The competent veterinary clinician must act as a medical detective, ruling out organic disease before labeling a problem “behavioral.” And even when the etiology is behavioral, the treatment is biological—involving psychopharmacology (e.g., fluoxetine, clomipramine) alongside environmental enrichment.
Animal behavior plays a critical role in veterinary medicine, as it can be an indicator of an animal's overall health and well-being. Changes in behavior can signal pain, stress, or underlying medical conditions, making it essential for veterinarians to understand and interpret animal behavior. By recognizing abnormal behaviors, veterinarians can diagnose and treat conditions more effectively, improving the lives of animals and their human caregivers.
: Typical behaviors include feeding, territorial defense, courtship, nesting, breeding, hunting, and predator evasion. 2. The Role of Behavior in Veterinary Practice
