Pain Management

Acute Pain Management

If you start to notice the following signs and symptoms, it is time to talk to our veterinarians about pain management:

• Whining
• Aggression
• Hiding or seeking attention more than usual
• Changes in behavior, eating, or sleeping patterns
• Lethargy or restlessness
• Licking, chewing, or biting an area of the body

Acute pain is sudden and sharp and can typically be resolved when the source of the pain is identified. When you bring your pet into our vet hospital, we will perform a comprehensive examination to find the root of the problem, and then propose solutions for the problem and managing the pain.

Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain is persistent pain that can last for weeks or for years and is typically related with arthritis or cancer. While we might not be able to get rid of the pain, we have a few options for managing the pain. We do this through:

• Medication is typically reserved for severe cases but is certainly very effective.
• Supplements are a holistic approach to managing pain that have shown tremendous success.

Laser Therapy

Although it might sound scary, laser therapy is actually very comfortable for patients. It typically relaxes them and sends a warm feeling throughout their body, resulting in some happy looks from dogs and purring from cats. Laser therapy can be used for a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including allergies, infections, inflammation, pain reduction, postoperative healing, arthritis, and more.

The Class IV laser sends a beam of light to the area for a few minutes, creating a soothing effect on the patient. Each treatment is individualized for the specific needs and goals of that patient.

Laser therapy is great because it does not involve any incisions and capitalizes on the bodies own healing mechanisms to speed up healing and reduce pain. If you think your pet might benefit from laser therapy, please reach out to us at Fallston Veterinary Clinic for a consultation.