Geriatric pain management in veterinary medicine is the process of identifying, assessing, and treating pain in older animals. As animals age, they may develop chronic conditions that can cause pain, such as arthritis or degenerative joint disease. They may also experience pain due to cancer or other age-related diseases.
Veterinarians use a variety of methods to manage pain in older animals.
May include:
- Nutritional supplements or dietary recommendations that improve joint health and decrease inflammation
- Cold laser therapy to decrease inflammation in joints and decrease muscle pain
- Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy to stimulate healing of joint surfaces
- Physical Therapy recommendations to improve strength
- Prescription pain medications to decrease inflammation and/or address chronic pain pathways
The treatment plan for geriatric pain management is typically tailored to each individual animal's needs and may involve a combination of different therapies. Close monitoring of the animal's response to treatment is essential to adjust the therapy when needed.
It is also important to note that pain management in older animals can be challenging due to the multiple comorbidities that older patients may have and the potential for drug interactions. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian who is trained and experienced in treating geriatric patients.