| Decades ago in
veterinary medicine, pain was thought to be good for an injured or sick
animal. This wasn't because veterinarians were cruel or wanted pets to
suffer; they believed that pain helped keep animals sufficiently quiet
in order to heal. Plus, it was thought that there really wasn't any way
to know whether a pet was feeling pain or needed some relief. Today it's
just the opposite: veterinarians now believe they should treat for pain
until there is proof that an animal isn't hurting.
Why it's important to manage your pet's
pain?
Pain management has become an important issue in veterinary medicine.
AAHA along with the American Association of Feline Practitioners
recently released the AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and
Cats . These guidelines show that pain management will improve the
recovery process, whether from illness, surgery or injury. Best of all,
because it reduces stress and increases a sense of well being, pain
management may even help your furry friend live longer.
Different kinds of pain
Acute pain comes on suddenly as a result of an injury, surgery,
inflammation or infection. It can be extremely uncomfortable for your
pet and it may limit her mobility. The good news is that it's usually
temporary. It generally goes away when the condition that causes it is
treated.
Chronic pain is long lasting and usually slow to develop. Some of the
more common sources of chronic pain are age-related disorders such as
arthritis, but it can also result from illnesses such as cancer or bone
disease. This pain may be the hardest to deal with, because it can go on
for years, or for an animal's entire lifetime. Also, because it develops
slowly, some animals may gradually learn to tolerate the pain and live
with it. This can make chronic pain difficult to detect.
How to know when your pet is
hurting?
When we have pain, we complain. However, animals instinctually hide pain
so we generally don't hear a peep out of our pets until the pain is so
bad they cannot hide it anymore. So how do you know when your pet's in
pain?
Because our furry friends aren't able to tell us when something is
wrong, it's important for you, the owner, to take note of any change in
their behavior.
Look for any of the following signs:
- They may be your pet's way of
saying "I hurt."
- Being unusually quiet, listless,
restless, or unresponsive.
- Whining, whimpering, howling, or
constantly meowing.
- Biting. Constantly licking or
chewing at a particular part of the body.
- Acting funny and out of character,
either aggressively or submissively.
- Flattening ears against the head
Having trouble sleeping or eating.
- Seeking a lot more affection than
usual.
- Unable to get comfortable
(constantly changes positions to find the most comfortable position)
.
If you suspect your pet might be
hurting, consult your veterinarian for help. Your veterinarian will help
you figure out the problem and discuss the available options. Be
prepared to answer questions about your pet's behavior, activity level
and tolerance for being handled. Your furry friend’s mobility is also a
crucial topic. Does Rover now have a hard time getting up or walking
up/down stairs (these were never a problem before)? Does Fluffy no
longer jump up on to the furniture or have a hard time hopping back
down?
Many animals, especially cats, naturally disguise signs of pain to
protect themselves from predators. However, the lack of obvious signs
does not mean they aren't experiencing pain. If the injury, illness or
experience is one that sounds painful to you, go with the assumption
that it may also hurt your pet and get to your veterinarian.
What can you do to help?
First and foremost, a complete physical exam by your veterinarian is
essential. An exam may include lab and blood tests, X-rays, etc.
Veterinarians will recommend a treatment protocol. Ask your veterinarian
about simple things you can do at home to help keep your pet comfortable
and to monitor whether her pain level is changing.
Massaging your pet from head to toe will help relax and soothe him. This
organized form of petting is a great way to bond with your buddy as well
as to notice any unusual bumps, scrapes or bruises on the body. It is
important that you are gentle and do not apply pressure over the spinal
area. If you pet shows any signs of discomfort discontinue massage
immediately and seek veterinary advice.
- Watch for changes in how
your pet responds to exercise. If he's acting sluggish, you may need
to reduce his activity or it may mean that chronic pain is
developing. His ability to exercise will depend on his health, make
sure he has a thorough veterinary physical before he starts a new
exercise program. (For more information on exercising your pet, see
Exercising your Pet.)
- Watch his diet. Carefully
monitor your pet’s diet to ensure he is not adding unneeded pounds.
Maintaining a healthy diet will improve your pet’s pain level by
managing his weight, regularity and physical health. Depending on
your pet’s condition, he may need a special diet. Consult your
veterinarian before you make any dietary changes.
|
Treatment choices
and considerations:
There is a variety of pain medications currently available for pets.
Aside from pill form, many drugs come in easily administered forms such
as liquids, skin patches or gels. There are also new analgesic
(pain-reducing) products to help treat your pet after an injurious
trauma or to help treat chronic pain. Traditionally, steroids have been
used for anti-inflammatory purposes and to decrease pain. Although
effective, steroids generally aren't used for prolonged periods, they
can have adverse side effects (strictly adhering to your veterinarian’s
instructions is important).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are often used to treat
orthopedic-related pain with fewer side effects. There are several other
classes of pain medications and it is important that you talk to your
veterinarian about the different medications so that together you can
find the best treatment plan for your pet.
It is very important that you do not give your pet any medication
without consulting your veterinarian. Certain painkillers, including
acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) or combinations of medications can be
toxic to pets in very small doses.
In addition to pharmaceutical treatment, complementary (or alternative)
options are becoming more available. Acupuncture, homeopathy, holistic
medicine and even aromatherapy are being practiced on animals. Your
veterinarian can help you decide whether complementary medicine would be
beneficial for your pet.
Whether your choice is complementary or traditional medical practices,
consider the side effects and the time for each treatment option. Your
veterinarian will be able to tell you about the costs, benefits and
risks of the various treatment options.
After surgery:
Pain management becomes particularly important after surgeries. When
recovering from invasive procedures, animals may be not only in pain,
but also weak and disoriented. When you're finally able to bring home
that precious pet of yours after a procedure, the best thing you can do
is consistently follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. If
your veterinarian prescribes an analgesic for your pet, give it to him
as directed. If any problems should develop, contact your veterinarian
immediately.
Have a comfortable, warm bed accessible to help your friend rest. Keep
your pet quiet and relaxed so that he has time to heal without further
injuring himself. Also, keep Spot or Fluffy from picking at his stitches
(often a special collar will be recommended to prevent this from
happening). Be attentive and loving. The comfort of your attention and
affection may be just what the doctor ordered.
As with any medical condition, your veterinarian is your best ally in
identifying and managing your pet's pain. Pain management requires a
team effort in order to have a happier and healthier companion. |