What welfare outcome is associated with not providing pain relief during procedures?

• A. Increased stress behaviors and cortisol levels
• B. Increased aggression toward humans
• C. No change
• D. Decreased appetite

Answer: (A)

Pain triggers a stress response when relief isn’t provided. Without analgesia, ongoing pain keeps the animal’s nervous system activated, leading to noticeable behavioral changes such as restlessness, vocalizing, withdrawal, guarding, and pacing. At the same time, the body's stress system (the HPA axis) ramps up, causing an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. Together, these signs—more stress-related behaviors and higher cortisol levels—reflect a clear welfare compromise from lack of pain relief.

While decreased appetite can occur with discomfort, and aggressive reactions can happen in some individuals, the most consistent and direct welfare outcome here is the combination of increased stress behaviors and elevated cortisol.