Tuesdays Pearl:* Is it physical, or is it behavioral? Behavior problems in dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, such as fear, avoidance, biting, kicking (horses) and even inappropriate elimination might be aggravated by pain or malaise. Illness is expressed through behavior; this is true for animals as well as humans. Sick or painful animals may be grumpy or lethargic; they might have changes in appetite or activity level. A thorough veterinary work-up is important for any persistent or dramatic change in behavior. In addition to the physical exam, a good history is critical (keeping in mind that behavioral histories are often more involved than simply noting diet and elimination habits). Remember to talk to your veterinarian about any supplements, nutraceuticals and other over-the-counter products you’ve used. Keep track of yelping or yowling, hesitation on stairs, reluctance to be ridden (yes - horses again) or changes in appetite or water-drinking. Screening blood and urine tests, and sometimes imaging, may be a good idea to extend the physical examination beyond the obvious. An important point to emphasize: the goal of a physical health assessment is not to “rule out” either disease or a primary behavior problem, but to consider both -- and how one might *influence* the other. For example, unusual aggression or touch-intolerance in an older animal might be due to arthritic pain. Once the pain has been identified and managed, the behavior might stop – but it might also continue because: -- the animal is predisposed to biting, clawing or kicking when frightened or hurt -- it has become a learned behavior -- other unforeseen physical or social triggers might be contributing to the behavior -- especially when aggression is involved A holistic approach to behavioral medicine should consider the connection between the physical and the behavioral, so that problems are addressed with consideration for both. Finally, even when a physical problem is found, force-free behavior modification and sensible safety practices continue to be important. The next time someone asks you, Is it physical or is it behavioral? you can simply say, Yes. *Modified from an earlier Pearl. #vetbehavior #vetbehaviordogs #vetbehaviorhorses #vetbehaviorcats
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 16:47:20 +0000
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