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Pain Management
As a pet owner, the last thing you want to see is your loved ones in pain. While it may be obvious that your pet is suffering, oftentimes it can be difficult to determine whether your dog or cat is in pain, because they’re unable to vocalize their needs.
Pain Management for Pets in Gettysburg
Helping Your Pet Heal Comfortably
As a pet owner, the last thing you want to see is your loved ones in pain. While it may be obvious that your pet is suffering, oftentimes it can be difficult to determine whether your dog or cat is in pain, because they’re unable to vocalize their needs. Even if you slightly suspect something may be amiss with your pet, we recommend giving us a call to schedule a visit. Through physical examinations, our Gettysburg veterinarians can detect illnesses or injuries and conduct further tests to determine their causes and treatments.
In addition to traditional medications, Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital also offers pain management options that include laser therapy. Your pet’s health is our priority, which is why we have various ways of keeping them comfortable during their time of illness or injury.
Call (717) 610-6223 to schedule a visit with our team during business hours, or contact us online. We also have contact information for other emergency centers should your pet require immediate treatment during non-business hours.
What is the Difference Between Acute & Chronic Pain?
There are two primary types of pain in animals: acute and chronic. Acute pain is pain that is recent or has been present for a short amount of time and is commonly associated with a newly-developed illness, injury, or surgery. If acute pain is left untreated, it can become worse and transition to chronic pain. Chronic pain can be a long-term medical condition like arthritis, which is a disease that can’t be cured. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of chronic pain that affects nearly 40% of dogs. Your dog may be suffering from osteoarthritis if they’re limping, stiff, or slower to get up after sleep or a nap.
Acute pain is typically treated with pain medications and rest, while chronic pain can be managed with medication or one of our alternative forms of pain management to keep pets comfortable.
Common Signs of Pain in Pets
Animals suffer from pain just like humans do, but unfortunately, they’re not able to verbally communicate with us when they’re suffering. Animals can suffer from surgical pain, arthritis, cancer, and more, and it’s important to look out for common signs of pain to determine whether to seek medical help.
Common signs of pain in dogs include:
Whimpering, howling, or growling
Aggression or biting
Decreased appetite
Submissive behavior
Decreased social interaction
Self-mutilation, or chewing
Common signs of pain in cats include:
Decreased appetite
Tail flicking
Hiding
Hissing or spitting
Excessive licking or grooming
Lack of agility
Reduced activity
Our Therapy Options
In addition to traditional medication, our Gettysburg veterinarians provide alternative treatment options depending on your pet’s unique medical condition. Whether your pet is suffering from acute or chronic pain or is even struggling with fear and anxiety, we can help them through laser therapy.
Class IV Laser Therapy can treat both acute and chronic pain conditions by focusing light energy to reach the source of your pet’s pain. The technology has many benefits, including inflammation reduction, accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, and generally faster wound healing through a process called photo-bio-modulation. Members of our staff are specially trained in laser therapy and can educate you on the process so you know what to expect.
Don’t wait to seek our Gettysburg veterinarians’ help. Call us at (717) 610-6223 if you believe your companion is in pain.
