Pain Management

Your beloved pet should never have to suffer with pain. Together, we can help you manage and alleviate your pet's discomfort!

Acute & Chronic Pain

Pain can either be acute or chronic. Acute pain is sudden, usually resulting from a surgery, injury, or infection. Although usually temporary, acute pain can be very uncomfortable and limit your pet’s mobility. Chronic pain develops slowly over time, and is long lasting. A common source of chronic conditions are related to age (like arthritis) but may also be caused by illnesses such as cancer. Pain from chronic conditions is especially troublesome as it can go on for a long period of time.

If your pet requires any procedure that induces some sort of pain, such as surgery, we will keep your pet as comfortable as possible by utilizing multiple pain management therapies to control pain until your pet is fully recovered.

If your pet is suffering chronic pain, such as pain from arthritis, or has a wound or injury that is healing, we will work with you to control your pet’s pain recommending the most effective pain therapies possible, including medications, therapeutic laser treatments and alternative therapies.

Detecting Pain in Your Pet

Sometimes animals instinctively hide their pain, or it can be difficult to recognize the signs of pain. It’s important to look for changes in your pet’s behavior, including any of the following signs:

• Lack of appetite
• Breathing irregularities
• Reduced activity level
• Limping
• Changes in posture
• Listlessness or unresponsiveness
• Whining or whimpering, or persistent barking or meowing
• Personality changes (i.e. biting or snipping at people)
• Frequent licking or chewing
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Inability to get comfortable
• Exhibiting behavior that is out of character
• Stops grooming, develops a ‘funky’ hair coat
• Doesn’t want to be picked up, cowers, runs, cries
• Housetraining accidents due to pain or discomfort

If your pet is showing one or more of these signs, he or she may have a medical condition that requires veterinary care as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians to develop the pain management plan that is best for your pet.