Clinical Behavior and Welfare for Dogs and Cats Elective

Catalog description

This is a one-credit course in clinical veterinary behavioral medicine and welfare, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems of dogs and cats. The course will build upon the foundation of normal versus abnormal behavior and learning theory of VMC 927 . This course will focus on the recognition of common problem behaviors in dogs and cats and how to approach a behavior problem with a systematic Problem Oriented Approach (POVMR). The presentation, proposed etiology and pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and plan formulation- including diagnostic, treatment, and education plans, will be discussed for common problems. Behavioral medication and complementary products will be included when discussing treatment plans. Additionally, the impact on animal welfare and the human-animal bond will be discussed. Problems to be reviewed include noise aversion, separation anxiety, compulsive disorders, housesoiling, fear and anxiety related problems, problems presenting with aggression, cognitive dysfunction, and some nuisance behaviors.