Many
physical problems influence
behavior. In some cases the
medical problem CAUSES the behavior.
In most cases the medical problem
influences the THRESHOLD for
the behavior. The behavioral
symptom may seem to have nothing
to do with the medical problem.
However, it is only appropriate
to rule out a medical component
before implementing a behavior
modification plan.
Partial
List Of Conditions To Exclude
In A Behavior Work-Up
- Allergy
-
Anxiety
-
Arthritis
-
Cognitive Dysfunction
-
Colitis
-
Cystitis
-
Drug Induced Dementia
-
Encephalopathy
-
Enteritis
-
Epilepsy
-
FIV/FeLV
-
Food Intolerance
-
Hydrocephalus
-
Hyperkinesis
-
Hypersexuality
-
Hyperthyroidism
|
-
Hypothyroidism
-
Lick Granuloma
-
Malnutrition
-
Myositis
- Narcolepsy
-
Obsessive-Compulsion
-
Pelvic Nerve Dysfunction
-
Polydipsia
-
Polyphagia
-
Polyuria
-
Prostatitis
-
Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction
-
Sex Hormone Imbalance
- Urethritis
-
Vaginitis
|
Typical
Behavior Medical Work-up By
Attending DVM
- Medical
history pertinent to behavior
problem
- Neuro
Exam – Looking to see
if there is any brain or nervous
system pathology.
-
Physical Exam – Looking
for any cause of chronic discomfort.
-
CBC – Looking at White
and Red Blood Cells, Eosinophil
counts, and Globulin proteins
-
Serology – Looking for
any internal organ dysfunction,
and particularly at the thyroid
-
Fecal – Looking for
intestinal parasites, or evidence
of pica or excessive grass
consumption
-
Urinalysis – Looking
for evidence of pain from
infection, crystals or tumors
|
