Nobody wants to see their pet in pain, and it doesn’t help that they can’t tell us when they’re feeling pain or where. Plus, many animals are great at hiding their pain, which they do instinctually, so while they may seem fine on the outside, that might not be the case on the inside. Triangle Animal Clinic wants your canine or feline friend to be as comfortable as possible, whether it’s during a medical procedure at our clinic or while they’re at home with you. That’s why we offer pain management as one of the services for our patients.
Pain Management Options
We carry a range of medications in our in-house pharmacy, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, with little to no side effects. These medications are designed to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation for both dogs and cats. Our caring staff can discuss the best option for your pet, depending on their condition and level of pain. Surgery, injuries, and arthritis are some of the conditions that can be treated with pain management medication.
Another pet pain management option we offer here at Triangle Animal Clinic is laser therapy. Laser therapy is also designed to decrease inflammation and improve wound healing. It’s commonly used to treat arthritis, hot spots, cat cystitis, post-surgical healing, and other conditions.
Types of Pain
Just like with humans, there are two types of pain in pets: acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a temporary pain that develops quickly after an infection, injury, surgery, or inflammation. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lasts longer and develops slowly. It can occur as the result of arthritis, cancer, bone diseases, and other illnesses and age-related conditions. Sadly, some pets experience chronic pain for months or even years, but like acute pain, it can be very uncomfortable for your four-legged friend.
Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats
While some signs of pain may be obvious, others aren’t. The following is a list of signs to look for which could indicate that your pet is in pain:
- Vocalizing (whimpering, excessive meowing, howling, etc.)
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Restlessness
- Limping or lameness
- Excessive licking, biting, or scratching a certain part of their body
- Unresponsive to their name or commands
- Lack of interest in play
- Refusal or inability to move
- Inability to stand up
- Loss of appetite
- Aggression
- Flattened ears
- Panting when it’s not hot
If you notice any of these signs in your dog or cat, contact us so we can recommend the next course of action.
