Pain Management

Pain can affect the body's physical functions as well as have a detrimental effect on your pet's well-being and state of mind.  Dogs and cats rarely show pain as one might expect from a person.  Many animals will instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism until they cannot compensate for it anymore.  We strive to provide pain management practices which will aid your pet in the recovery process whether from illness, surgery or an injury.  Our approach to pain management involves anticipating potentially painful procedures and taking steps to manage pain from the outset as well as throughout your pet's recovery process.

   Signs your pet may be in pain include:

               -Depression and/or inactivity

               -Trembling and/or panting

               -Whining, whimpering, howling or constantly meowing

               -Acting different or out of character, hiding, anti-social behavior, aggression or submissiveness.

               -Standing or sitting in unusual positions

               -Unable to get comfortable, anxious, restless

               -Difficulty rising, or collapsing to lay down

               -Walking with a stiff gait, especially after rising

               -Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body

               -New and inappropriate behavior like chewing on wood or inappropriate elimination

   All of our surgeries routinely receive a narcotic analgesic (pain injection) as part of their pre-anesthetic protocol.  Depending on the procedure, there may be additional oral medications sent home that are necessary for several more days of pain management.