Integrating Animal Behavior into Veterinary Science: A Holistic Approach to Health and Welfare
Introduction
For decades, veterinary medicine focused primarily on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacology. However, a paradigm shift has occurred: behavior is now recognized as the sixth vital sign (alongside temperature, pulse, respiration, pain, and nutritional status). Understanding animal behavior is no longer an elective skill for veterinarians and animal health professionals—it is a clinical necessity.
systems to monitor the social dynamics of the chimpanzee troop. By analyzing their vocalizations and "grooming clusters" through unsupervised machine learning
For example, providing animals with adequate exercise and mental stimulation can help to prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors, such as pacing, self-mutilation, or destructive behavior. Similarly, socialization and training can help to prevent fear and anxiety-related behaviors, such as aggression or avoidance behaviors.
Intersection of Animal Behavior and Veterinary Science:
