Pain Management

Custom Pain Management Treatment Plans

At American Pet Clinic, we believe in creating custom pain management plans personalized for your pet's unique needs. 

When you bring your pet in for a thorough physical exam, the vet will evaluate your pet's symptoms and recommend any diagnostic tests needed to determine their underlying cause. 

We will develop a personalized plan to treat and manage your pet's pain, including assessing whether he or she is healthy enough to take anti-inflammatory medications or will require a more holistic approach. This depends on the invidual pet's medical history, condition and response to treatment. 

Our team of veterinarians will work together to help you determine the best course of action for addressing your pet's pain. 

Pain Management FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions our clients have asked regarding pain management for pets. 

• What is pain?

  Similar to humans, pain may appear for many reasons in our pets, including after surgery, as a result of an acute or chronic medical condition, injury or other factors. 

  Experts have defined pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage."

  It can be challenging to assess pain in both dogs and cats, since they tend to instinctively hide pain to keep potential predators from targeting them when they are injured. 

  Remember that each animal is unique, and behavior may vary from pet to pet - yours may continue to eat or drink despite pain or disorientation. They may not exhibit noticeable signs we would normally associate with pain, such as limping, whimpering or crying. 

  A good rule to keep in mind is that if an injury, disease or something else would hurt you, it will hurt your pet. 

  Please consult your vet, as they will be able to tell you whether these symptoms are abnormal or alarming based on your pet's medical history. 

• How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

  If your pet has had a surgical procedure or experienced an obvious injury, you can probably safely assume they will be in pain. Some of the signs your pet is in pain may be subtle, but look for changes in behavior. 

  Many older dogs suffer from arthritic pain and as a result, may have difficulty standing after lying down. 

  Other signs of pain may include (but are not limited to):

  • Reluctance to walk, play, climb or jump
  • Vocalizing or whimpering
  • Growing quiet, withdrawn or anti-social
  • Licking of a sensitive or painful area on the body
  • Resistance to being handled
  • Decreased activity
  • Holiding ears flat against the head
  • Increased restlessness or panting
  • Personality changes
  • Displaying unusual or uncharacteristic aggressiveness when touched or approached (in an attempt to prevent further pain)
  • Decreased appetite
  • Stopping or lagging behind on walks
• What are some common causes of pain in pets?

  If you see any of the signs of pain noted above in your pet, schedule an appointment with your vet, who can perform a complete wellness exam to identify any underlying health issues that may be causing his or her discomfort.

  While some injuries such as fractured bones or open wounds are apparent, internal conditions or other causes may not be visible to even the most diligent pet parent. These may include:

  • Arthritis
  • Bone or other cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Ear infections
  • Gum disease
  • Kidney disease or kidney stones
  • Gastritis or pancreatitis
  • Sliding kneecap
• What are some common pain medications prescribed following surgery?

  If your pet is coming in for a dental or surgical procedure, do not hesitate to ask what pain management your vet will provide.

  Many procedures require post-operative pain management by your vet and/or at-home. Generally, pain medications will be prescribed before, during and after your pet's surgical or dental procedure.

  We have many types of drugs on-hand in our fully stocked pharmacy to prevent and alleviate pain. The vet will choose appropriate drugs for your pet's specific needs and medical status/history.

  Common veterinary pain relief medications include nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids and other options such as effective therapeutic practices.

Helping Your Pet Cope With Pain

Every pet parent's goal is to keep their pet healthy and happy. There may be some measures you can take at home to encourage permanent pain relief for your pet.

Your vet may recommend a change in food that are high in omega-3s and other ingredients to help relieve inflammation in joints and reduce pain. 

Weight management may also be a priority, along with physical therapy to help your dog or cat manage arthritis or recover from an injury.

Always ask your veterinarian before introducing a new diet, weight management plan, physical therapy, medications or other treatments.