Pain in pets

Many people bring their pets to me when they have noticed a change in their behaviour. Often they would like the behaviour to go away. Animals change their behaviour for many reasons, one of the most common causes is actually not a behavioural problem, but due to physical pain or discomfort.

he changes your pet may display when in pain will depend on what species they are (birds have a phenomenal ability to disguise pain), how resilient your pet normally is, what the injury or source of pain is, as well as what else is going on in their environment.

A very excitable dog with an injury may continue to play and run when there are people around to interact with him, but when he is put out on his own or brought inside then he shows signs of his injury.

Animals in pain may become grumpy, they may go off their food, they may limp or strain or lick and chew. But sometimes they become withdrawn with less obvious signs – they might sleep in longer, have a less intense or shorter greeting ritual, they may not wish to play with you as much or they want more pats than normal. They may develop odd behaviour patterns in an attempt to relieve or avoid their pain.

If your animal's behaviour has changed, there may be a physical problem. For example:

• A cat who grooms her belly until she develops a bald patch may not have an overgrooming disorder, but may actually have bladder pain.

• A dog which is licking carpet or other material may not have a behavioural oral fixation, but may have intestinal cramps.

• A horse who refuses to have his halter placed may not be acting out, but may have an ear infection.

Pain is one of the vital signs your vet will assess when presented with a sick pet. Sometimes vets can have difficulties convincing the owner that their pet is in fact in pain because their expression of pain is unusual or subtle.

A common situation we see is that associated with dental pain. Often the onset is so gradual and the pet manages, in spite of advancing dental disease, that owners don’t appreciate or recognise the level of discomfort and pain their pet is in. Only after the pet has had their dental issues treated can the owner see the improvement in their pet’s behaviour. Commonly at the postoperative recheck, the owners will remark how bright and active their pet has become.

Pain in animals can be very difficult to appreciate.

If your animal has had a recent change in behaviour, your veterinarian will be able to help you investigate and manage the cause.