• Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Transferring Medical Records
    • Gentle Handling for Your Pet
    • New Client Form
    • New Patient- Dog
    • New Patient- Cat
    • New Patient- Other
    • Refill Requests
    • Pet Records Sign-up
    • Pet Records Sign-in
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Reviews
  • Services
    • Wellness Care
    • Dentistry
    • Medical and Surgical
    • Radiology
    • Health Certificates
    • Microchipping
  • Veterinary Resources
    • Veterinary Topics
      • Pet Health
        • Chronic Conditions
        • Digestive and Oral Health
        • Diseases and Viruses
        • Pests and Parasites
        • Orthopedics
      • Today's Veterinarian
      • Choosing Your Pet
        • Finding Your Pet
        • Cats
        • Dogs
        • Exotics
          • Amphibians
          • Birds
          • Reptiles
            • Lizards
            • Turtles
        • Small Mammals
          • Ferrets
          • Rabbits
          • Domesticated Animals
            • Prairie Dogs
          • Pocket Pets
            • Chinchillas
            • Guinea Pigs
            • Hamsters
            • Hedgehogs
            • Rats
        • Livestock
          • Cows
          • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
          • Goats
          • Pigs
          • Poultry
          • Sheep
      • Living With Your Pet
        • Bringing Your Pet Home
        • Children and Pets
        • Providing Care
        • Travel
        • Saying Goodbye
      • Newsletter Library
        • Tips for Pet Owners
        • Seasonal Topics
        • Nutrition & Food
        • Recognizing Illness
        • Visiting the Vet
        • Equine
        • Cats
        • Keeping Pets Healthy
        • Fleas & Parasites
        • Pet Dangers
        • Behavior & Training
        • Newsletter Archive
          • Fun with Pets
          • Unbelievable Pets
      • Video Newsroom
        • Health Topics
        • Technology and Science
        • Other Interests
      • Client Survey
      • Pets4Kids
    • Online Store
  • Payment Options
  • Contact Us
City Pets Vet

3521 SE Division St

Portland, OR 97202 US

503-206-4163

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Recognizing Illness >
  • Chronic Pain in Pets

Chronic Pain in Pets

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Recognizing Illness
Image of a dog in a wheelchair.

It's hard to see your pet in pain day after day, particularly if your formerly energetic friend has now become lethargic and withdrawn due to a health condition or disease. Unfortunately, pets suffer from chronic pain just like people do. Learning about types of chronic pain and treatments can help you keep your pet more comfortable.

Causes of Chronic Pain

Although chronic pain most often affects older pets, it can occur at any age. A variety of conditions and diseases can cause chronic pain, including:

  • Arthritis, particularly if your pet has entered its senior years
  • Cancer
  • Degenerative spinal diseases
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Inflammatory joint disease, such as Lyme disease and rheumatoid arthritis

How Your Pet's Veterinarian Can Help

If you notice a change in your pet's behavior or condition, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea. Your pet's doctor will perform a complete examination and may recommend one or more tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, to determine the source of your furry friend's pain. Based on the results of the examination and tests, the veterinarian will recommend a course of treatment, which may include prescription medications, physical therapy or surgery. Several types of prescription medications can be helpful if your pet suffers from chronic pain, including:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Steroids
  • Opioids, including fentanyl and morphine
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Antidepressants (These drugs not only treat depression, but can also reduce pain)
  • Lidocaine and other local anesthetics
  • Gabapentin, a seizure medication that is also helpful in treating nerve pain

Although many of the same drugs that help you feel better can also help animals, do not give your pet any medication without checking with a veterinarian first. Some medications that are safe for humans are toxic when taken by animals.

How You Can Help

After diagnosing your pet, his or her veterinarian will recommend things you can do to make your pet more comfortable. These may include:

  • Helping your pet lose weight. Extra pounds can stress the joints and make the symptoms of arthritis, hip dysplasia or other joint conditions worse. Your pet's veterinarian can provide suggestions about feeding amounts and special foods that can make losing weight easier.
  • Making exercise a priority. Exercise will not only help your pet lose weight but can also reduce pain caused by arthritis. Low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, are best. Exercise strengthens the joints and the muscles that help support the joints.
  • Adding a massage to your pet's daily schedule. Massage is very effective in easing joint stiffness and improving range of motion.
  • Focusing on comfort. It can be difficult for pets suffering from joint problems, cancer or other painful conditions to jump or walk. Make their lives easier by accommodating their disabilities. If your pet normally sleeps with you but can longer jump on the bed, buy or build steps or a ramp to allow him or her to continue to spend time with you. Pet beds provide a comfortable resting place during the day or night and help your pet avoid cold floors, which can make joint pain worse. If your cat has a joint disease, it may be difficult to reach the litter box in time. Place a litter box on every level of your home to avoid accidents.

Are you worried that your pet may be in pain? Call us today to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More
  • Meet the Team

    Read more about our wonderful and caring doctors and staff!
    View Forms
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
    Schedule Now
  • Payment Options

    Learn more about our different options for Payments!
    Learn More

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

I love these guys! I was referred to them by my usual vet when they were completely booked and I was in a jam to get my sick kitty checked out before I left town. City Pets Vet worked me in immediately, gave my kitty great care, were very reasonable on pricing (did not ever try to upsell me on services or products), and were SO friendly to deal with. I will definitely go back! I have every confidence in their services.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map