Behavioural Medicine
Behavioural Medicine – Focus On: A Multimodal Approach to Pet Health

registration open
Palma / Spain
04.06.2025 – 06.06.2025
EURO 1.790.-*
EURO 1.690.-*(early registration deadline: 01.02.2025)
* eLibrary access is included in the course fee
Total hours: TBA
ATF hours (Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland): TBA
Principal Course Master:
Dr. Stefania Uccheddu, Dipl.ECAWBM (IT)
Course Overview
The course will feature a blended approach of lectures and case-based discussions and will delve into the fundamental aspects of animal behaviour and welfare as applied to clinical practice.
Key Focus Areas:
1. Ethological Principles: We will explore the core principles of ethology, with a particular emphasis on those relevant to veterinarians. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge needed to educate caregivers and promote the well-being of dogs and cats.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: The course will emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, incorporating behavioural medicine and a deep understanding of animal behaviour. This approach will be grounded in the principles of evidence-based medicine.
Upon completion of the course participants will be able to:
1. Comprehend the Principles of Ethology: Gain a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of ethology.
2. Apply a Multimodal Approach: Effectively approach cases using a multidisciplinary approach in everyday clinical practise, recognizing the role of behaviour in veterinary practice and developing comprehensive differential diagnosis lists.
3. Create a Low-Stress Clinical Environment: Establish a clinical setting that minimizes stress for animals and caregivers.
Course program (week 1 / subject to change)
Wednesday, 4 June 2025 - Dog Behaviour
09:00 – 10:00 Session 1: Understanding Dog Emotions and Communication in Practice
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00 Practical: Welcoming a Dog Patient and Caregiver, are you ready? Behavioural skills
12:00 – 13:30 Practical: Welcoming a Dog Patient and Caregiver, are you ready? Environment and tools
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch Break
15:00 – 16:00 Session 2: Pre-Surgery Behaviour: Collaborating with a Behaviourist
16:00 – 16:30 Session 3: Puppy Preparation: Getting Expert Advice
16:30 – 17:00 Tea Break
17:00 – 17:30 Session 4: Senior Care
17:30 -18:30 Case discussion and Interactive Quiz
Thursday,5 June 2025 - Cat Behaviour
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00 Practical: Are we ready for the cooperative cat?
12:00 – 13:30 Practical: Welcoming a Cat Patient and Caregiver, are you ready?
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch Break
15:00 – 16:30 Session 2: Pre-Post Surgery Behaviour: Collaborating with a Behaviourist
16:30 – 17:00 Tea Break
17:00 – 17:30 Session 3: Getting Expert Advice, from kitten to senior
17:30 – 18:30 Case discussion and Interactive Quiz
Friday, 6 June 2025 - Cases discussion in Dogs and Cats
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 Session 2: Stress in Cats: Pandora Syndrome
12:30 – 13:00 Session 3: Stress in Dogs and Its Consequences
13:00 – 15:00 Lunch Break
15:00 – 16:00 Session 4: Is This Pain?
16:00 – 17:00 Session 5: Psychodermatology
17:00 – 17:30 Tea Break
17:30 – 18:00 Session 6: Chewing, Pica, and Other Gastrointestinal Issues
18:00 – 19:00 Session 7: Cognitive Dysfunction
19:00 – 20:00 Final discussion and quiz