Question 1

In what areas do you do in-person consults?

Accepted Answer

Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ offers in-person consultations across the Lower North Island and Waikato. Dr Lucy Scott sees cases throughout Horowhenua, Manawatū, Palmerston North and the Kāpiti Coast, and visits the Hutt Valley and Wellington every two weeks. Dr Priyanka Kulkarni is based in the Waikato and also travels to the Bay of Plenty for in-person consultations. If you are further afield, online consultations are available throughout New Zealand.

Question 2

What even IS a Behaviour Veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Behaviour Veterinarians (Veterinary Behaviourists) are registered veterinarians that have undertaken further qualifications in the field of Veterinary Behaviour. We use management/treatment plans based on best practice and scientific evidence, considering physical, mental and emotional health. Issues such as fear, anxiety, aggression, compulsive disorders and many more may be managed by a Behaviour Veterinarian.

Question 3

What animals do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Dogs, cats and horses are the animals I see day to day, but my Veterinary Behaviour examinations covered behaviour of all production and companion species in Australia and NZ.

Question 4

What are the differences between in-person and virtual consultations?

Accepted Answer

They generally follow the same pattern, covering history, the why of the behaviour and then making a plan. The differences are that with Virtual consultations I will send you back to your GP vet with any recommendations about anxiolytic medications, and that I don't get to meet your animal! I may ask for videos of the issues, and a map of your house. Any behaviour modification techniques will need to be started by you and can be monitored with videos. I have provided Virtual consults to pet owners all over NZ, Northland to Southland!

Question 5

Why do I need to provide VBS with my animals medical history?

Accepted Answer

Often, my patients have medical conditions that affect the development, severity, or maintenance of their behavioural issues. For example, pain is a common underlying factor in many behaviour cases and needs to be addressed for animals to make progress. Your vet may have made a mention of behaviour in their notes that gives a different perspective to the situation, and it gives me a structure for creation of a timeline.

Question 6

What should I expect during a consultation?

Accepted Answer

Prior to our meeting (either virtual or in-person), I review your animals' behavioural and medical history and start to create a timeline of the development of the issues. Then when we meet, I will ask the relevant questions to get a better picture of the chronicity, severity and factors involved in it's development. We then discuss these factors (including any medical ones) and the function of the behaviour/emotions involved. Then we start putting a plan together! These usually cover: Management (how to prevent your animal practicing the behaviour), Medical interventions recommended, Medications, Behaviour modification plan, and Monitoring.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions