Companion Animals

Pain Management for Companion Animals: Advances in Veterinary Care

Pain management for cats and dogs has advanced significantly in recent years. Multimodal pain protocols, nerve blocks, and newer analgesics improve quality of life for animals recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.

Key Facts

Cats are notoriously stoic and commonly under-treated for pain
NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed pain relief for companion animals
Gabapentin is increasingly used for neuropathic and chronic pain in dogs and cats
Laser therapy and acupuncture are evidence-supported adjuncts for pain management
Up to 20% of middle-aged cats and 90% of older cats have radiographic evidence of arthritis

Welfare Considerations

Under-treatment of pain in companion animals is a significant welfare issue. Cats in particular mask pain as a survival behaviour, meaning owners and vets must actively look for subtle signs. Regular quality of life assessments for older pets, combined with multimodal pain management, can meaningfully extend comfortable, active life.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of pain in your species (cats and dogs show it differently)
Ask your vet about multimodal pain management for post-surgical recovery
Use validated pain assessment tools like the Feline Grimace Scale at home
Schedule regular senior pet wellness checks focused on comfort and mobility
Advocate for pain management training requirements in veterinary education