Page 1638 - Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine

1576 Section 15 Preventive Care

behavioral illness may be limited. It is therefore impor-
Box 177.1 Situations in which referral to a board‐
VetBooks.ir certified veterinary behaviorist is warranted tant that the referring veterinarian and CAAB work in
partnership so physical issues are not overlooked.
Involvement of a board‐certified veterinary behaviorist
cases back to a veterinarian for a prescription. It is the
may be preferable over that of a nonveterinarian when CAABs cannot prescribe medication and must refer
one or more of the following factors are present. prescribing veterinarian’s duty to ensure that the medi-
cation prescribed is appropriate for the patient and
Human‐directed aggression, particularly if aggression
● behavior being addressed. If the prescribing veterinar-
is severe or involves children
Moderate to severe interdog or intercat aggression, ian is not familiar with psychopharmaceutical medica-
● tions, it is appropriate to ask the CAAB for supporting
especially if fights have resulted in injuries to pets documentation (in the form of journal articles, book
or people
Physical illness affecting the pet’s behavior or references, etc.). The prescribing veterinarian must
● also obtain informed consent from the client, including
treatment discussing potential physical and behavioral adverse
– Interplay between physical and behavioral issues effects and conducting appropriate tests to ensure the
warrant close monitoring
– Medical issues may affect behavioral treatment or health of the patient prior to starting medication.
vice versa
Possible use of behavior‐modifying medication Trainers and Animal Behaviorists
● Many skilled, professional trainers and nonveterinary/
– Behavior is severe enough to warrant consideration non‐CAAB animal behaviorists are available to help vet-
– Owner inquires about medication
Legal issues: ongoing or possible legal action erinarians, clients, and patients. These individuals may
● provide a range of services that veterinary and CAAB
Concerning client–patient dynamic
● behaviorists do not, including private, in‐home training,
– Human-animal bond is affected and/or euthanasia group classes, board and train, etc. Additionally, trainers
is a consideration
– Client appears to be in denial regarding the severity are often able to work with clients and their pets on a
more frequent and regular basis than a veterinary or
of behavioral problem or risk involved
CAAB behaviorist could. This is extremely helpful espe-
cially for clients who require extensive, hands‐on train-
applied animal behavior and animal welfare. Many non- ing or encouragement to consistently comply with a
boarded veterinarians with behavior experience belong treatment plan.
to the AVSAB. As a group, trainers and nonveterinary/non‐CAAB
Individual veterinarians’ background training, expe- behaviorists are a valuable resource. However, it is
rience level, and continuing education vary widely. important to remember that individuals vary widely in
Before referring to a nonboarded veterinarian, ask for regard to their knowledge, experience, training tech-
a copy of their curriculum vitae and speak to them niques, and ethics. This spectrum exists because there is
directly to discuss the case. no agency or governing body that oversees or regulates
the qualifications of these professions. Anyone may label
themselves a trainer or animal behaviorist regardless of
Nonveterinary Referrals
their background. Animal behavior and training certifi-
Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) cations can be obtained through various programs, some
Most CAABs are not veterinarians but have a Master’s of which are more rigorous and require more education
or PhD degree in behavioral science, multiple scientific and experience than others. Training philosophies, such
publications, hands‐on experience with animals and as the use of positive reinforcement versus punishment‐
have met coursework and experience requirements for based training techniques, also differ from school to
certification as set forth by the Animal Behavior Society. school.
Their scientific background makes CAABs knowledge- Always research the individual before recommending
able about learning theory, ethology, and animal behav- any trainer or animal behaviorist, veterinary or nonvet-
ior. However, the amount of clinical or practical erinary. Both the ACVB and AVSAB have published
experience working with animals may vary by individ- guidelines for selecting and working with trainers on
ual. Inquire as to their level of hands‐on experience with their websites. These recommendations should be
clinical cases prior to referral. applied to any behaviorist, veterinary or nonveterinary,
Because most CAABs are not veterinarians, their you may refer a client to. Because experience, training
insight into the interaction between physical and methods, and skillsets of trainers and behaviorists vary