Pain management
BayVETS is an after-hours emergency vet in Collingwood. Call us at 289-985-0855 during our hours. Outside our hours, call the 24/7 teletriage line at 647-695-5411 or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.
Pain, limping and lameness are among the concerns we commonly see. The veterinarian looks for the cause and plans care to help keep your pet comfortable.
Signs that a pet may be in pain
It is hard to know when pets are in pain, because they can't tell us, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Some pets hide pain well. A dog in pain can still wag its tail and greet people.
Merck lists these behaviour signs:
Eating less
Wanting to stay still, or trouble getting comfortable
Restlessness or anxiety
Hiding or withdrawing
Changes in mood or personality
Licking, biting or rubbing a sore area
Being irritable
Physical signs include changes in breathing, movement or posture.
How vets assess pain
Vets use vital signs, behaviour changes, pain scales and the pet's history to assess pain. Merck notes that a pet can be in pain even when its vital signs look normal. You know what is normal for your pet, so tell the vet what has changed.
How pain is treated
Pain from surgery, injury or disease is usually treated with one or more pain-relieving drugs, according to Merck's page on pain treatment. The choice depends on how bad the pain is, the pet's overall health, and which drugs work best for that species. Treatments other than drugs, such as bandages, ice or heat packs and physical therapy, can also help.
Never give your pet a human pain medicine. Ask a vet first.
When pain is urgent
Pain after trauma, such as a fall or being hit by a car, needs a vet right away. See emergency assessment and triage. Pain can come from a wound, an injury that needs an x-ray, or an illness.
Questions
My pet is limping but still eating. Should I come in?
If the problem can't wait for your family vet, call us during our hours. It does not have to be a true emergency for us to see your pet.
Can I give my pet something for pain at home?
Do not give human medicine. Call us or your family vet first.
Will my family vet know about the treatment?
Yes. We send a detailed medical report to your family veterinarian after your visit.
Call us
Call us at 289-985-0855 during our hours, or walk in. We are open Monday to Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends and statutory holidays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside our hours, call the 24/7 teletriage line at 647-695-5411 or go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.