Cat Pain – Symptoms and Treatment
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Cat owners know that cats are not small dogs! AND when it comes to pain or anesthesia, this is definitely the case. Luckily for cats and humans, in veterinary medicine a big progress in understanding and controlling pain in cats.
Most cats instinctively hide their pain, this is their way survival. Cats are predators by nature, and predators that can no longer hunt, become food for another predator. IN in the past it was even thought that cats feel pain differently than humans but today it is known that cats have a normal nervous system.
What is pain?
Experts define pain as “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience related to actual or potential tissue damage. ”
Pain is very subjective and difficult to measure, as it exists many of its manifestations, such as injuries, diseases and individual characteristics. Manifestations and demonstrations of pain widely varies among all animals in general, but in cats they are practically elusive. Basically, if something hurts a person, it’s it will also hurt for the cat.
How do I know if a cat feels pain?
If the cat has obvious injuries or surgical incisions, then we can reasonably assume that she is in pain. Though signs of this may be subtle, thorough and regular observing a cat will show that she often experiences pain. Cat may stop climbing up, avoiding window sills or the back the sofa. The cat may also decide that the stairs are too difficult. an obstacle, and will remain only at one certain level at home.
Some cats that have pain may sleep longer than usual, while others may become restless, as will not be able to find a comfortable and comfortable lying position. The cat that started walking past the tray can actually just Feel pain and avoid it if you need to jump.
It must be borne in mind that arthritis pain is quite common found in old cats, but they can manifest themselves in different ways, in depending on the affected part of the body. Before you visit vet, watch your cat to tell him exactly what changes in behavior you saw.
Additional symptoms and signals that the cat may to experience pain are:
- Resistance to caresses and other physical contacts
- Avoiding family activities and activities
- Aggression when approaching or caressing
- Decreased personal care or increased care in certain body parts
- Lameness or stiff gait
- Unexpected touch reactions
- Behavioral changes
How to treat pain in cats?
If your cat is in pain after surgery or dental surgery, do not be afraid to ask what measures will be undertaken to control her pain. Most of these procedures require postoperative pain relief, although duration of treatment varies with surgery. Typically, a cat receives pain medication before, during and after operation. Although there are fewer options for cats painkillers than for dogs, the veterinarian must choose the most suitable medications based on your specific needs pet.
Some common pain medications include yourself:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – these drugs reduce the inflammatory reactions that cause pain and swelling. NSAIDs should be used with caution, since they carry a potential risk to the liver, kidneys, stomach and intestines. NSAIDs are used to treat mild to moderate pain. Never give your cat NSAIDs without the approval of a veterinarian, so how some of them can be very dangerous or even deadly, for example, acetaminophen, which is poisonous to cats.
Opiates (opioids) – used for more severe pain. This class of painkillers includes morphine, codeine, fentanyl, buprenorphine and hydromorphone. Opiates are used in severe surgical pain, and can also be used in neglected cases of cancer or severe arthritis. Opiates Can Play Important role in maintaining a good quality of life in cats with strong chronic pain.
Corticosteroids – drugs such as cortisone and synthetic cortisone, as well as prednisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be used to reduce discomfort and pain with arthritis or allergies. However, they can have strong long-term side effects and should apply with caution.
There are also new drugs such as gabapentin and amitriptyline, which promise additional quality of pain relief for cats.
Pain remains a major medical problem in both cats and people. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s behavior, they can signal pain, so you can with the help of a veterinarian help your cat enjoy life without pain!
