Medical Problems that Masquerade as Behavior Problems

Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB interviews Margie Knoll, DVM and Nancy Williams, M.A., RVT, ACAAB

Dog trainers, behavior consultants and veterinarians need to know how best to work together to provide quality behavior care to companion animals. Veterinarians need to be able to trust that the behavioral experts they refer their clients will recognize and respect that evaluating medical influences on behavior fall within the purview of the veterinarian.

However, if properly trained, trainers and behavior consultants can be a valuable source of information for the veterinarian. Trainers and behavior consultants usually spend more time observing pets and talking to their owners than veterinarians can during a regular office appointment. This extra interaction time can allow behavioral signs to be uncovered that should be reported to the veterinarian because they may be indicative of medical disease that is underlying the behavior of concern.

In this two-session telecourse, you will see from numerous case examples how information and observations from a certified animal behaviorist have helped a veterinarian more effectively differentiate medical problems from behavior problems. Discover how this “big picture”, interdisciplinary approach benefits both businesses as well as the pets and people they serve. Participants will learn how to make use of this model, including the “do’s and don’ts” in working together from both a veterinary and behavior consultant point of view.

The information you gain from this example driven telecourse will give veterinarians additional insights on useful diagnostic perspectives when evaluating a pet prior to a behavior referral, and provide trainers and consultants with a new set of eyes for “not normal” behavior that could indicate a medical problem.

Dr. Knoll and Ms. Williams will review common, and uncommon symptoms of medical problems that can affect a pet’s behavior and masquerade as behavior problems. Behavior modification and training programs will not only be ineffective but could also exacerbate injury or illness if medical problems go undiagnosed.

As a special bonus, using case examples Dr. Knoll will briefly discuss diet, supplements, and/or herbal treatments for use with behavior problems as a “sneak peak” to a future more in-depth course on these topics.

This course is SURE to fill up rapidly so don’t wait to register!

Two consecutive Sundays August 10th and August 17th 4-5:15pm Mountain time
This class is approved for CEUs from CCPDT and CACVT.

Fee: $77.00

As soon as you register for any of our courses please put info@AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com in your email address book or safe list to increase the chance our emails won’t be blocked. Once we receive notice of your payment, we’ll send you a Class Welcome and Information email.