(e.g., Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale) should be used daily in hospitalized patients. Part 6: Pharmacological & Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Anxiety, Fear, Aggression | Approach | Examples | Used For | |----------|----------|----------| | Non-drug | Desensitization, counter-conditioning, enrichment, puzzle feeders | Mild-moderate cases, maintenance | | Nutraceutical | L-theanine (Anxitane®), alpha-casozepine (Zylkene®), CBD (limited evidence) | Travel, mild noise phobia | | SARI | Trazodone | Situational (vet visits, thunderstorms) | | SSRI | Fluoxetine, sertraline | Chronic (generalized anxiety, compulsive disorders) | | Benzodiazepine | Alprazolam (with caution) | Severe panic, but risk of disinhibition | Important: Behavioral drugs are not "chemical straightjackets." They raise the threshold for fear so learning can occur. Part 7: Behavior as a Diagnostic Tool – Case Examples | Presenting Complaint | Behavioral Observation | Likely Medical Workup | |----------------------|------------------------|------------------------| | 8-yo cat yowling at night | Pacing, disorientation, litter box accidents | Blood pressure, T4, retinal exam (hypertension, hyperthyroidism, dementia) | | 2-yo dog suddenly resource guarding | No prior aggression, but now growls over food | Dental exam, abdominal ultrasound (pain from tooth or GI issue) | | Horse kicking at belly | Tail swishing, looking at flank, lying down repeatedly | Rectal, bloodwork (colic, uterine torsion) | Part 8: Client Communication Scripts Scenario: Owner says "My dog is spiteful – he pees when I leave."
"Dogs don't have spite. That's a human emotion. What we're likely seeing is separation anxiety or a medical issue. Let's first rule out a UTI or diabetes with a urinalysis. If that's normal, separation anxiety causes real distress – he's not being bad, he's panicking." Scenario: Owner says "I scruff my cat to give pills – she fights more." zoofiliaboy
| Pain Indicator | Dog | Cat | Horse | |----------------|-----|-----|-------| | Facial expression | Tight brow, flattened ears | Squinted eyes, tense whiskers | Flared nostrils, glassy eyes | | Posture | Hunched, guarding | "Meat loaf" position (sphinx with tucked paws) | Weight shifting, tucked abdomen | | Vocalization | Whining, growling when moved | Silent or rare hiss | Groaning, teeth grinding | | Activity | Restless or immobile | Hiding, decreased grooming | Head pressing, flank watching | That's a human emotion