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Medication for Cat Pain

also see Cats Metronidazole 

also see Cat Amitriptyline

also see Cat Pill 

also see Medication for Cats 

also see Feline Thyroid 

also see Feline Pain 

also see Cat Health Care

also see Feline Calicivirus

also see Pain in Cats  

For cats, pain is a sensation caused by stimulated pain receptors. Pain receptors are present in many areas of the body including the skin. Receptors are stimulated when the tissues and bones are damaged or injured. Some cat's can tolerate more pain than others as they have a higher pain threshold.

Causes of Cat Pain

Symptoms that Your Cat Might Be in Pain

It's easier to treat the pain soon after it happens. The pain can be treated with pain-killer drugs, injections, anti-inflammatory drugs that include both steroidal and non-steroidal drugs. Cats suffering from severe pain may also be given supportive care to make them feel more comfortable.

Pain Killer Drugs

They form part of the Opioids group. Drugs such as oxymorphone, morphine, demerol and codeine are painkillers that have serious side effects and must be administered after careful consideration.

Nutritional Supplements

These supplements contain essential minerals and fatty acids that help in the healing process. There are many commercially available nutritional supplements that help repair tissue and ligament damage.

NSAID

These are non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs that can actually be quite toxic to your cat. Acetaminophen, aspirin and carprofen are known NSAID. Butazolidin, metacam are prescription NSAID that are mostly used after surgery.

Steroids

Steroidal drugs such as prednisone and cortisone are reserved for specific treatments in cats. Steroids are used in limitation due to their known side effects.

Some Pain Management Techniques

The doctor will conduct diagnostic tests to find out the true cause of the pain before treating it. Diagnostic tests are a combination of blood tests, physical examination, X-ray, urinalysis, CT scan or MRI. Although pain medication may temporarily suppress pain, it's important to completely cure the source of pain.

If the cause of your cat's pain is not evident, and if she shows other symptoms along with signs of pain, medical assistance is necessary. As part of the physical examination the doctor will check the cat's heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate.

Home Remedies for Dealing with Mild Pain

If your pet has a minor visible injury and consequent swelling you may use an ice pack on the affected area. Homoeopathic remedies are useful to reduce pain. Arnica is a known homoeopathic medication that helps treat minor bruises or muscular strains. Cats who suffer from arthritis or chronic pain should be put on a low carbohydrate diet. This diet will assist in weight loss and provide relief from stiff joint pain. Cats suffering from pain might not groom themselves and it would benefit your cat if you brush her coat regularly.

If you notice that your cat is in extreme pain and there isn't a known reason for the pain, it's best to schedule an appointment with her vet to rule out serious illnesses.

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