The veterinary team at Lawndale Pet Hospital works with pet owners of the South Bay to ensure that we do all we can to provide excellent pain management options. Our doctors are trained on and regularly utilize a number of different therapies to comfort pets.
Beyond Pet Comfort
In addition to making pets comfortable and increasing quality of life, managing a pet’s pain improves healing in the pet’s body. Pets who are able to find relief from pain:
- Are under less stress
- Are able to get adequate rest
- Have better appetites
- Are willing to resume exercise
- Have faster recovery times
Pet Conditions Requiring Pain Management
Depending on the type of pain, Lawndale Pet Hospital offers protocols appropriate for all types of pet conditions.
- Surgical procedures — Every surgical procedure begins with predicting a pet’s need for pain medications. Based on the type of procedure, pets may be given medications prior to surgery, during surgery, and through recovery to reduce inflammation and pre-empt pain. Our veterinarians will work with you to recognize any signs of discomfort in your pet so appropriate management can be continued as needed at home.
- Injury or illness — Part of our team’s focus on stabilizing your pet includes relieving pain. In conjunction with diagnosing and beginning treatment, our veterinarians assess the animal’s discomfort and advise you of options.
- Chronic pain — Some pet ailments, such as degenerative joint disease, require ongoing pain management. Well-managed pain control adds years of quality life to pets and can leave them acting as young animals again.
Methods of Controlling Pain in Pets
- Medications — From pain-blocking medications to anti-inflammatories, veterinary technology has provided many useful medications to keep pets comfortable.
- Pet physical therapy — Similar to human therapy, pet physical therapy can greatly reduce pain and increase strength and mobility in pets. Our team will advise you on any therapeutic measures useful for your pet’s condition.
- Nutrition — Especially useful in treating chronic pain conditions, nutritional supplements, such as glucosamine for joint health, alleviate pain.
- Acoustic compression therapy (ACT) — Also called shock wave therapy, ACT does not use electrical shocks but instead uses compressed sound waves to stimulate the body’s own healing process. It is completely non-invasive and has been used to reduce pain in many situations.
If you have any questions about our pain management protocols for pets, please contact our helpful staff.