The most immediate application of behavior in veterinary medicine lies in differential diagnosis. A staggering number of behavioral complaints brought to clinics—aggression, house-soiling, excessive vocalization, self-mutilation—have underlying medical etiologies. A senior dog that begins urinating indoors may be suffering from cognitive dysfunction, diabetes, or a urinary tract infection, not spite or poor training. A cat that suddenly hisses when touched may be in chronic pain from dental disease or osteoarthritis, not becoming “mean.” The prudent veterinarian must therefore treat the presenting behavior as a clinical sign, no different from fever or lameness. Failing to perform a thorough workup and reflexively prescribing a behavioral medication or recommending a trainer can delay essential treatment, allowing the primary disease to progress. This integrative approach—the behavioral workup as a medical workup—is the hallmark of modern veterinary science.
Animal behavior and veterinary science are two interconnected fields that aim to understand and improve the lives of animals. This guide provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices that underpin these fields, covering the fundamental concepts, theories, and applications. zooskool com video dog album andres museo p free