The separation of "medical" issues from "behavioral" issues is an artificial and dangerous dichotomy. In the body of a living creature, the mind and the tissues are inseparable. A dog with a bellyache is irritable. A cat with arthritis is "mean." A parrot with a zinc toxicity plucks its feathers.
de Waal, F. B. M. (2017). Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What They Tell Us about Ourselves. New York: Little, Brown and Company. hombre negro tiene sexo con una yegua zoofilia upd work
: Changes in an animal's activity or response to stimuli are critical external displays of internal physiological processes. For instance, a "behavioral problem" might actually be caused by neurological issues, metabolic disorders, or chronic pain. The separation of "medical" issues from "behavioral" issues
For the general practitioner, the message is clear: You cannot be a good veterinarian without understanding animal behavior. For the pet owner, the takeaway is equally vital: When your pet misbehaves, do not call a trainer first. Call your veterinarian. Rule out the medical before you assume the behavioral. A cat with arthritis is "mean
Furthermore, changes in behavior are often the first sign of zoonotic diseases. A docile rabbit that becomes aggressive may have encephalitozoonosis; a tame ferret that bites may have adrenal disease. Recognizing these behavioral flags allows for early isolation and treatment, protecting human family members.