For decades, the fields of animal behavior and veterinary science existed in relative isolation. On one side sat the behaviorist, often focused on training, enrichment, and psychological well-being. On the other sat the veterinarian, focused on physiology, pathology, and surgical intervention. Today, however, a revolutionary shift is underway. Modern clinical practice recognizes that animal behavior and veterinary science are not separate disciplines but two halves of a whole. You cannot treat the body without understanding the mind, and you cannot modify behavior without assessing physiological health.
The artificial divide between animal behavior and veterinary science has caused countless animals to suffer and die unnecessarily. Behavior problems remain the number one cause of euthanasia in young, physically healthy dogs and cats. Yet so many of those problems are rooted in undiagnosed medical conditions, untreated pain, or physiological anxiety that responds to medication. Bridging the Gap: The Critical Intersection of Animal
Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Integrating Ethology into Clinical Practice and Animal Welfare Today, however, a revolutionary shift is underway
Future Directions in Animal Behavior and Veterinary Science Conclusion: A Call for Integration The artificial divide