Understanding Pain in Pets: Acute, Chronic, Phantom, and Post-Operative – Pet pain is always a troubling concern to an animal lover. Unlike people, pets cannot verbally communicate their pain, so pet owners almost always have to rely on subtle signs and behavioral changes to determine that their pet has a problem. By using the different types of pain, like acute, chronic, phantom, and post-operative, you can help the pet owner not only identify discomfort in their furry friend but also be knowledgeable about what to do next.
Acute Pain in Pets
Acute pain is often sudden and is associated with a specific injury or illness. Some examples of acute pain are trauma, a surgical procedure, infection, or illness. Acute pain is a transient period of pain, and these discomforts often resolve when the underlying cause is treated. Signs and symptoms of acute pain often include –
- Sudden limping or lameness
- Vocalizing (whimpering, growling, yelling)
- Restlessness or pacing
- Guarding or licking a site
- Decreased appetite
Acute pain is useful from a biological perspective because it makes the animal aware of harm and encourages protective behavior. Prompt veterinary care is needed to identify the cause and treat it, which may be wound care, medication, or supportive therapy.
Chronic Pain in Pets
Chronic pain lasts for weeks, months, and even years. It could arise from chronic conditions, whereas acute pain is the clinical sign related to a concurrent issue that often subsides immediately when the disease has resolved. Chronic pain often remains even after the first underlying cause has been resolved. Signs of chronic pain may include –
- Diminished desire to move or exercise
- Limping or stiffness, especially after rest
- Change in posture or gait from normal
- Withdrawal from normal social interaction
- Aggression, or increased irritability, which is unlike a previous baseline
Chronic pain is capable of significantly impacting the quality of a pet’s life. Chronic pain will generally be managed over the long term in the form of medications, from NSAIDs to physical therapy, managing the pet’s weight, and sometimes surgery. Your veterinarian may practice multimodal pain management by combining therapies that relate to your pet’s specific issue.
Phantom Pain in Pets
Phantom pain is not a common topic in veterinary medicine, but it is an important factor in determining how an individual animal is doing after an amputation or after drastic nerve damage. Phantom pain is defined as the sensation of pain in a limb or body part that has been removed. It is more challenging to recognize because pets cannot tell you what they are feeling, and the pain could be emanating from a limb that no longer exists – it can be perplexing.
However, researchers and veterinarians believe that pets can, just like humans, experience phantom pain caused by an aberrant signal or changes in the origin of any nerves, occurring when the pet’s spinal cord and/or brain is reorganizing. Examples of signs to note that potentially equate to phantom pain include –
- Licking, biting, or scratching at skin where a limb used to be
- Vocalizing or howling, even with no apparent cause
- Anxiety, restlessness, changes in behavior
Treatment can include medications, nerve blocks, physical rehab, acupuncture, and, if appropriate, behavioral therapy. Although phantom pain in pets is still being studied, it is a real and potential cause of distress to a portion of pets.
Post-Surgical Pain in Pets
Post-surgical pain is the pain that pets feel when they wake up from surgery. It can be acute and can also become chronic pain if not handled appropriately. Pain after surgery is a key consideration when a pet is recovering from surgery. Managing pain after surgery is important for the pet’s comfort and the best healing as well.
In recent years, veterinarians have used pre-emptive pain relief, which is a multi-modal element for pain relief, which means the veterinarian will utilize different types of pain medicines before, during, and after surgery. This process will help to reduce both the level of pain and the amount of time your pet is in pain. Following surgery, common indicators that an animal is experiencing pain are –
- Whining or crying
- Refusal to move
- Refusal to eat
- Hunched over, or in a guarded position
- Swelling or tenderness around the surgical site.
It is the owner’s responsibility to monitor their pet post-operatively. If the pet is still uncomfortable even with the pain medication or if the symptoms appear to be getting worse, the owner should contact their veterinarian for further guidance.
Assessing Pain in Animals
Pain in animal companions can be challenging to evaluate due to an animal’s instinct to hide any signs of weakness. The good news is that veterinarians use pain scoring systems and behavioral evaluations to assess pain and discomfort in animals. Pet owners can monitor for changes in:
- Activity level
- Facial posture (grimace, squint)
- Sleeping
- Grooming
Pain is expressed differently in dogs and cats. Dogs will be more vocal and perhaps clingy, while cats will likely be more withdrawn or aggressive. Rabbits, birds, and reptiles will experience pain in the same way; however, the signs will be much more subtle.
The Importance of Managing Pain Promptly
Pain can have significant physiological and psychological ramifications if left unmanaged. Pain increases the potential for impaired healing, reduces appetite, suppresses immune function, and increases the potential for behavior problems.
Pain management will help keep your pet comfortable and recover faster, and increase their quality of life. Veterinarians use a variety of medicines and adjunct therapies. Constant checkups and adjustments to treatment plans are frequently necessary, particularly in cases of chronic or phantom pain.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of pain is important for any pet owner who wants to ensure the well-being of their animal friend. Because pets cannot articulate their pain, it is important to stay alert, knowledgeable, and proactive in seeking veterinary care. With the right knowledge and support, you can help your pet live a comfortable, happy life, even in the face of pain. At Pet Care Partners, we work with pet owners to identify signs of discomfort early and provide compassionate, effective pain management solutions.
FAQs
How can I tell if my pet is in pain if they do not cry or whimper?
Not all pets show their discomfort. Look for changes in behavior like reduced activity, hesitation to jump or climb, loss of appetite, extra grooming of a certain area, or sudden aggression. Subtle signs frequently show current pain.
Can pets feel depressed from chronic pain?
Yes. It can lead to behavioral changes that are similar to depression in humans, like withdrawal, lethargy, reduced interaction, and loss of interest in activities or food. Complete pain management can help reverse these symptoms.
After amputation, is it common to have phantom pain in pets?
While it is not as widely researched in veterinary medicine, anecdotal evidence and clinical observations suggest that phantom pain does occur in some pets after amputation. If your pet is showing signs of discomfort in a missing limb, speak to your veterinarian about treatment options.
What should I do if my pet seems to be in pain after surgery, apart from medication?
Call your veterinarian quickly. Post-operative pain should be well-managed with prescribed medicines. If your pet is still uncomfortable, your vet may need to adjust the dose or add some pain relief measures to the treatment plan.