Over The Counter Pain Relief For Cats

What Are The Benefits Of Buprenorphine For Cats

Buprenorphine for cats is a very effective pain medication. It can provide relief for various types of pain including acute and chronic pain. One of the biggest benefits of buprenorphine is that it can last for up to 24 hours. This means that your cat doesn’t have to be constantly medicated throughout the day or night.

Furthermore, another benefit of buprenorphine for cats is how it is administered. It is administered orally, usually in a very small amount, directly into the mouth. As buprenorphine for cats is absorbed through the oral mucosa, you don’t have to struggle to give your cat a pill. This makes buprenorphine a very convenient pain medication for cats. As buprenorphine is absorbed in the mouth, you cannot mix the medication into food because it will decrease its effectiveness.

Natural Pain Meds For Pets

Prescription medications arent the only option for pain relief in your petthere are a handful of natural remedies that may be worth trying. These are usually considered in conjunction with other pain medications.

Many pets experience pain related to arthritis and joint-related ailments. Ginger and turmeric are two natural roots that can be purchased in a grocery or health store, and grated onto the pets food in small amounts each day for natural pain relief, Dr. Torres says.

Then theres CBD , which has become a popular anxiety and insomnia tonic for humans. In pets, it is largely safe in the proper dose , but its pain-relieving effects are largely anecdotal at this point. Studies are still investigating its efficacy in animals.

Bottom line: With so many unknowns regarding OTC and natural pain relievers for pets, its always best to check with your vet before giving your pet any type of pills or supplements.

How Do I Know If I Need To Bring My Cat To The Vet To Get Pain Medication

If you notice any behavior changes in your kitty cat, you notice that your kitty cat’s limping, not jumping, cries when you pet it, is hiding from you, we probably need to at least have an exam to figure out what’s going on with your cat, whether it’s in pain or has something else going on. It’s a good indication to have them looked at.

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The Sciencehow Nsaids Work

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce pain and inflammation by affecting substances that the body releases after cells are damaged. When a cell is damaged, an enzyme called cyclooxygenase is activated. Essential to all body functions, enzymes are proteins made by the body and are very specificeach enzyme stimulates a specific reaction that causes a specific result. In the case of the enzyme COX, it stimulates cells to produce several substances, including prostaglandins, after the cells are damaged. COX is present in most body tissues, including the digestive tract and kidneys.

Like COX, prostaglandins are present throughout the body. These substances contribute to pain and inflammation, but they have several positive functions too, including:

• Protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines
• Helping maintain blood flow to the kidneys and
• Supporting platelet function .

Many NSAIDs work by blocking COX, so fewer prostaglandins are produced:

Other NSAIDs work by blocking some activity of certain prostaglandins:

Mainly by either blocking COX or blocking some activity of certain prostaglandins, NSAIDs reduce ongoing pain and inflammation in animals.

Pain Relief For Cats: What Can You Give A Cat For Pain At Home

Because cats speak differently from humans, it can be extremely frustrating when your kitty is in pain but cant tell you where or why.

Felines can communicate through hissing, meowing, chirping, and various other sounds, but these sounds dont always mean that theres something wrong.

But in cases of excessive meowing, loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, dehydration, muscle weakness, and lack of energy, your furry pal might be in pain.

Diarrhea, limping, vomiting, urinating problems, not drinking enough water, and so forth could also indicate a problem.

So what can you do to relieve the cats pain?

For starters, you need to call your vet immediately and explain the symptoms as thoroughly as possible. That should always be your first step if you suspect any kind of problem.

If you cant schedule an appointment soon enough, there are a few safe pain reliever for cats that you can try as a stopgap measure at home. Remember, though, theyre only temporary and are no substitute by a vet.

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Myths Related To Pain Relief For Cats

You may come across myths related to your cats diet and how to relieve them of any pain there is a lot of information out there, and it can be difficult to figure out what is true and what is false.

When it comes to your pets health, you should always consult with your veterinarian or ask AskVet about whether or not a piece of information is correct or not.

Some myths that you might come across are:

Side Effects In The Digestive Tract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause side effects in the digestive tract both directly and indirectly. The direct effects are related to the drugs physical properties. Many NSAIDs become trapped in the stomach and are slightly acidic, so they directly irritate the stomach lining.

The indirect effects are due to NSAIDs either preventing the body from making prostaglandins or blocking the protective activity of these substances. Remember, prostaglandins also protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. When fewer prostaglandins are produced or some of their activity is blocked, the entire digestive tract may be more prone to damage. This can lead to ulcers and perforations in the stomach and intestines.

Giving an animal two NSAIDs at the same time, or an NSAID with a steroid such as prednisone, increases the risk of side effects in the digestive tract and should be avoided.

