If you suspect your pet is exhibiting behavioral signs of illness or distress, consult a veterinarian trained in low-stress handling and behavioral medicine. Do not attempt to treat behavioral problems without ruling out underlying medical causes.
“Treat the behavior, find the pain,” Dr. Henderson says. “That’s the new mantra.” The future of veterinary medicine is not louder machines or more aggressive protocols. It is quieter rooms, slower hands, and sharper eyes. It is the recognition that a purr does not always mean happiness, and a wagging tail does not always mean friendliness. If you suspect your pet is exhibiting behavioral
Consider the case of Whiskers , a 10-year-old domestic shorthair presented for “inappropriate urination.” The previous vet prescribed antibiotics for a UTI that didn’t exist. The owners were about to surrender him to a shelter. Henderson says
As we move forward, the distinction between "vet" and "trainer" will blur. The best veterinarians will be part physician, part psychologist, and part translator. It is the recognition that a purr does