Pet Pain Management

Just as with people, there are a multitude of conditions that can cause pain in your pet. So, once the source has been identified, how can you alleviate and manage that pain?
First, you need to know that there are two types of pain: chronic pain and acute pain. Chronic pain is ongoing and often has no cure. Pets with arthritis, elderly pets, and pets with other chronic illnesses are likely to have chronic pain. Pain management for chronic pain involves regular visits to the vet, at-home medication and, sometimes, the implementation of mobility devices.
Acute pain is any pain that occurs as the result of an injury or treatable condition. Pets with acute pain may experience pain as the result of an injury, disease, or operation. Pain management for acute pain requires that pet parents keep track of their pet’s pain and treat it with medication and physical therapy.
Whether your pet experiences chronic or acute pain, l aser therapy is a common pain management resource. This treatment works by sending photons into tissue and starting a process which helps your pet’s cells repair themselves more efficiently. We use a Class IV Cold Laser to conduct laser therapy in our hospital. One benefit of using this type of laser is that pets feel a sense of relief and comfort during their laser therapy session. It's so soothing that patients often fall asleep during treatment.
Physical rehabilitation can also help your pet feel better. Physical rehab is most often used to treat acute pain and speed up the healing process after a surgery or injury. However, it can aid in the management of chronic pain too.
If your pet has food allergies/sensitivities or dental problems, they are likely to be in pain from eating. Luckily, our veterinarians offer great insight into your pet’s diet and can help you adjust it so that your pet can live pain-free.
Talking with your veterinarian will ensure you are able to find the right treatment or combination of treatments to keep your pet as healthy and pain-free as possible.
Join us here, at Lafayette Veterinary Care Center on Saturday, September 21 between 12-5 pm as we host a "SAVE THE HUMANS" blood drive. Every donor is entered to win a $1,000 Amazon Gift Card through the Vitalant online rewards store. When you donate blood, YOU are making a difference!
To find out more or to schedule your donation, click here.
Don't forget your pet' s
 Flea and Heartworm Prevention!
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Employee Of The Month

Our August Employee of the Month was Danielle of our resort team. She is constantly going above and beyond to help where she can and always with a smile. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Congratulations!
6 TIPS FOR A HAPPY INDOOR CAT

For cats that are kept indoors, it’s essential that they’re given lots of stimulation within their own homes. You and I are able to go outside everyday and be stimulated by hundreds of different sounds, smells, and sights. But it’s a different story for the indoor cat who only has its owner’s home as its world.

The natural state of a cat is to hunt, kill, eat and sleep. You want to provide opportunities for your cat to express these behaviors in order to keep them active and healthy. Here we list some ways you can improve your cat’s indoor environment.

1. SCRATCHING POSTS & FURNITURE
Cats usually keep their claws in good shape by scratching tree trunks or fence posts. As well as ensuring their claws are trim, cats naturally scratch to exercise the muscles in their paws and to leave their scent, so it’s a basic and natural need.

2. A ROOM WITH A VIEW
An indoor cat loves to look out of the window to watch birds go by and keep an eye on their ‘territory’. This is a great way to stimulate your cat and to relieve long hours of boredom.

3. TOYS
Leave out some fun little toys for your cat to enjoy on its own such as ping-pong balls, open paper bags, cardboard boxes or furry catnip mice.

4. INTERACTIVE ROD TOYS
Cats are natural hunters and their natural instinct is to kill things, so any toys that stimulate this type of behavior are highly stimulating for the indoor cat. Toy mice, bugs, spiders or feathers on a wire or string make excellent toys.

5. CATNIP
Catnip is a fun treat, which harmlessly ‘intoxicates’ your cat for between 5 and 15 mins.

6. CAT GRASS
Grass aids in digestion and your cats will love having the opportunity to eat it as a normal outdoor cat would.
Litter Box Tip of The Month
Avoid placing your cat’s litter box in noisy or high-traffic areas of your home. She prefers privacy.
L afayette Veterinary Care Center
337-984-7611
info@LafayetteVets.com