Landsberg Gary - Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat

Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat

Third Edition

G. Landsberg, BSc DVM MRCVS Dip ACVB dip ECAWBM (BM)

North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

W. Hunthausen, BA DVM

Animal Behavior Consultations, Westwood, Kansas, USA

L. Ackerman, DVM DACVD MBA MPA

Westborough, MA, USA

Saunders Ltd.

Table of Contents

Dedication

To my loving wife Susan, our amazing children Joanna, Mitchell, and Jordan, our special little girl Buffy (the Bichon)

Gary Landsberg

To my beautiful wife Jan Kyle and our beloved pets; to committed, compassionate behavior consultants and trainers working to preserve the bond between families and their pets; and to families with the courage and dedication to work with a problem pet instead of taking an easy way out

Wayne Hunthausen

To my much-loved wife Susan, our incredible children Nadia, Rebecca, and David, and our much-loved Golden Retriever Marilyn

Lowell Ackerman

Copyright

2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publishers permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions.

This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other than as may be noted herein).

First edition 1997

Second edition 2003

Third edition 2013

ISBN 978-0-7020-4335-2

1 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

2 Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress

Notices

Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treatment may become necessary.

Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evaluating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility.

With respect to any drug or pharmaceutical products identified, readers are advised to check the most current information provided (i) on procedures featured or (ii) by the manufacturer of each product to be administered, to verify the recommended dose or formula, the method and duration of administration, and contraindications. It is the responsibility of practitioners, relying on their own experience and knowledge of their patients, to make diagnoses, to determine dosages and the best treatment for each individual patient, and to take all appropriate safety precautions.

To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions, or ideas contained in the material herein.

Printed in China

Preface

Not that long ago, animal behavior was considered an interesting diversion for veterinarians, but little emphasis was placed on this discipline in veterinary school curricula or continuing education for practitioners. Now, there is a general awakening in the veterinary profession as practitioners realize the importance of this subject to their clients, the well-being of their patients, and the success of their practices. Attention to behavioral signs and problems is an essential part of veterinary medicine since behavioral signs and changes are often the first or only signs of underlying health problems. But behavior also plays a critical role in the relationship between the pet and its owners. The behavior, or anticipated behavior, of the pet is often the most important consideration influencing its adoption, while the pets behavior can also lead to the dissolution of the bond between it and the family. Unacceptable behavior is one of the more common reasons for abandonment and euthanasia of dogs and cats. North American statistics suggest that more pets are euthanized for behavioral reasons than for all medical reasons combined. This should be enough of an incentive for veterinarians to incorporate behavioral evaluations and counseling into everyday practice.

This book is designed to provide the veterinarian in general practice with the tools to help owners with concerns they might have about their pets behavior. Most importantly, it helps veterinarians incorporate behavior consultations into their practices in a meaningful way, and utilizes hospital paraprofessional staff to their optimum. Not only does the book introduce topics such as learning theory and behavior modification techniques, but it also covers the diagnostic and therapeutic options for the successful management of behavior problems. In this edition, we not only address neuropharmacology and psychoactive drug activity, but also examine important training techniques and nutritional intervention, and explore alternative forms of therapy. Another important focus of this edition is the importance that regular veterinary care plays in maintaining not only the health but also the behavior and welfare of the pet. To this end a new chapter is devoted to making veterinary visits a positive experience and how best to manage pets that are fearful. In addition, we have expanded our focus on the role that behavior plays in the health of pets and the importance of behavioral monitoring. Throughout the text we have included cases to illustrate real-life clinical situations. To illustrate the principles best and because of veterinaryclient confidentiality, our case examples are composite representatives of our caseload rather than actual clinical cases.

To be successful in managing behavior problems, veterinarians must offer more help than just training the pet. The proper approach to behavioral problems does not differ significantly from any other medical discipline. One needs to evaluate patient history carefully, perform a thorough physical examination, formulate differential diagnoses, conduct diagnostic testing, initiate treatment options, and monitor the patients responses. Let this book serve as your guide.

We have also included in this book a number of the forms and handouts that we utilize in our consultations with clients. These forms and handouts, as well as our resource list and drug dosing table, have been reproduced online so that they can be printed for use in your practice. We hope that you find them valuable support aids for offering behavioral services.