How Do You Know If A Dog Is Suffering?
Establishing whether or not a dog is in pain can be straightforward. Assessing the extent of that pain is a complex task. We must bear in mind that, although the signs of pain in animals are well known, none of these signs – alone or together – provide definitive evidence of pain.
Generally, if an animal undergoes a procedure that would cause pain in a human, it is assumed to cause similar intensity of pain in animals.
There are differences if a dog is in acute pain or chronic pain
It is good to know that, in pets, the signs of acute and chronic pain can differ. In severe acute pain, animals may have signs of anxiety, dilated pupils, restlessness or lameness, in addition to changes in their personality, increased or decreased physical activity, self-mutilation, and vocalization.
They are also signs of acute pain: excessive salivation, increased respiratory rate and heart rate. Additionally, changes in blood biochemical parameters are manifested: increased concentrations of blood glucose, cortisol, ACTH and catecholamines.
In chronic pain, responses include protective behaviors. These behaviors are adaptive responses to pain and it is observed in how it moves and what posture it takes.
Usually, the dog seeks to avoid aggravating influences of pain, thus taking care of the painful region. In dogs suffering from chronic pain it is common to see signs of stress including weight loss and loss of appetite.
How is the intensity of pain assessed in dogs?
Currently, the methods that assess the intensity of pain in pets are based on the evaluation of behavior. Various questionnaires have been devised that assign a score to each parameter evaluated. The result is evaluated according to a pain scale, which allows the veterinarian to suggest the most appropriate treatment.
Typically, behaviors that reflect pain include factors such as changes in posture, as well as changes in your bodily activity such as a refusal to move, lie down, or change position. In addition, changes in locomotor activity, vocalization, appetite, urination and defecation habits, or their response to manipulation are weighted.
Currently, there are various pain scales. It should be noted that there is no scale that can be considered the ‘reference’ in the assessment of pain. Among the pain scales developed primarily for the dog are the Melbourne or Glasgow scales.
What changes in posture are observed when a dog is in pain?
Typically, a rigid body posture is observed – when a dog is in pain on one side of the body or the other, it is easy to tell. The first sign is usually lameness.
In cases where the pain is central or bilateral, the dog may not favor the use of a particular side. It is in these cases that it is important to observe the level of stiffness. It is common for you to walk like a ‘gingerbread cookie’, with your ears back, and to show hesitation to turn your head or bend your spine and lie down or sit up tense.
Changes in social behavior also count
The social context of the animal is also an important factor to consider. If you live in a herd, isolation from group members can be an early symptom of pain. Thus, shy or fearful behavior is common in pain-afflicted animals. Instinctively, animals tend to hide their pain in the presence of a predator in an effort to mask their vulnerability.
It has been suggested that, because humans can be perceived as predators, an animal may not express its pain in front of its owner. However, it has also been reported that a pet in pain may manifest excessive attachment or desire for constant attention from their person.
Ultimately, by being your dog’s best friend, you know your dog’s behavior best. You are the one who will know if something seems out of place and you can act to seek treatment for your dog.
