Pain Management for Dogs and Cats in Madison, AL and Surrounding Areas
Nowhere is The Pet Hospital of Madison’s foundation of compassionate care more evident than in our management of pet pain. We believe that no dog or cat should suffer unnecessarily. Whether they are suffering from acute or chronic pain, we work diligently to pre-empt pain, continually monitor for discomfort, and adjust management measures to ensure the pet becomes and remains comfortable.
Pre-emptive Pet Pain Management
When we know a procedure that we are doing has the potential to cause pain in a dog or cat, we establish a protocol to prevent that pain from occurring. For example, in surgical procedures, depending on the nature of the procedure, we may need to administer pain medication prior to, during, and immediately following surgery. Staying ahead of the pain will keep pets from becoming additionally stressed and will allow them to focus energy on healing and recovery.
Our veterinarians and staff are trained at recognizing signs of a pet’s discomfort or fear, and we work to ease apprehension, and always treat your pet with the gentleness and respect we desire for our own pets.
Chronic Pet Pain Management
Conditions such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, cancer, or even long-term recovery from complicated surgery or injury can require a long-term pain management strategy. Depending on the location and intensity of pain and the condition being addressed, pain management may take the form of:
- Nutritional supplements—Fish oil, glucosamine, and other supplements have proven to increase mobility and reduce discomfort in pets. Our doctors will work with you to select the most appropriate options.
- Veterinary pharmaceutical treatments—Specific veterinary medications have been designed to address a wide variety of chronic pain conditions.
- Surgical options—Some chronic pain stems from conditions that can be treated through surgery. Our veterinarians will advise you of all possible options for your pet’s unique situation.
Recognizing Signs of Pain in Your Pet
Our dogs and cats hide pain as a protective measure so that they do not attract the attention of predators. This can make recognizing your pet’s discomfort very challenging. Some of the indicators of pain as described by the American Animal Hospital Association include:
- Less activity or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness or pacing
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
- Vocalization
- Decreased interaction or hiding
- Increased body tension, biting, or flinching when being touched
- Pupil dilation
- Increased heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure
Learn More About Pain Management
Pain can be an early indicator of disease, so any time you suspect your dog or cat is in pain it is important to get to the bottom of the issue. If you suspect your pet may be in pain call us at (256) 232-2289 to schedule an appointment for a pain evaluation.
