Consider the domestic cat, a master of concealment. In the wild, showing weakness invites predation. Consequently, a cat with early stage chronic kidney disease does not limp or cry; it hides under the bed, stops grooming, or suddenly urinates outside the litter box. To an untrained eye, these are "behavioral problems." To a veterinary scientist trained in behavior, these are clinical signs .
Centers on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Experts in this field focus on healing diseases and performing surgeries. Animal Scientists/Behaviorists: Consider the domestic cat, a master of concealment
When a patient presents with a behavioral complaint (e.g., aggression, house soiling), veterinarians use the AFIRM approach: Consider the domestic cat