Always rule out medical causes before labeling a behavior as “primary behavioral.” This requires:
| Veterinary Focus | Behavioral Relevance | |----------------|----------------------| | Pain | Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, dental disease) → aggression, hiding, reduced activity, altered sleep | | Neurological | Cognitive dysfunction (senior pets) → disorientation, altered social interactions, house soiling | | Endocrine | Hyperthyroidism (cats) → restlessness, yowling; Cushing’s → lethargy, polydipsia-induced irritability | | Dermatology | Pruritus → obsessive licking, self-trauma, sleep disruption | | Geriatrics | Sensory decline (blindness/deafness) → startle aggression, increased anxiety | zooskool com horse rapidshare
The following features will be examined: Always rule out medical causes before labeling a
| Professional | Credentials | Role | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Medical degree | Rules out medical disease; prescribes psychopharmaceuticals (fluoxetine, gabapentin); performs surgery. | | Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB) | Board-certified specialist | Diagnoses primary behavioral disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, rage syndrome); creates complex behavior modification plans. | | Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB/ACAAB) | Master’s or PhD | Non-veterinary expert who implements training and environmental changes; cannot prescribe drugs. | dental disease) → aggression