Veterinary Pain Management Options - Seattle Veterinary Care

PAIN MANAGEMENT

IDENTIFYING, ASSESSING, AND TREATING PAIN

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT CARING FOR YOUR PET IS NOT KNOWING IF THEY’RE IN PAIN.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET IS IN PAIN?

Both dogs and cats are similar to humans in that they experience pain, except they don't have the ability to tell us what hurts, where it hurts, and how bad. Pain can be a result of recent surgery, accident, illness, arthritis, or extreme conditions such as cancer or Addison's disease. There are two classifications of pain in animals, acute and chronic. Acute pain is sudden and obvious. Chronic pain occurs subtly over a period of time and can be disguised as a symptom of 'getting older' or 'slowing down' in your companion.

Multimodal arthritis management involves attacking and preventing pain using multiple pain pathways and using different approaches. With multimodal management, less medication can often be used. We use weight management, Adequan, nutritional supplements, and a variety of prescription medications as indicated for your patient. No one drug is the answer for most pets, but a combination can be explored in order to manage your pets arthritis most effectively. Many patients suffer in silence and cues for arthritis are often missed by owners. Signs of osteoarthritis (arthritis) may include:

Reduced activity or refusal to move

Loss of interest of decreased social interaction

Changes in behavior including aggression, anxiety, or submission

Decreased appetite, weight loss, or excessive licking (grooming)

Definitive diagnosis with physical exam and radiographs will help us determine the most effective treatments.

IS MAGGIE OR OLIVER NOT AS ACTIVE OR MISCHIEVIOUS AS USUAL?

Behavior changes, especially lethargy and disinterest in enjoyable activities, could be a sign your pet is in pain. We can evaluate and establish a tailored plan for managing your companion's pain.

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HOW CAN I ALLEVIATE MY PET'S PAIN?

Since our furry four-legged companions can exhibit a wide range of symptoms when it comes to pain, it is extremely important to have them properly evaluated. We take into account not only the physical signs that your pet is hurting, but also any behavioral changes that might lead to more serious issues. Conducting an overall assessment of your dog or cat's health can indicate how much discomfort your pet is in and what treatment options are available to alleviate that pain. Anticipating and identifying your pet's pain level early can help us tailor the treatment for specific life stages and allow us to create a custom plan that is unique to your pet's individual needs.

FACT

One indicator that your pet is in pain due to hip dysplasia is the abnormal disbursement of weight between the front and back legs. The front legs should be directly under the shoulders, however if your pet suffers from hip dysplasia then the front legs are shifted to under the chest to take the weight of the hind legs.

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Felines are much more tolerant of pain and more difficult to evaluate. There are many different techniques that are used to assess the pain level in cats. One of the most common methods (used in combination with additional approaches) is to observe facial expressions including the positioning of the ears, the distance between the ear and mouth, and characterization of the area around the mouth.

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There are a wide range of treatment options available which include not only pharmaceutical medication, but also acupuncture, laser therapy, conditioning, and massage. We believe in taking a holistic approach to pain management and there is no “one size fits all” methodology.

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT CARING FOR YOUR PET IS NOT KNOWING IF THEY’RE IN PAIN.

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY PET IS IN PAIN?

IS MAGGIE OR OLIVER NOT AS ACTIVE OR MISCHIEVIOUS AS USUAL?

HOW CAN I ALLEVIATE MY PET'S PAIN?

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