Pain Management in Veterinary Practice: Closing the Gap Between Knowledge and Action

Pain management in veterinary practice has improved dramatically but significant gaps remain between what is possible and what is routinely provided. Understanding these gaps helps owners advocate for their animals.

Key Facts

Studies show that post-operative pain management is provided more consistently in dogs than in cats or rabbits
Chronic pain recognition in cats is significantly underdiagnosed -- an estimated 90% of cats over 12 have osteoarthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common pain management tool in veterinary practice
Fear-free handling protocols reduce procedural stress and allow more accurate pain assessment
Species differences in pain expression mean that veterinary training in pain recognition is species-specific
Multi-modal pain management combining different drug classes provides better pain relief than single-drug approaches
Owner-completed pain diaries using validated scales improve chronic pain monitoring in companion animals

Welfare Considerations

Veterinary pain management gaps cause preventable suffering in companion and farm animals. Cats in particular are chronically undertreated for pain because their subtle expression of discomfort is easily missed. Post-operative pain management varies significantly between practices. Chronic pain from dental disease, arthritis, and cancer affects millions of companion animals who receive inadequate analgesia. Owners who understand pain recognition and advocate for their animals -- requesting pain assessment and management plans -- can significantly improve outcomes. Veterinary practices that invest in pain management expertise and fear-free approaches provide better welfare for their patients.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise pain signs in your companion animal species and report them proactively to your vet
Request a pain management plan when your animal undergoes surgery or is diagnosed with a painful condition
Choose a veterinary practice that uses fear-free handling protocols and regularly assesses pain in patients
Complete validated pain questionnaires for senior pets to provide systematic pain monitoring data to your vet
Support veterinary education in pain recognition and management through advocacy and charitable giving