Pain Management

"...the relief of animal suffering" - Veterinarian's Oath

Your Introduction to a Pain Free Hospital

Studies have proven that pain relief improves the ability to recover from a variety of illnesses and injuries. Analgesia - the elimination of pain - may even be vital to survival in some cases.

From the intial examination to the postoperative nursing care, our techniques are designed to reduce patient stress and pain. We accomplish this by many methods including gentle handling practices, extra-small needles, and the routine administration of pain medication.

If special procedures are needed such as x-rays or wound treatment, patient comfort determines the protocols we use.

Even before surgery, pets are given pain medication. By anticipating that discomfort may accompany certain procedures and by preemptively taking action, we can improve your pet's hoptial stay. Pain medicaiton may be dispensed for at-home use depending upon the status of the patient and the procedure performed.

We, the Veterinarians, Technicians and Caregivers are West Hils Animal Hosptial, are committed to providing our paitents with the safest surgical environment possible. In this endeavor, we have establihsed a standard of care that strives to meet that goal. This standard of care includes:

• Age appropriate blood chemistry screening to determine the function of certain internal organic systems and the presence of specific diseases such as diabetes mellitus and thyroid conditions
• Intravenous fluids which help maintain blood pressure and shorten recovery time
• Diligent patient monitoring
• Pain management

Our goal, like yours, is to ensure optimal care for your family member pet. We are proud to establish this standard of care for all pets at our hospital.

Help For Chronic Pain

We use state of the art strategies to combat chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. Patients may avoid more systemic drugs for longer periods of time whenVeterinarians use options such as supplements (targeting joint and unique structures). The newest and safest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be utilized for added comfort and mobility. We can design a plan which truly benefits pets wtih pain caused by long-standing injuries or who have reached their golden years.

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

We are an AAHA accredited hospital and exceed their pain management standards. To learn about AAHA standards, click here for the September/October 2007 article in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.