Clinical ethology—the study of animal behavior in a veterinary context—has shifted from a niche interest to a core component of general practice. This change is driven by the understanding that a "healthy" animal is not merely one free of disease, but one that is mentally stimulated and emotionally stable.
: Understanding species-typical cues—such as a dog's subtle lip curl or a horse's ear position—allows veterinarians to handle patients more humanely and safely, reducing stress for both the animal and the practitioner. zooskool horse ultimate animal full