Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 - (Page 669)

way to stop this horrific loss.” In 1998, Gary J. Patronek, VMD, PhD, and Nicholas H. Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVB, DACVA, conducted a mail survey of 2,000 randomly selected veterinarians.3 Their study’s objectives included determining the number of dogs euthanized in practices for behavior-related reasons and assessing practitioners’ attitudes about behavior services. Extrapolating from the survey’s results, the researchers estimated that in 1998 as many as 224,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in small-animal practices for behavior problems. Significantly, four in 10 veterinarians reported discussing behavior infrequently during office visits for new adult pets, and half discussed behavior infrequently during annual checkups. Drs. Patronek and Dodman were surprised by the disconnect between the willingness of veterinarians to discuss behavior and the emerging emphasis on behavior in the veterinary literature. Dr. Patronek, a clinical assistant professor at Tufts University Center for Animals and Public Policy and the director of animal welfare and protection at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, suggests veterinarians ask clients to complete a short behavior checklist in the waiting room at every visit. “A one-page sheet where you can ask how frequently certain behavior problems are occurring will help you systematically assess behavioral risk factors for relinquishment,” he explains. “You might ask if there are situations coming up that could be a problem—acquiring another pet maybe. All the red flag questions. With that you could start working early to prevent relinquishment.” (For a sample behavior assessment checklist, see the form top right created by Veterinary Medicine.) Behavior Assessment Checklist* Please check the box at left if your dog or cat: H Is aggressive toward people (bites, growls, snarls, bares its teeth). If so, how often? H Soils in the house or outside its litter box. If so, how often? H Escapes from the yard. If so, how often? H Is destructive in the house. If so, how often? H Is destructive outside. If so, how often? H Is disobedient. If so, how often? H Is aggressive toward other animals. If so, how often? H Vocalizes too much (barks, howls, whines). H Is too active. H Is unfriendly. H Needs too much attention. Are you planning to add a pet to your home? H Yes H No *Source: Salman MD, Hutchinson J, Ruch-Gallie R, et al. Behavioral reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters. J Appl Anim Welfare Sci 2000;3:93-106. Download this form at www.vetmedpub.com/BehaviorChecklist, and have your clients fill it out at each visit. Advice from the Veterinary Medicine Practitioner Advisory Board Thomas McCoy, DVM. Behavioral direction is probably the area practitioners can influence the most. The signs of future behavioral problems are frequently manifested in puppies and kittens during routine immunization visits. By tactfully explaining your observations and their association with problems, you benefit the patient, the client, and yourself. Many problems, if recognized early, are resolved with minimal effort and time. Often, the “behavioral problem” is the well-meaning owner’s ignorance. I remember one incident of an aged cat with housesoiling behavior that caused great rancor within the household. The cat finally was presented for euthanasia. After reviewing the circumstances and performing a physical examination, we determined that his general health was good, except he had arthritis. It was too difficult for the poor old guy to make it to the basement litter box, so he voided in the leastused room in the house—the living room. We discussed the problem and pointed out that he was trying to be “good” but exercised faulty judgment by an using unoccupied room with an expensive Oriental rug. The owners relented and made changes for the cat’s benefit. “VACCINATE” EARLY AGAINST BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS Behavior problems are easier to prevent than they are to correct, says Wayne Hunthausen, DVM, a West- VETERINARY MEDICINE October 2007 669 http://www.vetmedpub.com/BehaviorChecklist

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007 Contents Leading Off The Veterinary Medicine Interview: Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald Toxicology Brief Idea Exchange Animal Sheltering in the United States: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow The Euthanasia Problem Offer Basic Behavior Counseling for Every Pet at Every Visit Promote and Perform Early Spaying and Neutering Assist Owners in Selecting the Best Pets for their Lifestyles Champion Animal Welfare in Your Community CE Form Product Review Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - October 2007

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