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Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs are a broad group of drugs that are used very widely for humans and dogs especially to alleviate chronic pain.

Cats are very sensitive to toxicity from these drugs, but studies have been carried out on some products that demonstrate that they can be used safely under close supervision. They are often used to successfully manage pain management in a number of chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis, as well as in post-operative situations.

Examples include:

• Meloxicam : this can be given as liquid medication, either directly or in the food
• Robenacoxib : this is normally in tablet formulation

Are Human Medications Safe For Pets

Unfortunately, many of the common over-the-counter pain relievers for humans are dangerous for dogs and cats. Advil and Tylenol should never be used in your pet, says Kristi C. Torres, Pharm.D., a pharmacist in Austin, Texas, and a member of SingleCares Medical Review Board.

While acetaminophen is toxic to both dogs and cats, felines are especially prone to poisoning death, according to theFood and Drug Administration , because they lack an enzyme to properly break it down in the liver.

Meanwhile, aspirin as a pet pain med is less dangerous, but Dr. Torres says its best not to risk it.

Some vets may say that using a coated, buffered aspirin would be acceptable in an emergency situation, but it will likely make your animals stomach very upset and possibly cause a stomach bleed, she explains.

Even if a human drug seems safe for a pet , the dosing will likely be very different for your furry friend. Its important to recognize that an animal dose of any drug is not simply a percentage of a weight-based dose in humans, says Jeffrey Fudin, Pharm.D., the managing editor ofpaindr.com.

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Pay Attention To Posture

When you have sciatica symptoms and seeking relief, one of the most important things to do is pay attention to your posture. Good form not only can help reduce the pain but prevents strain on the sciatic nerve while sitting or standing. Poor posture can worsen sciatic pain that flares up from time to time, and regular attention can help prevent stiffness or discomfort from developing.

Slouching on a couch for too long or holding onto a slouched position during daily activities like working or playing a game can cause increased pressure and irritation to your low back and surrounding muscles which leads to sciatica.

Wherever you are standing, sitting, walking take some time to practice good form. Press your chin in slightly so your head is in a neutral position, tuck in the abdominals for protection, and lengthen the spine with shoulders drawn down away from the ears.

Its also important not to maintain one position for too long it puts strain on nerves and muscles all over the body when remaining in one spot, no matter how good that position may be. Its more important now than ever to remember these small tweaks because many of us are stuck in our homes hunched over laptops with drooping spines all day long. Simply being mindful of these habits throughout your day can lead to greater relief once its over as well as prevention against future attacks of sciatic pain flare-ups!

Examples Of Nsaids Include:

• Motrin/Advil ibuprofen
• Aleve naproxen

NSAIDs are also referred to as analgesics or antipyretics . They are very effective and safe for humans if taken appropriately.

Cats, like all species, metabolize different NSAIDs differently. There are some NSAIDs that are safe to give cats talk to your veterinarian. Currently, there are 2 NSAIDs that are FDA approved for acute pain, but none that are FDA approved for chronic pain. However, with the guidance of your veterinarian, there are NSAIDs that can be safely used long-term for chronic pain.

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What Types Of Pain Medications Might A Veterinarian Prescribe For My Cat

Sometimes we will give a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory injection or a very short course of pills. Cats have a unique metabolism, and they can’t tolerate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for very long, so it’s very short term. We use a lot of opioids in cats because they tolerate those really well. Buprenorphine is one that we use a lot, which is administered orally-mucosal. They’re coming out with a patch now that will last several days, so that would be nice when it gets here. Then sometimes, we use Tramadol, which is another type of opioid that we can administer transdermally. Cats will tolerate some transdermal types of medications. They’re not all consistent as far as absorption transdermally goes, so what works for one cat may not work for another one, but we do use those a lot. By transdermal, I mean we’ll rub it on the skin, like the hairless area of the skin in the ear. We also use a lot of Gabapentin for cats because they tolerate it so well.

About Dr Pete Wedderburn Dvm

Dr Pete Wedderburn qualified as a vet from Edinburgh in 1985 and has run his own 4-veterinarian companion animal practice in County Wicklow, Ireland, since 1991. Pete is well known as a media veterinarian with regular national tv, radio and newspaper slots, including a weekly column in the Daily Telegraph since 2007. Pete is known as “Pete the Vet” on his busy Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, regularly posting information on topical subjects and real-life cases from his clinic. He also write a regular blog at www.petethevet.com. His latest book: Pet Subjects, was published by Aurum Press in 2017.

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Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used together in commercial supplements for cats. This combination can help with arthritis and feline lower urinary tract disease .

Glucosamine is a mild anti-inflammatory. It helps the joints make cartilage and acts as extra protection for the urinary tract. Chondroitin helps make cartilage as well and can even inhibit destruction of cartilage.

