Note: Medication is rarely a standalone cure. It is almost always paired with a systematic behavior modification plan designed by a professional. 5. Low-Stress Handling and Fear Free Veterinary Care

This paper synthesizes current evidence on how ethological principles enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment compliance, and welfare outcomes in general veterinary practice.

| Species | Acute Pain Signs | Chronic Pain Signs | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Dog | Panting, whining, guarding posture, reluctance to move | Decreased play, stiff gait, sleep changes, aggression when touched | | Cat | Hiding, hissing, not using litter box, reduced grooming | Unkempt coat, sitting hunched, avoiding stairs, over-grooming a joint | | Horse | Flared nostrils, head tossing, kicking at abdomen | Bruxism (teeth grinding), decreased feed intake, atypical recumbency |