Behavior is often the most sensitive indicator of nervous system dysfunction. Consider:
When a veterinarian looks at a behavioral issue, they first rule out "medical mimics." For instance, a cat that stops using its litter box may not be "spiteful"; it may have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). A senior dog showing sudden aggression may be suffering from chronic arthritis pain or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (animal dementia). By treating the body, veterinary science often "cures" the behavior. The Role of Psychopharmacology
Perhaps the most emotionally complex intersection of these two fields is the topic of behavioral euthanasia. Each year, millions of healthy animals are euthanized not because their bodies are failing, but because their behavior is deemed unsafe for society.
