Professional Pain Management to Keep Your Pets Comfortable
Animals are notoriously good at hiding their pain, so it’s important to be mindful of possible symptoms. Surgery and injuries are obvious reasons why pets need pain management, but there are many underlying health conditions that can cause tremendous discomfort, including disc disorders, arthritis, cancer, and even gum disease.
Pain Symptoms
Pain can manifest in the form of both behavioral and physical changes. If your pet is exhibiting any of the following signs, he or she might be experiencing pain:
- Excessive panting
- Restlessness/pacing/reluctance to lie down
- Not wanting to go up or down stairs
- Trembling/twitching/sensitivity to touch
- Unusual vocalizations
- Abnormal posture
- Limping
Pain Treatments
Pharmaceutical Pain Relief
Our first step before prescribing any medications is to properly diagnose the cause of your pet’s pain (if unknown). Drugs such as fentanyl and lidocaine are commonly prescribed for postoperative pain. Other drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are a mainstay of pain management and must be carefully dosed for each specific pet. Dr. Buvinghausen stays up-to-date on the newest advancements in NSAIDs so that he can tailor a safe, effective treatment schedule for your pet.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you suspect that your pet is suffering. Dr. Buvinghausen can combine modalities to safely and effectively alleviate your pet’s pain.