The future of animal behavior and veterinary science is data-driven. Researchers are currently developing AI algorithms that can analyze video footage of a clinic waiting room to score stress levels in real time.
Understanding the biological basis of behavior is crucial for veterinary practice. The veterinary clinic is a high-stress environment for most animals, triggering the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis.
| Species | Pain indicators | |-------------|----------------------| | Dog | Panting, restlessness, hiding, aggression when touched, vocalization | | Cat | Hiding, decreased grooming, hissing, flattened ears, hunched posture | | Horse | Teeth grinding, flank watching, depression, kicking at abdomen | | Cattle | Bruxism (teeth grinding), reduced rumination, isolation, arched back |
