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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver, ACVB Executive Director
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Texas A&M University
4474 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
®
Telephone (979) 845-2351
Fax (979) 845-6978
E-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
February 11, 2011
Here is the most current copy of the ACVB Applicant's Packet which provides
information relative to the process of becoming certified by the American College of
Veterinary Behaviorists. Section 1 contains information about the evaluation of training
programs. Section 2 discusses the necessary information about case reports. The third
section covers the application for examination, including general information, application
forms, scientific publications, and letters of evaluation. The fourth section should be
helpful in preparation for examination by including a listing of areas of general
knowledge, a suggested reading list, and model study programs used by successful
candidates. The last three sections include the ACVB appeals procedure, fee structure,
and relative parts of the Constitution and By-Laws.
You need to read this material CAREFULLY. It will be important when submitting
materials to ACVB that the most current instructions are followed, so contact ACVB to
be sure that you are working with the most current information. Only current ACVB
Diplomates, individuals who are registered in approved residency programs, and
persons registered in nonconforming training programs will receive updated versions of
the ACVB Applicant’s Packet. The major change in this version of the ACVB
Applicant’s Packet has to do with the timing of submission of case reports. Please
check out that section of the Packet.
Individuals interested in becoming board certified in behavior should start by registering
with ACVB once they have been accepted into a residency program or found a mentor
for their nonconforming training program. It is strongly recommended that proposed
nonconforming programs be submitted for approval early in the process to prevent
delays later. Case reports must be submitted by November first of the year prior to the
examination, but there is also a rewritable option for Case Report One described.
When your residency is near completion and you are wanting to sit for the next
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examination, all materials must be in the office no later than March first of the year of
the examination. If you are in a nonconforming program, your program must be
completed and have final approval prior to your being able to apply to sit the
examination. Those completed program materials for nonconforming programs must be
in the office no later than October first of the year prior to the examination. Please note
that it is the applicant's responsibility to see that everything (including the letters of
evaluation) are complete, correct, and in the ACVB Executive Director's office by
appropriate deadlines. The applicant's credentials will be rejected if any part of the
materials, including the letters of evaluation, do not arrive by the due date.
If there are any questions, you are encouraged to have the matter clarified, in writing, as
soon as possible. Individuals nearing the conclusion of nonconforming training
programs are encouraged to contact the Executive Director for suggestions that may be
helpful for submitting materials.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter of Introduction…pg 1
Table of Contents…pg 3
1. Training Program Information…pg 4
a. General Objectives of a Training Program
b. Supervised Training – The Definition
c. Instructions for Applicants from Conforming Residency Programs
d. Guidelines for Nonconforming Training Programs
e. Tips for Nonconforming Training Program Applications
f. Instructions for Applicants from Nonconforming Training Programs
g. Credentialing Checklist for Individuals completing their Nonconforming
Programs
h. Example Case Logbook
2. Case Report Information…pg 22
a. Instructions for Case Reports
b. Format of Case Reports
c. Submission of Case Reports
d. Evaluation of Case Reports
e. Example Case Reports
3. Examination Application…pg 52
a. Application Information
b. Resubmission of Credentials following Rejection of the Application
c. Submission of Application for Examination Materials
d. Evaluation Procedure for Applications for Examination
e. Requirements for Taking the Examination
f. Scientific Publications
4. Preparation for Examination…pg 62
a. Suggested Reading List
5. ACVB Appeals Procedure…pg 67
6. ACVB Fee Structure…pg 69
7. ACVB By-Laws Pertaining to Training…pg 71
8. Forms…pg 75
a. Registration Form
b. Application for Examination Form
c. Applicant Evaluation Form
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
TRAINING PROGRAM INFORMATION
Individuals who are interested in becoming board certified in the American
College of Veterinary Behaviorist must first have their training programs accepted. For
individuals in Conforming Behavioral Residency Programs it is only a matter of
submitting the completed form, appropriate fees, and letter from the supervising ACVB
Diplomate. Those who are doing or going to do a nonconforming program have
additional requirements as noted in the following pages and in the ACVB By-Laws.
It is the responsibility of the APPLICANT to be sure that you have the most
recent form of this application information packet. This section of information is to help
you determine what qualifications must be met for an applicant's credentials to be
considered acceptable by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. If you have
any questions, please send them IN WRITING to the ACVB Executive Director as
indicated below.
Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists:
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
Executive Director, ACVB
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
Phone: (979) 845-2351
Fax: (979) 845-6978
e-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF A TRAINING PROGRAM
Objectives of advanced training in animal behavior help define the specialty and
the educational requirements. They also become the basis on which examinations are
developed. It would be expected that a behaviorist should:
1.
Have a good understanding of the species-typical behaviors of each of the major
domestic animal species (such as cats, cattle, dogs, horses, and swine); major
laboratory animal species (such as rhesus monkeys, mice, and rabbits); and pet
and production birds (such as Psittacines and poultry).
2.
Be familiar with the general species-typical behaviors of other domestic animals
(such as goats, sheep, and llamas); the primary wild relative of major domestic
animal species; other laboratory animals (such as chimpanzees, baboons,
ferrets, guinea pigs, and hamsters); and primary animal families kept in
zoological parks.
3.
Be familiar with anatomical and physiological aspects of the endocrine and
central nervous systems associated with behavior and with the clinical
techniques for assessing the associated functions.
4.
Be familiar with the major types of behavior problems and know the current
hypotheses as to etiology, diagnosis, and treatments for each.
5.
Be familiar with learning development and motivational affect.
6.
Be able to work up and evaluate behavior cases of individuals and groups, both
with and without underlying medical conditions, establish the diagnoses, and set
forth an appropriate treatment regimen.
7.
Be familiar with methods for objectively measuring behavior, including the
strengths and weaknesses of each.
8.
Be familiar with the basic principles of behavior modification, ethology, and
sociobiology.
9.
Be able to critically evaluate behavioral information for validity, reliability,
accuracy, and scientific method.
10.
Be familiar with concepts of behavioral enrichment for domestic, laboratory, and
exotic animal species.
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11.
Be knowledgeable in pharmacology and mechanisms of drug action as they
relate to behavior and neurophysiology.
12.
Be aware of behavioral issues of public concern, including but not limited to
animal control, animal use, animal rights/animal welfare, and laws regulating
animals proposed and passed at the national, state, and local levels.
13.
Be familiar with various aspects of the human-animal bond including the grieving
process associated with pet loss.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
SUPERVISED TRAINING – THE DEFINITION
Article VI (Residency Programs) Section 1b) Case Load states: “…The resident
should have primary responsibility for cases, including receiving, diagnosis,
management, client communication, and case follow-up…”
As part of the learning process, individuals should observe an ACVB diplomate
progress through behavior cases, and these cases can count toward the individual’s
case load. However, even if observing an ACVB diplomate as part of the case load, the
individual in training MUST have primary responsibility for the case and be at least
responsible for client communication and case follow-up. Without these components,
the case cannot count as part of the candidate’s case load. If there are multiple
individuals present for the observed case, only one individual can have primary
responsibility for the case so that case can not be counted toward the case load of other
observers.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
FROM CONFORMING RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
Specific requirements for a conforming program in animal behavior are included
in ARTICLE VI, Section 1 of the By-Laws of the American College of Veterinary
Behaviorists, a copy of which is included in this information packet. It shall be the
obligation of the applicant to provide proof by letter from the resident advisor that he/she
is a resident in an ACVB recognized conforming behavioral residency program.
Individuals beginning an ACVB recognized conforming program should register
with the ACVB near the beginning of the program using the appropriate form. This
application form should be accompanied by one hundred dollars ($100.00) in United
States funds. No refunds will be made if the application is rejected. Subsequent
applications must be accompanied by seventy-five dollars ($75.00) in United States
funds.
Submission of an application to sit the examination, evidence of a scientific
publication, and letters of evaluation should not be submitted earlier than October of
the second year of a 2-year residency or in the third year of a 3-year residency. Case
reports must be submitted prior to the application for examination as detailed in section
2 of this ACVB Applicant’s Packet.
Note: Current residency programs which have been approved by the ACVB as meeting
training criteria: University of California-Davis, Cornell University,
University of Georgia-Athens, University of Minnesota, University of
Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, Purdue University, Texas A&M University,
and Tufts University
Note: The appeals process is limited to the review of due process. The purpose is to
ensure that the appealing individual has been treated in accordance with
all policies and procedures of the American College of Veterinary
Behaviorists and that no mathematical errors have been made in scoring.
The appeals process is not intended to regrade case reports or
examinations.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
GUIDELINES FOR NONCONFORMING TRAINING PROGRAMS
These guidelines have been developed with the intent of helping both mentors
and individuals undertaking a nonconforming program establish a successful program.
The Constitution and By-Laws of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists are
the official documents by which these programs are evaluated.
1.
Choosing a mentoree - Individuals should be chosen on the basis of
background and commitment to finish a nonconforming training program.
Evaluation should include curriculum vitae, as well as prior behavior
experience including courses taken, seminars attended, books read, and
articles read. Individuals should also have looked into the information provided
by ACVB and have begun to compile a program for submission. Self initiative
is very important.
2.
Choosing a mentor - The mentor should a board certified member of the
ACVB. Other considerations should include availability and commitment of
mentor. It is up to the individual to find an ACVB diplomate who is willing to
serve as their mentor. One ACVB diplomate will serve as the mentor;
although, the mentoree may include periods of training under the guidance of
others.
3.
Financial arrangements - The task of properly supervising an individual
through a nonconforming program involves significant time and resources.
The compensation to the mentor for this service may vary widely based upon
the specific situation of the mentor. A financial arrangement should be
established and documented.
4.
Duration of program - The length of the program will vary between individuals,
based upon many factors. However, most of the nonconforming programs take
several years to complete. It is suggested that the individual and mentor
create a reasonable expectation of when the training program will commence
and end.
5.
Supervision - An ongoing relationship must be established between the
individual and the mentor, and both individuals must be committed to
continuing the relationship. Erratic supervision will not be tolerated. It is
expected that the supervision will be more intensive at the outset of the
program at a time when the student requires the most guidance.
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6.
Case load - The following guidelines for case supervision in a predominantly
small animal program have been created to help guide both the individual and
mentor in establishing a successful program. They parallel that which would
occur in a conforming residency program. Programs that have their
predominant focus on a different groups of animals (such as predominantly
large animal or laboratory animal) must also document how they meet a
minimum of 2600 hours with adequate supervision; although, the numbers and
types of cases seen could be significantly different.
In a primarily small animal program, the individual would be expected to see an
estimated minimum of 400 total cases. (This is based upon the minimum of
2600 hours and estimating 6.5 hours per case including follow-up contacts,
letters to referring veterinarians, and other record keeping. If less time is spent
on each case, then more cases will be necessary to meet the 2600 hour
minimum.)
a.
Cases #1-25 - The first 25 cases seen in the program must have a ACVB
diplomate in attendance during the case. Initially the individual may be an
observer of the ACVB diplomateand then gradually progress into the role
of the lead clinician with the ACVB diplomate as an observer.
1) If additional cases are seen during this period without an ACVB
diplomate in attendance, they will not be considered eligible for the
program.
2) If the individual is observing an ACVB diplomate as part of his/her case
load, the non-conforming individual must have primary
responsibility for the case. Primary responsibility means that the
individual is involved in case management with the ACVB
diplomate and be at least responsible for client communication and
case follow-up. If multiple non-conforming individuals are
observing a case, only one individual can be considered as having
primary responsibility.
b.
Cases #26-75 - An ACVB diplomate must directly supervise at least 25 of
the next 50 cases. In the remaining half (n=25) of these cases, an ACVB
diplomate needs to review the cases within 48 hours of the consultation.
This review of the case can be done in a variety of manners, including by
fax, e-mail, phone, or direct observation.
c.
Cases #75-150 - Although an ACVB diplomate is not required to be in
attendance during the consultation, a thorough review of the case must be
completed by an ACVB diplomate in a timely manner. This review of the
case can be done in a variety of manners, including by fax, e-mail, phone,
or direct observation. The more expedient the review by the ACVB
diplomate, the better. The diplomate needs to commit to performing the
review within seven (7) days of the actual consultation.
1)
If an ACVB diplomate does not review the individual cases in a
timely manner (within 7 days of the consultation) then these cases
would not be considered eligible for the program.
2)
Exceptions to the 7-day review may be made for things such as
vacations or illness.
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3)
4)
If the 7-day review is repeatedly violated, the diplomate and
individual need to examine other options for successfully
completing the review within the 7-day window.
It is also suggested that during this phase of the nonconforming
program that an ACVB diplomate makes him/herself readily
available for guidance with difficult cases.
d.
Cases #151-400+ - The remaining cases can be reviewed on a weekly or
monthly basis by an ACVB diplomate depending upon the individual’s
progress. An ACVB diplomate still needs to provide adequate support
and guidance during this phase of the program.
e.
Case follow-up - The individual should attempt to obtain follow-up on all
cases as this provides some of the most important feedback regarding
treatment recommendations. A minimum of 60% of the cases eligible for
inclusion in the program should have documented follow-up with the
client.
f.
Ultimately all cases must be reviewed by an ACVB diplomate before the
case is eligible to be counted towards completion of the program. It is the
responsibility of the individual to keep an accurate log that includes case
signalment, date, supervision, diagnosis and follow up (see the example
on the next to the last page of this section). The mentor should be
prepared to verify that the cases were supervised as documented by the
individual.
7.
Case diversity - It will be up to the individual to be sure to fulfill the
requirements for diversity of species. The mentor may help to set this up and
see that it is accomplished.
8.
Individuals shall also be responsible for taking courses, reading, or finding
other ways to fulfill the ACVB requirements of core knowledge as stated in the
By-Laws.
9.
It will be the responsibility of the individual to keep a log of books and articles
read, seminars attended, and academic courses completed.
10.
Individuals will be expected to attend at least one (1) major behavioral meeting
per year, such as the ACVB-AVSAB scientific paper session, held in
conjunction with the AVMA meeting. Attendance should be noted in
submission materials for approval of the completed program.
11.
The individual will be expected to have publish a research-based scientific
paper in the field of behavior as stated in the ACVB By-Laws. The mentor will
be expected to provide guidance and support in the establishment of a
research project.
12.
