Living Well with Chronic Pain
Older pets will normally develop painful illnesses and diseases.
This section will help you recognize signs of pain and more importantly, will detail the range of available treatment options.
Before we talk about these conditions, we first must discuss the difference between "normal" aging and early signs of pain. Most people see that their pet start to slow down at around age seven, which is not normal for any pet other than very large or giant breeds dogs. For cats, smaller, or medium-to-large dogs, this slow down is commonly a result of two painful conditions:
Dental disease-which affects BO% of all pets over 3 years old,
Osteoarthritis (OA)-affects up to 25% of pets over 7, and up to 50% of pets over 11.
Owners of pets that have had painful teeth removed can see their pets start to play again, take more interest in food and in life in general.
We must remember that animals evolved to not show signs of weakness, so they tend to hide their pain. We are here to help uncover possible sources of pain so treatment can be implemented. This treatment may be surgical (as in removing a bad tooth), or could be medications, supplements, or referral for advanced procedures or alternative therapy such as laser, acupuncture, or rehabilitative therapy.
lf your pet has gradually lost interest in toys, walks, or play, they may have underlying pain. At West Friendship Animal Hospital, we will handle your older pets gently, with care and love because we understand that they deserve a little bit of extra time, love, and attention.
Please call us to discuss any question you may have or to book an appointment.
