Chronic Pain Management
Pets experience pain for a variety of reasons. They can experience pain due to injury, illness, or while recovering from a surgical procedure. One of the most common causes of pain in pets is arthritis, which often develops and worsens as a pet ages. Regardless of the reason for your pet’s pain, our experienced veterinarians at Takoma Park Animal Clinic will work with you to find a safe and effective pain management plan for your pet.
How to Recognize When Your Pet Is in Pain
It can be difficult to determine when a pet is in pain because, in an attempt to protect themselves, cats and dogs instinctively mask signs of illness and injury. As a result, it’s up to pet owners to pay close attention to their pet’s appearance and behavior to detect the slight changes that could indicate pain.
If you notice any of the following, your pet might be in pain:
- Excessive vocalization or whimpering
- Trembling
- Reduced mobility/activity
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Limping or limb favoring
- Swollen joints or limbs
- Difficulty getting up or down
- Not wanting to be touched
- Withdrawing from the family
- Ears flat against the head
- Persistent licking or biting
- Unusual aggression
- General personality changes
You know your pet best. If you observe any unusual or unexplained changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, it could indicate illness or pain, and you should schedule a veterinary appointment right away.
Pain Management Services at Takoma Park Animal Clinic
Pain Medications
Depending on your pet’s condition and general health, we can prescribe a variety of pain medications including pet-safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and other pain medications. For some pets, these provide adequate pain management. Others require alternative long-term strategies.
Nutritional Supplements and Prescription Diets
Pets experiencing pain related to osteoarthritis often experience relief with a regimen of nutritional supplements and/or dietary changes that promote healthy joints.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is an amazingly safe and effective pain management strategy for pets that suffer from arthritis, are recovering from surgery, or are healing after an injury.
Safe, Personalized Pain Management Plans for Takoma Park Pets
Every pet is different, and each pet’s pain management plan usually differs, too. Our veterinarians will perform a complete physical examination and run diagnostic tests (typically blood work and imaging) to determine the course of treatment that will be safest and most effective for your pet.
To learn more about the pain management services available for pets at Takoma Park Animal Clinic or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact us today.
