Forums » Behavior

Medical rule outs in anxiety patients

    • 411 posts
    December 26, 2017 3:22 PM EST

    This question was asked by a participant in our webinar on Case Studies in Behavior: Anxiety, Fear, Panic:

    In one of the cases you discussed, your initial differential diagnosis included seizures and pheochromocytoma.  How do you usually go about ruling these in/out ? 

  • December 26, 2017 3:37 PM EST

    That depends on the dog and the symptoms.  We always start with a CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, and thyroid assessment if the clients will let us, and a physical examination if the patient will let us.  If a pheo needs to be ruled out, an abdominal ultrasound is rational.  If seizure disorder is suspected and toxins are ruled out, then a consult with a veterinary neurologist, MRI/CSF tap, and/or empirical medication trial are options.  Every patient is different, and that's why having a great relationship with a skilled primary care veterinarian is so important.  Not everyone will have access to a veterinary behaviorists, but these medical differentials can be assessed in a primary care setting.