Is it weird that mothers sing “Pain, pain go away. Come again another day” to kiss away boo-boos and scrapes of their toddlers? Who in their right mind would want pain to come back? Not me, not you, not MY mother, and not your dog or cat either!
Animals experience pain just like humans and not just after trauma or surgery. As with humans, osteoarthritis (OA), is one of the most common reasons for pain in animals. It is estimated that 40% of all dogs (1) and more than 90% of adult cats have radiographic evidence of OA (2).
September is National Pain Awareness Month for both humans and animals. Pain is nothing new, however, pain in animals is something we are just starting to understand and treat in an ethical manner. Did you know that the first textbook dedicated to animal pain was not published until 1992 (3). Since then, several advances have improved outcomes for companion animals with chronic OA pain. Some of the most common are similar to what humans use: NSAIDS, opioids, and corticosteroids. In addition non-drug options like laser treatment, massage, and acupuncture can help both people and animals.
But by far the biggest breakthrough for the chronic pain caused by OA has been using a once monthly biologic injection to provide long-term OA pain control treatment for both dogs (Librela™) and cats (Solensia™). The term “biologic” is just a fancy way of saying it uses your pets own immune system to create antibodies and proteins (not drugs or chemicals) to reduce pain signals. This innovative treatment returns cats and dogs to healthy activity and reduces
This once-a-month injectable treatment has impressive results. After just three months of treatment, 77% of cat owners observed an improvement in pain symptoms when treating their cats monthly (4). Likewise, some dog owners reported a decrease in signs of OA pain as soon as seven days after their dog’s first injection (5).
Click here to watch before and after videos of cats using Solensia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4gVn3XyYH4
Click here to watch before and after videos of dogs using Librela:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGRLfAE4cH8
Unfortunately for our pets, they can’t tell us when they are hurting inside. Pets also seek to please their owners and are skilled at hiding their injury or pain. In addition, chronic issues often creep up slowly making it difficult for owners to identify.
The most common signs of pain in animals are decreased activity and jumping, difficulty changing positions from sit to stand and vice versa. In addition, a change in appetite or over grooming or licking an area can be a signal of pain.
Click here to complete a checklist for OA in cats:
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist-cat
Click here to complete a checklist for OA in dogs:
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist
Our mission statement at Fox Run Animal Hospital is:
YOUR PET’S HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
If you think your pet might be in pain and suffering, call us today to schedule an exam. Our staff will help you determine the best pain management option to help alleviate your pet’s pain and usher your pet back to a healthy, active lifestyle.
- IHS Markit. (2021) Canine and Feline Pain Market 2021: Animal Health Market Analysis; Wright A, et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract, 2022. http://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13500
- Lascelles BD, Henry JB 3rd, Brown J, et al. Cross-sectional study of the prevalence of radiographic degenerative joint disease in domesticated cats. Vet Surg. 2010;39(5):535-544.
- Short C.E., Poznak A.V., editors. Animal Pain.Churchill Livingstone; New York, NY, USA: 1992. [Google Scholar]
- Solensia (frunevetmab injection). Package insert. Zoetis Inc; 2022.
- Librela (bedinvetmab injection). Prescribing information. NADA 141-562. Zoetis Inc; March 2023.
3390 S. Lapeer Road, Metamora, MI 48455
(810) 678-8738