Hyperkinesis: Understanding The Over-Reactive Dog

Anyone who has worked extensively with dogs has occasionally been confronted by an over active, sometimes raging, vicious beast, the handling of which has required a heavy-duty tranquilizer and several assistants. In many instances, such behavior cannot be explained by improper handling or cruelty and neglect by owners. When it seems that nothing can be done, the dog is written off as "just plain mean" and relegated to the end of a chain or destroyed as a menace to the neighborhood. Since the early 1970s, such excitable and vicious behavior has been identified in some dogs as “hyperkinesis”, which in children has been under study for 40 years, and which can be effectively treated medically.

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.12 The major difficulty in identifying the syndrome, however, is 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 aminute.

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.