Zooskool - T-girl - Dog Mix ★

| Behavioral sign | Possible medical cause (non-exhaustive) | |----------------|------------------------------------------| | Aggression (sudden onset, older animal) | Pain (arthritis, dental disease), brain tumor, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, seizures (post-ictal rage), rabies (historical). | | House soiling (dog) | Polyuria/polydipsia (diabetes, renal disease, hyperadrenocorticism), UTI, cognitive dysfunction, medication side effects (steroids → polydipsia). | | House soiling (cat – inappropriate urination) | FLUTD, cystitis, CKD, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, constipation, osteoarthritis (pain getting into litter box). | | Lethargy / hiding | Pain, fever, anemia, hypothyroidism, cardiac disease. | | Compulsive circling / fly snapping | Hepatic encephalopathy, brain lesion, seizure focus, ear infection (vestibular). | | Pica / coprophagia | Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, malabsorption, dietary deficiency (rare), GI parasites, behavioral (boredom). | | Nocturnal vocalization (elderly dog) | Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), pain (arthritis worse at night), sensory decline (deafness → anxiety). | | Over-grooming / self-mutilation | Atopy, food allergy, neuropathic pain (nerve entrapment), psychogenic alopecia (less common). |

| Drug class | Examples | Use in veterinary behavior | Key considerations | |------------|----------|----------------------------|--------------------| | SSRIs | Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine | Generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, canine compulsive disorder, aggression | 4-6 weeks to effect; start low, go slow; do NOT use with tramadol (serotonin syndrome risk). | | Tricyclics | Clomipramine | Separation anxiety (FDA-approved for dogs), compulsive disorders | More side effects (dry mouth, constipation). | | Alpha-2 agonists | Dexmedetomidine (oromucosal gel) | Acute noise aversion (fireworks, storms) | Onset 30-60 min; causes sedation, bradycardia. | | Benzodiazepines | Alprazolam, diazepam | Short-term fear (vet visits), status epilepticus | Paradoxical agitation in some dogs; dependence; schedule IV. | | Gabapentin | – | Chronic anxiety, neuropathic pain, pre-vet visit anxiolysis | Excellent safety margin; also used for pain. | | Trazodone | – | Situational anxiety (grooming, hospitalization), post-surgical confinement | Serotonin modulator; give 1-2 hours before stressor. | Zooskool - T-Girl - Dog Mix

Modern veterinary science is tackling this through "Fear Free" and "Low Stress Handling" initiatives. These protocols utilize behavioral principles to modify the clinical environment. Techniques include: | Behavioral sign | Possible medical cause (non-exhaustive)