Open AccessFeature PaperReview
A Review of Medical Conditions and Behavioral Problems in Dogs and Cats
1
Etovets: Behavioral Medicine and Animal Welfare, 07010 Palma, Spain
2
School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 22 October 2019
/
Revised: 6 December 2019
/
Accepted: 9 December 2019
/
Published: 12 December 2019
Simple Summary
Behavioral problems and medical conditions have been treated separately for years. However, behavior depends directly on an animal’s health condition, and vice versa. Some behavioral problems are caused totally or partially by a medical condition. Additionally, some of these problems represent a diagnostic challenge for veterinarians because, in many cases, apart from behavioral changes, there are no other clinical signs or evidence of illness. Improving our knowledge of the most common medical problems that can modify behavior may help veterinarians to improve their diagnostic protocols and treatments. Based on our experience, most relevant medical conditions are some neurological problems, endocrine or metabolic problems, and pain-related conditions. Thus, the aims of this review are to describe the state of the art of the relationship between these medical conditions (among others) and behavioral problems, and proposing new lines of investigation.