In human medicine, pain is subjective. We ask the patient to rate it on a scale of one to ten. Animals cannot use that scale, so veterinary science has had to get creative. Increasingly, behavior is viewed as the "sixth vital sign," sitting alongside temperature, pulse, respiration, pain, and blood pressure.
In veterinary science, behavior is often the first clinical sign of a physical ailment. A cat that stops grooming might be suffering from arthritis; a dog that becomes suddenly aggressive might be experiencing neurological pain. By integrating behavioral science, veterinarians can diagnose underlying medical issues much faster than through physical exams alone. Why Behavior Matters in the Clinic zooskool com horse rapidshare free
Behavior is often the first indicator of medical issues. For example, sudden aggression in a previously docile canine may signal chronic pain or endocrine dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism. Veterinary science now employs behavioral ethograms to: Assess Pain: In human medicine, pain is subjective
Behavioral issues are the number one cause of euthanasia in domestic dogs and cats under three years of age. Not cancer. Not old age. Behavior. Increasingly, behavior is viewed as the "sixth vital
Animal behavior is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Some key principles of animal behavior include: