Last updated 1 year ago
As pets reach old age – which really isn’t all that old by human standards - they face many of the same problems and wellness issues that humans do. From arthritis to old injuries, there are a variety of degenerative conditions that can cause older pets to experience chronic back pain. But unlike humans, our animal friends cannot communicate to us the exact nature of their suffering. While only a caring and professional vet will be able to know for sure, it’s up to you as a responsible pet owner to know the signs and symptoms that indicate your pet might suffer from back pain.
Physical Symptoms
Look for physical symptoms on or around your pet’s spine. This can manifest in muscle spasms or hypersensitivity to touch along your pet’s back. Check also for obvious spinal misalignments, such as unusual curves or a rump that the pet keeps unusually tucked. If softly touching your pet’s back results in obvious pain or if your pet has a fever, it might be time to head for a veterinary practice.
Locomotive Symptoms
Another way to tell if your pet is suffering from back pain is to look for changes in the way he or she moves. This might be seen as a change in your pet’s posture or as apparent difficulties moving the neck or arching the back. Also look for problems turning or raising the head or a limited use of the legs.
Behavioral Symptoms
Like in people, your pet’s chronic back pain can result in behavioral changes. This might appear in the form of general weakness or laziness, balance and coordination issues, unexplained aggressive behavior, a reduced appetite, or excessive moaning and crying.
If your pet shows any of these signs and symptoms, take them into a qualified veterinary practice. For residents of the north Dallas area, bring your pets to Chastain Veterinary Medical Group. Our licensed veterinarians use state-of-the-art technology, such as laser therapy, to reduce your pet’s pain. For more information, please call either Preston Road Animal Hospital in north Dallas at 877-296-5995 or call Meadow Brook Animal Hospital in McKinney at 972-439-1344.
Last updated 1 year ago
For all of us kite flyers, sailing enthusiasts, allergy suffers, and those of us with pets afflicted with inhalant allergies, here is an amazing website that displays an almost hypnotic graphical representation of surface winds in the continental US: the Wind Map (http://hint.fm/wind/). Enjoy.
Links
Wind Map
Last updated 1 year ago
Clean under eyes twice a day with cotton balls soaked in warm water (use one per eye). This can keep tears from causing the stain that often occurs with white-furred dogs.
Last updated 1 year ago
Does your cat or dog suffer from chronic neck pain? Are you concerned about keeping your pet safe during the cold season? These online resources feature information on modern laser therapy techniques and pet safety that every pet owner should be aware of.
- Could laser therapy help pets with arthritis? According to this article from ABC News, the procedure is becoming increasingly popular among veterinarians and pet owners.
- This study from The Lancet investigated how effective low-level laser therapy is in treating various levels of neck pain.
- This 2011 paper focused on how laser treatments affect nerves in mammals.
- Is winter really on the way out? The ASPCA offers some essential cold weather guidelines for pet owners.
- The Humane Society of the United States provides some additional tips for keeping a pet warm and safe when the temperature starts to fall.
- Click here for more information about Laser Therapy, client testimonials, and demonstration videos!
For more information about laser therapy and other important veterinary approaches, call Preston Road Animal Hospital at (877) 296-5995 or Meadow Brook Animal Hospital at (972) 439-1344.
Last updated 1 year ago
As a reminder: we have extended our Doctors Hours for Examination and Treatment, in order to better accommodate the needs of our clients and their pets. Beginning in March, 2012, we will have a veterinarian available and on duty at both Meadow Brook Animal Hospital (McKinney) and Preston Road Animal Hospital (north Dallas) from 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays. All other regular services such as medication refills, pet food sales, boarding pet check in / check out, and so on will still be available at both locations on Sundays, just as usual.
Traffic is typically less daunting on Sundays, as are work and family related deadlines. So, if a Sunday appointment would work better for you, we invite you to give it a try.
To make an appointment, please call 972-529-5033 (Meadow Brook in McKinney) or 972-239-1309 (Preston Road in north Dallas) – or login at http://www.chastainvets.info/appt_nav.php.
