OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER IN BULL TERRIERS – TUFTS
from Dr. Nicholas Dodman

We have completed phase 1 of our genetic analysis of tail chasing bull terriers and have some almost riveting results. I say almost because we are close to but have not quite achieved statistical significance. So, the genetic team has asked if I can drum up a few more tail chasing bullies.

The enquiry right now is that we need a few more tail chasing bullies to complete the genetic study that we have been involved in for years. The results finally came out and point in a most interesting direction - but we are a few dogs shy of achieving statistical significance. Unfortunately, Dr Moon is no longer working at Tufts so “the BT study” is now firmly back in my lap (though Dr Moon’s contribution will always be acknowledged in academic publications to come).

Meanwhile, I am pressing on with more case acquisitions, with the help of the club and its membership. Thank you for your past support and offer of help with this last drive. I believe we have enough control/normal dogs so do not need these this time around. I am not sure how many more tail chasing BTs samples we need to achieve the significance we are looking for. I would guess another 20 or so might put us over the top. At that point we will be in a position to publish our findings and will certainly share them with you all. I think we may be close to coming up with information that could lead to a screening test for anyone interested in eliminating this condition from their breeding stock. The study also has translational importance to human medicine.

Nicholas Dodman BVMS DVA DACVA DACVB
Director of Animal Behavior Clinic
Professor, Dept Clinical Sciences
Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536

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