There are a few things that make recognising pain in our pets trickier. First of all, our pets can’t tell us if they are in pain. And to complicate matters, sometimes our pets tend to hide their pain because in nature when pain or weakness is shown, they are more at risk of being targeted by predators.
Acute Pain and Chronic Pain
Acute pain such as pain from trauma (for example, a bad fall or car accident) or after surgery is usually more easily recognised. It is the more chronic pain, especially in our older pets, that can be so subtle it often is not recognised and just attributed to our pets ageing. And especially older pets can develop chronic illnesses that cause pain.
It is important first to be able to recognise the signs of pain and then to relieve it safely, which can sometimes be more complicated in the patient who is older or has other disease processes going on.
Changes in behaviour
Any changes in normal behaviour in our pet could be a give-away.
Does your ordinarily enthusiastic dog who runs up and down the stairs, jumps on all the beds and sofas and twists himself in a knot wagging his tail when you get home, start to avoid doing all these things? Is he more reluctant to being patted or groomed, maybe even give you a warning growl or snap? Is he licking or grooming himself in one particular area? Has he got a limp? Is he losing his usual appetite? Has his sleeping pattern changed? Has his body posture changed (for example a hunched back could mean back pain or tummy aches)? Is he more lethargic?
Is your ordinarily agile, self-confident, happy content cat now quieter? Does she try to hide more? Does she sleep more and in unusual places? Does she show changes in toileting habits? Is there excessive grooming? Does she have a shorter fuse or tries to avoid contact with you more? Is there a loss of appetite? Is she jumping less, or does she need a step up to be able to get onto the couch, bed or kitchen table?
All these things could be an indication that your pet could be in pain.
But they do not need to suffer. As your pet’s physician, we can help diagnose and treat the sources of the pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When you bring your pet to us, we will first ask you a lot of questions to get a clear picture of what is going on. If you have any photos or videos of unusual behaviour or abnormal gait or body posture, that would be very helpful as well.
We will then do a thorough physical examination, and we may even need to do extra tests such as blood and urine tests, or imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound, to fully assess what your pet may be suffering from and what the best and safest treatment options are, going forward.
Pain is often related to chronic diseases that pets can develop as they age. Examples of chronic painful diseases are osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, but also dental disease (!), urinary tract diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, skin/ear or eye diseases, cancers etc.
Our patients do not need to suffer in silence. If you notice changes in your pet or think your pet may be suffering from a painful condition, please contact our Cronulla Vet Clinic team on 02 9527 2604. Our friendly staff will be happy to be of assistance. 🙂