“Helping Pet owners of Mersea Island and surroundings to maintain the well being of their beloved family pet, through provision of veterinary care and education on responsible ownership.”
Blackwater Vets take a strong stance on pain management and its importance for pet wellbeing. Ola explains “As veterinary professionals we have had a lot of training on not only treating and caring for pets, but also understanding their overall needs to live a fit and healthy life. This includes studying how to recognise and manage pain.”
Quite often owners will comment how their arthritis is giving them problems or they are on the list for a knee replacement……Ola and the team are keen to educate clients on how to recognise similar pain issues in their pets. For example; when an owner reports my dog doesn’t run up the stairs anymore or jump on the sofa or my cat used to jump up on the wall or they sleep more, these are just some of the signs your pet could be feeling uncomfortable in the same way as we do, we don’t ignore our pain so why would we ignore theirs?
Arthritis is extremely painful and debilitating but also very common with 80% of dogs estimated to be suffering by eight years of age and 70% to 90% of cats suffering by twelve years of age. The practice takes a holistic approach and works as a team and thankfully there is so much that can be done to help pets suffering with this painful and chronic condition.
An animal that is in pain is obviously a welfare concern. However, recognising pain in pets can be extremely difficult as animals are usually preconditioned to hide it. In the wild if a rabbit cries out that they are injured and/or in pain, this would attract predators with the inevitable outcome.
The practice has lots of information and articles on their website which include MOBILITY ASSESSMENT Questionnaires. Clients are encouraged to complete these regularly and ideally every six months once a pet reaches seven years of age.
Nurse Clinics are also an excellent source of support. There are often environmental changes such as putting slip matts down, moving sleeping and feeding stations to more accessible areas or just simple changes to exercise regimes that can really make a huge difference to welfare. Rachael will be happy to advise clients and works in conjunction with Ola.
Veterinary Consultations are recognised as the best starting point if you have any concerns about your pet’s health and welfare. Ola will carefully assess any signs of pain and medication may be a priority with numerous effective, safe and long-term options for pets available. Sometimes other diagnostics may be needed such as blood tests, Ultrasound scan or X-rays. This can help with diagnosing the source of the discomfort and ensuring that the right treatment options are offered.
The practice can also offer physiotherapy and laser treatment. There is lots of evidence to support the benefits of these therapies both alongside pain medication but also sometimes keeping pets comfortable without the need for medication.
No one wants to live in pain, and we are passionate about ensuring our pet community are happy and comfortable throughout their lives and especially into their senior years.
If you have noticed any behavioural changes in your pets, please contact the practice on 01206 384999.
More information also available on the practice website; www.blackwatervets.co.uk/physiotherapy/recognising-pain-in-your-animal/
