Pain Management | Verzijlenberg Veterinary Hospi

Recognize Signs of Pain in Your Pet

Abnormal Posture:
        Prefers lying to sitting or standing
        Sitting or resting in an abnormal position
        Shifting frequently

Vocalizing:
Crying / whining
None, when they normally would

Abnormal Gait:

Limping
        Stiffness, particularly after resting
        Trouble getting up from laying or seated position
        Lagging behind or tiring easily during walks

Breathing:
Panting excessively

Activity:
No longer able to do the things he/she used to
Reluctance to go for walks/climb stairs
Restless

Shivering / trembling

Responsiveness:
         Cries or tries to bite when handled
        Withdrawn
        Doesn't respond in situations that he/she used to

Appetite:
Changed

Grooming:
Looks unkempt
Licking or chewing in one area

If your pet shows any of these behaviours, he or she might be in pain. Early diagnosis and treatment will make a big difference in your pet's quality of life. Please, discuss these signs with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

Dr. Frits Verzijlenberg is a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, IVAPM

Phytocannabinoid Medicine

Dr. Frits Verzijlenberg is a member of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, CAVCM

Our veterinarians cannot prescribe, recommend or suggest cannabinoid products; however, w e would be happy to give you guidance on phytocannabinoids for your pet (ie: CBD and THC).

There is no industry regulatory body for cannabis, so it is up to the company you order from to adhere to FDA's Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. CGMP assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products

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The Quality of Your Pet's Life

Quality of Life Scale

If you have questions, just give us a call .

When evaluating quality of life, personalized patient and client information is needed to reach an educated, informed, and supported choice that fits not only the pet’s medical condition but also the family’s wishes. In short, quality of life applies not only to the pet; it also applies to the family.

Suggestions on using this quality-of-life scale:

Complete the scale at different times of day to note fluctuations, because most pets do better during the day and worse at night.
Ask multiple family members to complete the scale; compare their observations.
Take periodic photos of the pet to help remember his or her physical appearance.

Ask Questions

These open-ended questions will help to gauge the family’s time, emotional, and (when appropriate, financial) budgets: Have you ever been through the loss of a pet before? If so, what was your experience (good or bad, and why)?
What do you hope the life expectancy of your pet will be? What do you think it will be?
What is the ideal situation you wish for your pet’s end-of-life experience (at home, pass away in her sleep)?

Read All About It

AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines for dogs and cats. American Animal Hospital Association, 2007;
Pet hospice journal;

Part 1: Pet’s Quality of Life

Score each item on a scale of 0-2
0= I agree with statement (it describes my pet).
1= I see some changes.
2= I disagree with statement (it does not describe my pet).

Social Functions

Desire to be with the family has not changed
Interacts normally with family or other pets (ie, no increased aggression or other changes)

Natural Functions

Appetite has stayed the same
Drinking has stayed the same
Urination habits have stayed the same
Bowel movements have stayed the same
Ability to ambulate (walk around) has stayed the same.

Mental Health

Enjoys normal play activities
Still dislikes the same things (ie, “still hates the mailman” = 0; “doesn’t bark at the mailman anymore” = 2)
No outward signs of stress or anxiety
Does not seem confused or apathetic
Nighttime activity is normal, with no changes seen.

Physical Health

Shows no changes in breathing or panting patterns
Shows no outward signs of pain (See Read All About It)
Does not pace around the house
Overall condition has not changed recently

Results:
0–8 = Quality of life is most likely adequate. No medical intervention required yet, but guidance from your veterinarian may help identification of signs to look for in the future.

9–16 = Quality of life is questionable and medical intervention is suggested. Your pet would benefit from veterinary oversight and guidance to evaluate his or her disease process.

17–36 = Quality of life is a definite concern. Changes will likely become more progressive and more severe. Veterinary guidance will help you better understand the end stages of your pet’s disease process in order to make a more informed decision of whether to continue hospice care or elect peaceful euthanasia.

Part 2: Family's Concerns

Score each item on a scale of 0-2
0= I am not concerned at this time.
1= There is some concern at this time.
2= I am concerned about this

I am concerned about the following things:

My pet’s suffering
My desire to perform nursing care for my pet
My ability to perform nursing care for my pet
My pet dying alone
Not knowing the right time to euthanize
Coping with loss
Concern for other animals in my household
Concern for other members of the family (ie, children).

Results:
0–4 = Your concerns are minimal. You have either accepted the inevitable loss of your pet and understand what lies ahead, or have not yet given it much thought. Now is the time to begin evaluating your own concerns and limitations.

5–9 = Your concerns are mounting. Begin by educating yourself on your pet’s condition, which is the best way to ensure you are prepared for the emotional changes ahead.

10–16 = Your concerns about your pet are valid. Now is the time to build a support system. Veterinary guidance will help you prepare for the medical changes in your pet and other health professionals can begin helping you with anticipatory grief.