Pain Management

One of the most difficult areas of animal healthcare is pain management. Our pets are unable to describe to us the location or degree of pain they are feeling. In fact, due to ancestral traits, our pets will hide their pain from us because of the predator/prey instinct they possess. As a pet owner, you will have to watch for identifiable clues or changes in your pet’s mood or behavior. Some signs of pain can include lack of appetite, social withdrawal, whimpering, limping, and in some extreme cases: aggression. Fortunately, Dr. Shy of Starkville Veterinary Hospital is well-versed in recognizing the signs and symptoms of pain.

Pain is categorized in two areas as a rule: acute and chronic. Acute pain is pain that is fairly new, usually due to trauma, surgery, or sudden illness. Patients suffering from acute pain are typically given a treatment plan that includes a higher dose of painkillers but only for a short time. Chronic pain is described as pain that is due to aging factors or lingering injuries. Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, diabetes, glaucoma, and even cancer are all contributing diseases to chronic pain. Chronic pain is generally treated with lower doses of painkillers and steroid medication on a longer dosage schedule. Some physical therapy and surgery also may be suggested to put your pet at ease.

Whether your pet suffers from a chronic painful condition or illness, or if the condition is temporary like an injury, or from a surgical procedure, adequately managing pain reduces their emotional stress, which in turn helps to promote healing. Our veterinarian at Starkville Veterinary Hospital will work with you, and will develop an individualized plan for managing pain in your pet.

From routine procedures (such as a spays or dental cleanings), to more advanced medical treatments (such as bone surgeries or cancer treatments), to chronically painful conditions (such as arthritis or back pain), we are dedicated to providing safe and effective pain management to every patient. We will also help you recognize signs of pain in your pet so that we can modify his or her pain management plan when necessary.

At Starkville Veterinary Hospital, recognizing and alleviating pain in our patients is at the very heart of our quality, compassionate patient care. We don’t take pain management for granted and will employ all our skills to help ensure your pet’s comfort, well-being, and full recovery.