The Many Forms of Pain Relief for Dogs and Cats in Bloomfield Hills
Traditionally, pet pain management involves pain medication such as NSAIDs, opioids, and nerve blocks. While we do use these effective forms for pain relief during and after procedures, we also offer some alternatives to give you and your pet some options. Beyond traditional pain meds, we offer pet laser therapy, and herbal therapy for pets, too. Alternative cat and dog pain relief helps treat a range of conditions including:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Degenerative conditions such as arthritis, intervertebral disc disease, and hip dysplasia
- Skin conditions and allergies
- Soft tissue injuries or muscle pain
- Autoimmune deficiencies and diseases
- Palliative care for cancer treatment and quality of life management
- Behavioral disorders
- Hormonal disorders
- Internal diseases such as kidney or liver disease
- Gastrointestinal problems
- And more
Pet Laser Therapy
Laser therapy for pets is an innovative technology that harnesses light energy to rejuvenate cells in damaged tissue. Our trained technicians administer the laser light with a handheld device held over the affected area. Depending on your pet’s condition, a laser therapy session could last from about 10 to 30 minutes. A treatment plan could be a session or two for a healing booster, or it could be more frequent and long-term for chronic conditions.
When it comes to managing your pet’s pain, our practice offers and the highest quality of care utilizing compassion and the most effective medical treatments available. We develop a unique pain management plan to best serve the individual needs of your pet. This plan may include medication, complementary treatment or a combination of both.
Pets often share traits in common with their humans like a love of popcorn or an achy hip. Research has shown that animals also share the way they experience pain. Therefore, you may recognize some medications, techniques, and care for animal pain that your own doctor similarly prescribed for you. Common medications we prescribe for pets include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), anti-anxiety medications, and topical anesthetics. However, it is very important to note that you should never give your pet medication designed for a human unless first consulting with us. Many medications designed for humans can cause life-threatening and irreversible reactions in animals. As with small children, medications should be kept out of reach of your pet.
We may also prescribe lifestyle changes for your pet. A specific diet, soft bedding, a few more rounds of fetch, raised food and water dishes or an extra snuggle now and then are just some of the things that may help your pet’s pain at home.
Many pets experience successful pain relief through complementary medicine. Acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutritional support, or physical therapy often help to better manage your pet’s pain. Therapies such as massage, heat, or strength building may seem familiar while some of our newer technology and machines might sound new to you. We sometimes employ the use of a low-level laser, ultrasound, or a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) to relieve pain. Acupuncture is another commonly used modality.
Determining whether your pet’s pain is acute or chronic is the first step to identifying the cause. Acute pain is often sudden and triggered by a specific event. For example, if your pet has had a recent injury, he or she may experience acute pain. However, chronic pain persists over the long term and may be caused by many conditions such as joint inflammation, arthritis, or unattended tooth decay.
Early intervention is important when it comes to managing your pet’s pain. Some common signs of pain in your pet may include:
- Limping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Vocalization
- Change in temperament or behavior
- Licking a specific area
- Change in bathroom habits
- Panting
- Appearance of the third eyelid
- Hiding
Contact us right away if you notice any of the above signs so we can take action to assist your pet.