We have made great progress in understanding how our patients feel pain and the best ways to manage that pain. By closely observing your pet for subtle signs of pain and working with your veterinarian, you can help your pet remain comfortable.
Subtle Signs:
- Postural changes: arched/hunched back, droop head
- Temperament changes: aggression, hiding, becoming quiet
- Vocalization: moaning, howling, purring
- Locomotion changes: reluctance to move, lameness
- Other: decreased appetite, play resistance, grooming reduction, increased lickeing of a sensitive area
Experts define it as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.” The demonstrations of pain vary from patient to patient. It is important to recognize that just because they don’t cry, limp, or show other obvious signs, doesn’t mean they are not in pain. A good general rule to follow is that if it would hurt you, it would probably hurt them. With obvious injuries or surgical procedures, we can reasonably assume that pets would experience pain and should be treated accordingly. For less obvious circumstances, we want to monitor for some bustle signals.
Most pets experiencing pain change their behavior in some way. A dog may be reluctant to climb stairs, show decreased activity, or resist being handled or picked up. A cat may hide, vocalize, stop grooming and be reluctant to play or eat. Arthritis pain is common in older pets. Any person who has arthritis and has see an older pet struggle to rise or be unable to stand after lying down can imagine the discomfort they endure.
Untreated pain is something that no pet should experience, and while all medications have the potential for side effects. Veterinarians will determine the appropriate doses to minimize the risks for maximum benefits. We feel pet owners should be empowered to be a part of the medical decision-making regarding this.