Pain in pets
Pain isn't always obvious.
Many pets live with pain that goes unrecognised. Subtle changes in behaviour, posture or activity could be signs that your pet is uncomfortable.
Animals are good at hiding discomfort.
Pain is common in arthritis, spinal and musculoskeletal disease, but it isn't always obvious. Chronic pain develops gradually, and it is often mistaken for ageing.
Stiffness
Especially after rest, or first thing in the morning.
Reluctance
To jump, climb the stairs, or get in the car.
Mood
Changes in temperament, or in how they are with the family and with other dogs.
Sleep
Sleeping more, or lying in different positions.
Grooming
Grooming less, or licking and biting one particular area.
Quieter
Just seeming flat, or not themselves.
Getting up
Taking longer to lie down, or to get up again afterwards.
Anxiety
Anxious, irritable, noise phobic, or hiding and becoming clingier.
Hesitation
Hesitant to jump up or down, or struggling to get comfortable.
Pain affects more than movement
Chronic pain can change your pet's posture, appetite, mood and even sleep. Left untreated, it can cause long-term stress and anxiety.
A lot of the dogs we see have changed how they interact with family members or with other dogs, and the owner had put it down to temperament or age rather than to discomfort.
A whole-pet approach
We look at the medical, emotional and lifestyle factors behind pain, rather than at one joint in isolation. That means reviewing every medication, considering whether something other than arthritis is contributing, and working out what can realistically change at home.
When a referral is the right next step
Around a third of the pets we see are referred by their vet, a third by a physiotherapist or hydrotherapist, and a third find us themselves. We commonly see pets who:
- Have been diagnosed, but haven't responded as expected to treatment
- Are still uncomfortable despite appropriate medication
- Have had investigations that haven't found a clear cause
- Have gradually changed in ways that are hard to pin down
When to ask for help
If your pet isn't improving with routine treatment, ask your vet about a referral for pain management. You can also come to us directly.
We work with your team
We work closely with your vet, physiotherapist and hydrotherapist to create a complete plan for your pet's comfort.
Insurance
Costs of referral consultations and treatment are covered by most insurance policies. We are always pleased to provide estimates in advance.
Not sure whether a pain consultation is the right next step?
Call and ask. If another specialist or referral centre is better placed to help, we will say so.
Clinic
41 High Street
Dulverton
Somerset TA22 9DW
Appointments
By appointment, generally Wednesday to Friday.