Hearing your dog whimper or meow can definitely make you feel uncomfortable. Seeing your puppy limping can make you nervous. Watching an elderly dog with arthritis tiptoe up the stairs can be heart-wrenching.
Like us, our dogs are not protected from pain, which is simply defined as any physical discomfort caused by injury or illness. Pain can be acute, such as a broken leg, or chronic, such as constantly facing arthritis in the joints. And pain can certainly affect your dog’s behavior, shifting it from being active and cheerful to one now hiding, acting depressed or becoming dull if you touch the sore area on its body.
“Overcoming pain has been one of the most rewarding activities I have engaged in throughout my career, as it has allowed me to facilitate, enhance, prolong, and strengthen the family-things relationship. precious pet,” said Dr. Robin Downing, a board of veterinarians – certified as a veterinarian and canine rehabilitation physician, head of the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado.
She points to a pivotal moment in veterinary school in the 1980s when a professor advised against eliminating all pain in dogs recovering from surgery because the dogs would “move around.” around and hurt yourself.”
“Even then, as a mere student, that doesn’t sound right,” says Dr Downing, who is now considered a leader in pain management for pets.
Fortunately for our dogs, pain management is gaining much-needed attention in recent years. The growing arsenal of pain relief options today ranges from medication, laser therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, and hydrotherapy to joint supplements and a basic warm-up before an intense run or hike. , followed by a cooldown that stretches the muscle.
Let’s take a closer look at the medications, therapies, and supplements used to manage pain. Here are four common medications prescribed to dogs for pain:
Prednisone
This steroid is used to replace or supplement glucocorticoids in dogs with shock or Addison’s disease. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory for dogs with pain, fever, or cancer, such as lymphoma.
“The advantage of using steroids is that it has an immediate effect,” said Dr. reduce pain and inflammation for our pets. . “The downside is that steroids can’t be used long-term due to serious side effects, such as developing liver disease, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and because it suppresses the immune system.”
Tramadol
This opiate is used to control pain and block pain pathways in the dog’s body. It is commonly used to manage postoperative or chronic pain for dogs who are dealing with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
“The advantage of tramadol is that it is an inexpensive pain reliever with high amplitude or safety and minimal organ damage,” says Dr. Butzer. “The downside is that it may lower the seizure threshold in dogs with a history of epilepsy and may cause moderate constipation.”
Gabapentin
This neuroleptic is commonly used as an analgesic and sedative. It helps keep dogs calm and relaxed.
Dr Downing said: “Gabapentin has been available as a low-cost generic drug for dogs for almost 20 years.
Dr Butzer added: “It has a broad safety profile and very little organ dysfunction has been observed during blood testing after long-term use. The disadvantages of gabapentin are minimal. Most dogs have no side effects.”
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
This pain reliever includes the medications Rimadyl, Galliprant, Previcox, and Metacam – all of which are formulated for dogs.
“NSAIDS remain the cornerstone of pain management, both acute and chronic,” says Dr. Downing. “They deal with pain and inflammation. There is no ‘best’ NSAID, as the best NSAID is the one that works best for a particular patient. “
When combined with other pain relievers over time, your veterinarian can safely lower the dose of NSAIDs.
“This lowering provides protection for the organs responsible for eliminating drugs from the body,” Dr. Downing said.
Main caution: Never give your dog a human NSAID, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as they can cause kidney failure and even death.
Dr Downing says: “It is not safe to give your dog an over-the-counter pain reliever, Tylenol or Advil. “Ibuprofen is very toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Over-the-counter drugs from the human medicine cabinet are not a good option.”
Complementary medicine for pain
Butzer acknowledges the growing interest among pet parents when feeding their dogs CBD oil or joint supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin.
“CBD has been used for over a decade and has shown excellent pain relief in pets at safe doses,” says Dr. Butzer. “For supplements, look for ones that have NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) quality seal, as you can feel confident this product comes from a company committed to quality and consistency. “
Downing says nutraceuticals are in their own class for pain relief in dogs but offers this advice:
“Buyers beware,” she said. “This is a relatively unregulated industry, although it has gotten better in recent years. We now have a number of safe and effective pharmaceuticals that have research data to support their use.”
Identify: Both say to always talk to your vet before giving your dog any OTC products.
Expect pain control in dogs to continue to evolve.
“Technology continues to evolve, so who knows what additional options we will have that use different types of energy or mechanics?” Dr Downing said. “At some point, the holy grail of cartilage replacement will be discovered and that will be a game changer in the management of osteoarthritis.”
Analgesic Treatment Options
The healing power of touch can be effective in reducing pain in dogs. Pioneers in the use of
Sue Furman, founder of the Holistic Touch Therapy School of Canine Massage and Reflexology in Victoria, Texas.
“Acupressure is used to control pain, heal, and promote healing,” says Dr. Furman. “The meridians or channels in a body are called Chi, which is considered life energy. When Chi is blocked, it can begin to cause pain, discomfort, or illness. If you stimulate specific points, you can start healing. “
For some canine patients, Dr. Downing combines the use of laser therapy (known as photomodulation) followed by acupuncture. She also has several pet parents who use tPEMF (The Assisi . Loop) between home visits.
“All of these are safe physical approaches that play a role in managing chronic pain in dogs,” she says. “They are safe, effective, and have good data.”
