Pets and people process and feel pain in much the same way. Most animals instinctively hide pain and weakness, so it’s important that families be aware of subtle signs of chronic pain and discomfort in their pet friends.
Some symptoms to look for include:
- Heavy panting
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased activity—running, walking, playing
- Stiffness after exercise
- Reluctance to get up and greet you
- Overgrooming or licking a particular area
- Difficulty standing after lying down
- Unprovoked aggression or irritability with other pets
This may include
We are fortunate to have River Canine Rehabilitation within our hospital where Dr. Kara Amstutz, offers complete pain management for pets. She will complete a full evaluation including lameness exam, pain localization, neurologic evaluation, and functional disabilities. After the exam, Dr. Kara will formulate a comprehensive plan to relieve your pet from pain and improve quality of life.
- Weight loss and Nutritional Counseling
- Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy)
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Manual Therapy (joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, etc)
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Biologic Medicine (Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma) for dogs
- Joint Injections for Osteoarthritis (shoulder, elbow, carpal, lumbosacral, hip, knee, tarsus)
- Acupuncture/Dry needling – Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
- Myofascial Trigger Point Release
- Joint Supplementation: Adequan, Movoflex
- Herbals
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy – Assisi Loops and PEMF Bed
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
- Oral pain medications specific to your pet’s condition, health status, and pain level.
Surgical Patients
The doctors and staff at Hometown Veterinary Clinic are focused on preventing and controlling pain for our surgical patients. Medications and treatments are given at numerous points prior to and during the procedure, which also helps to calm the pet and reduce anxiety. IV fluids are given at the time of anesthesia and a local anesthetic is used as well. Once surgery is complete, laser treatment is applied to the surgery site reducing swelling and pain.
Depending on the patient’s needs, some will continue fluids and pain medication during recovery and are sent home with several days’ supply of pain medications.