Changes

If specific events or stimuli are associated with signs of [[Feline Fear and Stress|anxiety, fear]] or directly with bouts of excessive grooming, then these may be desensitised and counter-conditioned. Relapses are common, but may be managed effectively using the same methods as for initial treatment. Response to successive courses of the same SRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug may diminish, so that it is sometimes better to treat relapses with a different psychoactive drug from the same class. Any additional underlying factors that may have initiated another period of self-mutilation should then be identified and resolved.

If specific events or stimuli are associated with signs of [[Feline Fear and Stress|anxiety, fear]] or directly with bouts of excessive grooming, then these may be desensitised and counter-conditioned. Relapses are common, but may be managed effectively using the same methods as for initial treatment. Response to successive courses of the same SRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug may diminish, so that it is sometimes better to treat relapses with a different psychoactive drug from the same class. Any additional underlying factors that may have initiated another period of self-mutilation should then be identified and resolved.

In cases of feline oro-facial pain syndrome medical treatment is dependant on the underlying disease, if there is one. In a recent study some cases with [[gingivitis]] appeared to respond to antibiotics, although spontaneous remission could not be ruled out. [[NSAIDs]] provided effective analgesia for some mildly affected cases. [[Opioids]] proved to be very useful for hospitalised cases; but anti-epileptic drugs (diazepam or phenobarbitone) gave more sustained and consistent relief. Phenobarbitone is the preferred drug because of the greater risk of idiosyncratic hepatic failure with diazepam. Occasionally life-long therapy is required. Some cases, especially those with chronic dental disease, responded to [[Corticosteroids|steroid]] therapy. Finally, [[selegiline]] is effective in some cases and is probably more appropriate for those with a behavioural component or contributing stressful environment. For these cases alterations to the [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|environment]] and application of behavioural modification is also essential.

In cases of feline oro-facial pain syndrome medical treatment is dependant on the underlying disease, if there is one. In a recent study some cases with [[gingivitis]] appeared to respond to antibiotics, although spontaneous remission could not be ruled out. [[NSAIDs]] provided effective analgesia for some mildly affected cases. [[Opioids]] proved to be very useful for hospitalised cases; but anti-epileptic drugs (diazepam or phenobarbitone) gave more sustained and consistent relief. Phenobarbitone is the preferred drug because of the greater risk of idiosyncratic hepatic failure with diazepam. Occasionally life-long therapy is required. Some cases, especially those with chronic dental disease, responded to [[Steroids|steroid]] therapy. Finally, [[selegiline]] is effective in some cases and is probably more appropriate for those with a behavioural component or contributing stressful environment. For these cases alterations to the [[Effect of Environment on Feline Behaviour|environment]] and application of behavioural modification is also essential.

====Summary of Treatment for Grooming Disorders====

====Summary of Treatment for Grooming Disorders====