Do You Know Someone Who Is A "Pet Hypochondriac"?

Some of you may have heard of Munchausen by Proxy in which the mother of a child will abuse the child and then take the child to the doctor for treatment.  It is a very rare disease and is very misunderstood.  The cause is yet to be determined so treatment is difficult.  Why do I mention this human psychological disorder in an animal blog?  Well, I mention it because it can also happen to varying degrees with pets as well. I know it seems strange but I have recently come across a similar situation with a pet owner.  While I do not believe she is physically abusing this animal, she is running to the vet every time the cat sneezes or looks at her strangely.  She has made up illnesses and somehow convinced her vet that something is wrong with the animal. 


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001555.htm

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/factitious_disorders/hic_munchausen_syndrome_by_proxy.aspx

http://www.psychforums.com/munchausen-by-proxy/topic19799.html

http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/munchausen-by-proxy-with-pets.html

Fortunately I am able to be involved with this animal's care currently and have gotten a second opinion and this lead to quite a different outcome much to her surprise and dismay.  This begs the question, does she really want the cat to be sick?  There is no real answer to that I do not believe.

I personally believe some people want others to look at them and see all they are doing for this

This mom poisoned her baby and then sought treatment

helpless animal and tell them what great people they are and I know people who do that with various things in their lives.  So what do you do if you know someone like this?

The first thing to do is not feed into their proven (by a vet) conceived notions that their pet is sick.  If their vet and possibly one or two others have told them there is nothing wrong then they should take that and move on, but this disease does not allow for that.  These people are convinced something is wrong and may potentially blame others for it as well.

Whether someone suffers from Munchausen by Proxy with a child or a pet it is a serious illness that can and will forever damage the victim.  If you do know someone, whether they are affecting a child or pet, please let someone know such as local law enforcement or a mental health professional.  If you are in a position to do so, seek help for them immediately to prevent further damage and injury to the victim.

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