The signs of pain in different animals will vary from the above list slightly, by breed, and by individual circumstances. It might be useful to note that cats experiencing short-term pain are more likely to show signs of their pain or discomfort than those experiencing long-term or chronic pain. In these circumstances, cats can hide their pain for long periods of time

However, some common signs of pain in cats include:

• Reduced appetite
• Increased time spent sleeping
• Lethargy
• Changes in behaviour, e.g disinterest in things such as playing, social interaction, and exploring. They may also become withdrawn and avoid usual activities which now cause them pain, such as jumping and leaping
• Poor mood and temperament e.g. increased irritability or becoming aggressive when touched
• Appearing lame, including reduced motion and/or activity
• Increased sensitivity to touch in certain areas  
• Decreased grooming, or overgrooming a particular area

If you spot any of these signs in your cat, do not try to diagnose or treat them yourself, as these symptoms could signify a number of different health problems, and you may make the problem worse. Instead, consult your vet as soon as possible.

The signs of pain and discomfort can vary greatly from dog to dog, depending on their experience, age, environment, and pain tolerance. Some dogs are more likely to show the signs of pain than others, which is why it is incredibly important to know what to watch out for. Some of the most common signs of pain in dogs include:

• Changes to eating behaviours, either increased or decreased
• Abnormal, or reduced movement, including loss of energy, unusual postures, limping, and restlessness
• Excessive grooming, which may indicate sores or surface wounds
• Vocalisation, e.g. unusual or excessive noises
• Aggression
• Reduced social interaction, e.g. a lack of interest in their favourite activities or toys. They may also seem tired or agitated. 

If you notice any signs of pain in your dog, please contact your vet as soon as possible, and don’t try to diagnose or treat the condition yourself. Such signs can be indicators of a number of conditions, of which pain is just a symptom. Therefore, it is vital that your dog is checked by their vet as soon as possible. 

X-Rays are quick, painless tests for cats and dogs that produce images of the internal structures of the body. They are typically used to diagnose bone fractures and breaks, arthritis and osteoarthritis, infections, and cancer, amongst other conditions. Your pet will need to sit still whilst the machine takes images, and may be moved into particular positions to produce better images. 

Ultrasound is a common diagnostic tool for cats and dogs that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and other structures within your pet’s body. The technician will press and move a small probe against the skin to capture real-time images. This is typically used to diagnose conditions related to soft tissue structures that are not easily seen on X-Rays. This can include the heart, the abdomen, and muscles.

Histology is the study of tissues, usually collected via biopsy. Samples are prepared by preserving, thinly slicing or sectioning, and staining with dyes before being examined under the microscope by a pathologist. Histology is used in the same cases as cytology, but it provides a more accurate level of detail in order to make a definitive  diagnosis.

A CT scan looks at various parts of the body, most commonly the bones, airways, and soft tissue structures. The test uses a continuous beam of X-Rays which spins around the body in a doughnut-shaped support to build up a cross-section of images. 

Blood and urine tests may be used to learn more about your pet’s health. Biochemistry, haematology, and inflammatory markers (CRP) are studied for signs of changes in their blood. These changes may help vets to determine a diagnosis, or understand more about your pet’s condition. 

Blood tests are reasonably common, and there are many occasions in which your vet may decide to perform a blood test. When this happens, your vet will usually shave a small patch of fur, before inserting a needle into your pet, similar to when humans have blood taken. 

Urinalysis is used to test the physical and chemical properties of the urine, mainly for the purposes of assessing the health of your pet’s kidneys and urinary system. However, it can also reveal issues in other organs and metabolic disease. There are multiple ways to collect urine samples from pets, including using a needle and syringe, through catheterisation, or collection mid-stream during free flow.

Cytology is the study of cell samples collected from your pet’s body. Vets use these samples to help diagnose growths or masses, but cytology can also be used to assess bodily fluids, internal organs, and abnormal fluids. Cytology sampling methods include skin scrapings, impression smears, swabs, and fine needle biopsies. Most cytology can be examined in-house at Knutsford Veterinary Surgery however on occasion where we need a specialist opinion we can have experts reports within an hour using Scopio.

An MRI uses magnetic waves and radio waves to create a detailed image of the organs and tissues. Typically, MRI is used to detect problems with the brain and spinal cord, such as tumours, inflammation, and herniated discs. The test is performed under anaesthesia and will usually take between 45 minutes and 2 hours.