RE: [pyrnet] Behavior issue

["Xerri, Tania (2318)" <txerri@baycrest.org>]

Hello Katie, 

My cat had a form of schizophrenia - yes, believe it or not - diagnosed by
my vet. She was sweet as a lamb one minute, vicious the next. I re-homed her
with my mother when she attacked me after the birth of my daughter. She
became extremely attached to my mother. She had to be contained when
children were around, it came to the point that she started to attack adults
and even my mother, whom she appeared to adore.

My vet suggested a course of treatment which he said may not work - no
guarantees.  I decided to euthenize her. I had too many trips to the vet
with her contained in a tin garbage can - yes, this was the only way to get
her there - she would go berserk. When it came down to it - she was what she
was - a household pet - beloved yes - but still a pet. I did not think it at
all reasonable to risk the safety of family members.

Please do not at any time think that you are in any way to blame for your
dogs behaviour. She has a history you know nothing of and veterinary
medicine knows so little about psychiatric disorders and neurology in
canines.  For example, lesions to the frontal lobe in humans can cause very
bizzare behaviours to occur - She may have had a head injury years before
she came to you which is only being seen now because her brain is aging.
Your vet may have some suggestions as to treatable medical conditions or
possible drug interactions which may cause this behaviour.

I can see that you recognize your children and there friends may not be safe
around this dog. This is extremely responsible of you - you are a mother
first before a pet owner. 

I think that if you recognize the problem, which you have, and handle it
within the context of your living situation - you are a pet owner and you
have a family and friends with high exposure to Tessa - you will handle the
issue well. 

All the best.............Tania

N.B. In our region we recently had a 10 year old girl killed in front of her
friends by a mastiff who had known behavioural problems with other animals
and humans but whose owners decided to attempt to control him themselves.
She was visiting the home where this dog lived.  He choked her to death
while her little girlfriends watched helplessly. The owners are being held
responsible with her death.