PAIN MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL
Most of our surgical and dental procedures include an item on the invoice “PAIN MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL” What is this?
In the past few years there have been many advances in the ways we detect and manage pain in pets. In fact, these advances in pain management are some of the most beneficial procedures in small animal practices during my (Dr. Tenney) career. The Oasis standard is to do everything possible to prevent or alleviate pain in our patients.
We divide our pain management intervention in 3 stages
1. Prior to the procedure
Depending on the findings of the pre-op lab work we will pre-treat dogs with an injectable analgesic such as Rimadyl prior to or before a patient recovers from anesthesia. In addition, analgesics such as opiods (morphine like substances) may be given to prevent pain from escalating after surgery.
2. During the procedure
Alpha 2 agonists such as Dexdomitor which, when used with opiods, are used to provide longer lasting and stronger analgesia (pain relief). Dexdomitor also has the benefit of being reversible.
Local anesthetics such as lidocaine and/or bupivacaine are used at the local area of the procedure to provide immediate pain prevention.
3. After the procedure
Pain medication will be sent home with your pet. This may include a non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl® or an opiod such as Bruprenex.
Failure to provide comprehensive pain management is to permit more pain than necessary for your pet. This is not a compromise we are willing to make.