Many behavioral problems (stereotypies in stabled horses, feather picking in birds, overgrooming in cats) stem from poor housing or social stress. Veterinary input can correct the environment, preventing disease.
Snapping when touched in a specific area.
In veterinary science, the patient cannot speak. Consequently, behavior is the primary language of the animal. A cat that stops grooming, a dog that becomes uncharacteristically aggressive, or a horse that begins "cribbing" are all communicating internal distress. By studying ethology—the science of animal behavior—veterinarians can identify early indicators of illness that physical exams might miss. For instance, subtle changes in posture or facial expressions (often categorized in "Grimace Scales") are now recognized as critical markers of chronic pain. Reducing "White Coat Syndrome"