Acute Pain
Acute pain is sudden and short-term, usually caused by an injury or surgery. It is a protective mechanism that alerts the body to potential harm and prompts the animal to take action to avoid further injury.
Signs and Symptoms
Pet owners need to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of acute pain in their pets. These may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty moving or reluctance to move
- Changing in grooming habits
- Vocalization (whimpering, crying, or yelping)
- Restlessness or pacing
- Changes in behavior (aggression, hiding, or lethargy)
- Changes in posture or gait
- Increased heart rate and breathing
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Acute pain can be very uncomfortable for animals and can lead to further complications if left untreated.
Pain Management Solutions
There are various pain management solutions that we may use to treat acute pain in animals. These may include:
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Gabapentin (non-NSAID) are commonly used to manage acute pain in animals. These medications can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Local anesthetics: These are used to numb a specific area of the body and can help manage pain after surgery or during a procedure.
- Physical therapy: In some cases, a referral for physical therapy may be recommended to help improve mobility and reduce pain in animals.
- Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, and is safe for pets of all ages.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-term and can last for weeks, months, or even years. It is often associated with conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or nerve damage. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is not a protective mechanism and can be difficult to manage.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chronic pain in animals may include:
- Changes in behavior
- Limping or difficulty moving
- Changes in posture or gait
- Decreased activity or exercise intolerance
- Irritability or aggression
- Decreased appetite or changes in weight
- Changes in grooming habits
- Vocalization
- Changes in sleeping habits
Pain Management Solutions
Managing chronic pain in animals can be challenging, but there are various options available. These may include:
- Medications: Similar to acute pain management, medications like NSAIDs may be used to provide relief for chronic pain.
- Supplements: Some supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may help improve joint health and reduce pain in animals with conditions like arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can also be beneficial for managing chronic pain in animals. This may include exercises to improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Solensia is a monthly injection administered at our office that can help control osteoarthritis pain in cats.
- Librela is the first and only monthly injectable Anti-NGF Monoclonal Antibody Therapy administered at our office to help control osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
- Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, and is safe for pets of all ages.
