title: A diagnostic classification of problem behavior in dogs and cats.
abstract: Veterinary clinical ethology is a relatively new field in veterinary practice; with the development of a new discipline, problems often arise regarding diagnosis and the use of terminology. This article proposes a diagnostic system that can be applied by practitioners and researchers. The classification is divided into six main etiologic categories of behavior problems: (1) problems of a genetic origin, (2) problems caused during the animal's developmental stages, (3) ethogram deviations, (4) disturbed social interaction, (5) disease-related behavior, and (6) adaptation inabilities. Conditions may overlap, and all categories involved in a diagnosis should be mentioned for the sake of clarity and completeness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Odendaal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D002415:Cats / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012919:Social Behavior