The giving of lectures, continuing education seminars, and research
presentations is expected.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
TIPS FOR NONCONFORMING TRAINING PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
This document is meant to be an aid for those individuals preparing programs for
consideration as non-conforming training program. It is not meant to replace the Bylaws of the ACVB or the most recent published guidelines. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to learn which guidelines are the most recent and will be used to evaluate
their application. In addition to reviewing the college By-laws and guidelines, applicants
are encouraged to have their ACVB mentor carefully review their application prior to
submission.
When writing the application the document needs to fully detail for the reviewers
everything regarding past, present and future plans to gain the necessary experience to
be eligible to apply for examination by the ACVB. The applicant should assume that
the reviewers know absolutely nothing about them as an individual or how any
particular behavioral practice/institution functions. The application should be
concise, but provide detailed information in a clear, meaningful manner. Although
specific plans may be subject to change, it is necessary to have detailed information in
order to assess the program.
The applicant is strongly encouraged to submit the proposed program as early in the
training process as possible, preferably before beginning the program. At completion of
the training process the applicant will submit documentation of how the program
objectives were met. If the proposed program is approved, completed with no
alterations and everything is properly documented, the completed program will pass.
However, in many non-conforming programs, unexpected events occur that necessitate
alterations to the training program. In this case, the trainee will need to provide
documentation about how these alterations met the approved program objectives.
Since the people who review the proposed submission and those who review the
completed program may not necessarily the same people, the applicant should
ALWAYS submit a copy of the accepted proposed program along with the completed
program. To make things very clear for the reviewers, the applicant should highlight
anything that varied from the accepted, proposed program. Using italics, colored ink,
etc. can make this very clear.
Proper documentation:
Every supervised experience should be described in enough detail for the reviewers to
adequately assess the experience. Specific information should include date/time spent
in the training experience, a summary of what type of training/experiences is/are
planned/occurred and any other pertinent information. This should be included in both
the proposed and completed programs.
Every experience should have some type of documentation that is signed by the person
supervising the experience or a certificate/transcript that confirms that said training was
completed as submitted. See specific sections below for examples of how this may be
accomplished.
Listed below is information that needs to be included for the reviewers to assess the
application. Since each program is unique, this list may not be inclusive for all
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programs. However, the intent is to provide the applicant with a good starting point and
examples of the type of information that is needed. If you have questions, refer back to
the By-laws and guidelines within the most recent version of theACVB Applicant’s
Packet or contact the Executive Director of the ACVB.

Only those possessing a doctorate of veterinary medicine (VMD, DVM) or its
equivalent are eligible for consideration. Provide a list of all higher education
completed including degrees earned, institution where degree was obtained and
dates when completed. Some official documentation of the applicant’s status as
a veterinarian is required; this may be submitted in the form of a diploma or proof
of veterinary licensure.

Applicants must have completed a one year veterinary internship or have at least
one year of experience practicing veterinary medicine that is equivalent to an
internship. This must be documented in the application, including dates, full- or
part-time status and practice information.

One of the following criteria must be met for consideration; applicants should
describe how they meet that criterion:
o at least 24 months of full-time training or equivalent in veterinary behavior
under the direct supervision of at least one diplomate of the ACVB. The
24 months may occur as a full-time endeavor (e.g. 2 years exclusive fulltime behavioral training) or as a part-time endeavor (e.g. 6 months/year x
4 years; 4 months/year x 8 years, etc.) The applicant should outline how
they intend to complete the equivalent of the 24 months of training—a time
line should be provided with estimated target dates of completion. If
selecting this option the applicant must identify at least one ACVB
diplomate willing to serve as their mentor. The mentor(s) should write a
letter to that effect and it should be included in the application.
PLEASE NOTE: the minimum requirement of 24 months of behavioral
training is most appropriate for those entering the training program with
advanced behavioral experience (e.g. MS or PhD in a behavior discipline);
candidates without this type of background will need to demonstrate the
equivalent of 36 months of full-time training under the supervision of a(n)
ACVB diplomate(s).

A Diplomate of the ACVB must conduct a regular review of cases. Note that this
means that the applicant can meet this requirement by seeing cases with more
than one Diplomate. However, the applicant must have primary responsibility for
all cases included as part of their case load. Because the initial phase of the
training program is important for establishing your techniques of seeing cases, it
is expected that your mentor-Diplomate review the case approach of the first 75
cases even if you see those cases with another Diplomate. Keep records of all
cases seen and include the name of the Diplomate who reviewed the case and
how the case was reviewed (present at consultation, remote review). For cases
that are not seen with the Diplomate in attendance, a time line for review of each
individual case should be documented (e.g. case reviewed within 24 hours).
Until you satisfy the oversight requirements, no cases that you see outside those
requirements can count towards the total number of cases/hours required for
your non-conforming program. Only include those cases in your application that
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meet the requirements. The minimum review requirements of cases are outlined
below. Support your application for each of these steps with details on how you
intend to accomplish the requirement. This is especially pertinent for training
programs where the mentor and applicant are not in the same location. For
example: Diplomate X will fly to location Z and spend one week supervising
approximately 10 cases in the months of May, June, and July. Specific
requirements include the following:
o Will an ACVB Diplomate be in attendance for the first 25 cases?
o Will an ACVB Diplomate be in attendance for at least 50% of the next 50
cases?
o Will an ACVB Diplomate review the first 75 cases seen by you alone
within 48 hours of consultation?
o Will an ACVB Diplomate review cases 76-150 within 7 days of
consultation?
o Will an ACVB Diplomate review the remaining cases seen on a routine
basis (document how you intend to accomplish this)?
o Will you be following up on cases and reviewing the follow up with an
ACVB Diplomate?
o How will you document the review of cases? At the completion of the
program when materials are submitted the reviewers will need to see this
detail in order to assess if the requirements were met.

Is your specific behavior related background/education sufficient and current?
Have you received sufficient training in the following subjects: developmental,
ethological, genetic, learning theory-based, neurological, neuroscientific,
neurosurgical, physiological, psychological, psychopharmacological and
sociobiological determinants of behavior?
To document adequate training, you must list:
 Courses by title, department, university and numbering scheme. Attach an
explanation of the numbering scheme. For example: Courses with the numbers
400 and above are graduate courses at University X
 Course description—this should be 1-2 paragraphs and can be the official course
description
 Dates of attendance or expected dates of attendance
 Credits and credit units (please attach and explanation of the credit systems
used), even if audited
 Please be explicit and address documentation for each of the above parts
separately. If you have had prior formal training in clinical behavior, applied
behavioral ethology and/or any form of behavioral research, please explicitly list
and quantify these aspects by topic, year, duration and type of experience.
Submit transcripts where applicable.
Does your program provide for primary case management of patients as part of your
clinical training in behavioral therapy? Support your YES answer with actual data on
the structure of your program and the proposed management of cases, including
breakdown of effort in terms of time and specific duties if cases are shared or overseen
(e.g. you wrote discharge instructions for all shared cases, etc.). This may be included
as part of your case log.
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Is the facility where you are to execute your training able to provide a case load allowing
you to have a minimum of 2,600 hours of exposure? Support your YES answer with the
actual number of cases, hours/case, frequency of cases, initial versus re-examination of
cases that you plan to manage. Information about the region where you intend to draw
your caseload may also be helpful.
Will your program provide adequate species diversity? Training programs restricted to
one or two species (for example, dogs and cats) are unacceptable, as are programs
that focus on only one type of problem (e.g. canine aggression, feline elimination).
Training programs should include a range of species/problems/diagnoses. If your
program is primarily focused on companion animals (such as dogs and cats), you must
have at least one week of clinical (laboratory, interactive lab, or case) experience for
each of the following:
 Equine
 Food and range animals
 Birds, exotics, pocket pets, special species
 Zoo animals
 Laboratory animals (e.g. in a university, industry or NIH setting)
This experience can be met by intensive interactive laboratory/clinical courses as well
as participating in clinical rotations in these fields. If these experiences are to occur
under the supervision of a person who is not a diplomate of the ACVB, the candidate
must provide information on the supervisor’s credentials and experiences. All proposed
experiences should be provided in a written format. If the proposed experience is not
an established course, a signed letter of understanding/intent regarding the experience
should be included in the application. At the final program submission completed
experiences need to be documented including dates/hours.
Note: Although remote consultations with veterinarians in which you give advice on how
they should handle their behavior cases are an important part of your clinical
experience, they do not count towards your caseload requirement.
Note: The ACVB has a policy statement against primary fax/ telephone/ internet
consultations with clients unless there is an already established veterinarian-clientpatient relationship. However, follow up may be done by remote consultation.
Will patient care and case work-up constitute 65-75% of your training?
Minimally a case log should include:
 Patient name
 Appointment date
 Appointment location
 Species
 Diagnosis
 Mentor supervision of case
 Follow up contact
 Summary page with number of cases seen by species/diagnosis
Will you plan on attending behavior rounds, seminars and/or journal club minimally 4
times per year as part of your training? To support your answer of YES, please provide
information on frequency, duration and type of exposure for each of these presentation
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formats (e.g. weekly rounds for cases at 2hr/week x 50 weeks, weekly biological basis
of behavior seminar series at 1hr/week x 8 weeks, etc.). It is expected that this
experience is in addition to your regular review of cases with your mentor.
Will you have adequate teaching experience? Will you be able to conduct clinical
specialty rounds, give presentations to colleagues, or teach veterinary students? For
each of these types of teaching please support your answer of YES with specific
information on length, content and frequency of each type of teaching experience.
Include a reading log that outlines books and seminal articles read to meet the specific
educational objectives of your program. This log should be organized by subject area
(e.g. ethology, psychopharmacology, equine behavior, etc.)
Is a suitable research project that has been reviewed by your mentor proposed as part
of your training program? Please attach the proposal. As a reminder, a suitable
published original research paper must be submitted as part of your application to sit
ACVB Boards. Information about the research project need not be submitted with the
program application. However, you will need to state that this requirement will be met
as part of your training program.
Note: This proposal and your original, senior-authored publication MUST be your own
work. This means that you must have contributed in the following ways:
 You were involved with collecting and/or collating the data.
 You were involved with the data analysis.
 You wrote all or the majority of the paper.
Will you be able to attend at least one national or international veterinary behavior
meeting per year of your training? Support your answer of YES with a list and schedule
of meetings you plan on attending during your training. Your final program must list the
meetings you went to and actual lectures you attended.
If you cannot answer “YES” for any of the above questions, your application will likely be
rejected. It is your responsibility to ensure that the reviewer can easily classify their
assessment of the above aspects of your program. The reviewers have the following
choices for response to evaluate each of the areas previously enumerated: YES; NO;
Insufficient information. If the reviewer is not certain of your response, they must select
“insufficient information”. Your application will then be rejected until you can redress its
inadequacies. If your program is rejected, you will be provided with detailed concerns
that must be addressed before it can be accepted. When you re-submit your program
you should:
Return the original rejected program
Attach a copy of the letter from the Executive Director outlining the deficiencies
Attach the revised program
All correspondence about your program and any level of evaluation must go through the
Executive Director only. It is the applicant’s responsibility to insure that the Executive
Director has the applicant’s current contact information.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
FROM NONCONFORMING TRAINING PROGRAMS
Specific requirements for nonconforming programs in animal behavior are
included in ARTICLE VI, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the American College of
Veterinary Behaviorists, a copy of which is included in this information packet.
Individuals intending to start a nonconforming program must register their
intentions with the ACVB on the appropriate form. This registration of intent to begin a
nonconforming program must be accompanied by a letter from the ACVB diplomate
who will be mentoring the training and by a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) in
United States funds. It shall be the obligation of the applicant to provide proof by letter
from the mentoring advisor that he/she has agreed to mentor the applicant. The funds
enclosed also cover the individuals first submission of materials for training program
approval and for first submission of the completed program materials. No refunds will be
made if the application is rejected or the individual decides not to continue toward
certification. Second and subsequent applications for reevaluation after alteration must
be accompanied by seventy-five dollars ($75.00) in United States funds.
Detailed materials (ten (10) copies) about the intended training program should
be submitted to ACVB as early in the program as possible. An early request for review
of the intended program will allow the maximum opportunity to meet the requirements of
a recognized program. Specific and detailed information about the program and how it
will meet the requirements of the Guidelines for Nonconforming Behavioral Training
Programs, as defined in the ACVB By-Laws is necessary. The burden of proof that
the applicant's program meets the ACVB requirements lies with the applicant. It
is expected that each item will be discussed and documented in detail to ensure that the
program meets the guidelines and is the equivalent of a conforming residency program.
For the initial submission of the intended program, the materials submitted
should describe how the individual intends to meet the criteria below. The following is
not an all inclusive list but is given here to help individuals who have an interest in
applying.
1.
The applicant should submit a detailed list of courses he/she will be
following that are applicable to the field of applied animal behavior. The
list should include academic institution of study, course name, content,
and required readings.
a.
If advanced degrees will be or have been earned, they should be
listed and documented.
b.
If the applicant has earned certification from another veterinary
specialty group, that should be listed and documented how that
was achieved.
17
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The goal is for the applicant to show how they plan to achieve
competence in the areas of study listed in the ACVB By-Laws.
a.
If a program of self-study is used, then the applicant bears the
burden of proof.
b.
The applicant must include a list of books to be read, journals and
articles utilized, and seminars they plan to attend to achieve the
appropriate education.
c.
Listings of seminars attended should include speaker and topic in
the final submission.
The applicant should describe the relationship of the mentor to the various
cases seen.
a.
It is expected that at least the first 150 behavior cases seen by
the individual in a nonconforming program receive timely feedback
from the mentor, ideally within 7 days of the examination. Included
in this is the requirement that the first 25 behavior cases must be
seen with the ACVB mentor present, and 25 of the next 50 cases
be seen under direct supervision of the mentor.
The initial application should include a description of the types of cases
and species that are expected to be seen and why this is anticipated. In
the final submission, the applicant should include a detailed listing of
behavior case load organized in the following manner:
a.
Listing by species with a total number of cases for each species
seen by the applicant.
b.
This list should be divided by year so that the amount of time the
applicant has been in behavior practice can be evaluated.
c.
The total number of cases for each species, for each year, divided
into diagnosis should be given as a summary table. An example
summary table for canine and feline cases is given on the last page
of this section. Please note that spreadsheets and raw data
tabulations are not acceptable but are useful to develop the
information needed to create a summary table. An example log
sheet for raw data collection is included as the next to the last page
of this section.
d.
The percentage of cases in which follow-up information was
obtained and how that information was obtained, for each year that
this information is listed.
e.
An approximation of time spent on each case for initial
consultations and follow-ups.
f.
