Pet Pain Management

Managing pain plays an important part in the healing process and maintaining quality of life for your pet. Your O’Neal Lane Pet Hospital veterinarian is keeping up with the many advances being made in this area of veterinary medicine.

Understanding pain management has moved to the forefront of veterinary medicine and education in recent years in efforts to promote healing and improve quality of life. From ingestible medications to I.V. therapy, there are several treatment options to help make your pet comfortable and get them on the road to recovery. Whether your pet suffers from a chronic painful condition or illness, or if the condition is temporary like an injury, or from a surgical procedure, adequately managing pain reduces their emotional stress, which in turn helps to promote healing. You are the best advocate for your pet. Working with your veterinarian you can help determine the best course of treatment for them.

Your pet can’t communicate to you in words if they are in pain. Sometimes you may have to trust your instincts; oother times you may be given more easily identifiable clues, like limping, wobbling, or whimpering. Also look for changes in your pet’s mood or behavior. For example, if your normally affectionate pet suddenly doesn’t want to be held, goes off into a corner or quiet space away from humans or other animals, or if you notice changes in the way they play or engage in activities they usually enjoy.