DM1 Pt7-1 The importance of Analgesia Flashcards
How does the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) define pain?
Pain is defined as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.”
What important note does the IASP definition of pain include for veterinary professionals?
The inability to communicate verbally does not negate the possibility that an individual is experiencing pain and requires pain-relieving treatment, which applies to animals as well as humans.
Why is pain management important in cats?
Pain management is crucial for improving cat welfare and decreasing suffering in both acute (peri-operative) and chronic (e.g., osteoarthritis) pain situations.
What are some reasons why cats may be undertreated for pain compared to dogs?
- Difficulty recognizing pain in cats
- Smaller repertoire of analgesic drugs licensed for use in cats
What types of analgesic drugs are commonly used for pain management in cats?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Opioids
Why is there “no excuse” not to provide analgesia to cats?
There are now several licensed analgesic drugs for cats, including four NSAIDs and a variety of opioids, making effective pain management feasible and relatively safe in this species.
Why is recognizing pain in cats more difficult than in dogs?
Cats may exhibit more subtle signs of pain, making it harder to assess their discomfort compared to dogs.
How has the veterinary profession’s attitude toward pain in animals changed?
The adoption of the human definition of pain for animals reflects a growing recognition that animals can experience and suffer from pain, necessitating appropriate pain management to improve their welfare.
