Why Is Multi-Modal Pain Management Important?

• More Effective Pain Relief – Targeting different pain pathways improves overall comfort.

• Lower Medication Doses = Fewer Side Effects – Using multiple approaches reduces reliance on high doses of a single drug.

• Faster Recovery – Reduced pain means less stress, encouraging quicker healing.

• Better Long-Term Outcomes – Helps prevent chronic pain syndromes from developing.

Multi-Modal Pain Relief Strategies We Use at Canton Animal Hospital

• Preemptive Pain Control – Administering pain relief before surgery to prevent post-op discomfort.

• Local Anesthesia & Nerve Blocks – Blocking pain at its source for targeted relief.

• Continuous Rate Infusion (CRI) Analgesia – Delivering steady pain relief through IV medication.

• Intraoperative Analgesia (Nocita® & Bupivacaine) – Providing long-lasting pain relief at the surgical site.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) – Reducing inflammation-related pain for long-term comfort.

• Opioids for Severe Pain – Safe, controlled opioid use in high-pain cases.

• Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy – Helping pets regain mobility while minimizing discomfort.

By integrating multi-modal pain relief, we ensure your pet experiences the least amount of discomfort possible before, during, and after surgery.

Intraoperative Analgesia: Enhancing Surgical Comfort with Nocita® & Bupivacaine

To provide extended pain relief during and after surgery, we incorporate local anesthetic infiltration and sprinkling techniques using Nocita® (liposomal bupivacaine) and standard bupivacaine.

Nocita® – A long-acting local anesthetic that provides up to 72 hours of post-op pain relief by continuously releasing bupivacaine into the tissue. It is ideal for orthopedic procedures like TPLO, FHO, and soft tissue surgeries where prolonged pain control is needed.

Bupivacaine Sprinkling & Infiltration – Traditional bupivacaine injection or sprinkling the anesthetic solution over exposed nerves and tissues during surgery provides rapid-onset pain relief, preventing pain transmission before it starts. This method is commonly used in spays, neuters, mass removals, and abdominal surgeries to improve post-operative comfort.

By integrating Nocita® and bupivacaine infiltration into our surgical protocols, we enhance multi-modal pain management, allowing pets to recover faster, experience less discomfort, and require fewer systemic pain medications.

Chronic Arthritis Pain Management for Pets | Canton Animal Hospital

Comprehensive Pain Management for Pets with Arthritis

At Canton Animal Hospital, we understand that chronic arthritis pain can significantly impact your pet’s mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Arthritis is a progressive condition that causes joint inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort, making it difficult for pets to enjoy their daily activities.

Our multi-modal approach to chronic arthritis pain management includes the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, such as Solensia® for cats, Librela® for dogs, intra-articular steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements. Our goal is to provide safe, long-term pain relief while improving your pet’s mobility and well-being.

Understanding Arthritis in Pets

What Causes Arthritis in Pets?

Arthritis in pets is most commonly caused by:

• Aging & Wear-and-Tear – Cartilage naturally breaks down over time.

• Joint Dysplasia – Hip or elbow dysplasia can lead to arthritis.

• Obesity – Extra weight increases strain on joints.

• Injuries & Surgeries – Previous trauma can trigger joint degeneration.

• Autoimmune Conditions – Conditions like immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) can contribute to arthritis.

Signs of Arthritis in Dogs & Cats

• Stiffness or difficulty getting up after resting.

• Limping or favoring a limb after exercise.

• Decreased activity or reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs.

• Irritability or behavioral changes due to chronic pain.

• Muscle loss or joint swelling in affected areas.

Early intervention is key to slowing arthritis progression and managing pain effectively.

Advanced Arthritis Pain Management for Pets

At Canton Animal Hospital, we tailor arthritis treatment plans to each pet’s needs. We use a combination of injectable pain relief, anti-inflammatory therapy, intra-articular injections, and lifestyle modifications to ensure optimal pain control.

Solensia® for Cats: The First FDA-Approved Arthritis Injection for Feline Osteoarthritis

• Solensia® is a monoclonal antibody therapy specifically designed for cats with osteoarthritis.

• Blocks Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a key pain signal in arthritis.

• Provides long-lasting pain relief for up to a month with a simple once-monthly injection.

• Ideal for older cats who cannot tolerate NSAIDs.

• Improves mobility, comfort, and overall well-being in arthritic cats.

Why Solensia®? Cats often hide pain, making arthritis difficult to detect. Solensia® provides a safe and effective way to relieve chronic pain without daily medications.

Librela® for Dogs: A Breakthrough Monthly Arthritis Injection

• Librela® is a monoclonal antibody therapy designed for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.

• Targets Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) to block arthritis pain at its source.

• Provides long-lasting relief with one injection per month.

• Safer than NSAIDs, reducing the risk of kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Helps dogs regain energy, mobility, and quality of life.

Why Librela®? Traditional NSAIDs can cause side effects, especially in senior dogs or those with kidney disease. Librela® provides a safe, long-term alternative that works naturally with the body.

Intra-Articular Injections for Severe Arthritis Cases

• Used for advanced arthritis or severe joint inflammation when other therapies are insufficient.

• Directly injected into the affected joint to provide targeted pain relief.

• Helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and stiffness for immediate improvement.

• Often Steroid Injections combined with hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication.

• Typically used for large dog breeds or pets that are not responsive to other treatments.

Intra-Articular Joint Injections

• Synovetin OA® for Dogs – A single intra-articular injection offering up to one year of pain relief by reducing joint inflammation at the source.

• Steroid Joint Injections – Direct anti-inflammatory relief for advanced arthritis, helping reduce swelling and discomfort in severely affected joints.

• Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Improves joint lubrication and mobility, especially for aging pets with severe osteoarthritis.

Why Consider Intra-Articular Injections? These injections are especially useful for pets that struggle with oral medications or need rapid relief from arthritis flare-ups.

Additional Supportive Therapies for Arthritis Management

To complement injectable treatments, we also recommend:

• Joint Supplements (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega-3s) – Supports joint health and mobility, slowing the progression of arthritis.

• Weight Management & Diet Planning – Reduces stress on joints, helping to manage chronic pain naturally.

• Physical Therapy & Low-Impact Exercise – Strengthens muscles around joints to enhance mobility and prevent further deterioration.

• Laser Therapy & Acupuncture – Non-invasive alternative pain relief options, proven to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in arthritic joints.

• Customized Home Care Plans – Recommendations on bedding, mobility aids, and environmental modifications to improve comfort and ease daily activities for arthritic pets.

Why Choose Canton Animal Hospital for Pain Management?

At Canton Animal Hospital, we take a comprehensive, science-based approach to pain relief.

• Advanced Injectable Therapies (Solensia®, Librela®, Intra-Articular Injections) – Cutting-edge pain relief tailored to cats and dogs with arthritis. Synovetin OA® for Dogs – A single intra-articular injection offering up to one year of pain relief by reducing joint inflammation at the source.

• Multi-Modal Pain Management – Combining monoclonal antibody therapy, joint supplements, and lifestyle adjustments for long-term relief.

• Compassionate, Experienced Team – Led by Dr. Dhaliwal, with 30+ years of experience in pain management.

• State-of-the-Art Veterinary Facility – Equipped with diagnostic imaging, laser therapy, and advanced pain control techniques.

• Personalized Treatment Plans – Every pet receives a customized approach based on their age, condition, and lifestyle.

Give Your Pet the Pain-Free Life They Deserve!