Here you’ll find a selection of peer-reviewed papers and clinical case studies on fly biting syndrome in dogs. These studies explore neurological, behavioral, and digestive causes 

Each of the studies below represents a key example of one of the three main types of causes currently associated with fly-biting: neurological, behavioral, and gastrointestinal. Scientific research on this topic remains limited, but these cases help illustrate the complexity and diversity of its possible origins 

Summary of Studies 

Gastrointestinal symptoms linked to fly snapping :

Prospective medical evaluation of 7 dogs presented with fly biting

This is one of the most read papers regarding Flybiting which study seven dogs with fly biting behavior, linking some cases to gastrointestinal issues and suggesting diet adjustments as a potential treatment.

This study evaluated seven dogs exhibiting fly biting behavior and found that, in several cases, the behavior was associated with gastrointestinal diseases. After treating the underlying gastrointestinal conditions, five out of six dogs experienced complete resolution of the fly biting behavior.

One of the limit of this study is the small number of the sample.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3500118/

A potential new therapy refractory idiopathic epilepsy or fly biting syndrome dogs

Some other studies are looking deeper into the gastrointestinal issue, like this one on fecal microbiome transplantation, still on process

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/clinical-trials/potential-new-therapy-refractory-idiopathic-epilepsy-or-fly-biting-syndrome-dogs

Often, when fly biting is suspected to be related to this issue, studies are carried on feeding the dogs neurocare food, like Purina Pro Plan NC

Fly biting as a focal seizure or behavioral

Retrospective multicenter evaluation of the “fly-catching syndrome

The following study analyzed 24 dogs with fly-catching syndrome using tests like EEG, MRI, and CSF analysis. Abnormal brain activity was found in 38% of cases, and some dogs had conditions like malformation or deafness. Treatment results varied: 36% improved with phenobarbital, but all dogs given fluoxetine responded well. The authors concluded that while some dogs showed EEG or brain abnormalities, fly-biting syndrome responded better to an SSRI (fluoxetine) than to anti-seizure medication, suggesting a compulsive behavior component. The exact cause remained unclear in most cases 

https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(15)00573-9/fulltext

Repetitive behaviors in dogs: are they really a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)?

The following paper is only to highlight the current difficulty in understanding fly biting. While fly biting has been often classified as a compulsive disorder (CD) in dogs, recent studies suggest, as above, that some cases may be linked to gastrointestinal issues rather than purely behavioral causes. Dogs diagnosed with fly biting have shown improvement with GI treatments, highlighting the need for thorough medical evaluation before labeling it as a compulsive disorder. Misclassifying medical conditions as behavioral could lead to inappropriate treatment, emphasizing the importance of a systematic veterinary approach. In the paper below, the authors even question whether it is truly a seizure disorder. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3552586/

Diagnosis and management of compulsive disorders in dogs

Although the pathophysiology is unclear seems that  the dopamine and β-endorphins may play a role on it. CD can generalize over time, becoming more frequent and triggered by lower arousal levels. Diagnosis relies on history and exclusion of medical causes. Treatment focuses on reducing stressors, increasing environmental predictability, and, if needed, desensitization. Prognosis is better with early intervention, as long-standing cases respond less effectively to treatment. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1096286704000659?via%3Dihub

Key Takeaway:

Fly biting in dogs is a multifactorial syndrome with several potential causes. The literature collectively suggests that fly biting is not a single disease entity, but rather a descriptive sign that can result from disparate conditions – from mild seizures to compulsive habits to gut discomfort. Each of the above papers contributes to understanding this puzzling syndrome, and together they emphasize the need for comprehensive medical workups for dogs with fly biting, so that treatment can be tailored to the individual dog's underlying cause