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Critter Corner: Animals need pain relief too!
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Posted by lward Mon Aug 21, 2006 15:09:11 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments These days there are so many options in veterinary medicine offered by your vet when your animal is sick or needs surgery. Often I am asked by clients if their animals really need pain medication. The answer is a resounding YES. Ask yourself, if your abdomen (belly) was cut open and one of your body parts removed, should there be a debate about pain management?
Pain management and anti-inflammatory therapy is also important for simple procedures like laceration repairs, foxtail removals and wound treatments to decrease inflammation and pain to the tissues. This practice not only provides comfort but also makes stitches less likely to be licked or chewed out.
An old school of thought is that if they feel pain they are less likely to move around and become injured. However, it is well known that pain-free animals actually heal faster and with fewer complications.
So how do you know if your animal is getting pain medication while undergoing a procedure? Just ask. If you shop around to get the lowest spay or neuter price then you can guarantee your animal is not getting pain medication. This exclusion of pain medication is due to the extra expense in the cost, handling and storage of these medications. Pain management is usually offered verbally or on a surgical consent release. If it’s not offered, your veterinarian will be happy to make it available if you ask. Some veterinarians make pain medication mandatory and others per owner or client requests.
Other painful conditions such as soft tissue lameness (sprains), arthritis, hip dysplasia and musculoskeletal pain can usually be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ask your veterinarian about NSAIDs to provide relief for your animal’s discomfort. In many animals this makes life more comfortable and enjoyable.
A word of caution, adding NSAIDs to your animal’s daily intake does NOT include over the counter human medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. These drugs can be toxic and perhaps deadly to your animal. Dogs, cats and horses have animal-specific requirements based on their species and bodily ability to metabolize drugs and must be prescribed by your veterinarian. Additionally, when managing long term chronic pain with NSAIDs your veterinarian will also need to monitor blood work at least every six months to ensure liver and kidney health.
Pets are considered extended family members in our homes and they provide significant companionship and love. I believe it is our obligation to provide them the most comfortable lifestyle possible using the same state of the art medicine we provide for ourselves.

E-mail Darcie at: darcie_heyes@yahoo.com

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