Abstract
Stargazing is an uncommon canine behaviour characterised by episodic neck extension and upward staring, often accompanied by other abnormal behaviours such as fly-catching and air-licking. While isolated case reports have proposed neurological, gastrointestinal, and behavioural aetiologies, comprehensive data are limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and final diagnoses in a larger cohort of affected dogs to inform clinical decision-making.
This retrospective multicentre study included dogs that exhibited stargazing as a clinical sign and had complete medical records available. Ninety dogs were included: 44 females (31 neutered) and 46 males (30 neutered), with a median age of 3 years (range: 0.25–13.42 years). Miniature Schnauzers were overrepresented (11/90). Stargazing was accompanied by additional clinical signs in 79/90 dogs. Physical and neurological examinations were normal in 55/90 and 54/90 dogs, respectively. Final diagnoses were categorised as definitive (38/90) or open (52/90). A congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (12/38) was the most common single definitive diagnosis. Other diagnoses included liver disorders (4/38), structural central nervous system disorders (12/38), upper gastrointestinal disease (8/38), and miscellaneous conditions (2/38). Among dogs with an open diagnosis, a primary behavioural disorder was the most common presumed diagnosis (20/52).
In summary, Miniature Schnauzers may be predisposed to stargazing behaviour, highlighting the need for breed- specific investigation. While primary behavioural disorders remain a frequent cause, congenital portosystemic shunts were the single most common definitive diagnosis, introducing a novel and clinically important differential for stargazing behaviour in dogs.
