Animal behavior is a critical aspect of veterinary medicine, often underappreciated despite its pervasiveness throughout the field. Understanding animal behavior can facilitate communication with patients, refine diagnoses and indications of ill health, and aid in processes of learning and socialization. Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine offers a comprehensive overview of the key concepts underlying the behavior of multiple animal species before demonstrating how to apply these concepts clinically. The result is an indispensable resource for veterinary students and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of patient needs.
Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine readers will also find: - Comprehensive coverage of companion animal behavior and additional coverage of livestock and wild animal behavior - Detailed discussion of topics including social development, animal learning, and applied behavior analysis - In depth review of diagnosis and treatment strategies for common behavior disorders in companion animals, extending to various additional species - Companion website with videos, handouts for downloading, and links to pertinent scientific articles and informative websites
Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine is ideal preparation for veterinary medical students as part of “day one readiness” in their professional careers, as well as veterinary practitioners looking for a solid foundation in animal behavior and the treatment of key issues.
Table of Contents
List of Contributors xiii
Acknowledgments xv
About the Companion Website xvii
Part I Introduction to Animal Behavior and Handling Concepts 1
1 Introduction 3
Meghan E. Herron
Why We Study Behavior 3
How We Study Behavior 4
What Comes Next 5
2 The Process of Domestication 7
Carlos A. Driscoll
Introduction 7
Animal Domestication 8
Dogs 14
Cats 15
Farm Animals 17
Horses 19
Entrained Beasts 22
Domestication in Fast- Forward: The Farm- Fox Experiment 22
References 24
3 Social Behavior 31
R. Julia Kilgour, Traci Shreyer, and Candace Croney
Introduction 31
Evolutionary and Environmental Constraints on Social Behavior 32
The Costs and Benefits of Group Living 32
Types of Social Groupings 36
Conflict in Social Groups 39
Social Structures and Dominance Hierarchies 44
Affiliative Behaviors 47
Parent-Offspring Relationships 50
Conclusion 54
References 55
4 Sensory and Perception 65
Shana Gilbert-Gregory
Introduction 65
Vision 66
Audition 73
Olfaction 77
Gustation (Taste) 81
Conclusion 82
References 82
5 Animal Learning 91
Lisa Radosta
Introduction 91
Factors Affecting Learning 91
Types of Learning 96
Choosing the Right Training Method 101
Techniques for Changing Behavior 103
Reinforcement Schedules 104
Conclusion 107
References 107
6 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human-Animal Bond: Dogs 111
Marie Hopfensperger and Jacquelyn Jacobs
Introduction 111
Developmental Stages in Dogs 111
Veterinary Care 119
Behavior Support for Clients 121
Managing Typical Puppy Behaviors 123
Conclusion 128
References 128
7 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human-Animal Bond: Cats 135
Kersti Seksel
Introduction 135
Developmental Periods 136
Setting Up for Success 143
Veterinary Experiences 150
Conclusion 151
References 151
8 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human-Animal Bond: Horses 153
Katherine A. Houpt and Sharon Madere
Introduction 153
The Neonatal Period 153
Mare-Foal Communication 156
Early Training 157
Play 158
Sick Foals 159
Foal Rejection 160
The Orphan Foal 160
Weaning 160
Predicting Adult Behavior 162
Additional Problem Prevention Tips 162
References 162
9 Bovine Communication, Handling, and Restraint 165
Kathryn L. Proudfoot
Introduction 165
How Cattle Perceive Their World 165
How Cattle Communicate Their Emotions 167
Impact of Human Handlers on Cattle Affective States 170
Cattle Handling and Restraint 172
Cattle Handling in the Real World 175
Conclusion 176
References 176
10 Equine Communication, Handling, and Restraint 181
Jeannine Berger and Kathryn Holcomb
Introduction 181
Body Language and Emotional States 181
Tools, Handling Skills, and Procedures 186
Medications to Aide in Handling 200
References 203
11 Canine and Feline Communication, Restraint, and Handling 205
