Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine

Meghan E. Herron, DVM, DACVB, is a Senior Director - Behavioral Medicine Research, Education, and Outreach, at Gigi’s (Shelter for Dogs) in Ohio, USA. She is also a lecturer at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• List of Contributors xiiiAcknowledgments xvAbout the Companion Website xviiPart I Introduction to Animal Behavior and Handling Concepts 11 Introduction 3Meghan E. HerronWhy We Study Behavior 3How We Study Behavior 4What Comes Next 52 The Process of Domestication 7Carlos A. DriscollIntroduction 7Animal Domestication 8Dogs 14Cats 15Farm Animals 17Horses 19Entrained Beasts 22Domestication in Fast- Forward: The Farm- Fox Experiment 22References 243 Social Behavior 31R. Julia Kilgour, Traci Shreyer, and Candace CroneyIntroduction 31Evolutionary and Environmental Constraints on Social Behavior 32The Costs and Benefits of Group Living 32Types of Social Groupings 36Conflict in Social Groups 39Social Structures and Dominance Hierarchies 44Affiliative Behaviors 47Parent–Offspring Relationships 50Conclusion 54References 554 Sensory and Perception 65Shana Gilbert-GregoryIntroduction 65Vision 66Audition 73Olfaction 77Gustation (Taste) 81Conclusion 82References 825 Animal Learning 91Lisa RadostaIntroduction 91Factors Affecting Learning 91Types of Learning 96Choosing the Right Training Method 101Techniques for Changing Behavior 103Reinforcement Schedules 104Conclusion 107References 1076 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human–Animal Bond: Dogs 111Marie Hopfensperger and Jacquelyn JacobsIntroduction 111Developmental Stages in Dogs 111Veterinary Care 119Behavior Support for Clients 121Managing Typical Puppy Behaviors 123Conclusion 128References 1287 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human–Animal Bond: Cats 135Kersti SekselIntroduction 135Developmental Periods 136Setting Up for Success 143Veterinary Experiences 150Conclusion 151References 1518 The Development of Behavior and the Shaping of the Human–Animal Bond: Horses 153Katherine A. Houpt and Sharon MadereIntroduction 153The Neonatal Period 153Mare–Foal Communication 156Early Training 157Play 158Sick Foals 159Foal Rejection 160The Orphan Foal 160Weaning 160Predicting Adult Behavior 162Additional Problem Prevention Tips 162References 1629 Bovine Communication, Handling, and Restraint 165Kathryn L. ProudfootIntroduction 165How Cattle Perceive Their World 165How Cattle Communicate Their Emotions 167Impact of Human Handlers on Cattle Affective States 170Cattle Handling and Restraint 172Cattle Handling in the Real World 175Conclusion 176References 17610 Equine Communication, Handling, and Restraint 181Jeannine Berger and Kathryn HolcombIntroduction 181Body Language and Emotional States 181Tools, Handling Skills, and Procedures 186Medications to Aide in Handling 200References 20311 Canine and Feline Communication, Restraint, and Handling 205Meghan E. Herron, Allison Shull, Traci Shreyer, and Susan BarrettIntroduction 206Step 1: Assess the Environment 207Step 2: Assess the Patient’s Comfort Level and Indicators of Intent 214Step 3: Assess Yourself 215Step 4: Make a Handling Plan 220Conclusion 238References 238Part II Clinical Concepts in Animal Behavior 24112 Addressing Canine and Feline Behavior Problems in Clinical Practice: The Art of Behavior Triage 243Traci Shreyer, Susan Barrett, and Allison ShullIntroduction 244The Importance of Communication 245The Five Steps of Behavior Triage 246Setting Up the Behavior-focused Visit 262Other Important Certifying Organizations 265References 26513 Feline Elimination Disorders 269Amy L. PikeIntroduction 269Normal Elimination Behavior 269History Taking for Elimination Disorders 272Ruling Out Medical Disorders 275Behavior Diagnoses for Undesirable Elimination 276Approach to Treatment 278Conclusion 284References 28414 Feline Aggression 289Carlo SiracusaIntroduction 289Neurophysiology of Aggression 289Aggression As a Normal Social Behavior of Cats 290When Cat Aggression Becomes a Behavior Problem 292Physical Disease and Aggression 293Classification of Cat Aggression 294General Guidelines for the Treatment of Aggression 296Using Psychoactive Medication to Treat Affective Aggression 299Cat Aggression Directed to People 300Aggression Between Cats 303References 30615 Canine Aggression 311Gabrielle CarterIntroduction 311The Body Language of Aggression 313Factors that Influence Aggression 315Making an Aggression Diagnosis 320General Principles of Treating Aggression Cases in Dogs 326Prognosis 331Considerations for Rehoming/Relinquishing/Euthanasia 333Conclusion 334References 33416 Separation-Related Disorders in Dogs 337Niwako OgataIntroduction 337Definitions and Variations on Separation-Related Disorders 338Risk Factors 340Common Signs 340Making a Definitive Diagnosis 343Approach to Treatment 345Concluding Remarks 348References 34917 Equine Aggression 351Jeannine Berger and Kathy HolcombIntroduction 351Categories of Aggression 353Diagnosis and Treatment Summary 361What to Avoid When Addressing Aggression 363Medication 363References 364Further Reading 36518 Repetitive Behaviors in Companion Animals 367Melissa BainIntroduction 367Definitions and Motivating Factors 367Specific Repetitive Behaviors 370Physiological Differentials 373Gathering a History 375Treatment 376Conclusion 380References 38019 Repetitive and Other Abnormal Behaviors in Wild Animals Under Human Care 385Mark Flint and Randall E. JungeIntroduction 385Behavior and Other Domains as a Welfare Indicator 386Common Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors 388Applying What We have Learned in Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries 391Prevention, Management, and Treatment 395Conclusion 399References 39920 Repetitive and Other Abnormal Behaviors in Livestock and Horses 403Emily Miller-Cushon and Carissa WickensIntroduction 403Behavioral Indicators of Sickness 403Behavioral Indicators of Pain 404Cognitive Approaches to Understanding Emotional States 407Importance of Meeting Behavioral Needs 407Common Abnormal Behaviors in Horses, Pigs, Cattle, and Poultry 408Medical Considerations 410Prevention, Management, and Treatment Concepts 412References 41621 Approach to Psychopharmacology in Companion Animals 419M. Leanne LillyIntroduction 419Daily Medications 420Specific Medications 422Selecting a Daily Medication 425Event Medications 426Polytherapy 430Administering Medications 431Weaning 432References 43422 Chemical Restraint and Sedation in Small Animals 443M. Leanne LillyIntroduction 443Medications and Routes 444Protocols, Combinations, and Decision-Making 450Safely Getting Injections into Your Patients 451Achieving and Maintaining Sedation 451Record Keeping and Communication 455References 45723 Behavior Considerations for Aging Dogs and Cats 461Margaret O’BrianIntroduction 461Sensory Changes 461Brain Changes 463Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome 464References 469Appendix A: Books to Keep in Practice – Clinical Textbook Recommendations 471Appendix B: Teaching Your Cat to Like the Carrier 473Lisa RadostaGlossary 475Index 483