Pain Meds For Cats After Surgery

Attend Your Cats Follow

The follow-up appointment gives your vet an opportunity to monitor your pets recovery, check for signs of infection, and properly change your cat’s bandages.

The veterinary team at Carolina Veterinary Specialists have been trained to dress wounds effectively in order to protect your pet’s incision and provide the best possible healing. Bringing your pet in for their follow-up appointment allows this process to happen – and for us to help keep your pets healing on track.

Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

My Cat Must Have Surgery And I Dont Want Her To Be In Pain How Will My Veterinarian Keep My Cat From Feeling Pain Associated With The Surgery

Few events are more frightening for a pet parent than a surgery. Although surgery may sometimes be unavoidable, fortunately our understanding of pet painhow it occurs, how it affects all body systems, how to prevent it, and how to treat ithas improved dramatically over the past 5 to 10 years. That said, cats are not small dogs, and they present their own pain management issues and challenges.

Your veterinarian will begin managing your cats pain before the procedure even starts. This is called preemptive pain managementthat is, anticipating pain and providing medication ahead of time to reduce the impact of pain from the procedure. Therefore, before anesthesia, your cat will receive an injection of pain medication. The medication will travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body, providing generalized protection and setting the stage for your cats nervous system to be protected from the pain of the surgery.

My Cat Won’t Drink Water After Surgery Is This Okay

Dehydration commonly occurs in cats. Hydration is very important in cats, and special considerations need to be addressed after a surgical procedure. To help with hydration, a moist or semi-moist diet containing up to 80% water may be recommended.

Speak with your primary care veterinarian about this type of diet and veterinary-specific hydration supplements to help maintain your cat’s hydration. It is very important that your cat continues to eat after surgery.

It is important to also offer fresh, clean water at all times. Consider using a water fountain to help encourage drinking. Monitor the volume of water that your cat drinks. If you notice diarrhea and vomiting, your cat can become dehydrated at a faster rate.

If your cat is not consuming water either through drinking or their diet, reach out to your primary care veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any more serious conditions. They may also recommend hospitalization to help with hydration.

Do not give over-the-counter hydration or human electrolyte solutions to cats. Many of these products are formulated for humans or other animal species and contain ingredients that can be toxic and even fatal to cats.

It is not normal for your cat to be vomiting after their surgical procedure.

Vomiting in cats after surgery can be caused by a variety of things, including:

• Certain medications

• Surgical complications

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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.

Gabapentin And Tramadol Are Also Commonly Used For Postoperative Pain Management In Cats

Gabapentin is a prescription medication used for the management of post-operative pain in cats. Its not yet known whether its safe or effective, but there are signs that it may be useful for this purpose. Tramadol, a narcotic analgesic, is also commonly used for postoperative pain management in cats. Tramadol can cause drowsiness and dizziness therefore, it should only be given to your cat if youre able to monitor him closely.

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How Is Pain Treated In Cats

If your cat is undergoing a surgical or dental procedure, do not be afraid to ask what pain management will be provided. Most of these procedures require postoperative pain management, though the duration of treatment will vary with the procedure. Generally, your cat will receive pain-relief medications before, during, and after the surgery or a dental procedure. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate drugs based on your pet’s specific needs.

Some common veterinary pain-relief medications include:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs . These drugs interfere with the body’s production of inflammatory molecules that trigger pain and swelling. NSAIDs must be used with caution because there is the potential for liver, kidney, stomach, and/or intestinal problems. NSAIDs are used to treat mild to moderate pain and discomfort. Never give your cat an over-the-counter NSAID as some can be very dangerous.

Opioids. Opioids are used for more severe pain. This class of pain-relief medication includes morphine, codeine, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and hydromorphone. Opioids are used to treat severe surgical pain and may also be used in advanced cases of cancer or to control severe arthritis pain. Opioids may play a role in maintaining a good quality of life for a cat with severe chronic pain.

Other Options. There are new applications of existing medications, such as gabapentin , tramadol , and maropitant citrate that offer additional pain-relief options for cats.

Do Cats Need Pain Meds After Being Neutered

It depends on the individual cats health and medical history. Some cats may not require any pain medications at all, while others may require a small dose of medication every day or two to help manage the post-operative pain.

Some cats may also require additional medication if they experience excessive licking or biting of the area around the neuter surgery site.

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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.

What Are The Signs Of Infection

Before, during, and after the procedure, veterinarians take many precautions to minimize the risk of a surgical site infection. Even with the best standards of care, infections can still occur after a procedure.

