Behavioral and Stress-Related Illnesses in Pets and Production Animals MTA
Understanding how stress contributes to disease and practical interventions to improve health and productivity

About this book:

This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate relationship between stress and illness in both companion and production animals, offering invaluable insights for pet owners, veterinarians, and agricultural professionals alike. It meticulously explores the biological underpinnings of stress, from neuroendocrine responses to immune system suppression, revealing how chronic duress manifests in a wide array of behavioral and physical disorders. From feline idiopathic cystitis to canine anxiety, and mastitis to metabolic issues in livestock, readers will discover how environmental, psychological, and social stressors directly compromise animal health and productivity.

Beyond diagnosis, the book provides a robust framework for practical, evidence-based interventions. Chapters are dedicated to optimizing housing design and environmental enrichment for both domestic and agricultural settings, implementing gentle handling techniques, strategizing social management, and employing nutritional aids for stress mitigation. Additionally, it details advanced assessment and biomonitoring tools, including cutting-edge hair cortisol analysis, and outlines the judicious use of pharmacological and natural aids. Ultimately, this book champions a multi-factorial intervention approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human health, and environmental sustainability through the "One Welfare" lens, empowering readers to create healthier, more resilient lives for all animals under their care.

What You'll Find Inside:

• The biological mechanisms of the HPA and SAM systems and how chronic activation leads to immunosuppression and disease.
• Specific behavioral indicators of stress in companion animals, such as separation anxiety, phobias, and compulsive grooming.
• The impact of environmental and social stressors on production animals, including the consequences for milk yield, growth, and reproduction.
• Practical interventions for stress reduction through housing design, sensory enrichment, and low-stress handling techniques.
• The 'One Welfare' approach, which links animal health and welfare to human well-being and environmental sustainability.

Who's It For:

This book is intended for veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and agricultural producers seeking to bridge the gap between animal psychology and physical health. It is also an invaluable resource for dedicated pet owners and livestock managers who want to implement evidence-based strategies to improve the resilience and productivity of the animals in their care. Policy-makers and animal welfare advocates will find the 'One Welfare' framework particularly useful for developing sustainable ethical practices.