Put Pauline Machado
Just like us humans, animals also feel pain, with the difference that identifying pain in dogs and cats is a bit more challenging, since these animals often instinctively hide their discomfort. Therefore, it is crucial that family members pay attention to subtle signs that may indicate they are suffering, and in this context, careful observation and understanding of each animal's usual behavior are essential for identifying pain early.
For this topic, which involves several nuances, we spoke exclusively with... Veterinarian Álvaro José Chávez Silva , who dedicates his time and maintains a study routine focused on chronic pain in animals.
Álvaro holds a PhD in Anesthesiology with an emphasis on chronic pain from the State University of Santa Cruz – UESC-BA; a Master's degree in Clinical and Surgical Medicine with an emphasis on Anesthesiology from the Federal University of Santa Maria – UFSM-RS; and continues his studies with ongoing specializations in Animal Behavior from the Institute of Animal Health and Psychology – INSPA and in Animal Physiotherapy from the Brazilian Institute of Advanced Resources – IBRA.
Check out this very comprehensive interview and feel free to share it with your friends and family.
Pet Med – What characterizes chronic pain in dogs and cats, and how does it differ from acute pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – If we consider pain from an evolutionary or biological perspective, it has a purpose, a function: to preserve life by alerting us to an existing injury, in order to protect the injured and vulnerable part of the body, thus preventing further injury, while the body performs its function of returning the injury to normal, restoring not only a healthy appearance but also its functionality. Thus, when there is a wound, for example, on the skin, this area of the body is sensitive and painful. Once healed, the pain would normally disappear along with the injury. However, when the injury takes a long time to heal, when the pain persists beyond the healing time of the wound, when there is evidence of significant structural nerve damage, or even when there is no evidence of injury but pain is present, we are very likely dealing with a chronic pain condition.
Thus, chronic pain is characterized by its prolonged presence, its lack of a biological protective function against injury, as is the case with acute pain, and its involvement of deeper alterations in the nervous system that perpetuate and accentuate the perception of pain, even in the absence of actual tissue damage. Furthermore, it is characterized by a limited response to conventional treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, and by contributing to the mental state of animals, altering sleep quality, generating anxiety, aggression, isolation, depression, weight loss, distress, chronic stress, etc.
In other words, acute pain serves as a signal of actual tissue damage, generating alert and protective behaviors to preserve the animal's life and recovery, whereas chronic pain persists beyond the normal healing time, often loses its initial protective function, and can become a pathological condition in itself, leading to suffering, dysfunction, and reduced quality of life for the animal.
Pet Med – How does chronic pain manifest in dogs and cats, and why does it often go unnoticed?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – We humans almost always have the ability to express our feelings and thoughts verbally when we feel hunger, thirst, sleepiness, tiredness, and even pain. Animals, however, lacking the capacity for self-reporting, cannot tell us how they feel, where, or how much it hurts. Therefore, it is up to us—family members, pet parents, veterinarians, therapists, trainers, etc.—to identify, locate, quantify, treat, evaluate, and re-evaluate the presence of pain in animals, according to our responsibilities and capabilities.
Chronic pain, moreover, is an individual experience, influenced by various internal and external factors. Therefore, each individual may experience it differently given their life circumstances, past experiences, traumas, general health status, genetic and dietary factors, etc., thus resulting in multiple ways in which chronic pain can appear and manifest itself. However, we can say in general that chronic pain can be observed through physical and behavioral changes that impact aspects of our pets' lives in unsuspected ways, such as alterations in mental and mood state, rest and sleep patterns, eating, hydration, elimination, physical activity, and socialization, leading to anxiety, depression, and stress. Stress is a significant contributing factor to the appearance of other clinical conditions that could be interpreted as independent of chronic pain.
Thus, not only the wide diversity and subtlety of possible manifestations of chronic pain in our pets, but also the normalization or association of some of these signs with their natural aging, make the identification and appropriate treatment of chronic pain very challenging. Also, assuming that such behaviors are simply normal and natural in pets with more distant, solitary, withdrawn, shy, and evasive personalities leads to these signs being overlooked and disregarded. It is important to emphasize that some dogs and cats are expected to have a tendency to hide behaviors associated with pain, as they are evolutionary descendants of feral animals that, in nature, were both predators and prey. Therefore, it becomes important to try to develop a sensitive and attentive eye towards our pets, in order to seek help or assistance from professionals with adequate technical training.
Pet Med – What are the subtle clinical and behavioral signs that can indicate an animal is experiencing chronic pain?
