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The integration of and veterinary science has evolved from viewing behavior as a side effect of health to recognizing it as a primary diagnostic and therapeutic tool. As of 2025–2026, the veterinary profession increasingly emphasizes clinical ethology —the science of diagnosing and treating primary behavior disorders—to preserve the human-animal bond and improve clinical outcomes. 2. The Role of Behavior in Veterinary Diagnostics
| Behavior Change | Potential Medical Cause | | :--- | :--- | | | Pain (arthritis, dental), hyperthyroidism (cats), brain tumor, rabies | | Lethargy/Depression | Fever, anemia, organ failure, chronic pain, hypothyroidism | | Excessive Vocalization | Cognitive dysfunction (senior dogs/cats), hypertension, hearing/vision loss | | House Soiling | Urinary tract infection (UTI), diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease | | Pica (eating non-food) | Anemia, nutritional deficiency, GI disease, liver shunt | | Compulsive Behaviors | Neurological disorders, previous trauma, canine distemper history | The integration of and veterinary science has evolved