Infections occur when bacteria from the skin or surrounding environment invade an open wound. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. Inflammation can start the process of fighting off infections by activating the immune system. White blood cells can start to accumulate at the site of the infection, creating a discolored discharge.

Monitor your cat for signs of infection:

• Discolored discharge from the incision
• Redness and swelling around the incision
• Signs of pain caused by inflammation: eating less, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, hiding, and other changes to normal behavior
• Wounds not healing
• Not drinking or drinking less

If you suspect that your cat has an infection, it is critical that you have your veterinarian assess the area as soon as possible. Topical ointments and over-the-counter medications will not be able to help the underlying issue. Do not use any previous antibiotics or medications from other pets or people.

Depending on the extent of the infection, your cat may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids , antibiotics , and other supportive therapies.

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Keeping Your Pet Comfortable At Home

After their surgery, it’s key to provide your cat with a comfortable and quiet place to rest, well apart from the hustle and bustle of your home, including other pets and children. Setting up a comfortable and soft bed for your kitty and giving them lots of room to spread out will help prevent excessive pressure on any one part of their body.

Your Cat’s Incision Site

Cat parents will often find it challenging to stop their pet from scratching, chewing or messing around with the site of their surgical incision. A cone-shaped plastic Elizabethan collar is an effective option to prevent your pet from licking their wound.

Many cats adapt to the collar quickly, but if your pet is struggling to adjust, other options are available. Ask your veterinarian about less cumbersome products such as post-op medical pet shirts or donut-style collars.

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Acetaminophen A Special Case

Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It’s an over-the-counter pain reliever for people, but doesnt have much anti-inflammatory activity. Scientists dont fully understand how acetaminophen works to relieve pain.

• Dose-dependent liver damagemeaning the higher the dose, the worse the liver damagethat may lead to liver failure and
• Red blood cell damage that causes these cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen.

Dogs and cats can suffer both forms of side effects from acetaminophen, but cats are more prone to red blood cell damage while dogs are more likely to get liver damage.

Veterinarians will sometimes use acetaminophen to relieve pain in dogs, but never in cats. Acetaminophen is fatal to cats. Cats should never be given acetaminophen because they lack certain enzymes that the liver needs to safely break down the drug.

What Happens If My Cat Jumps After Being Spayed

If your cat jumps after being spayed, it may be because shes feeling a little scared or uncomfortable. If the spaying surgery was done properly and the incision is clean, there is no reason for your cat to feel scared or uncomfortable.

If your cat is jumpy or scared after the surgery, it may be best to take her to the veterinarian for a check-up. In some cases, a vet may prescribe medication to help your cat feel more at ease.

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Pain Relief After Major Surgery

A primary goal of pain management after major surgery is for you to awaken relatively comfortable and to experience an uninterrupted transition to pain control, but some discomfort is common and should be anticipated after surgery.

Patient-controlled analgesia

A patient-controlled analgesia system allows you to give yourself a dose of intravenous pain medicine, with the push of a button. This system decreases any pain and anxiety you may feel while waiting for medicine.

Epidural delivery of pain medication

In epidural analgesia, pain relievers are injected into the epidural space, which is within the spinal canal but outside the spinal fluid. A long, thin tube called a catheter , inserted between two vertebrae in the back, delivers the medication.

Give Better Relief With Multiple Medications

In our interview with feline pain expert Stephen Cital, we learn that when the body is in pain, it releases cortisol. This causes internal stress, delays wound healing and can even suppress the immune system. Attacking pain in multiple ways will speed up the healing. Using smaller amounts of multiple drugs has a better effect than one big dose of one drug.

When I say multimodal, that means multiple different drugs, not just one drug like you mentioned at a high dose, says Cital. And whats nice about mixing different drugs or doing polypharmacy is when you mix different drugs, some of these drugs play really nice together and they can potentiate each other so it makes them work better and we can use them at lower dosages, which is going to get rid of some of the negative side effects we would see with a big, huge dose of buprenorphine or a big, huge dose of a particular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

To learn even more about managing post-amputation pain medication for cats, listen to our conversation with Stephen Cital. Its on the Tripawd Talk Radio episode, Tripawd Cat Pain Management Tips and Tricks.