Careful, close, and sensitive observation of our pets allows us to identify, or at least suspect, that something is not normal for them. When we take our pets to the veterinarian, and when we talk to them, we are offering valuable information that may not be noticed during the consultation, but which makes a big difference in identifying chronic pain. The clinical signs that can be observed and to which we can pay attention are: loss of body weight at the expense of muscle mass, loss of shine and density of the coat, loss of specific areas of fur due to excessive licking, lameness, subtle changes in the way they walk, difficulty or reluctance to go up or down stairs, beds and sofas, arched or hunched posture, reluctance to stretch completely, lying exclusively on one side to relieve the painful area, difficulty getting up or lying down, decreased or loss of appetite.
Possible behavioral signs to observe include changes in the normal or known behavior of our pets, as well as excessive increases or decreases in normal behaviors, such as decreased investment in daily activities that previously brought much joy, isolation, reduced seeking of human or other animal companionship, increased seeking of attention from owners, facial expressions of distress, avoidance or aggression upon touch, vocalizations (although less frequent than in cases of acute pain), spontaneous skin tremors, decreased hygiene habits, especially in cats, urination and defecation in inappropriate places or outside the litter box, constipation due to avoiding the defecation posture or difficulty accessing the correct place to defecate.
These signs can easily be associated with causes other than chronic painful conditions.
Pet Med – How is chronic pain assessed in pets? Are there specific scales or protocols for this?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – When we realize that chronic pain is not just a sign of an injury, as is the case with acute pain, but a disease in itself, with different ways of manifesting itself, caused by many conditions of different natures, such as trauma, cancer, chemotherapy, diabetes, etc., a detailed medical history and physical examination are important.
However, it's not just about assessing what can be directly seen during the clinical consultation or even through complementary exams, such as blood tests, ultrasound, X-rays, etc., but rather a detailed initial assessment of the pet's life, going beyond the consultation. This includes gathering information about daily physical activity, diet, pre-existing conditions, sleep patterns, changes in social behavior, cognitive performance, changes in trainability, etc.
Next, a physical assessment is performed, observing spontaneous gait, when possible, in addition to evaluating all organ systems—cardiorespiratory, digestive, nervous, and musculoskeletal—with special emphasis on limb and joint mobility and pain sensitivity.
The use of complementary tests is sometimes an important tool in confirming the presence of chronic painful conditions. However, in addition to the availability and economic costs of some of these tests, complementary exams can only be used as a diagnostic tool up to a certain point, and the absence of clear signs of pain with such tests does not necessarily prove the absence of pain in our animals. Furthermore, the identification of chronic pain can be subjective and subject to the veterinarian's interpretation due to pets' inability to communicate verbally, individual variations in pain expression, environmental influence, human interpretation, and the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, which involves not only physical components but also emotional and behavioral ones.
Fortunately, tools already exist that help reduce the margin of error in identifying chronic pain, such as scales that assign a numerical weight to different physical, emotional, and behavioral factors, such as the Feline Facial Scale (FGS), specifically for cats, which assesses subtle facial expressions associated with acute and chronic pain; the North Carolina University Musculoskeletal Pain Scale (NCSU-CSM), focused on musculoskeletal pain in dogs; the University of Montreal Osteoarthritis Test (MOAT), specifically for assessing osteoarthritis pain in dogs; and the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS), a more comprehensive scale that assesses various behavioral parameters. By using these tools and approaches in combination, it is possible to significantly reduce subjectivity and increase accuracy in the interpretation of chronic pain in dogs and cats, allowing for more effective management and a better quality of life for affected animals.
Pet Med – Why are cats more likely to hide pain, and how does this impact diagnosis? And how do they show that they are in pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – Cats are magnificent pets, with a behavioral nature that is often misunderstood, as they are seen as small dogs, but more solitary and independent – a frequent mistake, sustained by the historical view attributed to them. It is important to recognize the differences between dogs and cats, since, in addition to being extremely beautiful, they are animals with very different evolutionary ancestors. This dictates much of their behavior, including the way they express pain, which is closely related to their survival instincts.
In the wild, the evolutionary ancestors of cats were both predators and prey. Being less sociable animals and not living in packs, displays of vulnerability or weakness could be life-threatening, thus requiring them to adopt more stoic postures in the face of injury or pain. This instinct for self-preservation is deeply ingrained in the behavioral repertoire of the domestic cat. In addition, signs of pain can go unnoticed due to the reduced opportunity to observe cat behavior, as periods of greater activity occur at night when owners are sleeping. Also, cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours a day, further reducing the chance of expressing pain-related behaviors in a way that their owners can see.
