LECTURE#10

Signs of Pain in Horses and Farm Animals 

General Signs of Pain 
Decreased interest in food or anorexia 
Lethargy 
Excitement, restlessness 
Pawing 
Vocalizing (especially cattle) 
Bruxism (involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth) 
Reluctance to move 
Lying down more frequently or for longer periods than usual 
Any abnormal behavior 
  
Additional Signs of Gastrointestinal (GI) Pain 
Kicking at or looking at abdomen 
Violently trying to roll 
Stretching out in abnormal posture (especially horses) 
Standing with abdomen “tucked” (especially cattle) 
Dog sitting (especially foals with GI pain) 
Additional Signs of Musculoskeletal Pain 
Lameness 
Abnormal gait 
Positive response to hoof testers or flexion tests 
  
Other Signs of Pain (Horses Only) 
Reluctance to be bridled (may be head or tooth pain) 
Reluctance to be saddled (may be back pain) 
Reluctance to be ridden (may be back pain, lameness, or general pain)