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.

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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.

List of Contributors xiii

Acknowledgments xv

About the Companion Website xvii

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

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