For non-verbal patients, behavior is the primary language of illness. A dog that suddenly becomes aggressive when touched may not be “dominant” or “bad,” but rather experiencing chronic pain from arthritis or a dental abscess. A cat that urinates outside the litter box is often labeled spiteful, yet the root cause is frequently a lower urinary tract disease or painful constipation. Veterinary science has proven that most behavioral problems have a medical basis. Without a foundation in ethology, a veterinarian might prescribe behavioral modification for a “naughty” pet, overlooking a treatable tumor or infection. Thus, behavior provides the clinical clues that guide diagnostic testing.
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The separation of and veterinary science is an outdated concept. The future of pet healthcare is holistic in the truest sense: viewing the animal as an integrated system of body and mind. For non-verbal patients, behavior is the primary language
Improved safety for staff, more accurate vital signs (no stress-induced hypertension/tachycardia), increased owner compliance, and better long-term veterinary relationships. Veterinary science has proven that most behavioral problems
