What is a common outcome when an animal is in significant pain?

When an animal is in significant pain, heightened aggression is a common outcome. This behavior can be attributed to several factors. Pain can trigger a fight-or-flight response, which may lead to defensive or aggressive actions when the animal feels threatened or vulnerable. Additionally, an animal in pain may react abruptly to touch or movement, perceiving any approach as a potential threat, thus resulting in aggressive behaviors.

The other options, such as increased playfulness, eagerness to socialize, or lethargy, do not accurately reflect typical responses to pain. Generally, animals in pain are less likely to engage in playful behaviors or socialize. Lethargy could be present as well, but it is not as directly related to aggression and can represent a different type of response to discomfort rather than an active behavior. Understanding these responses is crucial for providing the appropriate care and empathy needed when handling animals in discomfort.