Ever since I was in veterinary medical school, I have wondered about how animals perceive pain, how we know the signs of their pain, and what we can do about it. That was more than 45 years ago, and while we are better at identifying pain, we are not as good at the application of the tools we have to combat pain.While progress has been made, mostly in post-operative pain, we still need to focus on those pets who have moderate to severe chronic pain, and therapies and medications that can reduce that pain to tolerable levels.It is true that many dogs and cats will hide their pain as a survival mechanism. Think of birds as an example. If they show signs of disease, they will be eaten by predators! So, there is a deep need for animals to pretend it doesnít hurt when it does. Because animals canít tell us the details of their pain, as veterinarians, we must be extraordinarily sensitive and perceptive when we see the signs of acute and then long-term pain.Because acute pain is common, we typically use first line treatments; the animal will recover, and we move on. However, it is with chronic pain where we see an almost different disease. The brain chemistries begin to change, and the nervous system becomes more protective; it can even trigger a pain response, when none exists. These wider changes begin to impact every aspect of life, like physical activity, interactions, even appetite. This is the same ìCycle of Painî seen in people with chronic pain conditions.Eventually, your pet friend begins to lose the desire to walk, play and even eat normally. The next step in this downward spiral is debilitation, fear and faster loss of function.What must happen at this point is proper intervention, and that often involves physical therapies, and medical therapies. Knowing this, here are the steps you must take when your dog or cat begins to show pain:Identifying pain: (there are many symptoms, but here are some to watch for)
- Whining, whimpering, groaning
- Licking or biting at the area that hurts
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Decreased appetite
- Lagging on walks or stopping altogether while on walks
- More time sleeping
- Reluctance to move and restlessness, not wanting to be held
- Tough time getting up or laying down
- Change in facial expressions, flattened ears, vacant stare
- Panting (often a consistent sign)
- Limping, not wanting to be picked up, hiding
- Growls, hisses, bites, yelping
- Sudden change in personality
- Acts out of character
- Pins ears back
- Hunched stance, may lay on their side
Dr. Jim Humphries is a veterinarian and the medical director for a national hospice and end-of-life practice. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University. He lives in Falcon with his wife, horses, and Great Danes. https://www.HomeWithDignity.com
