The Case Study
Oswald, a 10-year-old neutered male crossbreed dog (suspected German shepherd dog/pit bull terrier), was presented after attacking his owner. The owner was sitting next to and petting Oswald (a common occurrence with no history of aggression) when the dog reacted explosively without an obvious trigger or significant warning other than a momentary transition to a rigid body posture. The owner was bitten several times on the arm and leg. The bites broke the skin, but injuries were lessened by Oswald’s lack of canine teeth, which had been previously extracted due to damage sustained while trying to escape a crate when confined and left alone.
Two years prior to the current presentation, Oswald was evaluated by a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for aggression directed toward unfamiliar visitors to the home. A treatment plan that consisted of management (eg, basket muzzle, confinement when visitors were present), counterconditioning, and desensitization was initiated. Care was transferred to his primary care clinician for ongoing implementation.
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It was unclear from the incident description whether Oswald aggressed toward his owner because of physical discomfort associated with a cruciate ligament repair that had occurred ≈1 month prior, a new expression of resource guarding, or other medical factors (eg, endocrine dysfunction). Oswald was not receiving any medication at the time of the incident.
Although the owner’s physical injuries were minor, several questions should be addressed.
