VETERINARIAN PERSPECTIVE
Consider risk analysis before behavioral euthanasia decision
By Melissa Bain , DVM , DACVB , MS , DACAW Professor , Clinical Animal Behavior University of California School of Veterinary Medicine
Tyreke , a two-year-old male castrated Golden Retriever , presented to me earlier this year for displaying “ aggression toward unfamiliar people and dogs .” The owners , two adults and their 13-year-old daughter , obtained him at about four months of age from a local breeder . In their prehistory form they noted they first noticed him snarling at people at about eight months of age , including when the owner would attempt to take a ball from him , when people walked past him on walks , and any time he was restrained at the veterinarian ’ s office . Additionally , he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of his elbows and hips and was under veterinary care for that .
During the appointment , however , much graver information unfolded , in that he had bitten at least five people , resulting in punctures to skin . Tyreke had growled and lunged at the daughter as she walked up the stairs in the house , even as she talked to him . The daughter became scared of him and wouldn ’ t leave the room if he was free in the house . At his last veterinary visit , he was lying on the exam room floor seemingly calm and quiet when he jumped up unprovoked and growled and lunged at the veterinarian and technician . This veterinary clinic is well-known for employing lowstress handling techniques and respecting an animal ’ s emotional state , so this was even more concerning .
There were going to be a lot of challenges in treating Tyreke . He quickly escalated in his aggressive behavior , he never displayed identifiable fearful behavior , he was large , he had an underlying painful condition , and there were lifestyle and household challenges , including the daughter being frightened of him . We
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