Pain signals in cats can be much more subtle and difficult to identify compared to dogs, who often vocalize (cry, whine, bark) or limp more noticeably when in acute pain. Cats tend to express pain through more discreet behavioral changes, such as becoming more reclusive, hiding, having less social interaction, less engagement in play, less jumping, more sleep, decreased grooming, excessive self-cleaning or licking in a specific area, associated or not with the site of pain, decreased or loss of appetite, and developing food selectivity. They may also adopt hunched postures and a stiff gait. One of the main ways to observe discomfort and pain in cats is through the evaluation of facial expression, where slightly turned ears and half-closed eyes can be observed, as well as a furrowed brow, tense and tight muzzle and whiskers, and head lowered to the level of the back. It is common to encounter cats that develop increased sensitivity to touch and changes in their elimination habits, refusing to use the litter box or the area chosen for that purpose.
Pet Med – And what about dogs? How do they show or hide signs of pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – In dogs, signs of pain are more noticeable due to their more expressive body and facial features. These signs can manifest as vocalizations such as whining, crying, and howling; postural changes like lameness or stiffness in gait; lying down or sitting only on one side to relieve pressure and pain in the affected area; lowering their head; decreased or loss of appetite and hydration; lethargy or increased sleep; development of protective, avoidant, or even aggressive reactions to touch in the painful area; reduced enthusiasm for physical activities such as play, walks, or other activities they previously showed interest in; and difficulty lying down or getting up. Some dogs may excessively lick the painful area, leading to hair loss in that region, and experience mood changes, becoming more anxious, sensitive to sounds, irritable, and depressed. Although naturally more expressive than cats, some dogs may still instinctively try to hide signs of weakness or vulnerability. This behavior can be more evident in dogs with reserved temperaments or in stressful situations. This undoubtedly leads to the suppression of pain signals. Other dogs may mask pain by employing other muscle groups as compensation and a form of adaptation, thus maintaining a functional appearance that conceals pain signals from their owners. Furthermore, some dogs, in an attempt to please their owners, make efforts to maintain the activities they are engaged in, even when in pain, suppressing signs of discomfort during interaction sessions. It is also not uncommon for subtle signs of pain to be confused with the natural aging process or interpreted as "lazy" behavior by owners, so small changes in daily routine or social interaction may go unnoticed.
Pet Med – Why is it important to address chronic pain early, even in mild cases or those without apparent signs?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – Regarding the differences between acute and chronic pain, once acute pain has fulfilled its function of protecting the affected area to prevent further injury, it gradually disappears until sensitivity returns to normal. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists beyond the resolution of tissue damage, becoming increasingly "intelligent." Chronic pain relies on the nervous system's ability to alter its structure and function in response to the persistent experience of pain, through a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Thus, the nervous system undergoes a series of maladaptive changes that contribute to the maintenance and intensification of pain, even after the initial injury has healed.
The longer pain goes untreated, the greater and more complex the changes that occur in the nervous system, both peripherally and centrally. This affects not only the sensory component – the physical sensation of discomfort – but also nerve structures associated with mood, memory, and emotion processing, leading our pets to experience negative emotional states and negatively impacting their quality of life. Consequently, the longer pain goes untreated and the more structural changes occur in the nervous system, the greater the challenge becomes in finding effective therapeutic strategies that contribute to pain reduction in our pets.
Pet Med – What types of diseases are most associated with chronic pain in dogs and cats, especially in older animals?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – Chronic pain can be classified, according to its origin, into three types: nociceptive – that which results from the activation of pain receptors due to a noxious stimulus or actual or potential tissue damage; neuropathic – that which occurs due to injury or dysfunction of peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain; and nociplastic – that which occurs despite the absence of clear evidence of actual tissue damage or threat of injury. Thus, chronic pain can be present in animals that have suffered traumatic injuries from blows, run-overs, fractures, amputations, extreme heat or cold, chemical burns, interruptions of blood flow, as well as in the presence of tumors, chemotherapy treatment, and diabetes mellitus, and can affect animals of all ages.
However, older animals are particularly susceptible to chronic pain due to spinal diseases such as intervertebral disc disease and spondylosis, hip and elbow dislocations, osteoarthritis, cauda equina syndrome, chronic oral conditions, cancer pain and pain from chemotherapy treatment, neuropathies, and persistent stress. Therefore, assessing the presence and level of pain in older animals is necessary, in addition to controlling the primary cause or condition, since this can be neglected or underestimated, to the detriment of the health and well-being of older animals.
