79021 - Animal Behavior: Morphological, Physiological and Ethological Aspects and Behavioral Disorders

Learning outcomes

The student will be able to:

- understand animal behavior and its dysfunction.

- set ethological and behavioral investigations aimed at the recognition of animal welfare and of situations etopatiche as well as manage the decisive action of the problem

Course contents

Module 1

Stress, Emotions, and Animal Welfare

• Behavioral indicators of stress and discomfort

• Relationship between emotions and behavior

• Human-animal relationship

• Attachment, communication, and interaction

• Impact of animal behavior on cohabitation

Module 2

Neurobiology of Behavior

• Introduction to the neurobiology of behavior

• Anatomy of the nervous system (with particular reference to structures that modulate emotional states, learning, and memory)

• Neurons and glia

• Synapses

• Neurotransmitters

• Neuropeptides

• Synaptic receptors

• Synaptic plasticity

• Mechanisms of synaptic integration

• Fine regulation of synaptic connections

• Cerebral regulatory systems

• Brainstem and reflex behavior

• Brainstem modulation of consciousness

• State of vigilance and arousal

• Homeostatic behavior

• Sleep

• Emotional states and feelings

• Motivational states

• Reward

• Learning and memory

Module 3

Behavioral Disorders

• Classification and main pathologies (anxiety, aggression, phobias, compulsive disorders, etc.)

• Inadequate behavior vs. pathological behavior

General and Comparative Animal Psychology:

• Habituation

• Sensitization

• Inhibition

• Instrumental conditioning

• Involution

• Phobic state (simple and complex)

• Anxious state: paroxysmal anxiety, intermittent anxiety, permanent anxiety, ritualizations, displacement activities

• Stereotypies

• Depressive state (acute and chronic)

• Dysthymic state: unipolar dysthymia; bipolar dysthymia

Displacement Activities:

• Displacement activities

• Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)

• Differences between displacement activities and stereotypies

• Role of neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of displacement activities

• Behavioral conditions that may include stereotypic behaviors but are not OCD (boredom, attention-seeking behaviors, anxiety)

• OCD as a derivation of anxiety-related disorders

• Stereotypies observed in large animals, dogs, and cats

• Specific conditions that may fall under an OCD diagnosis (eating disorders—ingestion, sucking and chewing tissues—pica—coprophagia—feline hyperesthesia, excessive self-grooming and self-mutilation—masturbation—lick granuloma/acral lick dermatitis)

• OCD and heredity

Intervention Methodologies:

• Behavioral modification

• Environmental management

• Integrated clinical-ethological approach

Module 4

Differential Diagnosis with Endocrine Issues

Module 5

Basic Behavioral Pharmacology

• Behavioral Therapy: Main drugs used in behavioral therapy

 

The course is important for veterinary medicine students as it provides a deep understanding of how animals interact with their environment and with each other. This knowledge is crucial for a complete and effective veterinary practice.

Here are the main benefits of the course:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Behavioral Disorders: One of the most direct benefits is the ability to recognize, diagnose, and treat behavioral disorders in companion and farm animals. Problems like aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, stereotypies, and destructive behaviors are common and can significantly impact the animals' quality of life and their relationship with their owners. The course provides the foundation to understand underlying causes (genetic, environmental, hormonal) and to formulate appropriate therapeutic plans, which may include environmental modifications, behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, pharmacological interventions.
• Improving Animal Welfare: Knowledge of ethology allows future veterinarians to evaluate and improve the welfare of animals under their care. Understanding a species' behavioral needs means being able to design more suitable environments, reduce stress in clinical situations (veterinary visits, hospitalization), and prevent the development of abnormal behaviors linked to inadequate housing conditions. This is particularly relevant for farm animals, where welfare can also influence productivity.
• Holistic Approach to Animal Health: Behavior is closely linked to physical health. Often, changes in behavior are the first signs of an underlying pathology (e.g., pain, neurological problems, hormonal imbalances). The course teaches students to interpret these signs, integrating behavioral observation into differential diagnosis. A veterinarian who understands behavior will be able to grasp nuances that others might overlook, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatments.
• Animal Management and Safety: Understanding animal behavior is essential for the safety of the veterinarian during animal handling and examination. Knowing how to read an animal's body language allows for anticipating reactions, reducing stress during procedures, and preventing accidents. This is especially true for species with aggressive potential.
• Owner Counseling: Veterinarians are often called upon to advise owners on issues related to their animals' behavior. The course provides the skills to offer evidence-based counseling, helping owners understand their animals' behaviors, manage them appropriately, and build a positive relationship. This includes advice on puppy training, socialization, and preventing behavioral problems.
• Research and Development: For students interested in research, the course offers the foundation to conduct studies on animal behavior, thus contributing to the advancement of knowledge in ethology, behavioral neuroscience, and animal welfare.

