2128 State Road 16 ● La Crosse WI 54601 ● (608)781-3466 ● lacrossevet.com

Pain Management

Here at La Crosse Veterinary Clinic we are absolutely committed to your pet’s comfort and wellbeing.  We strive to keep all patients as pain free as possible by providing comprehensive pain management.   Whether it’s surgical pain, pain resulting from trauma, or pain from a chronic disease, we take pain seriously!

It was once thought that animals did not experience pain; we now know that this is not true.  Animals feel physical pain just as humans do.  We also know that pain is detrimental to the healing process.  By offering complete pain control we can improve your pet’s quality of life and longevity.  For us, it’s simple; recognizing and treating your pet’s pain is just plain good patient care.

Pain management is standard for all surgery patients at our clinic.  All patients receive pain medication before, during and after their procedures.   For extremely painful surgeries or pets with advanced conditions, pain protocols are customized to ensure each individual pet is kept as comfortable as possible.

We are pleased to carry a wide array of medication to alleviate your pet’s pain.  Pain medications are safe and effective, and many are now formulated just for pets.  Many of the medications we use have also been in practice for several years, and their success has been proven. 

 How will I know if my pet is in pain?

First of all, it is important to remember that it is a natural survival instinct for pets to hide pain.  In the wild, animals who are weak or injured typically do not live long.  Even though the pets we share our homes with have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still possess that innate need to appear strong and healthy to others.  Many pets do not show outward signs until they are in extreme discomfort.  You can look for some of these signs:

• Stiffness after exercise

• Limping

• Difficulty sitting up, standing up, or jumping

• Reluctance to climb stairs

• Loss of appetite

• Behavioral changes

• Difficulty eliminating

• Reluctance to exercise or play

• Slowing down

• Sensitive when touched

 What painful conditions do pets suffer from?

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of pain in dogs.  One out of five dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, with over 10 million dogs affected every year.  Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by joint pain, inflammation, cartilage destruction and eventually muscle atrophy.  Dogs at risk are:

• Age five or older

• Large or Giant Breeds

• Inactive

• Overweight

• Have suffered past joint injuries

• Have a breed disposition to orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia

• Excessive physical activity

 Besides osteoarthritis, other painful conditions include:

• Any type of injury, trauma, or emergency

• Dental disease

• Obesity

• Lyme disease

• Urethral obstruction

• Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections

• Inadequate hygiene

• Gastrointestinal disorders

 Besides pills, what other methods of pain relief are there?

The most commonly dispensed pain medications are NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) tablets, but we offer many other alternatives for pain management.  Nutriceuticals and joint supplements such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM are beneficial.  Many premium pet foods are now adding supplements into their formulas.  In addition to oral medications or supplements, injectable or transdermal applications may also be prescribed.  Other therapies for pain management can include acupuncture, weight loss, exercise, and physical therapy.  Please ask your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet experiencing pain.

Remember painful pets may have different needs at home as well.  Providing ramps, warm beds, raised feeding stations, and low edged litter boxes can all make for a more comfortable living environment for your pet.