Animals in acute pain often try to relieve the discomfort by licking, biting or scratching at the affected area. There may be an increase in aggressive behavior as the animal attempts to shield the painful area. It is common to hear an increase in vocalization when the affected area is touched. A general restlessness with an increase in respiration rate may be noted. In some cases there is a lack of mobility and a lack of general interest in the animal's surroundings.
Some species show pupillary dilatation and an increase in sweating with acute pain.
Animals with chronic pain often have a loss of appetite, show a reluctance to move about, may huddle in a corner, have a rough hair coat and may show a change in disposition becoming defensive of painful areas. Other signs of chronic pain might include limping or self mutilation. Behavior responses that are frequently associated with pain and distress have been listed below for the species commonly used at our facility. It should be noted that individual animals will vary in their response to pain since many factors influence the presence or absence of pain. It is unlikely that all the clinical signs listed below will be seen in each animal.