Visual Analog Pain Scale

2
Hurts A Little Bit

4
Hurts A Little More

6
Hurts Even More!

8
Hurts A Whole Lot

10

Pain Free

Hurts Like Crazy!

Observe the patients behavior, recognizing signs of pain Handle the patient, palpating the painful site and encourage the patient to move and respond to handling Record VAS value in the medical record Treat accordingly Recommend appropriate at home instructions, including the amount of exercise the patient should or should not receive Follow up with the same observer to determine the level of pain before and after treatment

Recognizing Pain Behaviors in Canines

Posture: tail between legs, arched or hunched back, twisted body to protect painful site, drooped head, prolonged sitting position, tucked abdomen, lying in a flat, extended position Temperament: aggressive, clawing, attacking, biting, escaping Vocalization: barking, howling, moaning, whimpering Locomotion: reluctant to move, carrying one leg, lameness, unusual gait, unable to walk Other: unable to perform normal tasks, attacks other animals or people if painful area is touched, chewing painful areas, no interest in food or play

Recognizing Pain Behaviors in Felines

Posture: tucked limbs, arched or hunched head and neck or back, tucked abdomen, lying flat, slumping of body, drooping of head Temperament: aggressive, biting, scratching, chewing, attacking, escaping, hiding Vocalization: crying, hissing, spitting, moaning, screaming Locomotion: reluctant to move, carrying one leg, lameness, unusual gait, unable to walk, inactive Other: unable to perform normal tasks, attacks if painful site is touched, failure to groom, chewing at painful site, spacey stare, no interest in food or play

The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, LLC