Disease Description: A behavioral problem common in Doberman pinschers and exhibited as a continually wet patch on the flank (from sucking the skin).

Inherit Mode: -

Disease Symptom: Symptoms include: Obsessive sucking, licking or chewing of flank skin or hair; Skin irritation ;Skin sores ;Skin infections ;Hair loss ;Decreased eating ;Decrease in playing ;Aggression when approached during flank sucking ;Pica, or the chewing and ingestion of inedible objects; Blanket sucking ;Hiding to engage in behavior ;Compulsive hiding or collection of objects

Disease Cause: Causes of flank sucking can include: Genetic predisposition; Insatiable suckling drive aggravated by an early weaning ;Stress or anxiety; Separation anxiety; Insufficient stimulation in environment

Disease Diagnose: A diagnosis of flank sucking is made based on the associated flank skin behavior, other symptoms present, the age symptoms began, triggers of behavior, frequency of behavior, duration of behavior, reaction when behavior is interrupted, and any other medical and behavioral factors. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms, such as skin disorders, neurological disease, and pain causing conditions. As part of the diagnosis, medications for pain, itchiness or seizure control may be administered to gauge your dog’s response.

Treat Method: Treatment for this disorder is the same as for other CCDs, and will involve both medication and behavioral techniques. Often, this condition requires lifelong management, but control of symptoms is possible.

Breeder Advice: -

Disease Description Source: Link