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