Stella, a one and one-half year old Bull Terrier mix was caught in a vicious cycle. Literally. The behavior had started when she was a pup. Back then it seemed harmless, an endearing puppy behavior that she would surely outgrow. But instead it became an obsession. A mere glimpse of her tail and Stella would start spinning. The frenzied circling and snapping at her tail would go on for many hours of the day until Stella was exhausted. She lost interest in any social contact, and barely had time to eat. The tip of Stella's tail was scabbed and threadbare, a source of chronic irritation that could only increase Stella's fixation. Stella's owner was desperate for a solution.

Occasional tail chasing is normal for some dogs. It's especially common in pups in the weeks before they discover that their tail, that tantalizingly elusive plaything, is a body part. But when the behavior persists beyond puppyhood, is intense and frequent, and leads to self-trauma, it is clearly pathologic. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms like Stella's, it's time to visit the veterinarian.

Your veterinarian will first want to do a full examination to rule out medical problems, especially ones that could cause itching or discomfort in the tail area. Fleas, skin disease, or impacted anal glands could be at fault. Burning or tingling sensations from nerve injury or a tumor could also set a dog spinning. Such medical conditions must be ruled out first.

Your veterinarian will then conduct a thorough behavioral history. He or she will inquire about the duration, intensity, and frequency of the behavior. What is the dog's daily routine? Are there other pets in the home and how do they interact? What are the triggers? Are there additional bizarre behaviors? These details are critical for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Providing video of your dog's tail-chasing rituals can be invaluable.

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