Modern veterinary scientific research has established that animals and humans have similar “pain receptors.” This means that like humans, if animals have pain that is left untreated, it will reduce the quality of life and likely delay recovery from surgery, injury, or illness. Our goal at Animal Hospital of Onslow County is to provide the most effective medication and pain management strategy for every pet that is suffering with pain.
Many animals will not show obvious signs of pain or sickness due to the ingrained “survival of the fittest” instinct. Many people do not realize the most common sign of pain is change in behavior. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the following symptoms, chances are that your pet is experiencing pain, and should be examined by a qualified veterinarian.
Common Signs of Pain:
- Stiffness
- Decreased Activity
- Lagging Behind on Walks
- Difficulty Standing Up
- Pacing, Restlessness, Biting
- Slow to Sit or Lay Down
- Limping
- Avoidance of Stairs
- Muscle Atrophy (loss)
- Hesitation to Move
- Neck Weakness
- Trembling
- Depressed Appetite
- Running with “Bunny Hops”
- Unusual Crying or Whining - or yelping when touched
- Hiding
- Arched Back, Head Lowered or Tilted
- Panting (Increase in respiration)
In addition to treating pets for chronic pain or pain from injury, we also place a priority on our surgical patients to ensure that they are as pain free as possible. If pain medication is given before a surgery is performed, your pet will hurt much less after the surgery, will require less anesthesia and post-operative pain medicine, and will recover more quickly from the procedure performed.
If you live in the areas of Jacksonville, Maysville, or Camp Lejeune, and you find that your pet is exhibiting signs of pain, please call Animal Hospital of Onslow County today and schedule an examination by one of our capable veterinarians.