Pet Med – How can pain affect an animal's behavior, mobility, or even mood?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – Humans and non-human animals, particularly dogs and cats, share some neural structures associated with pain processing, which, supported by science, allows us to extrapolate some components of the painful experience. If we recall or imagine the discomfort felt from the constant and insidious presence of pain that has accompanied us for a long time, it would not be difficult to empathize with the pain of animals, and we would bring to mind how these persistent states of pain can alter our ability to cope with everyday activities such as sitting, standing, lying down, eating, walking, reading, working, or even seeing light and hearing sounds.
People with chronic pain report a loss of enjoyment in life, social interaction, going out, or holding a conversation with loved ones. Considering that chronic pain can alter the structure and function of peripheral neurons, the spinal cord, and the brain, we can imagine the impact pain can have on brain regions associated with emotion regulation, pain modulation and perception, due to hyperexcitability and sensitization, modifying how animals perceive and respond to their environment. These alterations can result in increased pain perception, impaired pain modulation, and a greater emotional component associated with pain, such as anxiety, fear, and depression. Physical activity performance may also be limited, not only by the presence of pain itself, but by decreased motivation to engage in physical activity as a consequence of negative emotional states, contributing to a vicious cycle of inactivity, persistent pain, and apathy or depression.
The appearance of undesirable behaviors is not uncommon in animals experiencing pain. Destructive behaviors, such as pain compensation mechanisms, inappropriate elimination, aggression, apathy, isolation, anxiety, among others, are some examples of consequences of untreated chronic pain in dogs and cats.
Pet Med – What are the most effective current resources for managing chronic pain in small animals?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – To significantly improve the pain experience and quality of life for our pets, we need to utilize all possible therapeutic alternatives or modalities available to us, provided they are evidence-based, scientifically supported, and prescribed by qualified professionals. Although pharmacological therapy is often the first option that comes to mind when it comes to pain, some approaches should be avoided. Monotherapy, which relies on a single treatment, is increasingly falling out of favor due to its limitations. For example, loss of therapeutic effect, the need to increase the administered dose to achieve the desired effect, and the appearance of adverse effects. Thus, the use of multimodal therapies becomes more appropriate for the control of chronic pain in dogs and cats, provided they are prescribed and evaluated by a qualified veterinarian.
Alongside pharmacological approaches, measures should be incorporated to modify and enrich the environment, reduce stress, and help pets maintain functionality and independent movement, thus improving their quality of life. Evidence supports the numerous beneficial effects of maintaining physical activity, according to the animals' capabilities and limitations, an adequate and balanced diet, and the importance of quality sleep in individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) such as kinesiotherapy, thermal therapies, laser therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, magnetotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, acupuncture, moxibustion, massage therapy, and osteopathy, among others, are some of the non-pharmacological options that can contribute to reducing pain in our pets. Additionally, therapeutic diets and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective supplements, provided they are prescribed by a qualified veterinarian, as well as weight control, crucial for promoting adequate body conditions and avoiding joint overload, can also be therapeutic strategies that significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of animals with chronic pain.
Pet Med – What is multimodal analgesia and in what cases is it recommended?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – When we refer to multimodal analgesia, we are referring to the use of more than one therapeutic strategy. The complexity of the nature of chronic pain, which acts through different molecular mechanisms in various structures of the nervous system, often makes the use of single therapies, for example, a single type of analgesic or anti-inflammatory, fruitless or limited. Multimodal therapy aims to attack pain at different points in the nervous system and influence the various factors that contribute to the painful experience. The main objectives of multimodal therapy are to allow better pain control, to use reduced doses of each medication used, enhancing synergistic or additive beneficial effects, and reducing the risk of adverse or side effects resulting from the use of higher doses of a single medication. We also consider multimodal therapy to be the incorporation of pharmacological therapies alongside non-pharmacological therapies, such as those mentioned above.
Pet Med – Besides medication, what environmental and management measures can help animals with chronic pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – In addition to drug therapies, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, etc., there are environmental and management measures that can improve the quality of life of pets with chronic pain. These measures will depend on the specific type of chronic pain, the length of time the animal has lived with the pain, the limitations the pain has caused in terms of mobility and autonomy, and the identification of pain triggers.
