This is the cutting edge: the study of how animals self-medicate.

In human medicine, a patient can describe their pain, fear, or anxiety. In veterinary science, the patient cannot. Instead, they communicate through behavior. A growl, a hiss, a tucked tail, or even excessive grooming are not just personality quirks—they are the primary language of animal suffering.

Traditionally, the "vital signs" (temperature, pulse, respiration) tell a vet if the body is failing. However, behavior is the vital sign that tells the vet if the patient is failing. For example:

Without behavioral science, these cases are often mislabeled as "bad attitude" or "unknown aggression," leading to euthanasia of a treatable patient. When veterinary science integrates behavioral analysis, the root cause (pain) is identified, and the animal is saved.

Behavior is a vital sign. Just as temperature or heart rate indicates physical health, changes in behavior often signal underlying medical issues. Conversely, behavioral problems (anxiety, aggression) can lead to physical injury, poor recovery from illness, and even euthanasia. Integrating behavior into veterinary practice improves diagnosis, treatment compliance, and animal welfare.

The future of animal behavior and veterinary science is digital. Telemedicine exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and behavioral consults are perfectly suited for it.

These tools will allow general practice veterinarians to provide behavioral medicine at a scale previously impossible.

Any sudden behavior change in a previously normal animal is a medical problem until proven otherwise.
Treat the patient, not just the behavior.