Defining a Treatment Plan
After diagnosis, your care team will build a treatment plan, which may include:
- Safety counseling
- Behavior modification
- Management techniques such as modification of the home environment
- Medication (if needed)
We emphasize the safety of our patients and of everyone who interacts with them.
In the second half of the appointment you will work with a behavior technician on the behavior modification techniques recommended by the veterinarian. You will be provided a detailed written summary of the visit with all of the veterinarian’s recommendations and instructions for continuing behavior modification at home.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the behavior team via email (beclinic@vet.upenn.edu). If a change to the treatment is necessary, the clinician will determine if a recheck appointment is needed. Typically, a recheck is required 8-12 weeks after the initial appointment.
Our Care Team
Carlo Siracusa, DVM, MSc, PhD, DECAWBM, DACVB
Associate Professor, Clinical Animal Behavior Service
A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) as well as the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavior Medicine (DECAWBM), Dr. Carlo Siracusa has established a reputation as a leading voice in behavior medicine for companion animals, combining his extensive knowledge of physiology with a vast experience as a behaviorist.
Dr. Siracusa leads a team of intuitive clinician/thinkers in the field, and will help you to develop the best approach for dealing with your animal's behavioral issues.
Lena Provoost, DVM
Lecturer, Clinical Small Animal Behavior and Welfare
Programs and Services
CALM Program
The format for the Penn Vet CALM program allows veterinarians and veterinary professionals to learn, understand, and apply a variety of tools to enhance the welfare of animals.
Penn Vet Behavior Application
Developed in partnership with Intellivets, Connect for Education (C4E), and Penn Vet's Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society (CIAS), the Penn Vet Behavior App is a consultation and education service that connects pet owners and primary care veterinarians to reliable, scientifically-sound behavior expertise from the comfort of their home or clinic.
Research
Our research is focused on clinical behavior problems and their relationship with medical problems, as well as low-stress handling of patients during veterinary visits.