Where the consultation took place (i.e. office visit, home visit, and
telephone consultation)
g.
Time spent in consultation with veterinarians on behavior issues
and cases.
If the applicant will experience a limited number of species in clinical
cases, the program should show how information and competency will be
achieved in other species. For example, if the applicant sees only canine
and feline cases, how will the applicant learned about laboratory animals,
zoo animals, and large animal behavior problems?
In the area of teaching and education of others, the applicant should list all
seminars and presentations made to veterinarians, veterinary technicians,
18
7.
8.
and the public, they expect to make. The final version should also include
dates, locations, and the topic presented.
Initially the applicant should describe what national meetings he/she
expects to attend. At the end, attendance at national behavior meetings
should be documented.
The applicant should be able to show
participation in the field.
At the expected completion of a nonconforming program, the applicant
shall submit ten (10) copies of materials that include the originally
accepted proposed program and a side-by-side detailed comparison of the
actual training program followed, noting variations from the proposed
program and how the specific ACVB requirement was met. It is important
to remember that Committee members reviewing the completed materials
will have little to no memory of what was originally proposed and must be
able to compare what was proposed with what was actually done.
Submission of the application to sit the examination, evidence of a scientific
publication, and letters of evaluation may not be submitted prior to the completion of the
training program as determined by ACVB. Individuals intending to apply for the
examination must have their completed training program materials to the office of the
ACVB Executive Director no later than October first of the preceding year. Case reports
must also be submitted prior to the application for examination according to the
schedule detailed in section 2 of this ACVB Applicant’s Packet.
Note: Candidates are encouraged to submit appropriate materials to the ACVB to have
their nonconforming program evaluated as soon as possible, preferable
prior to its beginning.
Deviations from the original approved
nonconforming program must also be reevaluated, including how they
impact the entire program. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all
appropriate information about program changes. ACVB reserves the
right to reject an applicant if the applicant has modified a previously
approved nonconforming program and that modification has not met
approval of the ACVB.
Note: The appeals process is limited to the review of due process. The purpose is to
ensure that the appealing individual has been treated in accordance with
all policies and procedures of the American College of Veterinary
Behaviorists and that no mathematical errors have been made in scoring.
The appeals process is not intended to regrade case reports or
examinations.
Note: Model pre- and post-nonconforming program submissions are available for a fee.
Please contact the Executive Director for more information.
19
CREDENTIALING CHECKLIST FOR
INDIVIDUALS COMPLETING THEIR NONCONFORMING PROGRAMS
For individuals whose training programs were nonconforming, the first step
toward becoming board certified in veterinary behavior is to submit complete information
about your completed training program, comparing it to what was submitted in the
tentatively approved proposed program. The material submitted for final approval will
need to verify that the proposed program was followed and elaborate on where
deviations occurred. In all cases, the materials must show that the program was
equivalent to what is expected in a conforming program. Please see the preceding
section and the ACVB By-Laws for specifics. Individuals can not apply to sit the
examination until final approval to the program has been given by ACVB. Ten copies of
all materials should be submitted. Materials submitted are expected to be very detailed
and should include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Detailed discussion of how the applicant's experience meets the two year
equivalency (see ACVB By-Laws, Article VI, Section 2). A two-year equivalency
would equate to approximately 2600 hours of time actually spent dealing with
behavior cases with not more than 650 hours in telephone consultation.
Detailed discussion about the applicant's academic background in veterinary
behavior.
a.
The broad background (ACVB By-Laws, Article VI) can be supported by
information about books and journals read, as well as general information
courses taken.
b.
Specific behavior-related course work (ACVB By-Laws, Article VI) should
include information about formal courses, readings, and/or descriptions of
mentors (including when and where). Grade transcripts may be included
to support this information.
Case load descriptions (ACVB By-Laws, Article VI) are expected to be detailed.
In addition to actual number of cases, the information should also be broken
down by the number of cases actually seen, number by client phone
consultation, and number by consultation with a veterinarian; by species; and by
diagnosis. Describe how follow-up information is obtained and which of the
above cases has follow-up data. Submission of a summary case log (example at
the end of this section), including follow-up contacts, is required.
Detailed information about seminars presented and seminars attended should be
included (ACVB By-Laws, Article VI).
There is no charge for applicants with tentatively approved programs when
submitting the first version of the completed program materials. Should the first
version not be approved, there is a $75.00 fee for resubmitting materials.
Submission of the application to sit the examination, evidence of a scientific
publication, and letters of evaluation may not be submitted prior to the completion of the
training program as determined by ACVB. Individuals intending to apply for the
examination must have their completed training program materials to the office of the
ACVB Executive Director no later than October first of the preceding year. Case reports
must also be submitted prior to the application for examination as detailed in section 2
of this ACVB Applicant’s Packet.
20
EXAMPLE CASE LOGBOOK FOR ANIMAL BEHAVIOR CASES
Species
Date
Case
Client
Patient
Age
Sex
21
Breed
Diagnosis
Date
mentor
reviewed
Followup
dates
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CASE REPORTS
Applicants are expected to file their case reports and have them accepted before
they submit the Application For Examination. As described below, rewritable case
report #1 is due May 1st in the year before the applicant expects to sit the exam, this is
an option for case report #1. All three case reports must be submitted by November 1
of the year prior in which the applicant intends to sit the examination. Please note,
there is a separate $200.00 case report fee that must be submitted with the first case
report.
PURPOSES OF THE CASE REPORTS
1.
To verify that you have been working in the area of veterinary behavior.
2.
To demonstrate your ability to use behavioral principles in the diagnosis and
treatment of behavior related situations.
3.
To display your ability to communicate behavioral observations and data to your
colleagues in a clear, concise, and organized manner.
4.
To display your ability to evaluate and make differential diagnoses related to
medical etiologies of behavioral disorders.
CASE SELECTION FOR CASE REPORTS
1.
Carefully select the cases you report. Cases submitted must represent patients
from a minimum of two (2) species. Each case must have a different major
diagnosis (i.e. you must present evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up
for at least three distinct behavioral problems, one each per case report
submitted.) Additional or co-morbid diagnoses are allowed, but do not count
towards the three distinct diagnosis quota. Each of the major diagnoses must be
from substantially different categories of behavior problems, e.g. fear of strangers
and fear of thunderstorms are both essentially problems of fear. One case would
therefore be excluded. Select cases that are sufficiently complicated to
demonstrate your ability to interpret and use medical and behavioral information.
Avoid overly complex cases or extremely straight-forward diagnoses or
therapies, no matter how interesting or complex the pathogenesis of the problem
may be. Remember, the objective of the report is to demonstrate your ability to
diagnose and manage animals with behavior problems, not to review the
scientific literature.
22
2.
The case reports must demonstrate your abilities in clinical behavioral medicine.
This includes thoroughness, logic and accuracy in assessment, diagnosis and
therapy as well as overall case management. All appropriate differential
diagnoses should be mentioned, followed by a description of the logic used to
arrive at the final diagnosis. Laboratory tests should be justified and abnormal
results discussed. If there are appropriate and recognized veterinary medical
diagnostic tests or therapies that were not used because they were not available
to you or because of the owner's financial restrictions, mention the contribution
they could have made to the case. Finally do not report on laboratory research
even if it has direct applications to clinical behavior.
3.
Specifically, the case reports must demonstrate your ability to evaluate widely
variable behavioral situations. Examples could vary from a case with major
medical or neurologic components, one with detailed learning patterns, a herd
problem, or a laboratory animal enrichment problem. If you are unsure whether
your cases are sufficiently different, you may petition the Chair of the Credentials
Committee for a ruling (sent to the Executive Director). It is suggested that you
do this well in advance of the application deadline.
4.
The case should not be one previously published or submitted for publication.
5.
Do not submit the following as case reports as such cases will be automatically
deemed unacceptable.
a.
Cases without a minimum of six (6) months’ follow-up.
b.
Cases in which the animal died or was euthanized before treatment was
instituted, or before the six (6) month minimum follow-up period was
completed.
c.
Cases with a primary medical etiology for which no behavioral modification
was suggested or instituted by the owner.
d.
Cases with major procedural errors (i.e. exceeding the five (5) page limit,
not double spaced, failed to maintain anonymity, missing parts)
Note: In the event that one or more case reports do not pass, ACVB strongly
recommends that the applicant reviews them using the provided
recommendations/comments to strengthen the submission in the following year.
23
FORMAT OF CASE REPORTS
Note: If a case report does not conform to format, the case report may be rejected
without being read.
1.
Reports must be typed, double-spaced. Margins of at least one (1) inch should
be present at the top, bottom, and both sides. Printing should be no smaller than
12 pitch (computers), and of high quality print only.
2.
Laboratory data, radiology reports, and other data should be tabulated or
included as appendices. Tabulated material is not included in the five (5) page
limit. Reference values for your laboratory should be listed in the first column of
each page of patient laboratory data. Margin requirements are the same as for
written materials.
3.
Each report should have a title page that includes a 6 number security code of
the applicant's choosing, the case report number, and title. The title page is not
included in the five (5) page limit. A 2-4 sentence summary of the case should
be included on the title page.
4.
The reports should be written in a narrative format. Grammar and spelling are
evaluated. All cases should be written with strict attention to editorial detail.
Plagiarism is not allowed and will not be tolerated. Extensive quotations are not
allowed.
5.
Applicants must not identify themselves in any way except by the 6 number code
of their choosing number as previously described. Be certain that all identifying
marks, including signatures, hospital names, cities, and so on, do not appear in
the text or appendices.
6.
When indicated, statements must be backed up by references. References
should be formatted in the style of the Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association (JAVMA). References are not included in the five (5) page
limit.
7.
Applicant’s are encouraged to read and reread cases several times before
submitting them to check grammar, spelling, and procedural errors because
these can be a significant cause of point deductions.
8.
Applicants can write “page__ of 5" or the title as a footer to help ensure their
case report pages stay together. Do not repeat your numerical ID as a footer.
24
SUBMISSION OF CASE REPORTS
1.
There are two (2) deadlines for submission of case reports, May first and
November first.
2.
After the candidate has seen 75 cases in any supervised training program
already approved by ACVB, he/she may submit case report number one to
ACVB for evaluation.
a.
The candidate may write case report number one and only this case
report with mentor assistance. It must be submitted a minimum of 18
months prior to sitting the qualifying examination (no later than May first,
one and one-half (1½) years prior to taking the examination, NOT the May
first of the same year that the applicant is planning to take the exam.)
This case report must be clearly identified as case report #1 for evaluation
and possible revision (Case report #1 option for revision should be on the
title page) as stipulated below.
b.
The case must have been managed by the applicant during the past five
(5) years. The case report should be identified with the candidate's 6
number security code, and meet other criteria as set forth in the Training
Program section of this ACVB Applicant’s Packet.
c.
One (1) copy of a letter signed by the applicant and the
supervising/mentoring ACVB diplomate that specifically and clearly states
that:
1)
The applicant did have primary case responsibility for the
case submitted as case report number one.
2)
The applicant did not have any help or aid in writing,
preparing, or correcting case report number one other than
from their mentor named when they registered with ACVB.
3) The anticipated date when the training program will end
must be included to verify that this case report is within the
appropriate time line for revision.
4)
d.
The case report may be used in the future by ACVB as
examples of case reports.
If the case report number one receives three (3) or more of five (5) scores
greater than 6.0, it will pass the review process. If the case report
receives failing marks, it will be returned to the candidate with suggestions
for improvement and may be revised and resubmitted.
25
e.
3.
1)
The case report title of the resubmitted case report #1 must
match the case report title first submitted exactly and the
case described must be the same, i.e. patient(s) must be the
same as first submitted. No substitutions will be allowed as
a revised case report.
2)
If revised case report #1 fails re-submission, it may not be
submitted again.
3)
No other case report will be allowed to be revised.
If more than one case report (i.e. case report #2 and/or #3) is submitted
with the one being reviewed by the mentor, the applicant must make it
clear as to which case report is the one that had assistance (i.e. titled
“Case Report #1, Option for Revision). The burden to make the distinction
clear is on the applicant and if not identified, the all cases will be treated
as a case report that cannot be re-written.
Case reports numbers two and three may be submitted at any time after the first
75 cases, but they will not be revisable.
a.
All case reports must have been submitted by the November first deadline
prior to the March first application date when the applicant wishes to sit
the examination.
b.
No revisable case report can be submitted at the November first deadline
preceding the March first when the individual intends to apply to sit the
examination. A case report labeled #1 and submitted at that time and
asked to be revisable will not be allowed to be revised but must stand on
its own merits.
c.
Case reports #2 and #3 must be the sole work of the applicant. A
diplomate may examine case records and advise the applicant as to the
suitability of a given case. However, once the applicant begins to write the
case report, no one is allowed to help him/her. The case report must
reflect tht applicant’s thoughts, not a consensus of opinion. One (1) copy
of a letter signed by the applicant and the supervising/mentoring ACVB
diplomate that specifically and clearly states that:
1)
The applicant did have primary case responsibility for the cases
submitted as case reports.
2)
The applicant did not have any help or aid in writing, preparing, or
correcting the case reports, except with the revisable case report
described above.
26
3)
d.
Time line example:
1)
4.
These case reports may be used in the future by ACVB as
examples of case reports.
If the applicant wishes to sit for the examination in October, 2020,
the following time line applies:
a)
Case report number one, if wished to be revised, is due
May 1, 2019.
b)
All case reports are due November 1, 2019.
c)
Application to sit the exam is due March 1, 2020.
d)
Examination is given October, 2020.
One copy each case report should be sent electronically to the Executive
Director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists so that it is received
on or before appropriate deadlines. The $200.00 case report fee and one
printed copy of case report number one must also be received on or before
the appropriate deadline. Receipt after an appropriate deadline will disqualify the
case report from consideration or delay the ability of the applicant to sit the
examination when anticipated. The address is as follows:
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
ACVB Executive Director
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
Phone: (979) 845-2351
Fax: (979) 845-6978
E-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
5.
Case reports that have passed the process will stand as passed for a period of
three (3) years from the date that they were reported as passed pending
successful completion and final acceptance of a nonconforming program and/or
pending successful review of the Application For Examination.
27
EVALUATION OF CASE REPORTS
1.
Case reports containing major procedural errors including: exceeding the 5 page
limit, report not double-spaced, failure to maintain anonymity, missing parts, etc.
will automatically fail and will not be sent out to the Credentials Committee
2.
Each reviewed case report will receive a numerical score from 1 to 10 from each
of five (5) reviewers. A maximum score of 10 will be assigned to a case of
suitable difficulty to demonstrate the candidate's competence as a veterinary
behaviorist and that is free from errors in assessment, data collection, clinical
judgment, and therapeutic management. A score of 6 or less is unacceptable.
Any case report that receives a score of 6.0 or less from three (3) or more
reviewers fails, and no additional reviews will be obtained.
3.
An applicant must have three (3) passing case reports before their Application
For Examination will be considered.
4.
Points will be subtracted from the maximum score of 10 for the following reasons:
a.
Sufficiently challenging/complex to demonstrate presumed expertise of
candidate: deduct 0 points.
b.
Moderately challenging/complex, but does not fully demonstrate presumed
expertise of candidate: deduct 2 points
c.
Inadequately challenging and does not demonstrate presumed expertise
of candidate: deduct 3 points.
5.
Case selection - Cases that fail to demonstrate the candidate's competence as a
veterinary behaviorist will not be accepted. Primary medical problems, the
behavioral component of which is not treatable, are not acceptable. If the
majority of the reviewers agree that the case report does not fulfill the criteria
described in the section: "Instructions for Case Reports" in the application
instructions, the report will be unacceptable.
6.
Procedural Errors - Failure to follow the report format requirements will result in
the deduction of 1 to 4 points. Major procedural errors including: exceeding the 5
page limit, report not double-spaced, failure to maintain anonymity, missing parts,
etc. will automatically result in failure of the case report, and it will not be sent out
to the Credentials Committee. Minor procedural errors, such as wrong-sized
margins or fonts would receive a deduction of 0.25 to 2 points.
7.
Language Errors - Reports with misspellings, clumsy syntax, or serious errors of
grammar may lose from 0.25 to 3 points.
28
8.
Major Errors - Up to 4 points per error could be deducted. Major errors are errors
in assessment, or are diagnostic or therapeutic plans that were potentially or
actually detrimental to the patient or public or that delayed or obscured the
correct diagnosis or therapy. These include, but are not limited to:
a.
Failure to assess all clinical and laboratory problems if identified (eg, one
problem pursued at the expense of all others).
b.
Failure to include a reasonable list of differentials with indications of why
each was ruled in or out, or the use of an incomplete, incorrect, or
inappropriate list of differential diagnoses.
c.
Diagnostic errors or incomplete diagnoses
d.
e.
1)
Erroneous assessment of data such that an incorrect diagnosis was
made. It is suggested that a definition and reference be given for
any diagnosis that could be in doubt so that reviewers are clear as
to the applicant’s thoughts.
2)
Diagnosis not supported by data presented.
3)
Failure to rule-out important differential diagnoses. Premature
establishment of a definitive diagnosis. Omission of diagnostic
tests that were necessary to confirm or substantiate the diagnosis.
4)
Excessive, unnecessary or inappropriate tests performed. A
diagnostic procedure that killed the patient. Risks of a diagnostic
procedure are not outweighed by the potential benefits.
Therapeutic errors
1)
Therapy was inappropriate, delayed or withheld.
2)
Therapy was detrimental to the patient.
3)
Therapy instituted for one problem without regard for its potential
deleterious effects on another problem.
4)
Appropriate safety measures were not addressed.
5)
Significant medical side effects associated with medication given
were not addressed.
No explanation of why the optimal diagnostic and/or therapeutic plan was
not followed.
29
f.
9.
10.
Problems/complications arising from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures
or the progression of the disease were not anticipated when they were
predictable.
Minor Errors - From 0.25 to 1 point could be deducted. Minor errors are
inadequacies that are noteworthy but not crucial to the total management of the
patient. These include but are not limited to:
a.
Failure to assess all clinical and laboratory problems. (This could be a
major error, depending on the significance of the problem that was
overlooked.)
b.
Indiscriminate or premature ordering of tests.
c.
Failure to mention diagnostic or therapeutic procedures that would have
been helpful that were not absolutely necessary (example: CT scan would
have been helpful to assess the possibility of a brain tumor but was
unavailable).
d.
Superficial or outdated understanding of pathophysiology.
e.
New or controversial diagnoses and/or therapies were not referenced.
Each reviewer will record his/her evaluation on a standard form, indicating the
number of points deducted and the reasons for the deductions. These forms will
be retained by ACVB. The Chairperson of the Credentials Committee, through
the ACVB Executive Director, will send a written summary of the important
reasons for case report rejection to unsuccessful applicants.
30
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
EXAMPLE CASE REPORTS
The following case reports were submitted to ACVB and passed the review process.
They are presented here as examples.
31
xxx-xx-xxxx
Case report #1
Noise Phobia in a Labrador Mix
A 9-year-old MC Labrador Mix presented for running to and destructively chewing the front or
back door and fence and sometimes escaping in response to fireworks and vocalizations made by
the household bird. A treatment plan was implemented consisting of avoidance of his triggers, a
command-response-reward program, systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, and the
use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, to decrease overall anxiety. After 9
weeks, at a fluoxetine dose of 0.75 mg/kg PO, once daily, the owner noted aggression toward
familiar dogs and after 14 weeks of fluoxetine at the same dose the owner noted persistent
sedation and aggression toward unfamiliar people. At a fluoxetine dose of 0.5 mg/kg PO, once
daily, his aggression stopped and at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg PO, once daily, his sedation was resolved
and his noise phobia reduced so this dose was maintained.
32
Presenting Complaint: Oni presented for panic attacks in response to loud noises.
Signalment: Oni was a healthy 40 kg, 9-year-old MC Labrador Mix.
History: Oni was acquired by the owner, Kat, from a friend 1 year prior to presentation. Roc, a male
African Grey Parrot, also lived in the house. Kat ran a pet sitting business and Oni interacted
regularly with other dogs of various signalments. Per the previous owner, when Oni was a puppy,
children cornered and terrorized him with fireworks, causing him to become fearful of them. From
initial acquisition when Oni heard noises, such as fireworks and Roc making smoke detector
noises, his ears would perk up and he moved toward the noise with head lowered and tail either
up or down. After several seconds, Oni would run to and destructively chew the front or back
door. When he had a dog door, he would run outside, chew through the fence and escape. After
escaping, he usually sat by Kat’s car, but sometimes wandered away. During the previous Fourth
of July his body shook and he chewed through the carpet, chewed the door, and chewed a glass
doorknob. Acepromazine (unknown dosage), a phenothiazine, was prescribed that night and,
although sedated initially, he chewed the door again the next day, fracturing multiple teeth.
When Roc was in his cage, the location of primary vocalization, Oni was tense and nervous
and would stare at Roc. When Kat fed Oni, he looked back toward Roc. If Roc made a noise, Oni
stopped eating and ran to the door as described above. Oni ate readily when Roc was asleep.
Kat used a pheromone diffusera and stood in front of the door, which were both ineffective.
Kat would tell Oni “leave it” and throw a chain in a bag at the door next to Oni, which caused
him to stop him momentarily, but then his panic escalated. She put her hands over his ears and
spoke softly, which calmed him down more quickly, but did not keep him calm. When Roc made
loud noises he was put into another room, decreasing the frequency of the loud noises he made
by 80-90% per evening. When Kat saw Oni become nervous and walk toward the door, she
would throw a ball for Oni while encouraging Roc to sing. This minimally decreased his anxiety.
Various trials of medications were tried in succession. Amitriptyline 75 mg (1.88 mg/kg), a
tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), PO, twice daily initially seemed to decrease anxiety, but after 2
33
months no longer seemed to have an effect. Buspirone 15 mg (0.38 mg/kg), an azapirone, PO,
twice daily for 1 month had no effect. Clorazepate 30 - 45mg (0.75 – 1.13 mg/kg), a
benzodiazepine, PO, twice daily, was prescribed. A week after starting it he became aggressive
toward unfamiliar dogs, and it was discontinued, ending his aggression. Oni was not taking any
oral or topical medications and was fed a well-balanced diet at the time of presentation.
Physical and Behavioral Examination: In the exam room Oni paced with ears back for 15
minutes and then laid down. When fireworks noises were played on a stereo Oni looked at it with
ears up and began to pant. Later he responded to the beep of a pager by standing with ears back,
panting, walking toward the door and pacing. Kat called him and, although he turned toward her,
he continued to pace and did not respond to commands. On physical exam Oni had a body
condition score of 6/9. All canine teeth and the fourth maxillary premolar teeth bilaterally were
fractured. All other physical and neurologic examination findings were within normal limits.
Diagnosis: Differential diagnoses for his panic reaction to noises included noise phobia, cognitive
dysfunction, separation anxiety, attention-seeking behavior and medical causes. He was diagnosed
with noise phobia based on his history of anxious behavior, destructiveness and self-trauma
during loud noises and visualization during playback of sounds on the stereo.1 Cognitive
dysfunction was ruled out given a lack of other clinical signs and the fact that this behavior had been
occurring from a young age.2,3 Separation anxiety was considered due to it’s co-morbidity with noise
phobia4, but ruled out since the behavior occurred in the presence of the owner.1 Oni’s behavior was
not consistent an with attention-seeking as a primary etiology due to the severity of somatic
responses and body postures consistent with anxiety.1,5,6 Other medical and neurological causes were
considered less likely based on an unremarkable physical examination, but a complete blood count
(CBC), serum biochemistry panel and urinalysis would be a first step to rule out underlying medical
conditions. A higher index of suspicion for neurological disease would have prompted further
diagnostics, such as MRI, to evaluate for underlying intra-cranial disease.7 Additionally Oni was
diagnosed with multiple fractured teeth.
34
Treatment: Kat was instructed to avoid Oni’s noise triggers to prevent continued fearful reactions
from Oni, and to facilitate controlled re-introduction of the noises.1 This included putting up a room
dividing screen in order to block Roc’s cage, using cotton balls as ear plugs and playing music to
cover up unavoidable noises. A command-response-reward program would create structure and
predictability for Oni and teach him to look to Kat in difficult situations.8 Kat taught Oni an eye
contact command, to help him focus on her, to be used with future systematic desensitization and
counterconditioning (DS/CC) using low calorie palatable treats to prevent weight gain. DS/CC and
pheromones have been shown to improve behaviors associated with fear of noises;9,10,11 however
pheromones were not recommended as they were previously unsuccessful in reducing Oni’s
anxiety. Systematic desensitization is defined as a decrease in an undesired response that is produced
by gradual exposure to a stimulus that elicits the response.12 Counterconditioning is defined as
establishing a new response to replace the previously negative response or undesirable behavior by
teaching the animal to perform another behavior that competitively interferes with the execution of
the undesirable behavior.12,13 Oni was fitted with a head collarb for better control during DS/CC.1
Anti-anxiety medication and a CBC, serum biochemistry panel and urinalysis were strongly
suggested. Kat elected to pursue laboratory testing with her referring veterinarian, but was hesitant to
use medications as Oni previously became aggressive while taking clorazepate. Kat was also
instructed to follow-up with a veterinary dentist to address Oni’s fractured teeth.
Follow up: At the five week recheck, Oni was becoming increasingly nervous around Roc. He
would look behind a screen put in front of the bird cage and back away from his food in the morning
while Roc’s sheet was still on the cage; however, he was less anxious overall, which Kat attributed to
Roc making less noise. Oni reliably learned the eye contact command and wore his head collar
comfortably. Kat was instructed to implement DS/CC by playing smoke detector and fireworks
noises downloaded from a websitec at a low volume so that Oni was calm while she asked him for
commands and rewarded him with special treats in successive fashion for responding.
35
Blood and urine samples were obtained for analysis. Results were unremarkable except for
isosthenuria, leukopenia, and hypocalcemia. On urinalysis, isosthenuria of a single sample could
be caused by drinking a large amount of water prior to obtaining the sample. Causes of persistent
isosthenuria include early renal insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism and psychogenic polydipsia.
Diabetes mellitus, hypoadrenocorticism, hepatic failure, hypercalcemia, and hypokalemia were
eliminated based on normal blood work findings.14,15 His CBC was normal except a mild
leukopenia characterized by a mild lymphopenia, attributable to a stress leukogram.16 His serum
biochemistry panel was unremarkable except mild hypocalcemia. The first step recommended
was to recheck the serum total calcium and evaluate serum ionized calcium.17 Differentials for
this patient included a spurious result and early renal insufficiency in light of his isosthenuria.17
Primary hypoparathyroidism and intestinal malabsorption were considered less likely due to
Oni’s lack of other signs.17 It was recommended that the owner follow up with her referring
veterinarian to monitor and evaluate Oni’s hypocalcemia and isosthenuria.
A long term anti-anxiety medication such a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was
strongly recommended which the owner initially declined, but was subsequently prescribed 8
weeks after initial presentation. SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, resulting in
an increase in serotonergic neurotransmission.18 With prolonged use there is a down-regulation
of serotonin receptors.18 SSRIs can be used in cases of specific anxieties and have less side
effects than TCAs.18,19 Although Kat reported aggression while Oni was taking clorazepate, another
benzodiazepine with a shorter duration of action, alprazolam 2-3 mg (0.05 – 0.075 mg/kg) PO as
needed up to 3 times daily, was prescribed for acute relief of anxiety associated with unavoidable
loud noises while behavior modification was instituted. The anxiety relief benzodiazepines
provide can result in loss of inhibition leading to aggression, but this risk was likely lower as
alprazolam has a shorter duration of action than clorazepate and it was only to be used on an asneeded instead of daily basis.20 Benzodiazepines have a rapid onset of action and work by
facilitating GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the central nervous system.20 Behaviors
36
associated with storm phobia have been shown to decrease significantly during treatment with
alprazolam, clomipramine (a TCA) and behavior modification.21 Risk of side effects, including
aggression and sedation, and extra label use was discussed.18,20 Hepatic and renal parameters were
assessed prior to use and the unknown etiology of Oni’s isosthenruia was considered prompting a
conservative initial doses of fluoxetine and alprazolam as they are excreted through the kidneys.18,20
Eight weeks after initial presentation Oni was started on fluoxetine, an SSRI, at 30 mg (0.75
mg/kg) PO, once daily. Ten weeks after initial presentation (2 weeks after starting fluoxetine), the
owner reported sedation. The immediate actions of SSRIs lead to immediate side effects and
desensitization of the receptors correlates with tolerance to side effects.19 Lowering the dose was
discussed, but Kat decided to continue the dose to determine if the sedation would lessen. Thirteen
weeks after presentation (5 weeks after starting fluoxetine), Oni ran to the door when the neighbors
set off fireworks, but did not try to escape. He would go to the door in response to Roc’s
vocalizations, but the owner could call and easily re-direct him by asking him for a command and
rewarding him with a treat.
