Pet Pain Management
Pets experience pain much as humans do. At Hope Veterinary Care, we take pain control very seriously. Whether it is managing chronic, ongoing pain or acute pain from an injury or surgery, we are dedicated to eliminating or reducing discomfort. Pain is very stressful for pets, perhaps even more so than for humans. This level of stress impedes healing, so we want to avoid pain both as an act of compassion and as a measure of good veterinary medicine.
Recognizing Pet Pain
The first step in addressing pain is to recognize it. Instinctively, dogs and cats hide pain, since in the wild this would have made them vulnerable. Signs can be subtle, but follow your instincts. A loving, attentive pet owner will often notice when something “isn’t right.”
Here are some signs that your pet is experiencing pain:
Arthritis Pain Relief
One common source of pet pain is arthritis or other joint problems. Osteoarthritis affects one out of every five dogs, and the problem is not limited to older dogs. Joint trauma or conditions like hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, or patella luxation can cause degenerative arthritis even in younger animals.
Unfortunately, degenerative joint disease is incurable, but treatment can slow progression and substantially improve a pet’s life. If your pet is experiencing joint or arthritis pain, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan involving multiple modalities. Treatment may include weight control, medication (NSAIDS, analgesics, corticosteroids, other pain relievers), laser therapy, or veterinary acupuncture. Chondroprotective agents will also be given to repair joint cartilage and prevent further damage.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been studied and practiced for more than 5,000 years. TCM believes that Qi (pronounced “Chi”) is the vital force and energy that flows throughout the body, along pathways called meridians. Points along these meridians are stimulated to encourage the body to heal itself and return the body to balance.
Our animal patients are usually very tolerant of the placement of needles. Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with other pain medications or modalities, including laser therapy. It is especially beneficial in managing pain from arthritis or with cancer.
Newer to the Hope Vet Care staff, Dr. Chang trained and was certified for acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 2006. She has helped many patients through acupuncture.
If you suspect your pet is in any form of pain, please contact us right away.
Recognizing Pet Pain
The first step in addressing pain is to recognize it. Instinctively, dogs and cats hide pain, since in the wild this would have made them vulnerable. Signs can be subtle, but follow your instincts. A loving, attentive pet owner will often notice when something “isn’t right.”
Here are some signs that your pet is experiencing pain:
- Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or less playful than normal
- Hiding (common with sick cats)
- Whining, whimpering, howling, or constantly meowing
- Biting or acting out of character (either aggressively or submissively)
- Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body
- Flattening ears against the head
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Seeking a lot more attention than usual
- Unable to get comfortable (constantly changing positions to find the most comfortable position)
- Pawing at the mouth or unusual drooling may signal mouth pain
Arthritis Pain Relief
One common source of pet pain is arthritis or other joint problems. Osteoarthritis affects one out of every five dogs, and the problem is not limited to older dogs. Joint trauma or conditions like hip dysplasia, ruptured cruciate ligaments, or patella luxation can cause degenerative arthritis even in younger animals.
Unfortunately, degenerative joint disease is incurable, but treatment can slow progression and substantially improve a pet’s life. If your pet is experiencing joint or arthritis pain, we will develop a comprehensive treatment plan involving multiple modalities. Treatment may include weight control, medication (NSAIDS, analgesics, corticosteroids, other pain relievers), laser therapy, or veterinary acupuncture. Chondroprotective agents will also be given to repair joint cartilage and prevent further damage.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been studied and practiced for more than 5,000 years. TCM believes that Qi (pronounced “Chi”) is the vital force and energy that flows throughout the body, along pathways called meridians. Points along these meridians are stimulated to encourage the body to heal itself and return the body to balance.
Our animal patients are usually very tolerant of the placement of needles. Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with other pain medications or modalities, including laser therapy. It is especially beneficial in managing pain from arthritis or with cancer.
Newer to the Hope Vet Care staff, Dr. Chang trained and was certified for acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 2006. She has helped many patients through acupuncture.
If you suspect your pet is in any form of pain, please contact us right away.