Self-Mutilation

Self-Mutilation



Basic Information image



Definition


Self-mutilation is a broad term used to describe a complex group of behaviors often resulting in self-inflicted tissue damage or body harm.



Synonym(s)




• Self-injurious behavior


• Self-aggression


• Self-harm


• Self-injury


• Autotomy



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex


Most commonly postpubertal stallions; however, the authors have seen similar behavioral problems in mares and geldings.



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


Suspected but not fully documented



Risk Factors




• Painful conditions


• Inadequate sociosexual environment (presence of other stallions, smell of stallions)


• Housing and nutritional factors



Geography and Seasonality


Aggressive behavior may be exacerbated during the breeding season.



Associated Conditions and Disorders


Type I self-mutilation behaviors are often associated with painful conditions of the urogenital or gastrointestinal system, skin allergies, or parasite infestations.



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes


Three types of self-mutilation behavior:



• Type I: Often associated with chronic painful conditions


• Type II: A self-directed, intermale aggression triggered by factors simulating challenge by other stallions


• Type III: A more quiet, stereotypical, repetitive, compulsive behavior that is often rhythmic



History, Chief Complaint




• Abnormal behavior including abnormal posture; biting of the abdomen, flank, groin, shoulders, chest; stomping, kicking, rubbing, and lunging into objects


• Behavior may be set off by specific conditions


• History of recent management changes


• History of castration or genital diseases.


• Chief complaints are undesirable behavior and concern about welfare, health, and value of the animal.


• Presence of obvious traumatic lesions on the body.



Physical Exam Findings




• Observation reveals typical behaviors: Flank biting, kicking, striking out, squealing, grunting.


• The primary findings on physical examination are lesions resulting from these behaviors, including lesions on the flank, genital area, chest, and limbs.


• Type I self-mutilation is often associated with symptoms of


image Diseases of the reproductive organs: Inguinal cryptorchidism or retraction of testis in inguinal position, testicular cord torsion, phimosis, habronemiasis, squamous cell carcinoma, priapism, scrotal or testicular lesions, seminal vesiculitis

image Diseases of the urinary tract: Cystitis, urethritis, uroliths, nephroliths

image Disorders causing visceral pain: Impactions, adhesions, gastric ulcers, epiploic foramen entrapment, jejunal abscesses

image Other conditions: Skin allergies, pruritus, parasite infestation
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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Self-Mutilation

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