How to Tell Your Pet is Experiencing Pain

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Patricia Smillie-Scavelli
Administrator
Garden State Veterinary Specialists

Earlier this year the Animal Welfare Task Force of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association published their Second Edition of the Guidelines for Pet Owners for Recognizing Pain in their Dogs and Cats (“Guidelines”). (The full text of their Guidelines is available on line at their website, www.njvma.org. The Task Force which was composed of six veterinarians who are members of the NJVMA volunteered their time and developed these guidelines.

The report recognizes that your veterinarian spends a limited amount of time with your pet during an office exam and may not have the opportunity to detect subtle differences in behavior that your pet may be exhibiting at home. Pet owners who are familiar with their pet’s normal routine will be best able to recognize these changes in behavior that are a signal that a pet may be experiencing pain.

The Guidelines begin with a caution regarding some common misconceptions with regard to identifying a pet in pain.

• My pet is eating normally. This is a common misconception; pets do not always stop eating if they are in pain. Each pet’s response to pain is different. One pet may stop eating because they are itchy from a skin condition and yet another pet may eat while experiencing serious pain from a fracture.
  
• My pet is not crying. While some pets may cry just for attention, not every pet exhibits pain by crying or wailing.
  
• My dog is not in pain, he is running around like crazy. Pets can be expert at masking an injury. They may compensate for the injury to a limb by using the other three without complaint.
  
• My cat is purring so she is fine. Purring is a form of expression for a cat that is not necessarily associated with pleasure. A cat will also purr when scarred, stressed or even in pain.

• Changes in personality or attitude. A gentle pet that suddenly exhibits aggressive behavior, especially towards trusted family members may be experiencing pain.
  
• Abnormal vocalization when a specific area is touched or petted is indicative of discomfort.
  
• Licking, biting, scratching or shaking of a painful area. A pet’s behavior may represent its attempt to be “rid” of the source of pain or discomfort.
  
• Changes in the appearance of the fur. Lack of grooming, a dull coat that has lost its sheen, or a greasy coat are all indicative of a problem.
  
• Changes in body posture. The tensing of abdominal and back muscles to produce a hunched appearance or holding the head in an unusual manner such as tilting the head to one side should be evaluated as a possible response to a painful condition.
  
• Changes in activity level. A pet may become restless, pace continually or just seem to be unable to settle down comfortably. At the other extreme a pet may lie completely still and only move when necessary. Cats will frequently hide or isolate themselves from other pets or people.
  
• Changes in training. Cats may stop using the litter box and no longer jump up on furniture, etc. A dog may refuse to go up or down stairs or even stop completely during a walk.
  
• Changes in bowel movement or urination. Urinary accidents, changes in consistency of stool or straining to defecate may also be indicators of a painful condition.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the professional advice of your veterinarian.

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