PAIN IN DOGS AND CATS

Many dogs and cats suffer from pain, which can affect their comfort, mobility, behavior and overall quality of life. There are many causes of pet pain. The most obvious is an injury. Inflammation (such as swelling) and disease can also cause pain in pets. Surgery can also create pain in pets. Chronic conditions like arthritis also create ongoing pet pain. Pet owners will see pets with two types of pain.

Acute pain happens quickly. Chronic pain occurs for long periods of time. Cats are notorious for hiding signs of distress. Dogs do this too, but its easier to spot than with cats. Getting your pet to the vet as soon as possible is the best way to help them avoid future suffering while ensuring they remain healthy.

Causes

Pain in dogs and cats can develop from a wide variety of clinical problems affecting different body systems. The majority of cases of acute pain result from injury (i.e., fracture, sprain, wound, or burn). Animals experiencing surgical procedures typically experience transient discomfort during their post-surgical recovery.

The vast majority of chronic pain results from the effects of certain conditions on an animal. These include osteoarthritis, dental disease, intervertebral disc disease, and cancer. Ear infections, urinary tract disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, inflammatory conditions and other factors can also contribute significantly to discomfort. The number one reason for persistent pain in older pets is due to the aging process and degenerative changes that occur as a pet ages.

Symptoms

Pain displays differently depending upon where it is located, how severe it is, and why it exists. While many pets will exhibit clear and obvious signs of pain, other pets will only exhibit very slight behavioral changes. Examples of possible signs of pain are listed below:

• Limping or lameness
• Stiffness (especially after rest)
• Not wanting to jump, run, or climb steps
• Decreased activity
• Changes in posture or movement
• Panting excessively
• Trembling or shaking
• Making sounds (whining, yowling, or crying)
• Hiding or avoiding people
• Acting irritable or aggressive
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty chewing food
• Excessive licking or biting at a painful area

Other examples of pain in cats could include: poor grooming and unkempt coat, and Changes in Litter Box Behavior.

Risks

Untreated pet pain can have serious effects both physically and emotionally. Many pets with chronic pain experience a reduction in movement, resulting in muscle degeneration or decreased fitness and obesity. Chronic discomfort can lead to a decrease in an animal’s willingness to participate in all aspects of daily living.

Chronic pain can also lead to stress, anxiety, and abnormal behaviors. In addition, untreated pain may slow down recovery from injuries or surgery; exacerbate pre-existing medical issues, and diminish an animal’s overall quality of life. Early treatment of pain can minimize the potential for the aforementioned problems while maintaining long-term health.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pain requires a thorough veterinary examination. Your veterinarian will first take a detailed look at your pet’s past medical history and discuss any changes to your pet’s behavior, eating habits, energy levels, or ability to move around.

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination to detect areas of pain or discomfort, swelling, inflammation, or where they are injured. Depending upon what is believed to be causing your pet’s pain, there may be other diagnostic procedures recommended. Several types of tests may be performed to determine why your pet is feeling pain, including blood work, urinalysis, radiograph (x-ray) examination, ultrasonography, and advanced imaging such as CT or MRI.

Since your pet cannot tell you how it feels when it hurts, close observations of your pet by you and by a veterinarian are needed for correct diagnosis.

Treatment

Relieving the pet’s pain is key, but you need to determine what is causing their pain and treat it accordingly.

Pain Management Medications

Your veterinarian will prescribe the most effective and safest pain relief medication for your pet based on their condition. Some common prescription pain relievers are:

• Non steroidal anti inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Opioids for very severe pain
• Neuropathic pain medications
• Other veterinary approved analgesics.

The type of medication prescribed will depend on the animal’s medical history, their current health status, and their age.

Physical Rehabilitation

If your pet has been diagnosed with an orthopedic condition, physical rehabilitation is important to enhance your pet’s ability to move comfortably and assist them in regaining some use of their limbs.

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

Another important part of treating your pet’s pain is managing the cause of their pain. For example, if your pet suffers from dental disease, then this should be treated by your veterinarian.

If your pet has developed an infection, antibiotics may be used if an infection is present. Managing chronic illnesses is another area where the cause of your pet’s pain needs to be addressed.

Weight Management

Helping to maintain your pet at optimal body weight is extremely beneficial. Excess body fat puts additional pressure on your pet’s joints, which increases their level of pain.

In addition to reducing the amount of pressure placed on their joints, maintaining optimal body weight will increase your pet’s activity level and overall quality of life.

Prevention

While it is not possible to prevent every condition that results in pain for your pet, there are numerous ways to minimize the number of painful conditions that occur. Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the amount of pressure placed on your pet’s joints; therefore, it reduces the chance that your pet will develop arthritis related pain.

Exercise promotes strong muscles and bones and aids in improving your pet’s overall mobility. Routine visits to the veterinarian provide opportunities to identify conditions that could result in pain before they reach a point where they have caused significant suffering.

Proper dental hygiene practices (such as brushing your dog’s teeth and having them professionally cleaned) will aid in preventing dental problems. By providing a safe environment for your pet and taking measures to avoid injuries, you can ensure a comfortable life for your pet.