When it comes to managing your pet’s pain, our practice offers the highest quality of care, utilizing compassion and the most effective medical treatments available. We develop a unique pain management plan to best serve the individual needs of your pet. This plan may include medication, complementary treatment like therapeutic LASER, acupuncture, nerve blocks, constant rate infusions, or a combination of all available treatments.
Pets often share traits in common with their humans, like a love of treats and even an achy hip. Research has shown that animals also share the way they experience pain. However, the way they demonstrate their discomfort is frequently subtle and missed by their loving families at home. Our veterinarians are trained to check for subtle signs of pain with every examination.
If you think your pet may be in pain, they probably are. Subtle signs of pain can be any of these:
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and / or vomiting
- Change in temperament or behavior
- Licking a specific area
- Change in bathroom habits
- Panting
- Hiding or sleeping more
- Appearing more tired or less interactive than usual
You may recognize some medications, techniques, and care for animal pain that your own doctor similarly prescribed for you. Common medications we prescribe for pets include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), anti-anxiety medications, or topical anesthetics. However, it is very important to note that you should never give your pet medication designed for a human until you consult with us. Many medications designed for humans can cause life-threatening and irreversible reactions in animals. As with small children, medications should be kept out of reach of your pet.
Other medications and treatments are unique to pets and can be introduced and discussed with you at your veterinary visit.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes will be recommended for your pet. A specific diet, a change in bedding, different exercise programs, raised food and water dishes, or an extra snuggle now and then are some of the things that may help your pet’s pain at home.
Many pets experience successful pain relief through complementary medicine. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutritional support or physical therapy often assist our practice to manage your pet’s pain. Therapies such as massage, heat or strength building may seem familiar, while some of our newer technology and machines might sound new. Our practice employs the use of a low-level laser to relieve pain. Acupuncture is another commonly used modality. Additional pain-relieving modalities are available at Vet-REC: Veterinary Rehabilitation and Exercise Clinic next door, and your Indian Trail Animal Hospital veterinarian may make a referral for you.
Determining whether your pet’s pain it is acute or chronic is the first step to identifying the cause. Acute pain is often sudden and triggered by a specific event. For example if your pet experiences an injury, they may experience acute pain. However, chronic pain persists over the long term and causes may include conditions such as joint inflammation, arthritis, or unattended tooth decay.
Early intervention is important when it comes to managing your pet’s pain. We are here to help you help your pet - please contact us for an appointment today! 704-821-7040