Frequently Asked Questions
Pain in Animals

How can I tell if my animal is in pain?
Many years ago, it was believed that animals did not feel pain, at least in the same way that people do. Now, most veterinarians and other scientists agree that animals experience pain in much the same way as we do. Unfortunately, as our animal companions near the end of their lives, pain (or some level of discomfort) is a relatively frequent complication. Although animals may sometimes exhibit obvious signs of pain such as crying or moaning, subtle signs are much more common. You, as your pet's companion and caregiver are in the best position to recognize the signs of pain or discomfort in your friend. 

Some people find that their bond with an animal is so strong that they can sense discomfort in their companion. Do not discount this feeling. Discuss your concerns with your veterinarian  If you feel resistance, or that your concerns are not being adequately met, politely ask for a referral to another veterinarian, ideally someone with a special interest and training in pain management and/or palliative care. Fortunately, recent work in both the human and animal fields has produced a wide variety of new medications and other approaches that can effectively minimize or eliminate pain. No animal should have to live (or die) in pain!

Listed below (Adapted from the International Association of Pain Management ) are some things that you might see in a pet with pain or discomfort. Remember, though, that some of these things can be seen when your pet is simply anxious or is in poor health.

Signs associated with pain in animals

POSTURE

• Hunched back
• Guarding (protecting) the painful area
• "Praying" position (front legs and head on floor, hindquarters in the air)
• Sitting or laying abnormally
• Attempting to rest in an abnormal position
• Head hanging down

MOVEMENT

• Stiff
• Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb or limping
• Thrashing or Restless
• Trembling or shaking
• Weak tail wag or low carriage of tail (in dogs)
• Limited or no movement when awake
• Slow to rise

VOCALIZATION 

• Screaming, whining, or crying
• Barking, hissing, or growling
• Lack of vocalization (no greeting bark or purring)

BEHAVIOR 

• Agitated
• Poor or no grooming
• Decreased or absent appetite
• Dull, sleeping excessively, or noticeably less active
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it
• Acts out of character (gentle dogs may bite or become aggressive; aggressive or playful cats may become docile or quiet)
• Licking wound or surgical site
• Sitting in dark places or hiding
• Retreating to quiet areas of house for long periods of time
• Hyperventilation (rapid shallow breathing, esp. in cats)
• Vigorous attempts for escape, often with marked aggression

What can be done to minimize my animal's pain?
Fortunately, there are a plethora of treatments available to help manage pain in animals. Many of these treatments have only become available or widely known in the past few years. These treatments may include: 

• Physical therapy methods such as massage, application of heat/cold, exercises
• Drugs including NSAIDS (e.g. RimadylŪ, MetacamŪ), Narcotics (e.g.Morphine, Tramadol, and related drugs), Steroids (e.g. Prednisone), and other medications (e.g. Gabapentin, Amantadine)
• Nutraceuticals (food supplements), such as Chondroitin, Glucosamine, and MSM
• Alternative treatments such as herbs, acupuncture, flower essences, etc.

Frequently, especially in severe or chronic (long standing) pain, a combination of methods may be required. Working together with your veterinarian(s), we can develop a complete treatment regimen to minimize any pain that your animal is feeling.