Meghan E. Herron, Allison Shull, Traci Shreyer, and Susan Barrett
Introduction 206
Step 1: Assess the Environment 207
Step 2: Assess the Patient’s Comfort Level and Indicators of Intent 214
Step 3: Assess Yourself 215
Step 4: Make a Handling Plan 220
Conclusion 238
References 238
Part II Clinical Concepts in Animal Behavior 241
12 Addressing Canine and Feline Behavior Problems in Clinical Practice: The Art of Behavior Triage 243
Traci Shreyer, Susan Barrett, and Allison Shull
Introduction 244
The Importance of Communication 245
The Five Steps of Behavior Triage 246
Setting Up the Behavior-focused Visit 262
Other Important Certifying Organizations 265
References 265
13 Feline Elimination Disorders 269
Amy L. Pike
Introduction 269
Normal Elimination Behavior 269
History Taking for Elimination Disorders 272
Ruling Out Medical Disorders 275
Behavior Diagnoses for Undesirable Elimination 276
Approach to Treatment 278
Conclusion 284
References 284
14 Feline Aggression 289
Carlo Siracusa
Introduction 289
Neurophysiology of Aggression 289
Aggression As a Normal Social Behavior of Cats 290
When Cat Aggression Becomes a Behavior Problem 292
Physical Disease and Aggression 293
Classification of Cat Aggression 294
General Guidelines for the Treatment of Aggression 296
Using Psychoactive Medication to Treat Affective Aggression 299
Cat Aggression Directed to People 300
Aggression Between Cats 303
References 306
15 Canine Aggression 311
Gabrielle Carter
Introduction 311
The Body Language of Aggression 313
Factors that Influence Aggression 315
Making an Aggression Diagnosis 320
General Principles of Treating Aggression Cases in Dogs 326
Prognosis 331
Considerations for Rehoming/Relinquishing/Euthanasia 333
Conclusion 334
References 334
16 Separation-Related Disorders in Dogs 337
Niwako Ogata
Introduction 337
Definitions and Variations on Separation-Related Disorders 338
Risk Factors 340
Common Signs 340
Making a Definitive Diagnosis 343
Approach to Treatment 345
Concluding Remarks 348
References 349
17 Equine Aggression 351
Jeannine Berger and Kathy Holcomb
Introduction 351
Categories of Aggression 353
Diagnosis and Treatment Summary 361
What to Avoid When Addressing Aggression 363
Medication 363
References 364
Further Reading 365
18 Repetitive Behaviors in Companion Animals 367
Melissa Bain
Introduction 367
Definitions and Motivating Factors 367
Specific Repetitive Behaviors 370
Physiological Differentials 373
Gathering a History 375
Treatment 376
Conclusion 380
References 380
19 Repetitive and Other Abnormal Behaviors in Wild Animals Under Human Care 385
Mark Flint and Randall E. Junge
Introduction 385
Behavior and Other Domains as a Welfare Indicator 386
Common Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors 388
Applying What We have Learned in Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries 391
Prevention, Management, and Treatment 395
Conclusion 399
References 399
20 Repetitive and Other Abnormal Behaviors in Livestock and Horses 403
Emily Miller-Cushon and Carissa Wickens
Introduction 403
Behavioral Indicators of Sickness 403
Behavioral Indicators of Pain 404
Cognitive Approaches to Understanding Emotional States 407
Importance of Meeting Behavioral Needs 407
Common Abnormal Behaviors in Horses, Pigs, Cattle, and Poultry 408
Medical Considerations 410
Prevention, Management, and Treatment Concepts 412
References 416
21 Approach to Psychopharmacology in Companion Animals 419
M. Leanne Lilly
Introduction 419
Daily Medications 420
Specific Medications 422
Selecting a Daily Medication 425
Event Medications 426
Polytherapy 430
Administering Medications 431
Weaning 432
References 434
22 Chemical Restraint and Sedation in Small Animals 443
M. Leanne Lilly
Introduction 443
Medications and Routes 444
Protocols, Combinations, and Decision-Making 450
Safely Getting Injections into Your Patients 451
Achieving and Maintaining Sedation 451
Record Keeping and Communication 455
References 457
23 Behavior Considerations for Aging Dogs and Cats 461
Margaret O’Brian
Introduction 461
Sensory Changes 461
Brain Changes 463
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome 464
References 469
Appendix A: Books to Keep in Practice - Clinical Textbook Recommendations 471
Appendix B: Teaching Your Cat to Like the Carrier 473
Lisa Radosta
Glossary 475
Index 483
