Victoria L. Voith, DVM, PhD, DACVB

What breed a dog is, matters. In recent years, numerous public and private restrictions have been applied to specific breeds of dogs and to dogs believed to be partially those breeds.

Veterinary medicine has made advances in diagnostic imaging capabilities that parallel human medicine. Imaging techniques available to veterinarians include radiography, contrast radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Obtain several detailed descriptions of the problem behavior. Often the most recent, most dramatic and first incidents are remembered in greatest detail. Find out what happened just before and just after the event.

Species-typical feline elimination behavior patterns are urination, defecation, and marking.

General principles that apply to the effects of castration and spaying.

Signs of disease and pain are usually behavioral: a new behavior, a change in frequency or intensity of a behavior, a change in pattern

Separation Distress is a common problem for the companion animal dog of today. Dogs, which are very social creatures, are left alone for longer periods than in the past.

Aggression, elimination behaviors, and separation anxiety are the most common problems presented to animal behaviorists.