Pain Management
Historically it was thought that animals didn’t feel pain, or at least, not in the same way that humans do. Additionally, it was believed that if an animal did feel pain, it would assist the healing process following surgery or injury because the animal would self-limit activity to prevent further pain and injury1. We now have a better understanding of how pain develops and functions in animals, and that this pathway is similar to the process in humans. And veterinary practitioners have a greater insight into how drugs work to modulate pain in animals(1).
Untreated pain decreases quality of life in all patients and prolongs recovery from surgery, illness or injury. As advocates for the health of your pet, your veterinary healthcare team has the responsibility to recognize, assess, prevent and treat pain1. For this reason, your pet will receive a dose of pain medication prior to surgery, on the scheduled day of the procedure. We also require post-operative pain medication for all surgeries to reduce the discomfort of your pet and ensure the most humane treatment of all animals in our care. We will provide your pet with additional pain medication to be given at home.
If you would like more information regarding this concept, please consult the following document. And if you have any further questions, give us a call and a technician will be happy to discuss this with you.
(1) Hellyer, Peter, et al. AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dog and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2007; 43:235-248.
For additional information about how pain is assessed and what treatments are considered, check out this graphic.
Untreated pain decreases quality of life in all patients and prolongs recovery from surgery, illness or injury. As advocates for the health of your pet, your veterinary healthcare team has the responsibility to recognize, assess, prevent and treat pain1. For this reason, your pet will receive a dose of pain medication prior to surgery, on the scheduled day of the procedure. We also require post-operative pain medication for all surgeries to reduce the discomfort of your pet and ensure the most humane treatment of all animals in our care. We will provide your pet with additional pain medication to be given at home.
If you would like more information regarding this concept, please consult the following document. And if you have any further questions, give us a call and a technician will be happy to discuss this with you.
(1) Hellyer, Peter, et al. AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dog and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2007; 43:235-248.
For additional information about how pain is assessed and what treatments are considered, check out this graphic.