Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

RE: Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

Clare Tapsfield-Wright — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:24:11 GMT

I do wonder if , speaking from experience , the fact that suffering humans are not receiving adequate pain relief for hip and back pain makes owners less likely to seek it for their pets. In 18 months of progressing pain in my ack and clunking hip I have yet to see a doctor, just seen musculoskeletal practitioners who are trained physios but not allowed to prescribe. I am fed up now and about to go private.
Meanwhile my aging labrador with elbow DJD skips about on her librella and galliprant while I hobble behind her like someone out of a Dickens novel on a couple of paracetomol and some ibuprofen.

RE: Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:54:24 GMT

[quote userid="8991" url="~/f/clinical-questions/31092/are-pets-getting-enough-pain-relief-in-their-final-years-and-days/246199#246199"] people get cancelled for these kind of statements[/quote]

Yes, poor old Greg.

I would say the majority of people who I have a sensible discussion regarding pain management at least try something. Some see little difference. Some don't come back for recheck/review. Yes, there are some dogs that may benefit, but if we universally applied painkillers there would be some dogs suffer unnecessary harm too. Classic example would be the occasional knackered old lab, given Librela, runs around more than it has in years and ends up off back legs. "it's the nerve growth factor" scream the fearmongers. No, it's the fact we've taken away pain and the dog is doing so much more. I've put a LOT of old labs down, off their back legs, long before we had Librela.

As I get older, I fall into the view that I will concentrate my energy on helping those that want it, and not get bogged down by those who don't want to take my advice. Similar to a vet helping a few wild animals etc, you can't dwell on those you can't help, but do your best for those that you can. As I said, the vast majority seem to follow my advice. Then again I am unaware of any home PTS services operating out in the sticks around here so we do see our patients at the end of their lives. I wouldn't say it was common to think "you should have had pain killers".

(as I sit here with an aching back from digging some drains then PDing 120 cows and my only analgesia being a glass of Moretti.....)

RE: Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

David Mills — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:41:54 GMT

[quote userid="13891" url="~/f/clinical-questions/31092/are-pets-getting-enough-pain-relief-in-their-final-years-and-days/246197#246197"] middle class ladies of a certain age [/quote]

Careful - people get cancelled for these kind of statements

RE: Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

Judith Joyce — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:13:36 GMT

Hi,

I agree with Clive that it is an issue. Not sure how widespread. . Not sure if its denial, clients not able to part with pet so putting own needs over pets needs, lack of trust of vet's opinion on need for, safety and efficacy of drugs, or what, not sure its as straightforward as cost.I find it's not always those who struggle to afford care. Did get the impression that it was quite often middle class ladies of a certain age who seem to resist pain relief and timely euthanasia.

Agree pet owner perception of pain is not always good and have heard the 'he is just old' one a lot.

I wouldn't have said it was almost daily for me but it can be pretty memorable, Some figures would be good, not sure how easy to obtain.

RE: Are pets getting enough pain relief in their final years and days?

Clive Ansell — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:19:36 GMT

Short answer is no, probably not.

And yes, it is a fairly widespread issue.

I've seen several pets this week, old and decrepit, hobbling around as if they are in pain with osteoarthritis. Try and discuss this with owners and offer trial courses of pain relief. Almost all decline based on costs and "he is just old"

I and almost all Vet and Nurse colleagues I work with face this on an almost daily basis, it's an uphill battle. Many cases the owner either refuse, or take a small amount then do not return for follow up check or do not request further pre approved prescriptions. Others just don't present their pets for many years and just turn up for PTS at the end.