Any new or worsening behavior in an adult/senior animal requires a physical exam, bloodwork, and sometimes imaging.

Such as "tail chasing" or over-grooming, which can be rooted in neurochemistry. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS):

| Clinical Sign | Possible Medical Cause | |---------------|------------------------| | Sudden aggression | Pain (dental, arthritis, otitis), brain tumor, rabies, hyperthyroidism (cats) | | House soiling (dog) | UTI, diabetes, kidney disease, cognitive dysfunction | | House soiling (cat) | FLUTD, CKD, constipation, hyperthyroidism | | Lethargy + hiding | Systemic illness, fever, pain | | Night-time waking | Canine cognitive dysfunction, pain, sensory decline | | Compulsive licking | Atopic dermatitis, gastrointestinal disorder (in dogs), boredom |

Endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism in cats or Cushing’s disease in dogs, can cause extreme restlessness, vocalization, and anxiety-like symptoms. The Evolution of the Low-Stress Clinic

: Implementing "fear-free" techniques in clinics by understanding how animals perceive their environment through sight, smell, and sound.

Veterinary medicine has evolved far beyond treating physical injuries and biological infections. Today, the integration of animal behavior and veterinary science represents one of the most critical advancements in animal care. Understanding animal behavior is no longer viewed as a separate discipline; it is an essential clinical tool that directly impacts diagnostics, treatment efficacy, patient welfare, and the safety of veterinary professionals.

: Modern behavior-led veterinary science emphasizes "agency"—an animal's ability to exert control over its environment to align with its needs.