For exotics, behavior is the primary vital sign. A bird that stops preening (feather destructive behavior) is usually sick or mentally bereft. A rabbit that stops grinding its teeth (a happy purr-like behavior) is in crisis. Veterinary science for exotics is almost entirely dependent on the owner's ability to describe behavioral nuance.
: Data-driven features that measure and analyze an animal's environment and its long-term impact on physiology. Animal Centered Computing 4. Educational and Research Disciplines zooskool animal sex extra quality
Tashi was a five-year-old red panda living in a world-class zoo. Red pandas are known for being high-energy foragers, spending hours munching on bamboo. One morning, his keepers noticed a subtle shift: Tashi was still eating, but he was favoring one side of his mouth. For exotics, behavior is the primary vital sign