Despite limited studies of these supplements in animals, there is strong anecdotal evidence that they may be helpful. Your veterinarian can help recommend specific products.

When Is Buprenorphine For Cats Used

Your veterinarian will determine if buprenorphine is the right pain medication for your cat based on the type and severity of the pain. The most common application of buprenorphine for cats is to treat surgical pain. Buprenorphine is typically used as an injection by your veterinarian but can also be given orally after the surgical procedure for a week or so, depending on the surgical procedure performed. It can also be used to treat chronic pain such as that caused by arthritis or cancer. If your cat is in pain, buprenorphine may be the answer! However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian about whether buprenorphine is the right medication for your cat.

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Can I Give My Cat Nsaids

You can give your kitty NSAIDs as long as a veterinarian prescribes them. Cats have a unique metabolism and cannot tolerate NSAIDs for very long without having damage done to their kidneys. Usually, they’re prescribed or given by us, and it’s a very short course, no more than three days.

They’re formulated differently from the NSAIDs that people have. They’re completely different non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for cats. So it’s not just a little smaller piece of what a human would get. It’s a totally different thing, made specifically with cats in mind, considering their unique metabolism because cat delivery systems can be challenging.

How To Know If Your Cat Is In Pain

Just like humans, cats can develop pain as they age, whether thats from arthritis, injury, surgery, or other causes. Unfortunately, a cats natural instinct is to hide or mask their pain symptoms, so it can be difficult to diagnose your cats pain.

The key to knowing if your cat is in pain is to pay attention to subtle changes in their everyday behavior. Cats are creatures of habit, and they prefer to follow the same routines. When your cat is experiencing pain, one of the first signs is a change in their daily habits like grooming, sleeping, and eating.

Other common symptoms that your cat is in pain include:

• Changes in body posture
• Avoids being petted or handled
• Changes to your cats potty behaviors
• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty jumping

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What Is Cbd Oil

Cannabis plants contain more than 100 active compounds, but the one most often used for medicinal purposes is cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD differs from cannabiss major active compound, tetrahydrocannabinol , in that it does not have a psychoactive affect, meaning it will not get users high. CBD oils contain a high concentration of CBD and can be used for therapeutic purposes.

There are not many classical medical studies that explore the effects of CBD oil in cats, says Dr. Daniel Inman, a veterinarian at Burlington Emergency Veterinary Specialists in Williston, Vermont. While we dont recommend CBD oil for our patients, holistic veterinarians are using it to treat a variety of ailments, including inflammation, anxiety and pain.

Inman is careful to specify that CBD oil is often used to subjectively increase comfort and improve quality of life in pets, not necessarily cure ailments. This type of treatment should be advised by your veterinarian and not initiated without their consent.

How To Comfort A Cat In Pain

Sometimes the best medicine for cat pain isnt a medicine at all. Depending on a cats situation, some combination of the following can be beneficial:

• Weight loss limits stress on the body and reduces inflammatory hormones produced by fatty tissue.

• Reorganizing your home is also important. Design the cats living space to make getting around as easy as possible. Keep food, water, heated beds, and low-sided litter boxes all on one level of your home and use ramps to allow cats to get to their favorite perches.

• Acupuncture stimulates nerves and blood circulation, releases natural pain-killing endorphins, and relieves muscle spasms.

• Therapeutic laser treatment reduces inflammation and pain and promotes healing.

• Physical rehabilitation helps keep muscles and joints strong and improves coordination.

• New therapies such as stem cell treatments, platelet-rich plasma, nerve growth factor inhibitors, and cannabidiol are being investigated.

• And of course, spread the love and attention! Include your cat in daily activities that they can engage in comfortably.

Talk to your veterinarian if you think your cat is in pain. After diagnosing whats wrong, they can put together the best treatment plan based on your cats specific needs.

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When To Visit Your Doctor

The above techniques may help to alleviate sciatic pain, but it is still important to make an appointment with your doctor if you are having continued or worsening issues. Also, if any of the following symptoms arise after using home treatment, it is also important to visit your doctor:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Electric shock sensations or numbness
• Severe pain that doesnt improve
• Weakness or paralysis in the legs that last longer than 24 hours

In rare cases, sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage that requires medical intervention. It can also be caused by a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root. If you have been trying home treatments for your sciatic pain and finding no relief, then it is best to contact your doctor for more information about what might be causing your situation and for advice on how you could more effectively manage the pain.

What Are The Side Effects Of Buprenorphine For Cats

The most common side effect of buprenorphine for cats is sedation. This means that your cat may be more tired than usual or may sleep more. Adverse reactions typical of full mu-opioid agonists like morphine are less severe with buprenorphine. Unlike other opioid-based medications, respiratory depression is not typically noticed in cats receiving buprenorphine. Other side effects include hyperthermia, vomiting, and constipation.

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