Sometimes it’s hard to tell when your pet is hurting. They can’t tell us where it hurts or even if it hurts. At Petsadena Animal Hospital, in Pasadena CA, we cherish the union you have with your pet. We take time to help you determine if your pet is in pain and then we will help find ways to manage that pain. Sometimes, the most effective method is with pet pain medication.
Some signs your pet may be in pain:
- Lack of appetite or unwillingness to eat
- Behavior changes: Your previously affectionate pet now seems standoffish. Or, your previously independent pet now wants to be with you more than normal.
- Heavy breathing or fast, shallow breathing
- Excessive licking or biting.
Pain management techniques we use:
- Medications, both the standards that have been in use for years and newer options that have just recently been developed.
- Cold laser technology
- Acupuncture
We mainly practice multimodal pain medication techniques on dogs, as cats lack a fully functioning enzyme pathway, which leads to a high intolerance for anti-inflammatory medications. These medications can be highly toxic to cats. Although pain management options are more limited in cats, we do provide a few options that can still help control pain in your cat. Our knowledgeable veterinarians are available to review all pain management options available to your individual pet’s needs.
Some types of medications used for dogs:
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
- Amantadine: Treats aches from arthritis, disc disease and cancer.
- Gabapentin: Treats effects of damaged nerves.
- Tramadol: Mild opioid used mainly on aging dogs with constant discomfort.
It is very important to remember to come see us before attempting any pain management techniques on your own. We can correctly diagnose the underlying cause of pain and manage any medication dosages needed. We also educate you on the best ways to help your animal feel healthy and happy. We can help determine the best pain management to use for their pain.
Call so we can get your pet feeling their best! (626) 441-1137.