Is Your Pet Suffering? Understanding and Managing Chronic Pain in Pets

Chronic pain can erode your pet’s joy long before obvious symptoms appear. Whether aching joints slow your senior Labrador on icy Madison sidewalks or dental discomfort keeps your Persian cat from finishing dinner, our team at Animal Hospital at Hillshore believes no companion should suffer in silence. Below, discover how to spot lingering discomfort early and explore the innovative therapies now available- many provided right here under one roof.

Pain Is Common- and Often Missed

Research shows that more than one in five dogs and cats lives with persistent discomfort. Arthritis, cancer, dental disease, ear infections, and nerve injuries top the list of conditions that commonly cause pain in pets.

Because animals instinctively hide weakness, they rarely cry out like we do. Instead, you might notice:

  • Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture
  • Decreased playfulness
  • Resting longer or sleeping in new spots
  • Change in grooming habits or coat quality
  • Uncharacteristic grumpiness when touched

Cats often communicate pain silently through their posture and facial expressions, and the Feline Grimace Scale can help owners recognize discomfort before it becomes severe. The subtle signs of chronic pain can easily be mistaken for “normal aging,” but pain is not an inevitable part of growing older.

Comprehensive Pain Evaluation at Animal Hospital of Hillshore

Diagnosing pain in pets is more complex than simply watching for limping. At Hillshore, our evaluations combine advanced medical tools with careful observation and owner input.

Advanced Diagnostics

Our diagnostic services include digital radiology, laboratory testing, and dental imaging to detect subtle bone, joint, or oral changes. We may recommend additional diagnostics such as nerve conduction tests or ultrasound if deeper tissue injury is suspected.

Detailed Lifestyle and Medical History

Because pain rarely exists in isolation, we ask about your pet’s daily routines, diet, activity level, and any changes in mobility or behavior. Even small details, like avoiding hard floors or hesitating before eating, can provide clues. Underlying health issues such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney dysfunction may also alter how we approach pain management.

Physical and Orthopedic Exams

During the exam, we gently test range of motion, palpate muscles for tension, and check for neurological deficits. Subtle findings, such as muscle atrophy on one side of the body or shifting weight when standing, can indicate chronic pain that owners may not notice at home.

Evidence-Based Medication Options

Veterinary medicine now has more targeted, safer pain control options than ever before:

  • NSAIDs for pets reduce inflammation and pain, and are one of the most common first line pain treatments. NSAID use should be monitored closely with regular lab work to be sure your pet’s kidneys and liver are handling the medications with no undue stress. Drugs commonly used for pain relief are designed specifically for animal metabolism and safety.
  • Adjunctive medications like gabapentin or amantadine help with neuropathic or chronic pain.
  • New monoclonal antibodies– Librela for dogs and Solensia for cats– target nerve growth factor to control osteoarthritis pain without straining the kidneys or liver.
  • Safe dispensing through our in-house pharmacy ensures proper dosing, same-day relief, and eliminates the risk of counterfeit or unregulated medications found online.

Beyond Pills: Multimodal Therapy

Weight Management and Mobility Plans

Carrying extra pounds magnifies joint strain on a human- think of what it does to your cat. Our nutrition team tailors calorie plans and recommends mobility-friendly environments. The Mobility Matters guide includes simple adjustments like non-slip rugs, ramps, and raised food bowls that make daily life easier.

Physical Rehabilitation

Rehab therapy builds strength and improves mobility. The benefits of veterinary physical rehabilitation extend from post-surgical patients to seniors with chronic arthritis.

Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture stimulates endorphin release, reduces inflammation, and complements medical therapies, especially in chronic back pain or hip dysplasia cases.

Laser Therapy

Drug-free relief is possible with laser therapy. Sessions promote cellular repair and reduce inflammation, often making pets visibly more comfortable after just a few treatments.

Assistive Devices

From harnesses to orthopedic braces and carts, mobility aids restore independence.

Helping Your Pet’s Pain at Home

Professional treatment is only part of the picture. Pet owners can support recovery and comfort with simple home strategies:

  • Warmed beds and padded resting areas ease stiff joints in winter.
  • Ramps and pet stairs prevent jarring jumps on and off furniture.
  • Short, frequent walks provide exercise without overexertion.
  • Range-of-motion exercises maintain flexibility in arthritic pets.
  • Water therapy or supervised swimming can strengthen muscles while minimizing stress on sore joints.
  • Assistive harnesses or slings make it easier to support mobility for larger dogs.

Even small adjustments, like moving food and water bowls to an easily accessible location, can significantly improve quality of life. Want to learn more about how to create home modifications for your painful pet? Check out these guides for cats and dogs.

When to Call the Veterinarian Immediately

Even well-managed pets can have pain flare-ups. Call us right away if your pet shows:

  • Sudden refusal to bear weight
  • Crying or yelping when rising or lying down
  • Persistent panting, trembling, or restlessness
  • Visible swelling of a limb or joint
  • Sudden incontinence or loss of bowel control

Rapid treatment can prevent an acute crisis from becoming a long-term setback.

Partnering With Animal Hospital at Hillshore

At Animal Hospital at Hillshore, our services cover every aspect of pain management under one roof:

Our collaborative team works with you to design personalized care plans that improve comfort and mobility.

Next Steps Toward a Pain-Free Life

Chronic pain doesn’t just slow your pet down- it steals their ability to enjoy life. Advances in veterinary diagnostics, medication, and integrative care mean more pets than ever can live active, comfortable lives well into their senior years.

If you’ve noticed changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or mobility, call Animal Hospital at Hillshore at (608) 238-3139 or request an appointment through our contact page. Together, we’ll design a personalized plan that restores comfort and ensures your companion can thrive at every stage of life.