Seventeen weeks after presentation, Oni continued to improve, and when he heard fireworks he
looked at Kat before she even asked for a command. At that time Kat reported that Oni started to
lunge and bare his teeth at familiar dogs in close proximity. Kat was advised to avoid this situation.
Lowering the dose was discussed, but Kat decided to continue to see if the aggression would subside.
Twenty-two weeks after initial presentation (14 weeks after starting fluoxetine), Oni started
charging and barking at unfamiliar people. He was weaned off of fluoxetine over a month. At 20 mg
(0.5 mg/kg) PO, once daily, Kat reported that his aggression towards familiar dogs and unfamiliar
people had stopped. At 10 mg (0.25 mg/kg) PO, once daily, his sedation was resolved. Oni’s sedation
seemed to be dose-dependent. His optimal dose is only a fraction of the published dose.18 It is
possible that the low effective dose of fluoxetine used in this case, along with persistent side effects
at published doses, was the result of impaired renal function altering medication excretion.18 After
4.5 months of therapy with fluoxetine he was completely weaned off, but his anxiety to Roc returned.
37
Seven months after initial presentation Oni was re-started and maintained on 10 mg (0.25 mg/kg)
PO, once daily of fluoxetine which helped with his noise phobia yet left him alert and without
aggression. Kat continued DS/CC. Eight months after initial presentation Oni would either bring Kat
a ball when Roc vocalized or calmly go outside until he was quiet, with no signs of anxiety. Kat had
never given alprazolam to Oni. After repeated recommendations Kat had not followed-up to treat
the fractured teeth, or to investigate further causes of the hypocalcemia and isosthenuria.
38
Laboratory Data for Case #1, Oni
Complete Blood Count
Parameter
WBC (THOUS./uL)
Reference Range
RanRange
5.7-16.3
Patient Value
5.1
RBC (MILLION/uL)
5.5-8.5
6.14
Hemoglobin (gm/dl)
12-18
14.8
Hematocrit (%)
37-55
43.5
MCV (fL)
60-77
71
MCH (pgm)
19.5-26
24.1
MCHC (g/dL)
32-36
34.0
Neutrophils (/ul)
3000-11500
3978
Lymphocytes (/ul)
1000-4800
714
Monocytes (/ul)
150-1350
204
Eosinophils (/ul)
100-1250
204
Basophils (/ul)
0-100
0
Platelets (THOUS./uL)
164-510
Decreased
Comments
Blood count and platelet evaluation
affected by presence of clot in tube.
Fibrin strands noted.
39
Serum Biochemistry Panel
Parameter
Reference
Range
Patient
Value
ALP (U/L)
10-150
128
ALT (U/L)
5-107
36
AST (U/L)
5-55
24
CK (U/L)
10-200
98
GGT (U/L)
0-14
7
Albumin (g/dL)
2.5-4.0
3.3
Total Protein (g/dL)
5.1-7.8
6.8
Globulin (g/dL)
2.1-4.5
3.5
Total Bilirubin
0.0-0.4
0.2
0.0-0.2
0.1
BUN (mg/dL)
7-27
14
Creatinine (mg/dL)
0.4-1.8
0.9
Cholesterol (mg/dL)
112-328
316
Glucose (mg/dL)
60-125
76
Calcium (mg/dL)
8.2-12.4
6.8
Phosphorus (mg/dL)
2.1-6.3
4.4
Albumin (g/dl)
0.0-2.0
0.1
TCO2 (mEq/L)
17-24
21
Chloride (mEq/L)
105-115
111
Potassium (mEq/L)
4.0-5.6
5.3
(mg/dL)
Direct Bilirubin
(mg/dL)
40
Sodium (mEq/L)
141-156
147
A/G Ratio
0.6-1.6
0.9
Indirect Bilirubin
0.1
0-0.3
(mEq/L)
Urinalysis
Parameter
Patient Value
Color
Yellow
Clarity
Clear
Specific Gravity
1.013
Glucose
Negative
Bilirubin
Negative
Ketones
Negative
Blood
Negative
pH
6.5
Protein
Negative
WBC
None Seen
RBC
None Seen
Bacteria (/HPF)
None Seen
Epithelial Cells
1+ (1-2)
Mucous
(/HPF)
None Seen
Casts
None Seen
Crystals
None Seen
Urobilinogen
Normal
41
Footnotes
a
Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.®, Farnam Pet Products, Phoenix, AZ
b
Gentle Leader®, Premier Pet Products, LLC, Midlothian, VA
c
www.findsounds.com
42
References
1. Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, Ackerman L. Fears and phobias. Handbook of behavior
problems of the dog and cat. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2003;227-268.
2. Bain MJ, Hart BL, Cliff KD, et al. Predicting behavior changes associated with age-related
cognitive impairment in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:1792-1795.
3. Neilson JC, Hart BL, Cliff KD, et al. Prevalence of behavioral changes associated with agerelated cognitive impairment in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;218:1787-1791.
4. Overall KL, Dunham AE, Frank D. Frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with
separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, and noise phobia, alone or in combination. J Am
Vet Med Assoc 2001;219:467-473.
5. Overall KL. Fears, anxieties, and stereotypies. Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals.
St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 1997;209-250.
6. Marks SL, Bain MJ, White M. Animal behavior case of the month. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2008;232:38-40.
7. Lorenz LD, Kornegay JN. Confirming a diagnosis. Handbook of Veterinary Neurology. 4th
ed. St. Louis: Saunders, 2004;91-109.
8. Mills MS, Training and learning protocols. In: Horwitz DF and Mills DS eds. BSAVA
Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine. 2nd ed. Gloucester: British Small
Animal Veterinary Association, 2009;49-64.
9. Levine ED, Mills DS. Long-term follow-up of the efficacy of a behavioral treatment
programme for dogs with firework fears. Vet Rec 2008;162:657-659.
10. Sheppard G, Mills DS. Evaluation of dog-appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for
dogs fearful of fireworks. Vet Rec 2003;152:432-436.
43
11. Crowell-Davis SL, Landsberg GM. Pharmacology and pheromone therapy. In: Horwitz DF
and Mills DS eds. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine. 2nd ed.
Gloucester: British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2009;245-258.
12. Overall KL. Treatment of behavior problems. Clinical behavioral medicine for small animals. St.
Louis: Mosby, Inc., 1997;277.
13. Beaver B. The veterinarian's encyclopedia of animal behavior. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State
University Press, 1994;49-50.
14. Barsanto JA, Lees GE, Willard MD, et al. Urinary disorders. In: Willard MD, Tvedten H,
eds. Small animal clinical diagnosis by laboratory methods. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders,
2004;135-164.
15. Feldman EC. Polyuria and polydipsia. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds. Textbook of
veterinary internal medicine. 7th ed. St. Louis: Saunders, 2010;156-159.
16. Raskin RE, Latimer KS, and Tvedten H, et al. Leukocyte disorders. In: Willard MD, Tvedten
H, eds. Small animal clinical diagnosis by laboratory methods. 4th ed. Philadelphia:
Saunders, 2004;135-164.
17. Feldman EC. Disorders of the parathyroid glands. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds. Textbook
of veterinary internal medicine. 7th ed. St. Louis: Saunders, 2010;1722-1751.
18. Crowell-Davis SL, Murray T. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Veterinary
Psychopharmacology. 1st ed. Ames: Blackwell Publishing, 2006;80-110.
19. Stahl SM. Classical Antidepressants, Serotonin Selective and Noradrenergic Reuptake
Inhibitors. Essential Psychopharmacology. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press,
2008;199-243.
20. Crowell-Davis SL, Murray T. Benzodiazepines. Veterinary Psychopharmacology. 1st ed.
Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing, 2006;34-64.
44
21. Crowell-Davis SL, Seibert LM, Sung W, et al. Use of clomipramine, alprazolam and
behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2003;222:744-748.
45
yyy-yy-yyyy
Case report #2
Hair pulling in a domestic shorthaired cat
Summary:
A 5 yr. old male domestic shorthaired cat was presented for persistent chewing and
pulling of hair along the back and lumbar area. The problem had been present for approximately
four months prior to presentation. Medical etiologies were explored and ruled out. The cat was
treated with a combination of behavior modification and drug therapy. Follow-up at 1-2 weeks,
one month, two months, three months and one year showed resolution of the problem behavior.
46
Signalment
The patient was a 5 yr. old castrated male domestic shorthaired cat.
Physical Findings
It was noted that there was generalized thinning of the hair along the back. No skin
lesions or parasites were found the rest of physical examination was unremarkable.
Behavioral History
The cat was presented to the behaviorist for persistent chewing and pulling of hair on the
back and sides. The cat was gregarious and outgoing, investigating the exam room and initiating
interaction with the behaviorist. The owner related that the cat was pulling and/or chewing off
the hair on the back. The problem had been present 4-6 months. In the past two years the cat had
experienced the following multiple changes in the home environment. The owner got married
and the husband was allergic to the cat. Since that time the cat was no longer allowed to sleep on
the bed or get on any of the furniture. He could only get on the owners lap when she initiated it,
previously he could jump on her lap at any time. Prior to her marriage, the owner lived in a home
with an additional cat who provided play opportunities for the patient. Recently, the owners had
traveled several times leaving the cat alone. Each time they returned they would find hair on the
floor.
Due to an increase in weight, the cat had been placed on a calorie restricted diet. In
addition to decreasing the amount of food, the type of food was changed from dry food to wet
food. When eating dry food, the cat had a ritual of emptying the food dish, playing with the food
and eating the dry food off of the floor. Hair pulling has been noted prior to feedings and when
the owners were gone for long periods of time. The cat was extremely playful and would initiate
play with the owners. Both of the owners work long hours and the woman recently began going
to school and was gone even longer periods of time. When presented tothe behaviorist, the cat
was on one-quarter of a 5 mg. diazepama tablet twice daily. Hair pulling had decreased with drug
therapy but was not eliminated.
47
Medical History
The owner had taken the cat to her medical veterinarian in late February of the same year
for pruritic skin and hair loss in the lumbar area. No external parasites were noted. The
veterinarian diagnosed atopy and treated the cat with an injection of Depomedrolb 20 mg. I.M.
and oral prednisone 5 mg. twice daily. The owner returned to the veterinarian in one month,
stating that the Depomedrol and oral prednisone helped, but now the cat was pulling out hair and
vomiting hairballs. Examination revealed broken hair shafts, weight loss due to dietary
restriction, no other abnormalities were noted. Depomedrol 20 mg. I.M. was administered and
Laxatone was dispensed. The owner was instructed to feed the cat three times daily. Recheck
two weeks later showed an improvement in the vomiting, but the hair pulling behavior still
continued. Skin scrapings were negative for Cheyletiella, and hair was taken for a dermatophyte
culture (neg.). Depomedrol 20 mg. I.M. was given and chloropheneramine 4 mg. was dispensed
to be given 2-3 times daily. Elimination diet was suggested to the owner but not initiated.
Telephone follow-up showed vomiting to be continuing, Reglanc was prescribed. Telephone
follow-up later showed improvement in the vomiting, but continued hair pulling.
Several months later the owner went to see a veterinary dermatologist for the hair loss.
The dermatologist found non inflammatory alopecia, and impacted anal sacs. Differential
diagnosis included anal sac disease, neurodermatitits, food allergy and occult Cheyletiella. The
anal sacs were expressed and the cat put on 2.5 mg. diazepan b.i.d and referred to a veterinary
behaviorist.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis included atopy, neurodermatitis, flea bite dermatitis, food allergy,
barbering or overgrooming stereotypy or obsessive compulsive disorder or psychogenic alopecia.
Medical and dermatologic work-ups are essential to rule out medical basis for the hair pulling
behavior. No fleas were ever seen on examination, and the cat was rarely out doors. No skin
lesions were visible on examination at behavioral evaluation. Although elimination diet was not
48
tried, the cat did not show evidence of pruritus. Telephone consultation with the veterinary
dermatologist ascertained that he did not feel that food allergy was the problem. Skin scrapings
and fungal cultures were negative for parasites. Both the board certified dermatologist and the
regular veterinarian vigorously ruled out medical causes of hair pulling with the exception of
elimination diet.
A diagnosis of overgrooming stereotypy was made even though the cat did not engage in
the behavior as a repetitive, constant pattern. Stereotypies often arise out of normal behaviors but
are abnormal expressions of that behavior4 This disease is also referred to as overgrooming or
barbering.5 Other sources group non medical feline grooming problems as Psychogenic
Alopecias.6 .The behavior of this cat was consistent with this diagnosis. Stereotypies and
psychogenic alopecia are often the result of conflict in the animal’s environment that result in
stress. Over the past year the cat had experienced changes that probably resulted in stress or
frustration. This cat had recently experienced a change in the owners work hours and
additionally, this cat was placed on a restrictive diet. Concurrent with limitation of food intake,
the type of food was changed. This cat had established a ritual for eating that it could not longer
engage in with the dietary change. Over the past several years the cat was denied access to the
furniture and the owner because of the husband’s allergies. This resulted in a changed interaction
between owner and pet. The lack of long term response to corticosteroids also supports a
diagnosis of psychogenic alopecia or stereotypic overgrooming.
Treatment
Treatment focused on identifying the stressful components in the environment and
attempting to eliminate them. Also desirable was teaching the cat a competing response to
previously stressful events. This cat enjoyed an eating routine that was not prohibited and was
very playful. The owners were instructed to offer the cat 1/4 cup of dry food daily in addition to
the wet food. The owners were to offer this in the morning to offset the hair pulling that occurred
at that time. The owners were also instructed to increase the diversity of play objects in the
49
environment on a daily basis. All cat toys were to be stored in a basket in a closet.
Recommended items included boxes, bags, toy mice, and a Feline Flyer®. The owners were
instructed that each morning prior to leaving they were to take out 1-3 different toys and leave
them for the cat. If time allowed, playtime should be arranged on a daily basis. Additionally, the
owner was to try and establish a place on the couch where the cat could sit near her every
evening. This could be accomplished with a towel that could be washed frequently because of
the husband’s allergies. An additional elevated site could also be created for the cat.
