Acute pain comes on suddenly as the result of injury, surgery, inflammation or infection.
This form of pain can often prove excruciating for your pet and it may limit their mobility. Fortunately, this type of pain is generally temporary. Our veterinary team can eliminate the pain with the proper treatment and medication.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is long-lasting and gradually develops over time. Common sources include age-related disorders such as arthritis, along with more serious issues like cancer and bone disease. In many instances, chronic pain is difficult to handle since it may persist throughout the entire lifespan of your pet. Because it develops slowly, some animals may gradually learn to tolerate the pain and live with it. This makes the ailment far more difficult to detect.
How Do I Know If My Pet Is In Pain?
When we have pain, we complain. However, animals instinctually mask the pain, so we generally don’t hear a peep out of our pets. That is, until the pain is so bad they cannot hide it anymore. So how do you know when your pet is suffering?
Because our furry friends aren’t able to tell us when something is wrong, it’s important for you, the owner, to take note of any change in their behavior. Be sure to watch for any of the following indicators.
Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or unresponsive
Whining, whimpering, howling, or constantly meowing
Biting
Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body
Acting funny and out of character, either aggressively or submissively
Flattening ears against the head
Having trouble sleeping or eating
Seeking a lot more affection than usual
Unable to get comfortable (constantly changes positions to find the most comfortable position)
If you suspect that your pet is suffering, be sure to consult one of our veterinary specialists. Our team will be able to detect the precise nature of the pain and develop the proper course of treatment. When you arrive at our facility, be prepared to answer questions about your pet’s behavior. This way, we’ll able to promptly assess the affected areas.