Slowing down doesn’t Slowing down doesn’t have to be part of have to be part of
getting older!getting older!
Jessica Rychel, BSFourth Year Veterinary StudentCCRP (pending), CVA (pending)
Pets Feel Pain TooPets Feel Pain Too
Animals may develop painful conditions as they age, such as arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, dental disease, etc.
Pets are programmed to hide their pain
We may notice our pets slowing down and assume it is part of a natural aging process Often they are suffering from a treatable problem,
and they don’t need to slow down so much, so early
Assessing PainAssessing Pain
Pain can be difficult to recognize, but you are their best advocate!
Watch for: Changes in appetite Changes in behavior, withdrawal or aggression Less playing or decreased activity Change in posture or limping Crying or panting Difficulty urinating or defecating
If you think your Frenchie is If you think your Frenchie is painful…painful…
Call a specialty pain practice or a veterinarian your trust:
Discuss the cause for your pet’s pain and the options for treatment
Advocate for treatment of your pet’s pain
Pain ManagementPain Management
Get a grip on pain:
1. Treat any underlying causes
2. Pain medications are usually an essential first step to getting pain under control
3. Make modifications in your Frenchie’s lifestyle- home modifications, exercise routine, etc.
4. Pursue alternative therapies such as acupuncture and physical rehabilitation
Pain MedicationsPain Medications
NSAID= Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Gabapentin: decreases activity of pain
receptors
Amantadine: prevents chronic pain receptors from turning on & causing pain
Tramadol & other opioids (morphine, Buprenex, fentanyl)
SupplementsSupplements
Fish oil: decreases inflammation
Adequan: replaces molecules in joints to decrease pain and improve joint function (injectable supplement)
Dasuquin: GAGs (molecule in joint fluid) and Avacado-Soybean-Unsaponofiables (ASU) decrease pain and inflammation
Home ModificationsHome Modifications
Raise food & water bowls to elbow height to decrease strain on neck & front legs
www.ohmydogsupplies.com
Home ModificationsHome Modifications
Put rugs down on hardwood surfaces to give your dogs better footing around the
house
www.jcp.com
www.jcp.com
Home ModificationsHome Modifications
Orthopedic dog beds (with or without gentle heat) will help keep your Frenchie
comfortable, less stiff and less painful while they rest
Home Exercise ProgramHome Exercise Program
Your Frenchie should get REGULAR, MODERATE exercise! Don’t do too much, and don’t assume your Frenchie doesn’t want any exercise just because they’re slowing down!
Acupuncture Acupuncture
Find a veterinarian who is also certified in acupuncture (CVA)
Usually a pleasant experience for most dogs Commit to at least 3 sessions to get a sense of
whether acupuncture is right for your Frenchie
Acupuncture Acupuncture
AcupunctureAcupuncture
Can be useful for MANY conditions: Neurologic conditions Arthritis Post-surgical pain Chronic disease, wounds or pain Lick granuloma Cancer Gastrointestinal disorders
BUT REMEMBER- Acupuncture should never substitute for regular veterinary care, diagnostics and medications
Physical RehabilitationPhysical Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy for dogs and cats An essential part of post-operative care
for humans, so why not dogs too? Keeps aging dogs fit and less painful Cardiovascular fitness Weight loss Young dogs with growth defects or
malformations such as elbow & hip dysplasia
Physical RehabilitationPhysical Rehabilitation
Balance exercises can be used to regain strength after injury or prevent future injury
Physical RehabilitationPhysical Rehabilitation
Low Level Laser decreases pain and promotes wound healing
Physical RehabilitationPhysical Rehabilitation
Walking in Underwater Treadmill is good for pain, limb function, neurologic conditions Decreases pressure on joints or injuries Lengthens stride to improve gait
Pet Pain Resources Pet Pain Resources
www.healthypet.com American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Look for AAHA certified hospitals for the best standard of care and pain
management Use this website for a comprehensive library of pet owner educational
items
www.ivapm.org International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) Excellent video and other resources to help you learn to assess your
dog for pain
www.rimadyl.com Pfizer’s website for Rimadyl Comprehensive information to help you understand canine arthritis
Pain Practices on Front RangePain Practices on Front RangeThe Downing Center for Animal Pain ManagementRobin Downing, DVM, CCRP, CVA, DAAPM
415 Main Street
Windsor, CO 80550
1-888-OUCH-NOT
http://the.downingcenter.com
Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including acupuncture, massage and physical rehabilitation
Colorado Pet Rehabiliation James Gaynor, DVM, MS, DAAVA, DAAPM
Kim Spelts BS, CVT (anesthesia specialty), CCMT, CCRP
5520 N Nevada Ave Suite 150
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
1-719-266-6400
www.colosadopetrehabiliation.com
Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including physical rehabilitation and massage
Colorado State University Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain MedicineNarda Robinson DO, DVM, MA, FAAMA
Bonnie Wright DVM, DACVA
300 West Drake Road
Fort Collins, CO 80523
1-970-297-4477
http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain
Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including acupuncture and massage
Look for veterinarians who are certified in acupuncture (CVA) or physical rehabilitation (CCRP). Human physical therapists can also become certified in canine rehabilitation, but be sure they work closely with a trust-worthy veterinarian and that they have sufficient experience/patience when handling dogs