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Pets feel pain in the same way and for many of the same reasons as humans. Infections, dental problems, arthritis, cancer, and surgical procedures can cause discomfort just as they would in us. Unfortunately, unlike humans, they are unable to speak to us about when and where they hurt. For this reason we have developed a system to help identify signals that could mean pain in your pet and put them on a scale in order to provide your pet with optimal relief and comfort.
If your pet appears to be showing any of these signs please let us know, and together we will decide how we can best relieve their discomfort. Please be aware pets can be very subtle about showing pain. A wagging tail or purring cat does not mean your pet is not uncomfortable.
Eating normally
May have increased heart rate in the clinic due to stress
No abnormal behaviours
May have increased heart rate in clinic due to stress
Still may have no abnormal behaviours
May just not be themselves but no specific signs
May have a change in attitude
May have a change in ability to jump, sit, or climb stairs
Possibly slightly tense
Possibly slightly anxious
Possibly more needy and attention seeking
Slight change in gait
Possible increased heart rate due to pain
Possible change in facial expression
Possibly abnormally quiet, less interactive, withdrawn from family
Sometimes hiding
Possible shaking/trembling
Possible change in eating/sleeping patterns
Can be limping but still weight bearing
Reluctance to be touched in painful area; protects area
Sometimes panting
Sometimes restless
Can lay down but not sleeping restfully
Possible inappropriate litter box habits in cats
Sometimes crying/howling
Sometimes aggressive when not normally
Can be reluctant to be touched anywhere
Sometimes dilated pupils
Can be non weight bearing if limb affeted
Increased respiratory rate
Sometimes increased blood pressure
Sometimes increased temperature
Sometimes excessive panting
Can be extremely vocal; crying/howling
Non responsive to comforting
May be unaware of surroundings
Shocky; pale gums
Likely recumbent
Pain associated with dental disease can be significant. However, because dental pain often comes on over long periods of time, your pet may not show the signs you would expect to indicate a high level of discomfort. Again, your pet feels pain the same way we do, and a tooth abscess or periodontal disease can be extremely uncomfortable. Below, we have listed the average pain scale associated with the different stages of dental disease:
Stage 1 Dental Disease - mild gingivitis and tartar buildup
Pain scale = 0 to 1 (no pain to mild pain)
Stage 2 Dental Disease - significant gingivitis and tartar buildup
Pain scale = 1 (mild pain)
Stage 3 Dental Disease - early stages of periodontal disease
Pain scale = 2 (moderate pain)
Stage 4 Dental Disease - significant periodontal disease or broken teeth or some resorptive lesions
Pain scale = 3 (severe pain)