Answer

Thanks for the question Wolfie.

Fly Catchers Syndrome is nothing I can diagnose over the internet but I am glad to talk you through all I know about this disease. I have both diagnosed and treated it on a number of occasions.

This disease seems to affect small dogs as opposed to large breeds, the breed I have personally seen it in most in is the king charles. There is a suspicion that this may be an inherited disease but as far as I know this has not been verified. In its classical form these dogs appear to be watching imaginary flies buzzing in front of its face and then trying to bite the flies, they can spend a considerable amount of time engaging in this behaviour. From the literature the possible listed causes are :

1. A compulsive disorder of some kind, this could be treated with behavioural therapy or drugs such as prozac.

2. Some form of petit mal epilepsy, this could be treated with anti-convulsive drugs such as phenobarbitone.

3. Some form of neck / spinal problem, the disease syringomyelia has been implicated in some breeds. This could be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.

While the above are all the listed causes I know of, from my personal experience this can be a very difficult disease to treat.

Here is a link to a web page which covers this subject : http://www.cavalierhealth.org/flycatchers.htm

If I can help you further please get back in touch.

Scott Nimmo BVMS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:
Answered:	7/17/2008

Dog Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of canine medicine and surgery.