The influence of pain on behavioural change: Thinking beyond the grumpy patient

It is widely accepted that the presence of pain can be associated with behavioural change and research has shown that between 23 % and 82 % of behavioural presentations to referral services in veterinary behavioural medicine are found to have a pain component. Grumpy behavioural responses may be readily associated with pain but it is important to remember that growling, hissing or biting are not the only ways in which patients can communicate that they are in pain. This presentation will consider the wide range of behavioural changes that can be seen, discuss how these relate to the physical, emotional and cognitive components of pain and consider how recognising these changes can improve detection and management of pain in veterinary patients.

Learning objectives:
Understand the emotional and cognitive components of pain
Appreciate the importance of behavioural change in the detection of pain in veterinary patients 
Consider the range of behavioural presentations that can be associated with pain
Appreciate the importance of  behavioural change in monitoring painful patients

Presented at London Vet Show 2024

Please note this session is not RACE-approved but you can still earn a CPD certificate