Current Studies
Dog Behavior Study (Thyroid)
This dog behavior study is looking for dogs that are aggressive to their owners and also have a thyroid problem. The double-blind study will focus on borderline cases, dogs that have normal thyroid levels but are in the bottom 20th percentile of the normal thyroid hormone level range. Half of these dogs will receive thyroid hormone supplements that will bring them to the upper part of the normal range and the other half will receive a placebo. The study will then assess if treating the thyroid problem decreases the aggressive behavior. The study lasts for 8 weeks. The first two weeks are a baseline phase when the owners count the number of aggressive episodes that occur per day and document them on a form. Then the dog’s aggressive behavior is monitored again for the next 6 weeks after dog gets the supplement. The participants can be from any part of the country and do not have to bring the dogs to Tufts in order to participate.
In order to qualify, a dog must be aggressive (growl, lift a lip, snarl or bite) to a human family member 4 - 5 times/week, and not be currently being treated for a thyroid condition. Please contact Nicole Cottam, Behavior Service Coordinator, at 508-887-4802 (nicole.cottam@tuft.edu) for more information.
Clinical Aspects and Genetics of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
A collaborative study is occurring which focuses on obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs) in dogs, cats, and horses. UMass Medical is studying the genetics behind the compulsive behaviors in dogs, cats, and horses while the Cummings Veterinary School behavior clinic is looking at the specific clinical manifestations of the behaviors. Currently, the study is looking for Doberman pinchers, who display flank sucking, blanket sucking, or acral lick dermatitis, and bull terriers, who display tail chasing. Also, the study is looking for participants with Siamese cats, who are wool suckers, or horses that exhibit any sort of OCD, such as cribbing, wind sucking, pawing, or doing figure-eights in their stalls.
Please contact Dr. Alice Moon-Fanelli via 508-839-5395 ext 84640 or email at (alice.moon-fanelli@tufts.edu for more information.