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Administering Liquid Medication And Pills After Cat Surgery

To dispense liquid medication, ensure that your syringe has the correct dose of liquid from the start. With your companions head tilted upward, insert the syringes tip into the corner of their mouth. With the syringe placed between your felines gums and cheek, push the plunger to dispense the medication. Keep your companions head immobilized until they have swallowed the medication. For pills or capsules, follow the procedure above and hold the pill in the hand that is not around your felines head. Using your pointer finger and thumb to grip the pill, open your companions mouth by gently inserting your middle finger between their front teeth. With their top and bottom teeth parted, slide the pill down the tongue and to the back of the mouth. If your feline is not swallowing the pill, you may gently rub their throat to encourage swallowing. For food-motivated kitties, placing a capsule or pill in canned food or a moldable treat like a Pill Pocket may be a good option for you. It is always very important to ensure your furry friend receives the complete dose and actually eats the medication.

Dogs Are Not Small People

Tinker Bells owner isnt alone. When owners see their dog or cat limping or showing other signs of pain, they often think about giving their pet an over-the-counter pain reliever for people. But even if data show an NSAID is safe and effective in people, the drug may not be safe and effective in dogs because the drug may:

Ideally, for optimal practical administration, NSAIDs should be:

• Available in an injectable and palatable, oral formulation
• Easily titrated and have an easy-to-determine dose.

These 2 formulations should be usable and approved for use, interchangeably. For example, an injectable formulation facilitates both perioperative and immediate postoperative pain management, when it may be difficult or impossible to medicate animals orally. However, an oral formulation is beneficial for postoperative pain management upon discharge and long-term chronic pain management because it allows the drug to be administered in the home environment.

For cats specifically, palatable oral formulations facilitate administration and complianceimportant components of pain management. Cats are selective about what they eat, and it is difficult to hide an unpalatable pill or medication in food or a treat, as is often done with dogs. If the cat wont willingly take the medication, it must be restrained and dosed.

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Other Medications For Cats In Pain

Some medications that were originally designed for other uses have also been found to provide pain relief in cats.

Neurontin

Neurontin and the other products that contain gabapentin are available by prescription only. Gabapentin was originally developed to manage seizures. Now, its also used to treat post-operative pain and chronic pain, such as that associated with osteoarthritis, cancer, and nerve injury or disease. Side effects are minimal.

Cerenia

Cerenia is available by prescription only. It was developed to help control vomiting, but it can also relieve pain, often in combination with anesthetics or other pain relievers.

Side effects can include fever, dehydration, lethargy, poor appetite, blood in the urine, and drooling. Cerenia injections can be painful, so the oral form is preferred for long-term use.

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a prescription antidepressant thats sometimes used to treat chronic pain, particularly that associated with nerve injury or disease.

Side effects can include lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, constipation, increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, difficulty urinating, and decreased production of saliva and tears.

Cats Are Not Small People Or Small Dogs

You have to be even more careful with cats. Compared to other species, cats have a reduced ability to break down NSAIDs.

These differences may lead to toxic effects in pets, such as ulcers and perforations in the digestive tract as well as liver and kidney damage.

Table 2: Common Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers for People

Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and doesnt have much anti-inflammatory activity. Scientists dont fully understand how acetaminophen works. The drug seems to have more than one mode of action to reduce fever and relieve pain.

• Dose-dependent liver toxicitymeaning the higher the dose, the worse the liver damagethat may lead to liver failure and
• Red blood cell damage that causes these cells to lose their ability to carry oxygen.

Dogs and cats can develop both forms of acetaminophen toxicity, but cats are more prone to red blood cell damage while dogs are more likely to get liver damage.

Acetaminophen is fatal to cats. Cats should never be given acetaminophen because they lack certain enzymes that the liver needs to safely break down the drug.

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My Cat Is Sneezing After Surgery Why

Some sneezing may occur three to seven days after your cat undergoes a surgical procedure.

Speak with your veterinarian about certain medical conditions that can cause upper respiratory conditions in cats. The most common reason for this sneezing is Feline Upper Respiratory Complex. This condition occurs during times of physical or mental stress due to a series of underlying virusesherpesvirus, among others.

Around 95% of cats carry herpesvirus, and it is subclinical until a stressful event occurs. You might see clear nose and eye discharge along with sneezing. These symptoms will resolve in five to seven days. The symptoms are very mild and should not progress to other issues like open-mouth breathing, discolored eye and nasal discharge, or decreased eating.

In some cases, a secondary bacterial infection may occur. For these cases, take your cat for a recheck exam with your primary care veterinarian to determine the next steps in your cats care. If you notice yellow, green, or blood-tinged nasal discharge, this is not normal and should warrant a recheck as soon as possible.

Dental disease, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, heart disease, and other conditions can cause secondary respiratory complications. If your cat has had a procedure involving their teeth, chest, head, or lungs, ask your veterinarian if nasal discharge is expected after surgery.

Featured image: iStock.com/DenGuy

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