The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) educates and informs you, the animal owners, about their animal’s health and well-being when it comes to pain management, be it acute or chronic pain.
Animals suffer from pain just like people do. Pain comes in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis and cancer related pain, just to name a few. Acute pain is obvious and distressing. Chronic pain can be subtle, and masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.” Old age is not a disease, but pain is. There are many options to treat the various causes of pain in animals including pain medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage.
The most common signs of pain:
- Decreased activity – Take notice if your animal is not playing as much as usual
- Not going up or down stairs – This could be an early sign of osteoarthritis
- Reluctance to jump onto surfaces – This especially applies to cats
- Difficulty standing after laying down – This is a sign of osteoarthritis
- Decreased appetite – This can signal mouth pain
- Over grooming or licking a particular area – This can be a sign of referred pain
If you notice any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian or find an IVAPM pain practitioner.
- Please use the checklist LINKED HERE to help your veterinarian determine if your DOG is in pain.
- Please use the checklist LINKED HERE to help your veterinarian determine if your CAT is in pain.
Important videos for animal owners:
- Learn more from IVAPM President, Dr. Jennifer Johnson, about your animals pain and what you can do to help your pets live longer and healthier lives. WATCH TODAY!
