At Cooper Veterinary Hospital, recognizing and alleviating pain in our patients is at the heart of our quality, compassionate patient care. Pain that is left untreated can delay the healing process for pets recovering from surgery and injuries, and it can reduce the quality of life for those with chronic conditions. We don’t take pain management for granted and will employ all our skills to help ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.
Pain management is one of the most challenging areas of animal healthcare because our pets are unable to describe to us the location or degree of pain they are feeling. In fact, our pets will hide their pain from us because of the predator/prey survival instinct they possess. As a pet owner, you will have to watch for changes in your pet’s mood or behavior as this is the most common indicator that your pet is experiencing pain.
Some signs of pain can include lack of appetite, hiding, unusual whining or yelping when touched, limping, stiffness, trembling, avoidance of stairs, and in some extreme cases: aggression. Fortunately, our doctors are well-versed in recognizing the signs and symptoms of pain.
Whether your pet suffers from a chronic painful condition or illness, or if the condition is temporary like an injury, or from a surgical procedure, adequately managing pain reduces emotional stress, which in turn, helps to promote healing. We will work with you and will develop a safe and effective individualized plan for managing your pet’s pain.