Offer comfortable or orthopedic beds that relieve pressure on painful areas; safe, non-slip surfaces to prevent slips or falls; suitable ramps or stairs to facilitate access to elevated places such as sofas, beds, and cars, to reduce stress on the joints; easily accessible litter boxes for cats with low sides to facilitate entry and exit, especially for cats with joint problems; elevated or accessible food and water bowls for animals with neck or spine pain, to reduce the need to bend over, thus decreasing discomfort; safe and quiet resting areas where they can rest undisturbed, allowing for restorative sleep, essential for well-being and pain management; maintain the appropriate temperature in the areas the animal frequents, avoiding extremely cold or hot temperatures that may aggravate pain in some animals, or offering heated blankets or thermal blankets, always under supervision; avoid aversive stimuli such as loud, abrupt noises, sudden movements, or other stressful stimuli that may generate anxiety in the animal.
Regular visits to the veterinarian are extremely important to assess the pet's overall health, with an emphasis on the response to treatments. Sometimes, adjustments to treatment methods and dosages, weight management, and recommendations for physiotherapy or rehabilitation sessions may be necessary.
It is important to highlight the crucial role of interaction and the bond between the owner and their pet, who should always be gentle, lavishing love and affection while respecting the animal's limitations. Family members should be patient to reduce the animal's anxiety level, creating a welcoming and safe environment where they can feel comfortable. We should not underestimate the restorative effect of love as an essential form of support for well-being and resilience, and as a fundamental component of humane pain management in dogs and cats.
Pet Med – How can the environment, routine, and daily care positively influence long-term pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – The environment, routine, and daily care have a significant impact on long-term pain management in animals, influencing both the individual experience of pain and the overall well-being of our pets. When optimized, they can reduce the intensity of discomfort and emotional suffering, increase enjoyment of playful or routine activities, and enhance social interaction, both receiving and offering affection to family members.
Careful attention to environmental factors, routine, and daily care can significantly improve quality of life and even reduce the need for high doses of medication, which is particularly relevant in older animals.
In summary, an enriched and adapted environment, a predictable and consistent routine, and attentive and personalized daily care are fundamental pillars in the long-term management of pain in animals. These measures not only complement medical treatments but also promote physical and emotional well-being, contributing significantly to a better quality of life, while strengthening the emotional bond between the animal and its owner. Although strengthening the emotional bond between owners and animals is seen positively, sometimes this same bond and empathy for the animal's suffering can be a source of suffering for the owner, due to observing and understanding their pet's condition. Therefore, reduced levels of pain and suffering, and positive emotional states, can also be an important source of peace of mind for owners of animals living with chronic painful conditions.
Pet Med – Is it common for chronic pain to be mistaken for aging or mood changes?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – Yes, it's very much so. It is common for chronic pain and aging or behavioral changes to be confused with each other, due to the subtle and gradual appearance of pain signs, the inability of animals to self-report, and the characteristics of chronic pain, described as burning sensation, tingling, electric shock, needles, stabbing pains, heaviness or pressure, stiffness, diffuse or poorly localized pain, cramps or muscle spasms, among others. We can imagine that animals may, on the one hand, consciously or unconsciously mask certain behaviors by decreasing the quality, quantity, and range of mobility, or, on the other hand, exhibit unusual, undesirable, destructive, self-destructive, aggressive, or anxious behaviors as mechanisms for compensating for or expressing pain. These manifestations can vary significantly between individuals, depending on the underlying cause and the animal's personality and temperament, in some cases becoming limiting or disabling.
Therefore, older animals with less energy, reduced mobility, longer rest or sleep times, and mood swings and behavioral problems may be misinterpreted as simply old, which would be expected given the normal aging process, when in fact, we may be facing possible overlapping signs of pain and aging. Regardless of the chronology of onset or cause, pain should be treated according to the animal's circumstances.
Misunderstanding and misinterpreting these behaviors or signs of pain can be a source of frustration for the owner, leading to neglect of the animal's pain and suffering, potentially resulting in a breakdown of the emotional bond, mistreatment, abandonment, and in the worst cases, euthanasia, although this is infrequent in Brazil. Therefore, it is essential to make a correct and careful differentiation in a holistic manner, considering multiple factors.
