In some cases, the clear physical deformities of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood account for their behaviour. High-level tail loss in Eeyore may have resulted in damage to the cauda equina, with subsequent chronic pain and a depressive demeanour. By brown bear standards, Pooh is a dwarf with pica. Congenital panhypopituitarism and secondary endocrine dysfunction, including hypothyroidism, explain a lot about Pooh. Meanwhile, Tigger is simply exhibiting catlike behaviour that does not appear to need intervention (unlike attacking, spraying, inappropriate voiding and self-mutilation). Finally, Piglet, Kanga and Roo are also exhibiting species-appropriate behaviour.

None of the medications mentioned is licensed for use in the species under discussion. The Health Protection Branch would probably frown upon the off-label usage recommended by the authors.

In the future I would encourage Sara Shea and colleagues to consult with a qualified veterinarian to avoid misdiagnosis.

I look forward to future analyses from these authors. How about Alice in Wonderland (schizophrenic?) and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (post-traumatic stress disorder?).