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Behavioural Consultation and History Taking (view source)
Revision as of 17:54, 28 May 2014
, 17:54, 28 May 2014no edit summary
*Hyperthyroidsim: aggression to both or either other cats or owners
*Hyperthyroidsim: aggression to both or either other cats or owners
As well as behavioural expressions of physical disease, behavioural symptoms can result as a outcome of shifts in neurochemical equilibriums in the CNS.
As well as behavioural expressions of physical disease, behavioural symptoms can result as a outcome of shifts in neurochemical equilibriums in the CNS.
Additionally high levels of stress can cause alterations in behavioural, physiologic and immune responses. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis have been linked to stress as well as effects on levels of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and prolactin. In animals stress is a contributing factor to gastrointestinal disturbances, skin conditions, feline interstitial cystitis as well as compulsive disorders and increased fear responses.
As with other areas of veterinary practice a thorough history is paramount. In a behavioural context history taking must be especially thorough and can be a very long process. Initially it must be determined what the issue is from the client’s perspective and what they are expecting as a solution. It is important to collect information about the cat’s environment and not centre solely on the presenting behaviour. The history should also cover the medical background of the cat, the upbringing of the animal, current lifestyle and information about the specific problem which is of concern.
As with other areas of veterinary practice a thorough history is paramount. In a behavioural context history taking must be especially thorough and can be a very long process. Initially it must be determined what the issue is from the client’s perspective and what they are expecting as a solution. It is important to collect information about the cat’s environment and not centre solely on the presenting behaviour. The history should also cover the medical background of the cat, the upbringing of the animal, current lifestyle and information about the specific problem which is of concern.
*Clinical history
*Clinical history
*Any current drugs being administered
*Any current drugs being administered
*Any former behavioural therapy
*Any former behavioural therapy as well as corrective measures being implemented and their effectiveness.
*The animal’s disposition
*The animal’s disposition
*Breeding and early upbringing
*Breeding and early upbringing
*Current lifestyle
*Current lifestyle - environment and housing
*Relationship between pet and owner
*Relationship between pet and owner
*The rate of occurrence of problem behaviour and its predictability
*The rate of occurrence of problem behaviour and its predictability
*A thorough description of the issue, along with information about time of onset and development
*A thorough description of the issue, along with information about time and age of onset, duration of episodes, frequency and development including any alterations in pattern.
*The owners response to the issue
*The owners response to the issue
Considering what happens before and after the problem behaviour is also important as this can often provide a clue to the stimulus. In addition videos or visits to the animals normal environment may be useful.
(Heath, S. Chapter 5, Common Feline Behavioural Problems – Feline Medicine and Therapeutics.)
(Heath, S. Chapter 5, Common Feline Behavioural Problems – Feline Medicine and Therapeutics.)
(Merck)
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[[Category:To Do - Behaviour GGP]]
[[Category:To Do - Behaviour GGP]]