Drug therapy is an integral part of a treatment protocol for stereotypic or obsessive type
behaviors. Although diazepam is not the first drug of choice, improvement had been seen on the
drug, therefore it was continued at 1 mg. twice daily. The owner was instructed to have a
chemical screen drawn prior to the prescription renewal and was informed of possible
hepatotoxic reactions to diazepam. The owner was also informed of alternate drugs such as
amitriptyline HCL or buspirone which often are more successful in this stereotypic behavior.
Additional drugs used in this disorder include progestins and phenobarbitol.7 It was also stressed
that adrug therapy was not advisable over the long term unless unavoidable, and that it would be
best if environmental manipulation could help decrease the behavior. Additionally the owner was
made aware that occasional relapses were possible when environmental circumstances changes.
Lastly, it was requested that the owner keep daily records of any hair pulling, noting the amount
of hair pulling and time of day it occurred.
Follow-up
Telephone follow-up one week later revealed improvement in behavior. The owner had
decreased the diazepam to 1 mg. daily. She had also begun rotating the toys and adding new ones
daily. The cat seemed happy, relaxed and enjoyed play time. There had been one episode of hair
pulling prior to feeding, but once he got his food he stopped. He now had his own cushion to sit
on which he utilized. He was approaching and interacting with them more than before. Followup at one month showed continued improvement with limited hair pulling. Drug therapy was still
50
being used. The owners were going to travel and were concerned with how the cat would react. It
was decided to board the cat and continue the diazepam at the present dosage. A two month
follow-up by telephone showed that the cat was ding well. The only hair pulling occurred in the
morning as they were getting ready for work. The owners would then stop what they were doing
and attend to the cat. The owners were instructed to ignore hair pulling so as not to reinforce the
behavior and increase the occurrence. Follow-up 3 months showed that the cat would pull hair if
they were otherwise engaged. The owners were warned that they may have been reinforcing the
hair pulling with attention and to avoid interaction when the cat engaged in hair pulling.
Diazepam was still being used at .5 mg daily. The owners wee advised on how to wean the can
off of medication. A follow-up call a few months later revealed that removal of medication did
not result in the return of hair pulling. Follow-up at one year showed that the cat rarely pulled
hair out and had been off diazepam for 6 months with no reoccurrence of the hair pulling
behavior. The owners still continue to rotate toys and feed dry food. The owner is expecting a
baby in a few months and was given information on how to integrate the cat and the baby.
a
Valium, Roche Products
Upjohn Company
c
Robins Company
b
U.A. Luescher, D.B. McKeown, J. Halip, “Stereotypic of Obsessive-C;ompulsive Disorders in
Dogs and Cats,” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, Vol. 21, No. 2,
March 1991 ed.: 401-413.
4
K. Overall, A. Beebe, “Protocol for Cats with Barbering, licking or overgrooming conditions,”
VHAP Behavior Clinic Newsletter Summer 1994: Pages.
5
H.A. O’Dair, A.P. Foster, “Focal and Generalized Alopecia,” Veterinary Clinics of North
America: Small Animal Practice, Vo.25, No. 4, July 1995 ed.: 858-861.
6
Beaver, B. V., “Animal Behavior Case of the month,” JAVMA Vol.203, No.5 (1993): Pages.
651-652.
7
51
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
APPLICATION INFORMATION
SPECIALTY EXAMINATION
PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU READ THESE PAGES CAREFULLY!!!
It is the responsibility of the APPLICANT to be sure that you have the most
recent form of this application information packet. This form is for materials that are to
be submitted by the first of March preceding the intended examination. There is a
$50.00 Administrative Fee that must accompany the Application for Examination. There
is also a $300.00 Examination Fee that must also be sent with the Application for
Examination. If you have any questions, please send them IN WRITING to the ACVB
Executive Director.
Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists:
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
ACVB Executive Director
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
Phone: (979) 845-2351
Fax: (979) 845-6978
E-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
Correspondence, particularly that requiring Credential Committee assessment,
must by sent sufficiently in advance of deadlines (at least six (6) weeks) to enable the
committee to act upon it. You will receive a written reply to your inquiries. Any e-mail
correspondence MUST be acknowledged to know that it was received.
Applications for Examination of individuals who have had their training program
qualifications approved by ACVB cannot be made earlier than October of the second
year of a 2-year residency or in the third year of a 3-year residency. Individuals in
nonconforming programs must have completed their programs prior to submitting an
Application For Examination. No application will be considered until the applicant has
three (3) case reports accepted. APPLICANTS for the examination must satisfy the
Credentials Committee that the following items have been satisfactorily completed by
including the materials listed below. It is the APPLICANT'S responsibility to see that
the following six (6) items arrive no later than March first of the year they are intending
52
to sit the exam. Failure to have any of the following will result in rejection of the
application.
1.
One (1) electronic copy of 1) the applicant's diploma from a school or college
accredited or approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
or 2) certificate of accreditation in veterinary medicine from the Educational
Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the AVMA, or 3) legal
document of qualification to practice veterinary medicine in some state, province,
territory, or possession of the United States, Canada, or other country.
2.
One electronic copy of the completed Application for Examination by the
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists form. One print copy of the
Application form should accompany the Administrative fee.
3.
Individuals in formal residency programs must submit one (1) electronic copy of
the certificate of successful completion of the residency or a letter indicating
successful completion of a conforming residency written by the director of the
conforming program. If the individual is applying before the completion of their
program, he/she should include a letter from the director of the program stating
that the individual is making satisfactory progress and is expected to finish the
program before October first of the year they are intending to first sit the exam.
Evidence of completion of the residency is necessary before ACVB membership
will be granted.
4.
One electronic copy of at least one, first author scientific publication of original,
data-based research on the subject of animal behavior in an acceptable refereed
journal. (List of acceptable journals is included in this packet.)
a.
5.
If final acceptance of the article is pending, applicants must submit the
following:
1)
One electronic copy of the manuscript submitted
2)
One electronic copy of proof that the manuscript has been
submitted to and received for review by an appropriate journal by
March first.
3)
One electronic copy of proof of FINAL acceptance (manuscript
requiring no further review) by the journal must be received on or
before September first or application for examination will be
rejected.
One electronic copy of the Applicant Evaluation Form from each of three (3)
different evaluators:
53
Completed Applicant Evaluation Forms must arrive from at least three (but not
more than five) veterinarians who can assess the applicant's performance in the
area of animal behavior. At least one (1) of these veterinarians must be an
ACVB diplomate. ACVB must receive evaluation forms from at least three (3)
individuals or the application for examination will not be accepted. Each
evaluator must send one electronic copy of the completed evaluation form. It is
the APPLICANT'S RESPONSIBILITY to see that these have been sent no later
than March first. ACVB will not confirm arrival of the forms to the Applicants.
The evaluator should e-mail the evaluation form directly to the ACVB Executive
Director. A letter may be used in lieu of the form if all information requested on
the form is described in the letter.
Negative evaluations may result in rejection of the application.
The ACVB reserves the right to solicit information from individuals other than
those supplied by the applicant, but the applicant will be notified.
6.
The appropriate fee of three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00) in United States
funds must accompany the print copy of the Application For Examination. If, for
any reason, the applicant is declared ineligible to take the examination, the
examination fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00) will be refunded and fifty
dollars ($50.00) will be retained for administrative costs. Re-applications must
also be accompanied by three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00) in United States
funds. A personal check is acceptable.
54
RESUBMISSION OF CREDENTIALS FOLLOWING REJECTION
OF THE
APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION
1.
If the Application For Examination was previously rejected, an entire, complete
application packet must be resubmitted except as indicated by letter from the
ACVB Executive Director and listed below.
2.
Applicants passing Application for Examination materials but lacking final
acceptance of a publication must submit:
a.
One electronic copy of the letter from the ACVB Executive Director stating
that one publication was still needed to complete the application.
b.
One electronic copy of the final journal acceptance letter for the
publication.
c.
One electronic copy of the final, accepted manuscript or published article.
d.
A check, in U.S. funds in the amount of three hundred dollars ($300.00)
made payable to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
55
SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION MATERIALS
The print copy of the Application for Examination and the $350.00 fee should be
shipped as far in advance of the application deadline of March first as possible.
All of the above print and electronic materials must arrive no later than March first
of the year the applicant is intending to sit the exam. Any material arriving after 5:00
PM CST, March first, will not be accepted. Any packet or part of a packet that is not
present at that time will not be accepted. Including reference forms. Cash on delivery
(C.O.D.) packages will not be accepted. Send all materials to:
Dr. Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
ACVB Executive Director
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
Phone: (979) 845-2351
Fax: (979) 845-6978
E-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
Note: Additions or substitutions (or the like) to the application packet sent under
separate cover will not be accepted.
56
EVALUATION PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EXAMINATION
1.
Each part of the Application For Examination will be evaluated as "acceptable" or
"unacceptable". The reviewer will record his/her evaluation on a standard form
that will be retained by ACVB.
a.
Each application will be reviewed by five (5) members of the Credentials
Committee and will require a acceptable score by at least three (3) of the
five (5) members.
2.
All parts of the Application must all be satisfactory in order for the application to
be accepted. If any part of the Application is not acceptable, the entire
Application will be rejected.
3.
Applicant Evaluation Forms are to be submitted by three (3) individuals, with
each submitting one electronic copy of the Applicant Evaluation Form. These
copies must be in the office of the ACVB Executive Director by March first for
evaluation. If for any reason forms from three (3) evaluators are not present at
that time, the credentials will be rejected.
4.
a.
Each letter of evaluation will be reviewed for source of evaluation, whether
the applicant signed the confidentiality clause, and content of evaluation.
An unsatisfactory evaluation is one wherein the letter fails to support the
application.
b.
If two (2) out of the three (3) letters of evaluation are deemed
unsatisfactory by two (2) members of the Credentials Committee, the
application will be disqualified. If one (1) of the three (3) letters of
evaluation is unsatisfactory, the Credentials Committee will review and
discuss all the letters of evaluation. Personal contact with the individual
who wrote the unsatisfactory letter of evaluation may be deemed
necessary prior to accepting the application.
One electronic copy of a published, scientific article or submitted manuscript
must be included in the Application. Manuscripts must include a letter of
receipt or letter of final acceptance from an approved journal.
a.
Each submission will be reviewed to be sure it has been submitted to an
approved, refereed journal and that an appropriate letter is attached in the
case of a manuscript.
b.
The content must be data-based, original research.
c.
The applicant must be the first author.
d.
Failure to meet one or more of the above criteria will result in the
application being disqualified.
57
e.
5.
A change in the journal in which the manuscript is published or in the core
of the manuscript submitted may result in disqualification of the
Application For Examination.
The Credentials Committee, through the ACVB Executive Director, will notify the
candidate of the acceptance or rejection of his/her credentials by July first
following the March first deadline for submission of the application. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to notify the ACVB Executive Director in writing of
any address, e-mail address, or telephone number change. An applicant's failure
to notify the above of a current address may cause misdirected mail and a
significant delay in communicating results.
58
REQUIREMENTS FOR TAKING THE EXAMINATION
after completing an acceptable application
1.
The candidate should sit for the examination the first time it is given after
notification of successful application.
a.
A candidate must successfully pass the entire examination process within
eight (8) years of starting the examination process (submission of the
application). An additional examination fee of three hundred dollars
($300.00) in United States funds will be charged each time the
examination is taken.
b.
A candidate who does not pass the examination within eight (8) years of
their first submission of the Application for Examination must submit
supplemental materials to the ACVB to prove that their training remains
current in the discipline of animal behavior.
2.
If a candidate must delay taking the examination following notification of an
acceptable application, the ACVB Executive Director must be notified. No
portion of the prescribed fee(s) will be refunded. When this delayed candidate
takes the examination for the first time, no additional fee will be assessed. The
candidate must still pass the entire examination process within the time limit of
eight (8) years from the time of the first application. After that time, the candidate
must re-qualify their training experience and then submit a totally new Application
for Examination, including new case reports.
3.
The candidate who wishes to take the examination following a delay or to retake
the examination must notify the ACVB Executive Director of such intent in writing
and including all current contact information and selection of 3 of 5 species as
required on the Application for Examination form. This notification and a check
for the examination fee must arrive in the Executive Director's office no later than
March first of the year in which the candidate wishes to sit for the examination.
ACVB will not send reminders to people who may wish to resit the examination.
4.
Any candidate who passes all but one section of the examination has the option
to retake that one section, one time, at the next scheduled examination.
a.
If the candidate does not pass the repeated section at that time, the
candidate will be required to retake the entire examination at the
candidate’s next attempt.
b.
The fee to retake the one section will be the same as the fee to take the
entire examination.
59
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
The applicant must have one (1), first author publication of original, data-based scientific
research on the subject of animal behavior in an acceptable refereed journal. Proof of
final acceptance by the journal will need to be provided in order for the application for
examination to be accepted. A partial list of acceptable journals is listed below.
ACCEPTABLE JOURNALS
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Animal Behavior
Anthrozoos
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Australian Veterinary Journal
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
Behaviour
British Veterinary Journal
Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
Canadian Veterinary Journal
Equine Veterinary Journal
Ethology
Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR) Journal
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
Journal of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of Animal Science
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
Journal of Primatology
Journal of Small Animal Practice
Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research
Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Lab Animal Science
Laboratory Animal (British)
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Research in Veterinary Science
Veterinary Record
Veterinary Science Research Communications
Veterinary Surgery
Note: This list is not exhaustive and many other journals may be acceptable. If the
applicant intends to submit their manuscript to a journal not on this list, it is STRONGLY
recommended they contact ACVB’s Executive Director several months before the
submission so the Credential’s Committee can determine if that specific journal is
acceptable. Applicants are reminded that the topic of the publication should be relevant
to the discipline of animal behavior.
60
The following articles/journals are not acceptable:
Proceedings of ...(various meetings, specialties)
Short communications (in various journals)
Serial articles (Behavior Case of the Month, What's your diagnosis?)
Letters to the Editor
Lay Publications (such as Cat Fancy, Western Horseman)
61
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
RECOMMENDED READING LIST
For Individuals Interested in Applied Veterinary Behavior
The following books are organized topically, then alphabetically by author(s).
SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR ACVB CANDIDATES
The ACVB has developed the suggested reading list for individuals applying for membership,
from the more general recommended reading list. Suggested readings are indicated by an asterisk (*). The
intent of the more specific list is to help guide the candidate towards the more pertinent books that will
assist them in preparing for the examination. The recommended list is not intended to suggest that the
candidate should read every book on ethology or every book on learning theory, but rather is presented so
as to demonstrate the breadth and scope of veterinary behavior. Neither list should be construed as a
commitment regarding specific examination material. For the purposes of studying for the ACVB
examination, it is suggested that an applicant review texts pertaining to general principles of behavior as
well as species specific material, then use other books to fill in clinical information. Current texts in the
fields of internal medicine, neurology (Lorenz or Chrisman et al), and neuroscience (Bear et al or Kandel
et al) should also be reviewed, with emphasis on veterinary behavior. More timely material, available in
periodicals listed below, should be consulted as well. Refer to the general reading list for additional
references.