In summary, the animal behavior course transforms the future veterinarian from a simple body physician to a professional capable of understanding the animal in its entirety, considering not only its physiology and pathology but also its psyche and its interactions with the environment. This holistic vision is indispensable for addressing the challenges of modern veterinary medicine.

Readings/Bibliography

Verga M., Carenzi C.  - IL COMPORTAMENTO DEGLI ANIMALI DOMESTICI: INTRODUZIONE ALLO STUDIO DELLA ETOLOGIA ZOOTECNICA Bologna, Edagricole

Julie K. Shaw, Debbie Martin - Educazione e comportamento del cane e del gatto. Manuale teorico-pratico - Casa editrice Ambrosiana

P Pageat - PATOLOGIA COMPORTAMENTALE DEL CANE - Point Veterinaire Italie

KL Overall - LA CLINICA COMPORTAMENTALE DEL CANE E DEL GATTO  Ed . italiana a cura di Maria Cristina Osella C.G . Edizioni Medico Scientifiche

DF Horwitz , DS. Mills , S Heath - TERAPIA COMPORTAMENTALE DEL CANE E DEL GATTO  - Edizione italiana a cura di AISEAB (Associazione Italiana Specialisti in Etologia Applicata e Benessere Animale ) UTET , Torino

Colangeli R.- Giussani S. MEDICINA COMPORTAMENTALE DEL CANE E DEL GATTO  Ed . Poletto

Dodman N. H., Shuster L  - FARMACOLOGIA COMPORTAMENTALE VETERINARIA Edizione italiana a cura di E Monti e PV. Molinario Coedizione Masson /Edizioni Veterinarie

Crowell Davis Sharon, Murray Thomas - PSICOFARMACOLOGIA VETERINARIA, Edizione italiana a cura di C. Beretta e M. Cavalli. Editore EMSI

Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine” 8° edizione edito da Stephen J. Ettinger & Edward C. Feldman & Etienne Cote. Elsevier St Luis 2017

Teaching methods

Theoretical lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, practical activities

Assessment methods

The learning's assessment is through a final exam which ensures the achievement of the educational objectives and the acquisition of knowledge occurred in the program of the course.

 

The final grade is originated by the student's demonstration to have acquired the knowledges and skills required and the ability to link between the various themes as well as the possession of a mastery of expression and a specific language of the subjects.

 

For students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities, we recommend contacting the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti). This office will propose suitable accommodations to interested students. Please note that any proposed adaptations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days beforehand. The instructor will then evaluate their suitability, considering the course's learning objectives.

The obtained valuation has no time limits of validity.

 

The verbalization can occur in absence of the student.

 

The examination, in addition to the dates published on AlmaEsami (https://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/welcome.htm) can be supported at any time by appointment with the teachers.

Teaching tools

Projector, PC, laboratory, microscope

Office hours

See the website of Pier Attilio Accorsi

See the website of Cristiano Bombardi

See the website of Federico Fracassi