Methodological approach to diagnostics and pharmacological correction of stress in dogs and cats

The problem of stress, psychological and behavioral disorders in animals gain more and more attention in the recent years. A lot of research is being held to determine pathogenetic mechanisms of stress, diagnostic approaches and methods of its treatment. This article considers the physiological, psychological and biochemical aspects of stress. The special role of brain-specific S100 protein in the stress pathogenesis is described. Authors also give methodological recommendations for veterinarians on the pharmacological correction of stress and on the use of behavioral scales for dogs and cats.