Pain Management
If a pet is in pain, it can take an emotional toll on the owner who may feel helpless in providing relief. At Advanced Care Veterinary Clinic, our veterinary staff not only utilizes the most effective medical treatments but also provides compassionate care to make your pet feel more comfortable. Our goal is to develop a customized pain management plan tailored to your pet's unique needs, which may involve a combination of medications and complementary therapies.
Just like humans, many pets experiencing pain may suffer from ailments such as joint pain or muscle soreness. Pain management veterinarians often recommend similar lifestyle changes, medications, and care plans as those prescribed for humans with similar symptoms. This could include NSAIDs, topical anesthetics, nutritional changes, or low-frequency laser therapy to reduce inflammation.
At Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital, we offer a range of pain management strategies and can help create the ideal care plan for your cat or dog. With the expertise of our experienced veterinarians, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best possible pain management plan to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Signs of Pain in Pets
Discovering your pet in pain can be an emotionally challenging situation, whether you've raised them from a young age or adopted them later in life. The strong bond you share with your pet can make it difficult to witness them in distress. Recognizing and addressing your pet's pain symptoms is crucial for ensuring they lead the best possible life. It's essential to stay vigilant about your pet's condition and monitor any changes, as prolonged pain can significantly impact their overall health.
Early intervention is key to minimizing your pet's pain and improving its chances of recovery. Pet owners should familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms associated with pain in pets. Distinguishing between chronic and acute pain is often the first step; chronic pain persists over time and may be linked to underlying conditions such as arthritis, tooth decay, or joint inflammation, while acute pain typically arises suddenly from a specific event.
Some common signs that your pet may be experiencing pain include:
- Loss or Change of Appetite
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Limping
- Fever or Behavioral Changes
- Vocalization
- Targeted Licking
- Bathroom Habit Changes
- Excessive Panting
- Hiding
Pain Management Medication for Pets
Common medications used for pain management in pets include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, topical anesthetics, and anti-anxiety medications. While some of these medications may seem similar to those used in humans, it's crucial to understand that giving your pet any medication without veterinary approval can lead to irreversible or life-threatening consequences in dogs and cats. Just as you would with children, it's essential to safely store medications to prevent accidental ingestion by pets.
Before starting any pain management medication for your pet, it's vital to consult with your veterinarian. They will determine the appropriate medication based on your pet's condition, the intended goal of the treatment, dosing instructions, potential side effects to watch for, your pet's medical history, and any other relevant guidelines. This ensures the safety and success of the treatment plan.
Once your pet begins pain management medication, it's important to monitor them closely for any potential side effects. If you observe any concerning symptoms or changes in behavior, notify your veterinarian promptly. With proper guidance and monitoring, pain management medication can help improve your pet's quality of life while minimizing discomfort.
- Depression, Lethargy, or Behavioral Changes
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of Gums, Skin or the Eyes
- Diarrhea or Black Stools
- Drinking Changes
- Scabs, Excessive Scratching, or Redness
While most medications are generally considered safe, an underlying condition in your pet could lead to unforeseen problems. Although we take every precaution necessary to pinpoint these problems, they may also develop over time. If you observe any of these potential interactions when your pet begins taking pain management medication, contact the veterinarian staff at Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital. Pets that have an adverse reaction to certain medications may have other options or complementary services available to assist in limiting chronic or acute pain. Our team is here to ensure that your cat or dog has a perfect pain management plan to help them live their best life possible.
Complementary Pain Management for Pets
While medication is often a go-to for treating pet pain, there are complementary therapies that can enhance healing and reduce inflammation. At Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital, we're dedicated to offering modern pain management solutions that encompass a range of alternative treatments.
Our clinic provides various complementary therapies for pets, including massage, laser therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. These therapies can be used alongside pain management medication or as standalone approaches. Our experienced veterinary staff has seen significant results with these treatments in managing or even eliminating pain in pets.
Additionally, Advanced Care Veterinary Hospital specializes in canine rehabilitation services. This process involves exercises and regenerative medicine techniques aimed at improving rehabilitation and recovery in dogs. Beyond enhancing muscle strength, circulation, and mobility, canine rehabilitation also offers support in alleviating chronic pain. This makes it particularly beneficial for geriatric dogs seeking improved comfort and confidence in their old age. In some cases, rehabilitation services may be used alongside pain management medication to provide comprehensive care for your beloved pet.
In certain cases, chronic pain may indicate that surgery is necessary. As a full-service veterinary hospital, Advanced Care is equipped to assist you and your pet throughout the entire surgical process, ensuring a safe and successful outcome. Our dedicated team is committed to providing pet owners with the support, resources, and information they need to make informed decisions regarding their pet's health.
Regardless of the type of surgery required, our priority is to ensure that both you and your pet are well-prepared for the procedure. We offer comprehensive surgical services and strive to create a comfortable and stress-free experience for both pets and their owners. If you're considering surgery for your pet or would like to learn more about the types of surgical procedures we provide, we invite you to visit our surgery page for additional information.
Schedule an appointment today! Call us at (918) 224-1900.
