A 4-year-old Golden Retriever presented for euthanasia due to sudden, unprovoked aggression toward the owner. The referring vet had prescribed sedatives, which failed. A veterinary behaviorist (a vet with advanced training in behavior) took a detailed history and noted the aggression occurred only at night, often after the dog had been sleeping. An MRI revealed a meningioma (brain tumor) compressing the amygdala. The dog wasn't "mean"; it had a neurological lesion. Surgery extended its life by two happy years.

Behavioral assessments in shelters determine adoptability. Fear, kennel stress, and lack of socialization can lead to “kennelosis” (stereotypic behaviors). Enrichment programs (toys, human interaction, music, hiding places) are critical.

Patient: 5-year-old male neutered Border Collie. Presenting complaint: "Circling and staring at walls for 3 days." Initial thought: Idiopathic compulsive disorder (breed predisposition).

Behavioral assessment: Owner reported the circling was directionally consistent (always left) and accompanied by head pressing—not typical of compulsive circling which is variable.

Veterinary workup: MRI revealed a right thalamic glioma. Diagnosis: Structural brain lesion, not primary behavior disorder.

Outcome: Palliative radiation and corticosteroids reduced circling. Behavior modification alone would have been harmful and delayed care.

The pandemic accelerated telemedicine for behavior. A behaviorist can now observe a dog’s aggression toward the mailman via a Zoom call without needing to provoke the behavior in a sterile exam room. This allows for more accurate diagnoses and safer consultations.