There is a complex connection between behavioral medicine and systemic conditions, whose interactions are clearly established. These conditions include those that affect the urinary, dermatological, neurologic, and gastrointestinal systems. It is important for all practitioners of animal behavior to take some interest in overall health. Pain and illness quite often contribute to anxiety, phobias, and aggression, as well as hyperactivity and cognitive dysfunction. Without properly identifying and addressing these concerns, behavior modification will be delayed or in some cases, ineffective. Behavioral medicine techniques such as management of crisis triggers, stress reduction therapies and specific relaxation- based activities could reduce stress and improve the mental health of dogs allowing them to have a reduction in signs of other illnesses. This lecture explores the relationship between pain, illness, and behavior as well as the parts of the brain that are involved in controlling the relationship.
The “Ins” and “Outs” of Behavior: How Physical and Mental Health Go Together
February 12
9:00 am PT
Description

Presented By:
Dr. Learn (she/her) grew up outside Philadelphia, PA and attended undergrad in Bethlehem PA receiving a BS in Biology. She worked at a wildlife conservation park in Texas before being accepted to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in NJ, and then went into general practice until 2017 at which time, she started a Residency in Clinal Behavioral Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Lisa Radosta in South Florida and our own Dr. Amy Pike in NOVA. She completed her residency training and is currently the Chief of Clinical Behavioral Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Richmond VA where she counsels clients from Richmond, Charlottesville, Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and North Carolina. She has contributed to veterinary textbook chapters, journal articles, blogs and received the RK Anderson Resident Research Award.