our advice: ASK DR. CATE
Vet Rap by
Dr. Ryan Cate
Treating Chronic Pain
In Your Pet
QUESTION:
Dr. Cate: How do I know if my pet is experiencing chron-
ic pain and what are some measures I can take to help?
ANSWER: Pain management is a crucial aspect of
veterinary medicine and is often overlooked in small
animals. Many owners see the importance of treating
their animals for pain after an accident or post-surgery;
however, there are a staggering number of pets that
have painful conditions left untreated or unmanaged.
Alleviating pain is crucial to recovery fro m injuries or
surgeries, patient well-being and quality of life for senior
or geriatric pets.
How to identify if you have a pet in pain
Identifying pain in small animals can be difficult consid-
ering they don’t express it in the same way humans, or
even large animals do. Some owners may have a pet
experiencing pain that isn’t showing any signs or symp-
toms. Acute pain is easy to identify, your dog or cat may
cry out or jump away from the sudden pain of acciden-
tally stepping on its tail or trimming its toenails too short.
However, chronic pain is far more difficult to identify
in small animals. Lack of energy, difficulty standing or
taking stairs, stiffness while walking, jumping and behav-
ioral differences are all signs your pet may be suffering
from a painful underlying condition.
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How do I treat my pet for pain?
Bringing your pet to a veterinarian for an exam is always
the best approach. Your veterinarian can identify the
cause of pain, which allows them to treat your pet in the
most effective manner for its specific condition. Some
pets may have an underlying injury, a degenerative
condition, or may be arthritic and require maintenance by
medication. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a
common condition seen in small animals requiring pain
management. Another issue we see in pets is orthopedic
disease, which is caused by poor confirmation. Different
conditions require a variety of treatment courses; this is
why taking your pet for an exam is crucial to effective
pain management.
Medications
Your pet’s form of pain management medication will vary
based on its specific case and health status. In certain
situations, your veterinarian may call for a regenerative
injection, such as polyglycan or an anabolic steroid, in
an attempt to promote healing within the joints. Another
popular form of pain management owners can administer
orally is opioids, such as buprenorphine and tramadol.
Opioids are highly recommended postoperative and are
often used preoperative as they coordinate well with
sedatives. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as
rimadyl tend to be prescribed for chronic pain; these are
especially effective for senior or geriatric dogs.
Non-pharmacologic Pain Management
Several therapeutic and supplemental options are avail-
able for small animals, as well as pharmaceutical
medications. The use of glucosamine supplements is
encouraged for degenerative or inflamed joints associ-
ated with non-infectious conditions. Supplements can
assist in preventing deterioration in existing issues such
as arthritis, aid in recovery for injuries, or be used for
preventative measures. Laser therapy treatments postop-
erative can significantly speed up the healing process and
allow for a more effective recovery. Pain is often a side
effect associated with altered circulation and inflamma-
tion. The process of laser therapy works by employing a
deep-penetrating light which triggers a chain of chemi-
cal reactions referred to as photobiostimulation. Laser
therapy treatments promote an increase in circulation
and release of endorphins, thus speeding up healing and
recovery time. Another beneficial option is acupunc-
ture, which is a great addition to other treatment plans.
Non-pharmacologic pain management options are mini-
mally invasive and can be used alone or in addition to
medication.
Benefits of Pain Management
When a pet’s pain is managed effectively, it can
completely change its quality of life. It will begin to live
more actively and comfortably along with a significant
change in demeanor. Postoperative pain management is
proven to increase success of the operation and decrease
recovery time. Additionally, chronic pain management
can reduce the risk of disease morbidity and slow down
progression in degenerative joint disease. If you suspect
your pet is experiencing pain, take it to your veterinarian
and see what measures can be taken to improve its qual-
ity of life.