the rectum. Blood samples were also examined to determine possible trace element deficiencies, but no significant changes were observed in these parameters. Given that pica, the ingestion of non-edible materials, is a recognized sign of behavioral problems, this aspect must be appropriately investigated, diagnosed and treated.Keywords : Davranış bozukluğu, Köpek, Litofaji, Pika
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