Is your pet in chronic pain?

From Flickr: She’s got her own agenda (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chronic pain changes animals.  But our animals may not tell us they are in pain with obvious signs.  Many times chronic pain can be seen in the way your pet interacts with you and other animals.  Was your pet once happy and full of energy?  Is your pet growling more now or maybe doesn’t seem to have as much energy?  Many things can cause these changes and one of them is chronic pain.

I’ve heard numerous stories about how animals start acting differently after they have their teeth cleaned (and probably some extractions).  Imagine having a constant toothache that you can’t do anything about, I would be a little grumpy too.  Cats and dogs both change their personalities once they are no longer in pain.

Interestingly some of the breeds we may think of as being difficult to handle also are associated with chronic diseases.  For example, cocker spaniels are known for their ear and skin infections.  Some of the cockers I’ve encountered don’t even like to be touched.  It might be because they have an ear problem that is causing them constant pain.

Joint disease can also change an animal, although I think most owners pick up on the seemingly lowered energy level of their companion. The pet may have no problem with their energy level, they just may be reluctant to move because it hurts.

Keep in mind that aging changes your pet too, they may sleep more or eat less just because they are getting a little older and may not be in pain at all. 

So what can you do? Obviously going to see the vet and getting their assessment of your pet’s health is important.  Other things can cause your pet to change it’s personality and activities like endocrine disorders, injuries, and neuropathies.  Periodically take a good look at your pet and decide if there have been changes you may not have noticed because they were gradual changes.

Good news is that with some of these disorders we can change the underlying thing causing pain (like having a dental cleaning).  And if the problem cannot be changed, there are many medications and therapies that can give your pet some relief from it’s pain and make them closer to what your remember them being like.