Today's Veterinary Practice provides comprehensive information to keep every small animal practitioner up to date on companion animal medicine and surgery as well as practice building and management.
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PEER REVIEWED TOP TEN BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE: TOP 10 TOOLS FOR SUCCESS Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVB B ehavior problems may seem daunt- ing, but primary care veterinarians can provide critical interventions by diagnos- ing and managing the behavior problems they frequently face in clinical practice. Imple- menting behavior-related questions into a routine examination and training team members to note owners' behavior-related questions opens the door for behavior assessment in clients' pets. Most "problem" behaviors are petty annoy- ances of everyday companion animal life; your jumped-upon, barked-at, licked, and scratched clients will be grateful for your help. In fact, own- ers may schedule an appointment strictly due to a behavior issue, such as separation anxiety, fearful behavior, or inappropriate urination. While some behaviors are serious or even dangerous enough to merit referral, even aggression can be triaged to minimize risks until the client makes an appoint- ment with a behavior specialist. Incorporating behavior medicine is also an excellent practice builder, strengthening attach- ments between clients and pets, and increas- ing quality of life for both. If your practice does not provide behavior services, your clients will seek help—often investing significant financial resources—with someone who might not be experienced or even ethically equipped to man- age the problem. Here is a list of the top 10 tools for success with behavior problems in your canine or feline patients. 1 EMPHASIZE PREVENTION Incorporate behavior into pediatric and "well animal" preventive health visits. For puppies and kittens, include a preapproved book and handouts with information on the basics of house-training and litter box use, dealing with inappropriate play, and ensuring social harmony among all animals in the family. Even better, provide basic behavioral informa- tion for introducing rescued adult pets into the home. 2 PERFORM DIAGNOSTIC WORKUPS FOR ALL BEHAVIOR COMPLAINTS Disease is expressed behaviorally. Sick or pain- ful animals may be irritable, lethargic or have changes in appetite or activity level. A thorough diagnostic workup is indicated for any persistent or dramatic change in behavior. In addition to a physical examina- tion, the assessment should include: UÊ disease conditions, prescribed medications, over- the-counter supplements, diet and exercise, etc) UÊ ««Ào«Ài>ÌiÊniÕÀolo}iV]ÊoÀÌho«i`iV]Ê>n`Ê`iÀm>- tologic examinations UÊ-VÀiinin}Ê ]Ê ÃiÀÕmÊLioVhimiV>lÊ«Àovili]Ê ÌhÞ- roid hormone levels, and urinalysis. It is important to recognize that the goal of a physi- July/August 2012 Today's Veterinary Practice 81 i`iV>lÊ hiÃÌoÀÞÊ i}]Ê «ÀiÛioÕÃÊ >n`ÉoÀÊ VÕÀÀinÌÊ