At North Penn Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to supporting and educating animal lovers just like us. In 2015, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management established September as Animal Pain Awareness Month! Animals may not always express pain as humans do, so it is essential that you know what signs to look for. There are many subtle indications that owners may not realize are actually signs of pain. This is why monitoring your furry friend’s behavior at home is so important. Often, these present as mild to moderate changes. Some examples include:
Mobility changes
- Difficulty from sitting to stand
- Difficulty jumping
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Limping
Behavior change
- More irritable
- Decreased play behavior
- Increased fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Shaking
- Restlessness
- Vocalization when touching a specific area
- New over-grooming of a particular area
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Talk with your veterinarian about management options that may be available to you and your pet. North Penn Animal Hospital’s method is a multimodal approach to controlling pain before, during, and after it starts. For our hospitalized patients, we use this method by providing injectable medications, nerve blocks, oral medications, and cold-compress therapy when applicable. Additionally, we offer alternative out-patient services such as chiropractic care and laser therapy.
It is important to remember that pain can occur as an acute episode or chronic pain. Acute pain happens suddenly and is usually more apparent, like if a pet yelps and limps after a fall. Chronic pain can escalate slowly, such as osteoarthritis, where you may notice your pet gradually having more difficulty using stairs. As veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), we are trained to recognize pain when it may not be as apparent. We aim to share our knowledge so you can better support your furry friend. Keep an eye out for other pain information during the month of September as we encourage awareness around pain control for pets. Please refer to our references and website for additional information, or call us with any questions!
September 1, 2024
Amy Hagner, CVT; Saarah Shaikh, CVT
Resources:
https://www.ivapm.org/
https://www.veterinaryanesthesianerds.com/
https://irp.cdn-website.com/9b3cab55/files/uploaded/IVAPM-Signs-of-Pain-Poster_Photo-2019_final-8-6-19.pdf