Chronic pain can be best represented by a specific reduction in activities such as climbing stairs, jumping, playing, walking—in short, activities that were previously pleasurable—changes in gait with stiffness after rest that improves with light movement, intermittent or constant claudication or shorter steps, abnormal postures, stooped posture, lowered head and weight shifting, irritability when touched in certain areas, avoidance of caresses or manipulation, difficulty finding a comfortable position, interrupted sleep; excessive licking, focused on a specific area of the body; occasional groans or cries when moving. In turn, aging can present as a general decrease in energy and speed, with more generalized slowness, without avoiding specific activities due to pain. There may be some morning stiffness, which usually improves quickly with movement, less interest in high-intensity activities, but still participation in lighter activities. Another factor to consider in differentiating between chronic pain and aging is based on physical function. In chronic pain, there will be specific limitations in range of motion, difficulty performing movements that require flexion or extension of certain joints, while in aging there may be a general decrease in flexibility and strength, but without obvious pain associated with movement. The response to analgesics (therapeutic trial) can be a valuable tool in differentiating between chronic pain and aging, since a significant improvement in activity level, mood, and mobility after the administration of analgesics properly prescribed by the veterinarian strongly suggests the presence of pain, and in the case of aging or changes in temperament, there is generally no significant improvement with analgesics.
Pet Med – What message would you leave for pet owners who believe that "becoming quieter" is just a sign of aging, and not of pain?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – I like to think that engaging in physical activity is a way to age with dignity, not to avoid getting old. Becoming quieter shouldn't be a normalized attitude or behavior associated with aging, neither in us humans nor in our pets. Even when old, humans and animals, and why not together, should avoid "becoming quieter." If, when trying to encourage physical activity in our pets, we notice discomfort, reluctance, or a lack of enjoyment, pay attention! Perhaps it's time to consult a veterinarian to assess the presence of chronic pain. Unfortunately, there is no single, exclusive cure or miracle treatment for chronic pain. Instead of a cure, we try to find ways to offer our pets a significant improvement in their quality of life, so that they can live with dignity and be able to receive or give love, experiencing life with more joy than anguish.
Pet Med – For dogs diagnosed with chronic pain, how can the use of supports such as limb protectors and the Pet Med Calm Pet vest help provide them with a better quality of life and longevity?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – When addressing these relevant issues regarding the management of chronic pain, it is important to emphasize the need for therapeutic approaches based on solid scientific evidence and the individualization of treatment for each patient.
Regarding the use of supports such as Pet Med limb protectors for animals with chronic pain, it is important to consider that these products can play an adjunctive role in pain management, especially in specific cases. In situations where chronic pain is associated with joint problems, pressure sores, or hygromas, the protectors can offer mechanical protection and additional support. By reducing friction, pressure, and impact on the affected areas, they can help maintain mobility and reduce contact-induced pain. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the effectiveness of these supports will depend on the specific etiology of the chronic pain, the location and extent of the lesions, and should be integrated into a broader management plan, which may include pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and other approaches.
With regard to Calm Pet Regarding its role in animals with behavioral changes due to chronic pain, it is crucial to understand that persistent pain can generate anxiety, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns, significantly impacting the animal's emotional well-being. Compression vests such as... Calm Pet devices , based on the principle of deep pressure, can theoretically promote a sense of security and calm in some animals by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. However, like limb supports, their effectiveness will likely vary significantly between individuals, depending on the underlying cause of the pain, the intensity of the discomfort, and the specific nature of the behavioral changes. It is essential to consider these products as a complementary tool within a more comprehensive behavioral management strategy, which may involve identifying and treating the primary cause of the pain, environmental modification, desensitization techniques, and, in some cases, specific pharmacological interventions for the behavior.
In both scenarios, individualized clinical assessment and understanding of the etiology are crucial. The specific presentation of chronic pain in each patient is a fundamental pillar in determining the applicability and potential benefit of these products. The decision to incorporate limb supports or... Calm Pet The treatment plan should be based on careful clinical assessments and observation of each animal's individual response, always considering its integration with other therapeutic modalities proven effective in managing chronic pain.
Pet Med – Finally, what are your final thoughts for our readers?
Álvaro José Chávez Silva – The therapeutic approach to pain should be humane and realistic. Using the latest, consistent, and evidence-based scientific knowledge is important to find the therapies that best suit the animal's context and the owner's reality. Offering outlandish, overly optimistic solutions with promises of cures is not only unrealistic but also unfair and unethical to owners, and risks neglecting other therapies that could offer better treatment results. Finally, pain management should be multimodal, holistic, and sensitive. Understanding and treating pain in animals is a high sign of human evolution; it indicates love and compassion for the most vulnerable, those who have been entrusted to us and who, without selfish interest, offer us their love.
