Veterinary Behavioural Medicine
The Behavioural Medicine Service (Clinical Ethology) is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural problems in pets and companion animals. A veterinary behaviourist (or ethologist) specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems in pets, especially dogs and cats. Ethology is the veterinary equivalent of psychiatry and psychology in human medicine.
During the appointment, a comprehensive review of the patient’s information , known as a history, is undertaken. This includes the patient’s background (age of adoption, origin), training methods used, the home environment and the animal’s relationships with people and other animals. This first stage is essential to understand the context and the factors that may be influencing the animal’s behaviour.
The next step is to carry out anin-depth analysis of the problematic behaviour, to understand its origin, progression, and the physical and emotional consequences for the patient and the patient’s environment. A comprehensive general physical examination is also performed, together with any necessary additional tests to rule out medical causes for the problem behaviour.
Based on all this information, our veterinary behaviour team will establish a clinical diagnosis and design an individualized treatment plan, tailored to each case and with a clear focus on the animal’s welfare.
Procedures and therapeutic approach
Full behavioural assessment
A detailed interview with the animal’s caregivers, analysing the environment, clinical history and possible causes of the behavioural problem.
Observation and analysis of problematic behaviour
An assessment of the abnormal behaviour, its triggers and progression, assessing the impact on the animal’s welfare and family life.
Physical examination and additional tests
A general health assessment to rule out physical conditions that may be influencing behaviour.
Clinical behavioural diagnosis
Comprehensive review of all clinical, behavioural and contextual information to establish an accurate behavioural diagnosis.
Tailored treatment plan
Design of a treatment strategy that may include:
Psychotropic medication, where it is necessary to support the emotional stability of the patient.
Environmental modification, adapting the environment to facilitate learning and reduce stress.
Behaviour modification exercises, based exclusively on positive reinforcement techniques, to replace problematic behaviour with more appropriate responses.
Our team
- LV, Board Eligible ECAWBM-BM