Pain Management: A Compassionate Approach to Animal Health

As the calendar turns to September, we embark on a month of heightened awareness and empathy for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. September is designated as Animal Pain Awareness Month, a time when veterinarians and animal lovers unite to shed light on a crucial aspect of pet care: pain management.

At our veterinary clinic, we are committed to the health and well-being of your beloved pets. As part of our contribution to this important awareness campaign, we want to educate you about recognizing, managing, and alleviating pain in animals.

Understanding Animal Pain

• One of the hardest things for our animals to tell us is whether or not they are in pain.  Evolutionarily all animals were under pressure not to show weakness or pain overtly.  If prey animals such as horses would display pain, they would be the first attacked by a predator.  If predatory animals such as cats or dogs would display pain, they would be the first to be kicked out of the group as they could be a liability; unable to hunt and always trying to steal food from others.  It is important to keep this in mind when thinking about how our animals cope with and display signs of pain as they are not hardwired to make it obvious.

Common Sources of Pain in Animals

• Pain can come from a variety of causes including:
  • Acute injury: For example, if you pet runs at top speed into a freshly cleaned sliding glass door
  • Chronic, repetitive injury/irritation: For example, if your pet is aging and developing in arthritis from hip dysplasia or always turning to the left when playing fly ball
  •  Infection: For example, a previous wound that was healing well may suddenly become hot, red, and painful

Signs of Pain in Pets

Because our pets are hardwired to hide pain, some signs can be subtle

• • Acute Injury: Acute injuries such as hitting a door are more obviously painful as they are usually accompanied by a verbal noise or cry of pain followed by possible limping.
  • Chronic, repetitive injury/irritation: Chronic injury is much more difficult to discern as our animals will typically just start to avoid activities that lead to pain or make them uncomfortable.  The best example of this is an older pet that “is just starting to slow down”.  A dog that would in the past follow you up and down the stairs all day as you did your chores will often start waiting for you at the bottom of the stairs.  You may notice that your cat goes from jumping up to their foot dish in one leap to taking a couple tries or jumping on something else first prior to the last jump so it is a smaller distance.  A horse that was once a great trail riding companion that packed up and down hills no problem will start being hesitant to walk down hills or stop halfway up a hill for a few breaths before continuing up.  These are all subtle signs of discomfort or pain that has been slowly building up over time.

• Infection: Pain from infection can also present in several ways.  Most of our animals will display no outwards signs of pain until you get near to or touch the infected area.  A local area of swelling/heat should be assumed to be painful.  Subtle signs of pain would include hiding the area, moving away from you when you get close, or a quick intense stare as you look at it, decreased movement overall, and decreased appetite.  More obvious signs include biting, kicking, limping, fever, and vocalization when being touched or getting near to the area

The Role of Pain Management

Effective pain management is not only a matter of comfort; it is essential for your pet's overall well-being. Proper pain management can help improve mobility, reduce stress, and enhance your pet's quality of life. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate pain relief strategies tailored to your pet's specific needs.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If you suspect that your pet is in pain or may be experiencing discomfort, it is important to seek medical attention in a timely manner so there is less overall damage to the body done as a result of the pain.  Horses who are experiencing chronic pain will often develop secondary complications such as gastric ulcers or behavioral issues.  Dogs and cats experiencing chronic pain will often stop eating as well, become dehydrated, and develop behavioral issues.  Early intervention can lead to more successful pain management and a happier, healthier pet.

Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

At Carrollton Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive pain management solutions for your pets. Our team of experienced veterinarians are trained to assess and address your pet's pain with care and compassion. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments to ensure your pet's comfort and well-being.

Resources for Pet Owners

To further your understanding of animal pain management, consider exploring reputable resources such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)

In Conclusion

As we honor Animal Pain Awareness Month, let's remember that our pets rely on us to advocate for their well-being. By being vigilant about pain, seeking professional veterinary care when needed, and embracing a compassionate approach to pet care, we can ensure that our four-legged companions lead happy, pain-free lives.

Spread the word about Animal Pain Awareness Month and share this blog post with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our cherished animal companions. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, please don't hesitate to contact us at (330) 627-4898 or visit us at https://carrolltonanimal.com/.