Health Care

This assignment is to be written as a research paper in 12pt font, double
spaced, and a minimum of 5 pages. You should use APA or AMA format for
citations so you can familiarize yourself with scientific writing standards.
It is highly recommended that you seek assistance from the Writing Center if
you have never written a research paper. Edit your paper prior to handing it in
as this counts towards your grade.
PART A
Research and explain the following questions in 1-2 pages as an introduction to
stress theory:
• How does stress affect the immune system? Discuss the hormone
cascade prompted by stress.
• How does stress affect adoptability/rehoming? Consider an animal’s
presentation in its kennel
and some ‘undesirable’ home behaviors that reflect stress.
5
PART B
Pick one scenario and identify and define the behavioral problem(s). Provide a
research based analysis of the problem in order to develop an in-shelter and athome treatment plan. This must be written as cohesive paragraphs not as
bulleted points or a prescription. Discuss each point and why you chose those
options (for example foster, specific training, specific medication, etc).
Consider and discuss other issues that might arise given the animal’s history
(remember that behavior is affected by psychology and physiology).
CASE 1: “Freddy” DSH, male neutered, 8 years old
After their two-year-old granddaughter moved in Freddy’s humans had him
declawed on all feet. He has started urinating outside the litter box for the past
three months since the surgery and now gives no warning before charging and
biting at the adults’ feet. His family is afraid of him and surrendered him to
your shelter. Freddy sits with his back to the kennel and low growls when
approached by potential adopters. He will sometimes hold his bladder if he’s
soiled his linens already and barely touches his food. How do you correct some
behaviors in shelter and what would you advise the owner to do once Freddy is
taken home?
CASE 2: “Nicky” Large terrier mix, male intact, 1 year old
His original owners bought him from a backyard breeder when he was only 2
weeks old (which the breeder explained makes the dogs “bond better” with
their owners through bottle feeding) and did not keep other animals in the
house. He was surrendered to the shelter at 5 months old for destructive
behavior when left alone (chewing on furniture, knocking down the TV,
scratching at the carpet and walls) and was adopted and returned twice more
(the first couple never had a dog, the second couple had a toddler that Nicky
loved but would knock down repeatedly). Nicky does not know how to walk on
a leash and is difficult to take potty unless there is a yard. How do you correct
some behaviors in shelter and what would you advise the owner to do once
Nicky is taken home?
CASE 3: “Sheba” Bengal cat, female intact, 2 years old
As a designer cat breed, Sheba’s family paid nearly 2k for her but are
disappointed that she does not want to cuddle. She is destructive in the home,
tearing at furniture and terrorizing the parrot that is caged in the kitchen. She
yowls and scratches at the window to be let out, especially when there are stray
cats outside. Her owners have surrendered her to your shelter and are also
interested in adopting an exotic mix dog (a coyote-dog or wolfdog) because
they’ll be easier to train due to “pack mentality.” What do you say to these
owners to dissuade them from purchasing hybrid animals? What would you
advise the new owner to do once Sheba is taken home?