(*Note: ACVB Exam Candidates, please see comments at the end of this document)
Learning Theory, Cognition
AUTHOR/EDITOR
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Hauser M
Wild Minds: What Animals
Really Think, www.henryholt.com
Reisberg D
Cognition: Exploring the Science of the Mind (4th
edition), ISBN:9780393198515
www.wwnorton.com
Schwartz B, Robbins SJ
Psychology of Learning and Behavior (5th edition),
www.wwnorton.com
Reznikova Z
YEAR
2000
2005
2001
2007
Mazur J
Animal Intelligence: from individual to social
cognition,
Cambridge University Press
Learning and Behavior, 6th edition
Wasserman EA, Zentall
TR (eds)
Comparative Cognition: Experimental Explorations of
Animal Intelligence, www.oup.com/us
2006
62
*
2009
*
Neurology/Neuroscience/ Physiology/Endocrinology
AUTHOR/EDITOR
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Bear MF, Connors B,
Neuroscience—Exploring the Brain (3rd edition),
Paradiso M, et al
www.lww.com
Carlson NR
Physiology of Behavior (10th Edition);
Allyn and Bacon Publishers
Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Principles of Neural Science, 4th edition
Jessell TM
Lorenz MD, Kornegay
JN
Handbook of Veterinary Neurology (4th edition),
www.elsevier.com
Chrisman CL, Mariani C,
Platt S
Nelson RJ
Neurology for the Small Animal Practitioner
Teton New Media
An Introduction to Behavioral Endocrinology (3rd
edition),
www.sinauer.com
Biology of Aggression; Oxford University Press,
www.oup.com/us
Nelson RJ
Pharmacology
AUTHOR/EDITOR
Crowell-Davis SL,
Murray T
Dodman NH, Shuster L
Sadock, Kaplan HI,
Sadock BJ
Schatzberg AF,
Nemeroff CB
Schwartz S
Stahl SM
Stahl SM
YEAR
2006
*
*
2009
*
2000,
new
edition
pending
2004
2003
2005
*
2005
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Veterinary Psychopharmacology
www.blackwellprofessional.com
Psychopharmacology of Animal Behavior Disorders
www.blackwellpublishing.com
YEAR
2005
Pocket Handbook of Psychiatric Drug Treatment (4th
edition), Williams & Wilkins, www.lww.com
The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of
Psychopharmacology (4th edition)
American Psychiatric Press www.appi.org/
Psychoactive Herbs in Veterinary Medicine
www.blackwellprofessional.com
Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific
Basis and Practical Applications (3rd Edition),
Cambridge Univ. Press (also online edition),
www.cambridge.org/us/medicine/stahl/
The Prescriber's Guide, 3rd edition
http://www.cambridge.org/us/catalogue/
2005
63
2009
*
1998
2009
2005
2009
2009
*
Clinical Texts
AUTHOR/EDITOR
Beaver BV
Beaver BV
Hart BL, Hart LA,
Bain MJ
Horwitz D, Mills D,
Heath S
Horwitz D, Neilson J
Landsberg GM,
Hunthausen WL,
Ackerman L
Overall KL
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Canine Behavior
www.elsevier.com
Feline Behavior (2nd edition)
www.elsevier.com
Canine and Feline Behavioral Therapy, Second Edition
www.blackwellprofessional.com
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural
Medicine, 2nd edition
BSAVA, www.wiley.com
Blackwell’s Five Minute Behavior Consult: Canine and
Feline Behavior
www.blackwellprofessional.com
Handbook of Behavioural Problems of the Dog and Cat
(2nd edition), www.elsevier.com
YEAR
1999
Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, Mosby,
www.elsevier.com
1997
Domestic Species Specific Behavior
AUTHOR/EDITOR
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Appleby M, Mench J,
Hughes B
Albright JL,
Arave CW
Bradshaw JW
Coppinger R,
Coppinger L
Broom DM, Fraser AF
Houpt KA
Keeling L, Gonyou H
Lindsay SR
McDonnell S
McGreevy P
Miklosi A
Poultry Behaviour and Welfare,
www.cabi-publishing.org
The Behaviour of Cattle,
www.cabi-publishing.org
The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat,
www.cabi-publishing.org
Dogs: a Startling New Understanding of Canine
Origin, Behavior and Evolution, Scribner,
www.simonsays.com
Domestic Animal Behaviour and Welfare (4th Edition),
Oxford University Press,
www.oup.com
Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and
Animal Scientists (4th Edition)
www.iowastatepress.com
Social Behaviour in Farm Animals
www.cabi-publishing.org
Applied Dog Behavior and Training; Iowa State
University Press, Volumes 1-3,
www.iowastatepress.com
The Equid Ethogram, a Practical Field Guide to
Horse Behavior, www.eclipsepress.com
Equine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians and
Equine Scientists
www.elsevier.com
Dog Behavior, Evolution, and Cognition
Oxford Press
64
*
2003
2006
2009
2007
2003
YEAR
*
2004
1997
1992
2001
2007
*
2004
*
2002
20002003
2003
*
2004
*
2007
*
Phillips C
Price EO
Price EO
Scott FP, Fuller JL
Serpell J
Turner DC,
Bateson P (eds)
Waring, George
Cattle Behaviour & Welfare (2nd edition);
www.iowastatepress.com
Principles and Applications of Domestic Animal
Behavior
Animal Domestication and Behavior,
www.cabi-publishing.org
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog
www.press.uchicago.edu
The Domestic Dog: its Evolution, Behaviour, and
Interactions with People; www.cambridge.org/us
The Domestic Cat: the Biology of Its Behaviour (2nd
Edition); www.cambridge.org/us
Horse Behavior (2nd edition), Noyes Publications
Lab/Zoo Animals/Exotic/Wild Animals
AUTHOR/EDITOR
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Estes RD
The Behavior Guide to African Mammals, Including
Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, Primates, U. of
California Press, www.ucpress.edu
Hosey G, Melfi V, and
Zoo Animals: behaviour, management, and welfare
Pankhurst S
Oxford University Press
Kleiman DG,
Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and
Allen ME
Techniques, www.press.uchicago.edu
Thompson KV, et al
(eds)
Luescher AU (ed)
Manual of Parrot Behavior
www.blackwellprofessional.com
Quesenberry K,
Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and
Carpenter JW
Surgery, WB Saunders, www.elsevier.com
Sheldon JW
Wild Dogs: The Natural History of the Nondomestic
Canidae;
www.blackburnpress.com
Tynes V (ed)
Behavior of Exotic Pets
Blackwell
Wolfensohn S, Honess P Handbook of Primate Husbandry and Welfare
Ethology/Genetics
AUTHOR/EDITOR
Alcock J
Grandin T
Wilson EO
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (9th ed.);
www.sinauer.com E-Book available:
(www.coursesmart.com/9780878932252),
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals,
Academic Press; www.elsevier.com
Sociobiology: The New Synthesis (25th anniversary
edition); www.hup.harvard.edu
65
2002
2008
*
2002
1998
(Reprint
of 1965)
1996
*
2000
*
2003
YEAR
1991
*
*
2009
1995
(2010)
2006
*
2003?
2004
(reprint
of 1992)
2010
*
2005
YEAR
2009
*
*
1998
2000
(1975
reprint)
*
Quantification of Behavior
AUTHOR/EDITOR
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Lehner PN
The Handbook of Ethological Methods (2nd edition),
www.cambridge.org
Martin P, Bateson P
Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide (3rd
edition); www.cambridge.org
Dawkins MS
Observing Animal Behaviour : Design and Analysis of
Quantitative Data
YEAR
1998
*
2007
*
2007
*
TITLE AND PUBLISHER WEBSITE
Animal Welfare, www.cabi-publishing.org
YEAR
1997
*
Domestic Animal Behavior and Welfare (4th Edition),
Oxford University Press
www.oup.com
Understanding Animal Welfare: The Science in its
Cultural Context
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
Publication
www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell
Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach
Wallingford CABI Publishing
The Welfare of Laboratory Animals
Springer
Stereotypic Animal Behavior: Fundamentals and
Applications to Welfare
The Sciences of Animal Welfare
2007
*
The Biology of Animal Stress: Basic Principles and
Implications for Animal Welfare
www.cabi-publishing.org
Comfortable Quarters for Laboratory Animals (8th
edition); Animal Welfare Institute, www.awionline.org
Taking Better Care of Monkeys and Apes
Animal Welfare Institute (www.awionline.org)
The Welfare of Cats
Springer
The Welfare of Cattle, Springer
2000
*
2002
*
2008
*
Environmental enrichment for captive animals
2003
Shelter Medicine—
2004
2010?
.
Animal Welfare
AUTHOR/EDITOR
Appleby MC,
Hughes BO, Elson
Broom DM, Fraser AF
Fraser D
Grandin T
Kaliste E
Mason G, Rushen J (eds)
Mellor D, PattersonKane E, Stafford KJ
Moberg G, Mench JA
Reinhardt V
Reinhardt V
Rochlitz I
Rushen J, de Passille
AM, von Keyserlingk
AG, Weary DM
Young RJ
Miller L, Zawistowski S,
Editors
Blackwell Publishing
66
2008
2009
2004
2006
*
2009
2005
2008
Other Suggested Readings
Applicants are expected to be familiar with the classic and current behavior literature from
various journal sources. Journals listed below are particularly significant. Papers relevant to clinical case
management should be emphasized. The list should not be considered all-inclusive.
Animal Behaviour
Animal Welfare
Anthrozoos
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science
Journal of Comparative Psychology
Journal of Ethology
Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research
Laboratory Animal Science
Proceedings of the International Veterinary Behavior Meetings
Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Veterinary Clinics of North America (recent behavior editions)
Zoo Biology
Revised 05-01-2011
67
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
Appeal Procedure
Section 1
a)
b)
ARTICLE X
Appeal Procedure
Procedure for Appeal of Adverse Decision
Adverse decisions by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
may include, but are not limited to:
l)
Denial of certification of an individual.
2)
Denial of adequacy of credentials.
3)
Denial of a proposed residency program.
4)
Suspension of certification.
5)
Failure of the examination.
In the event of an adverse decision by the College, the College shall
advise the affected person or the mentor of the affected residency
program of the procedure for appealing the adverse decision. An affected
party desiring to appeal the adverse decision must adhere to the following
procedure:
l)
Grounds for Reconsideration or Review: The affected party may
petition for reconsideration or review of the College's decision on
the grounds that the College has ruled erroneously by:
(a)
Disregarding the established College criteria for certification
or approval.
(b)
Failing to follow its stated procedures.
(c)
Failing to consider relevant evidence and documentation
presented.
2)
Petition for Reconsideration
(a)
An affected party may petition the College to reconsider its
decision by filing with the College a written petition for
reconsideration which shall include a statement of the
grounds for reconsideration and documentation, if any, in
support of the petition.
(b)
Such petition must be received in the College Executive
Director's office within 90 days of the date they announce the
adverse decision.
(c)
The President shall name an Appeals Panel of three (3)
diplomates to review the petition. The Panel may review
only written materials, meet by telephone conference or
electronically, or at the discretion of the Chair of the Appeals
Panel may call a special meeting to hear arguments from
both sides of the issue. Travel for the affected party will be at
other than ACVB expense.
(d)
The Appeals Panel will meet in executive session to reach a
final decision. This decision will be transmitted to the Board
of Regents for information. The decision will then be
68
(e)
(f)
delivered in writing by certified mail to the affected person or
college not more than 30 days after it is made.
Upon completion of steps i) through iv) above, if the affected
party is not satisfied with the final decision, he or she may
request mediation by the American Board on Veterinary
Specialties (ABVS) of the American Veterinary Medical
Association.
The Chairperson of ABVS will call a meeting of the parties in
dispute or their representatives. The meeting will be held at
AVMA headquarters and will be chaired by the Chairperson
of ABVS. The parties in dispute will be guided to seek
equitable solutions. Travel for the parties in dispute will be at
other than AVMA expense.
69
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
FEE STRUCTURE
1.
Individuals are encouraged to check the website for updated versions of the
Applicant’s Packet.
2.
Registration with ACVB for individuals who have been accepted into a
conforming residency program or who are intending to begin a nonconforming
training program shall be $100.00 (United States funds).
3.
Application to ACVB by those in nonconforming training programs for
consideration of the applicant's specific program is included with the registration
fee of $100.00 (United States funds).
a. Additional applications, following the first rejection, shall be $75.00 (United
States funds).
b. There shall be no refund for rejection of any application or for discontinuation
of the conforming or nonconforming program.
c. Reactivation of a program must be accompanied by a $75.00 (United States
funds) reactivation fee.
d. A print version of a successful nonconforming training program is available
upon request for a fee of $50.00 (United States funds).
4.
Candidates submitting case reports for review must include a case report
evaluation fee of $200.00 (United States funds) at the time of submission of the
first case report. This fee covers the evaluation of all case reports.
5.
Application to sit the ACVB certifying examination shall be $50.00 (United States
funds).
6.
a.
This fee is an administrative fee for consideration of the Application For
Examination and must be included with the application.
b.
There will be no refund for candidates who do not pass the application
process.
c.
Payment of this fee may be combined with the examination fee listed
below.
Examination fee shall be $300.00 (United States funds).
70
a.
This fee is due on or before March 1 of the year the candidate is intending
to sit the examination.
b.
The fee will be refunded if the applicant does not pass the Application for
Examination process, including the final acceptance of a scientific
publication.
c.
There shall be no refund for withdrawal from the application for
examination process or failure to pass the examination.
b.
There shall be no refund for candidates who are physically unable to be
present for the examination. Under certain instances described under the
examination application section, the fee can be applied toward the next
examination.
4.
Candidates who successfully pass the ACVB certifying examination and are
accepted for ACVB membership will be given the option of paying a $300.00
initiation fee or they may pay $100.00 dues and submit 25 questions of specified
format within two (2) months.
5.
Annual dues for ACVB diplomates shall be $300.00 (United States funds),
payable August 1 each year.
71
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
BY-LAWS RELATING TO TRAINING
Section 1
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Section 2
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
ARTICLE V
Certification
Requirements for Admission to Examination for Certification
A candidate must (a) be a graduate of a school or college accredited or
approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), or (b)
have in his/her possession a certificate of accreditation in veterinary
medicine from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary
Graduates (ECFVG) of the AVMA, or (c) be legally qualified to practice
veterinary medicine in some state, province, territory, or possession of the
United States, Canada, or other country.
A candidate must meet the examination requirements established by the
ACVB.
Individuals wanting to sit the examination shall procure, by written request
to the Executive Director, a copy of the official application form and the
prerequisites for taking the specialty examination.
A candidate cannot submit credentials for certification earlier than October
of the second year of a 2-year residency or in the third year of a 3-year
residency. The Credentials Committee shall review the suitability of the
candidate's credentials.
Completed application forms, supporting documents, and application fee
shall be submitted to the Executive Director on or before February first of
the year in which the applicant intends to sit the examination.
Candidates approved by the Credentials Committee to sit the examination
shall be notified and appraised of the date, time, place, and format of the
examination at least 120 calendar days before the date of the
examination.
Certificating Examination
The Certificating Examination will be offered once annually.
The examination will be given over two consecutive days. It will be a
written examination including both short and long answers which cover the
basics of behavioral principles, basics of the behavior of various species,
and the clinical application of behaviors in various species.
A minimum score as defined by the Examination Committee and approved
by the Board of Regents must be achieved on the examination in order to
pass.
All candidates will receive written notification of their performance on the
examination within 45 calendar days of the examination, and all notices
will be sent at the same time.
Credentials of candidates who pass the examination will be forwarded to
the President by the Chairperson of the Examining Committee.
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f)
g)
The candidate must pass the examination for certification. If the candidate
fails the examination, he/she may pay the appropriate fee and retake the
examination. Individuals who do not pass the examination within 8 years
of their first submission of the Application for Examination must submit
supplemental materials to the ACVB to prove that their training remains
current in the discipline of animal behavior.
After passing the examination, the candidate must submit a copy of
his/her residency certificate or a letter from the supervising diplomate
stating that the candidate has satisfactorily completed the training
program.
ARTICLE VI
Residency Programs
Section 1
Guidelines for Conforming Behavioral Residency Programs
The residency program shall be a minimum of 24 months in length
following at least one year of training (internship or its equivalent) in veterinary
practice. Conforming programs lasting two years will only be approved for
residents with sufficient previous education in animal behavior. Determination of
whether an individual is qualified for a two year residency program is to be made
by the mentor, based on guidelines developed by the ACVB Specialty Training
Committee. The program should be at a veterinary medical facility with a strong
faculty in a variety of disciplines and specialties and a program of animal
behavior recognized by the College. Behavior training must be directly
supervised for at least 18 months by at least one ACVB certified diplomate.
Existing recognized conforming behavioral residency training programs will be
periodically reevaluated by the ACVB Specialty Training Committee. Programs
should be reevaluated after 10 years from the last evaluation, if the program
director believes the program has substantially changed from the original
proposal, or when a new program director is named.
A standard residency is designed to educate the resident primarily in
veterinary behavioral science and also in the related disciplines of anatomy,
clinical pathology, ethology, internal medicine, neurology, neuroscience,
neurosurgery, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and psychology. The
emphasis should be divided with approximately 50% in behavioral sciences, 25%
in related basic science, and 25% in related clinical science. If a M.S. or Ph.D.
program is included, the residency training program must be at least three years
in length with at least 50% of time devoted to clinical training. The following
provide specific emphases of the residency program.
a) Broad Background
The residency should provide intensive training in behavioral therapy
including major responsibility for the care of patients. The candidate should
acquire a broad working knowledge of anatomy, pathology of all body systems,
physiology, internal medicine, an in depth knowledge of the nervous system, and
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physiological determinants of behavior. While clinical training will, in most cases,
emphasize domestic and laboratory animals, experience with other species
should be encouraged.
b) Case Load
Although the number of cases seen may vary among programs, emphasis
should be on quality rather than quantity. A sufficient case load must be available
to provide experience with all types of problem and abnormal behavior in as
many different species as possible. The resident should have primary
responsibility for cases, including receiving, diagnosis, management, client
communication, and case follow-up. The resident should be encouraged to
provide consultation on behavioral problems faced by members of other services
and clinicians of the hospital. Patient care and case work-up should constitute
65-75% of the resident's time. Behavior cases under the care of a behavior
resident must be reviewed regularly by an ACVB Diplomate. Consultation with
other qualified faculty should be encouraged, but cannot replace regular review
by the Diplomate.
c) Attendance at Seminars; Teaching Experience
In-depth knowledge of a specialty cannot be gained by patient care alone.
Comprehensive knowledge of the field should be gained by regular attendance
and participation in seminars, rounds, and case conferences, and by attendance
at one or more national meetings of relevant professional societies. Experience
in teaching the specialty, by conducting clinical specialty rounds, presentation of
patients to colleagues in seminars, and preparation of lectures should be
encouraged. Sufficient time free from clinical responsibilities should be available
to the resident for attending seminars, developing research, course work, and
self-study. Guidance and evaluation of these activities should come from an
ACVB Diplomate.
d) Course Work
Formal course work, although not an absolute requirement, is highly
desirable. Courses should include college upper division graduate level offerings
in animal behavior (zoology or psychology departments), comparative
psychology, developmental psychology, physiological psychology, neuroscience,
learning theory, behavior modification, psychopharmacology, and client
counseling. An organized self-study program should be developed by the
resident, in consultation with the supervising Diplomate. A comprehensive
reading list should be provided by the supervising Diplomate to the resident at
the start of the program including standard texts in general animal behavior,
behavioral therapy, and behavior of domestic animals. Important current and past
empirical, clinical, and review papers should be recommended.
e) Research
Experience in research, either clinical or laboratory, is valuable in fostering
habits of scholarship and critical thinking. Development of a suitable research
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project, including design, execution, evaluation, and publication is essential.
Publication or proof of acceptance of at least one scientific paper in the area of
animal behavior to a refereed journal is required for acceptance of credentials.
Single case reports will not be allowed as substitutes for a scientific paper, but
their publication should be encouraged.
f) Inquiries and Submission of Credentials
All inquiries and requests for registration forms, lists of conforming
residencies, and specialty credentials packets should be made through the
Executive Director of the ACVB. Completed credentials packages (fees, case
reports, letters of reference, etc.) should be mailed directly to the ACVB
Executive Director.
Section 2
Guidelines for Nonconforming Behavioral Training Program
The review and evaluation of individual nonconforming training programs are the
responsibility of the Specialty Training Committee of the College.
The candidate must request evaluation of his or her program and obtain written
evaluation from the Specialty Training Committee. Proposed programs must
include clinical specialty practice with active and regular utilization of behavioral
techniques. This evaluation should occur as soon as possible in the training
program.
An eligible candidate must satisfy the training and experience requirements by
one of the following methods:
a) Participate in a mentored training program that includes the similar
experiences to those expected in a conforming program. These experiences
include an internship or equivalent experience, sufficient clinical behavior
training in a mentoring relationship with an ACVB diplomate, as well as other
areas of emphasis as described under conforming behavioral residency
programs.
The candidate must submit, with the application, a written statement containing
all information necessary and required to judge his/her qualifications including
letters of evaluation by ACVB Diplomates, publications, and other evidence of
professional experience, training and competence. The requirements and
recommendations listed in Section 1 a)-e) under Guidelines for Conforming
Residency Programs apply equally as well to nonconforming programs, including
exposure to other subjects as outlined in Section 1, attendance at professional
meetings, and acceptance of a scientific behavior paper by a refereed journal.
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
REGISTRATION FOR INDIVIDUALS BEGINNING TRAINING
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Office Phone:
Office Fax:
E-mail Address:
From the following three options, complete the line that describes how you intend to
become qualified by training:
1. Conforming Residency Program: currently enrolled in which program_____________
(Letter from the supervising ACVB Diplomate should be attached.)
2. Nonconforming Training Program: ACVB mentor is___________________________
(Letter from the mentoring ACVB Diplomate should be attached.)
Attached to this registration form, please include the fee of $100.00 (United States
funds). This fee will include evaluation of the first submission of the description of a
training program which is not a conforming residency. Unsuccessful nonconforming
programs will require additional fees when resubmitted.
Return the completed form and letter from the supervising or mentoring Diplomate
electronically, and mail the application fee to:
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
Executive Director, ACVB
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
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APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
I HEREBY APPLY to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists for the
examination in accordance with its rules and herewith enclose the application fee. I
also hereby agree that prior to or subsequent to my examination, the Board of Regents
may investigate my standing as a veterinarian, including my reputation for complying
with the standards of ethics of the profession. I agree that no fee paid by me shall be
refundable to me except if and as may be expressly provided by the ACVB Constitution,
By-Laws, or policy. I further covenant and agree 1) to indemnify and hold harmless the
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and each and all of its members, trustees,
officers, examiners, and agents from and against any liability whatsoever in respect of
any act or omission in connection with this application, such examination, the grades
upon such examination and/or the granting or issuance of or failure to grant or issue a
Certification to me, and 2) that any Certificate, which may be granted and issued to me
shall be and remain the property of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. In
support of this application, I make the statements hereinafter set forth each of which I
warrant is true and correct.
________________________________________________________________
(Signature)
(Date)
Please type your application. Each item in the application must bear at least one entry.
If "none" is applicable, so state. The College stresses the importance of careful
completion of your application. Incompleteness will result in disqualifications.
1. Name_______________________________________________________
(Last)
(First)
(Middle)
2. Office Address ________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Home Address _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
4. Office Telephone ________________ Home Telephone ________________
Fax ___________________________ E-mail ________________________
5. College and Year of Veterinary Graduation ___________________________
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6. Current AVMA membership number ________________________________
If the primary country of employment is not the United States, are you a current
member of your country's national veterinary association?
_____________________________________________________________
7. If your Application is accepted, one section of the examination will ask questions
about specific species. Please identify three (3) choices for the species you would
like to be questioned about.
______Cats
______Dogs
______Horses
______Food Animals
______Laboratory Animals
8. List all publications (including those accepted for publication) that relate to the
Specialty of Veterinary Behavior and in which you were first author. Provide one
electronic copy of each of those publications. Other publications in which you were
not first author should be listed separately.
9. List four (4) veterinarians and/or other specialists with whom you maintain
communication for the purpose of consultation in developing your expertise.
Indicate the nature of the consultation, such as regarding diagnosis or patient care,
or research
10. Please list the names and addresses of three (3) professional colleagues who will
provide evaluations on your behalf. At least one evaluator must be board certified
by the ACVB. (Forms are included. Applicant Evaluation Forms should be sent
electronically from the evaluator directly to the Executive Director of the American
College of Veterinary Behaviorists.)
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
APPLICANT EVALUATION FORM
Person being evaluated _________________________________________________
Person doing the evaluation _______________________________________________
RECEIPT OF THE APPLICANT EVALUATION FORMS
The Applicant Evaluation Forms should be submitted by the individual evaluators
at the time the candidate makes application to sit for the examination and are
considered to be a part of the application. Please return an electronic version of the
completed Applicant Evaluation Form. These copies must be in the office of the ACVB
Executive Director by March first. If for any reason the completed forms are not
returned by that time, the entire Application for Examination will be rejected.
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
ACVB Executive Director
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
4474 TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas 77843-4474
Phone: (979) 845-2351
Fax: (979) 845-6978
E-mail: bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
The applicant is to complete the following section before providing it to the evaluator:
I, ______________________________________, understand that the comments which
will be provided by _____________________________________ shall become the
property of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and shall remain
confidential between ACVB and the evaluator. This information will only be used by
ACVB as part of the process to determine whether the applicant meets the
requirements of the organization to sit the certifying examination.
I understand the above confidentially clause and will abide by it.
Signature _____________________________________________________________
Date _____________________________
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AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS
APPLICANT EVALUATION FORM
Person being evaluated _________________________________________________
Person doing the evaluation ______________________________________________
Please complete those items you can and feel free to make additional remarks or
observations in item 14.
1. State the nature of your practice.
2. Are you a diplomate of ACVB or other AVMA recognized specialty? Please name
them.
3. During what time period and in what capacity did you supervise the clinical activities
of the applicant? If not applicable, write "None" and go on to question 5.
4. How closely did you supervise the applicant? (eg, seldom, daily, on each case, on
morning ward rounds, when requested)
5. During what time period and in what capacity did you observe the applicant's
professional and educational development?
6. In terms of primary patient care responsibility, how many patients were under the
exclusive care of the candidate during the period of your supervision/observation? If
you worked with the applicant only on specific cases, state the general types of
cases and numbers of patients per week that were involved.
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For the following questions 7, 8 and 9, please use the following evaluation score:
EX = Excellent
VG = Very Good
Sat = Satisfactory
NI = Needs Improvement
UnS = Unsatisfactory
Unk = Unknown
NA = Not Applicable
7.
Professional ability
EX
VG
Sat
Theoretical knowledge
Application of knowledge
Diagnostic skills
Surgical skills
Patient care
Thoroughness
Comments
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NI
UnS
Unk
NA
8.
Hospital service
EX
VG
Sat
Completion of duties
Quality of work
Client communication
Communication with
referring veterinarians
Referral letters and
record keeping
Acceptance of
responsibilities
Comments:
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NI
UnS
Unk
NA
9.
Individual characteristics
EX
VG
Sat
Applicant-clinician
communication
Applicant-student
communication
Applicant-staff
communication
Independent study &
initiative
Awareness of current
literature
Contribution to student
education
Performance under stress
Reliability
Motivation
Attendance at
seminars/rounds/meetings
Presentation at
seminars/rounds/meetings
Ability to make independent
decisions
Comments:
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NI
UnS
Unk
NA
10.
Cite problems in behavior on which you would consult the applicant.
11.
What type of patient would you refer to the applicant?
12.
Briefly discuss attitudes/skills/attributes that the applicant possesses, which are
not specifically covered above.
13.
Briefly describe any characteristics of professional performance or attitudes
toward people or animal patients that would detract from the applicant's
performance as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
14.
Describe other observations you have noted about the applicant or provide
additional information you feel important to properly assess the applicant.
Signed
Date ___________
Address _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
An electronic version of this form must be received in the ACVB Executive Director's
office no later than March first. Please return to:
Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver
Executive Director, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
bbeaver@cvm.tamu.edu
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