Parkway Animal Hospital's

PET OWNER'S GUIDE TO

Safe Pain Relief for Senior Pets

As pets age, many parts of the body begin to show “wear and tear.” The aging process brings many changes that affect a pet’s ability to take part in normal daily activities. This can result in internal organs that no longer function at peak capacity and pain as bones begin to thin and arthritis sets in. Pets have nerve feelings too! Any condition that causes pain in humans also causes pain in animals.

Not only does pain hurt, it also can further debilitate older pets potentially resulting in further injury or other problems. Pain also can affect the pet’s behavior. Behavioral changes can range from depression to aggression. Chronic pain can lead to inappropriate elimination problems (loss of housetraining), as well as changes in frequency or urination and defecation. Pain often decreases activity-compounding problems that come from a lack of exercise.

MINIMIZING PAIN WILL SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE LIFE EXPECTANCY AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR YOUR PET.

Probably the most frequently seen type of pain in senior pets comes from arthritis. Some useful drugs simply kill or reduce the pain. Other drugs actually decrease inflammation and/or do things that actually minimize the problem therefore causing less pain. MANY DRUGS AVAILABLE DO NOTHING BUT KILL PAIN & ACTUALLY CAN MAKE THE PROBLEM GET WORSE MUCH QUICKER.

The following drugs are useful for arthritis pain relief in senior pets. We consider them very safe.

CHRONDROPROTECTIVE DRUGS

Certain drugs are available that are building blocks for the production of joint fluid and the cartilage lining of all bones. The “articular cartilage” provides a smooth, low friction surface between bone ends providing a “cushion” as the physical weight is transferred from one bone to the next. These drugs are available in an injectable form (Adequan™) and in capsule form (Cosequin™). Initially we use an injection once a week for 6 weeks and then work toward once a month injections. If capsules are used, they must be used daily.

RIMADYL™ & ETOGESIC™

These are new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are useful for relieving the pain of arthritis. They are in the same category of drugs as ibuprofen, BUT do not have the potential bad side effects seen with aspirin, Tylenol™, and human ibuprofen, which are known to cause frequent stomach ulcers and bleeding in pets. They are given by mouth strictly for pain. They do nothing to minimize the factors causing the pain as the other choices above do.

WINSTROL-V™

This drug increases muscle mass, which begins to deteriorate with aging. The drug also reduces the workload of the kidneys by maximizing the use of body protein to build & maintain muscles. When muscles start to deteriorate, the protein must then be excreted through the kidneys often leading to kidney failure. Appetite is improved and vitality is increased. A marked improvement in the senior pet’s appearance, attitude, and activity is common. Increasing muscle mass is desirable to maximize the support of body structures decreasing the friction on the joints. Many pets with early degeneration of the spinal nerves also benefit from this drug. The protocol for use begins with weekly injections for 8 weeks. After the desired effect has been obtained, the dose is reduced to semi-weekly and hopefully then monthly. Tablets are available and may be used for the long-term maintenance. Injections are required to get the initial response.

OUR MISSION:

"We embrace the art of healing and the science of medicine to enrich the lives of our animal companions.
We support you in making informed decisions that allow your pet to enjoy wellness as long as possible.
Our hospital team inspires an atmosphere of compassion and respect for our patients, our clients, and for one another."