Fly biting (also called fly catching or fly snapping) refers to a type of dog behavior: episodes of intentional focused biting at the air, as if the dog is biting at imaginary flies. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels appear to be predisposed to fly catching syndrome,[1] though it has been documented in many different breeds and mixes.[2][3] Age of onset is varied.
Fly biting is an uncommon idiopathic syndrome which is poorly understood. Theories on the cause include seizures, compulsive disorder, gastrointestinal conditions, and visual abnormalities. It appears that fly catching syndrome may be caused by more than one condition, and as a result, treatment is varied and unique to each situation.[3]
- ^ Rusbridge, C. (2005). "Neurological diseases of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel". Journal of Small Animal Practice. 46 (6): 265–272. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2005.tb00319.x. ISSN 1748-5827. PMID 15971896.
- ^ Cash, Walter; Blauch, Bruce (October 1, 1979). "Jaw snapping syndrome in eight dogs". Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 175 (7): 709–710. PMID 528314.
- ^ a b Wrzosek, Marcin; Płonek, Marta; Nicpoń, Józef; Cizinauskas, Sigitas; Pakozdy, Akos (November 2015). "Retrospective multicenter evaluation of the 'fly-catching syndrome' in 24 dogs: EEG, BAER, MRI, CSF findings and response to antiepileptic and antidepressant treatment". Epilepsy & Behavior. 53: 184–189. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.10.013. ISSN 1525-5050. PMID 26584225. S2CID 17411326.