Slowing down doesn’t have to be part of getting older!

1. Slowing down doesn’t have to be part of getting older! • Jessica Rychel, BS • Fourth Year Veterinary Student • CCRP (pending), CVA (pending)

2. Pets Feel Pain Too • Animals may develop painful conditions as they age, such as arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, dental disease, etc. • Pets are programmed to hide their pain • We may notice our pets slowing down and assume it is part of a natural aging process • Often they are suffering from a treatable problem, and they don’t need to slow down so much, so early

3. Assessing Pain • Pain can be difficult to recognize, but you are their best advocate! • Watch for: • Changes in appetite • Changes in behavior, withdrawal or aggression • Less playing or decreased activity • Change in posture or limping • Crying or panting • Difficulty urinating or defecating

4. If you think your Frenchie is painful… • Call a specialty pain practice or a veterinarian your trust: • Discuss the cause for your pet’s pain and the options for treatment • Advocate for treatment of your pet’s pain

5. Pain Management • Get a grip on pain: • 1. Treat any underlying causes • 2. Pain medications are usually an essential first step to getting pain under control • 3. Make modifications in your Frenchie’s lifestyle- home modifications, exercise routine, etc. • 4. Pursue alternative therapies such as acupuncture and physical rehabilitation

6. Pain Medications NSAID= Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Gabapentin: decreases activity of pain receptors Tramadol & other opioids (morphine, Buprenex, fentanyl) Amantadine: prevents chronic pain receptors from turning on & causing pain

7. Supplements Adequan: replaces molecules in joints to decrease pain and improve joint function (injectable supplement) Fish oil: decreases inflammation Dasuquin: GAGs (molecule in joint fluid) and Avacado-Soybean-Unsaponofiables (ASU) decrease pain and inflammation

8. Home Modifications www.ohmydogsupplies.com Raise food & water bowls to elbow height to decrease strain on neck & front legs

9. Home Modifications www.jcp.com www.jcp.com Put rugs down on hardwood surfaces to give your dogs better footing around the house

10. Home Modifications Orthopedic dog beds (with or without gentle heat) will help keep your Frenchie comfortable, less stiff and less painful while they rest

11. Home Exercise Program Your Frenchie should get REGULAR, MODERATE exercise! Don’t do too much, and don’t assume your Frenchie doesn’t want any exercise just because they’re slowing down!

12. Acupuncture • Find a veterinarian who is also certified in acupuncture (CVA) • Usually a pleasant experience for most dogs • Commit to at least 3 sessions to get a sense of whether acupuncture is right for your Frenchie

13. Acupuncture

14. Acupuncture • Can be useful for MANY conditions: • Neurologic conditions • Arthritis • Post-surgical pain • Chronic disease, wounds or pain • Lick granuloma • Cancer • Gastrointestinal disorders • BUT REMEMBER- Acupuncture should never substitute for regular veterinary care, diagnostics and medications

15. Physical Rehabilitation • Physical Therapy for dogs and cats • An essential part of post-operative care for humans, so why not dogs too? • Keeps aging dogs fit and less painful • Cardiovascular fitness • Weight loss • Young dogs with growth defects or malformations such as elbow & hip dysplasia

16. Physical Rehabilitation • Balance exercises can be used to regain strength after injury or prevent future injury

17. Physical Rehabilitation • Low Level Laser decreases pain and promotes wound healing

18. Physical Rehabilitation • Walking in Underwater Treadmill is good for pain, limb function, neurologic conditions • Decreases pressure on joints or injuries • Lengthens stride to improve gait

19. Pet Pain Resources • www.healthypet.com American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) • Look for AAHA certified hospitals for the best standard of care and pain management • Use this website for a comprehensive library of pet owner educational items • www.ivapm.org International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) • Excellent video and other resources to help you learn to assess your dog for pain • www.rimadyl.com Pfizer’s website for Rimadyl • Comprehensive information to help you understand canine arthritis

20. Pain Practices on Front Range • The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management • Robin Downing, DVM, CCRP, CVA, DAAPM • 415 Main Street • Windsor, CO 80550 • 1-888-OUCH-NOT • http://the.downingcenter.com • Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including acupuncture, massage and physical rehabilitation • Colorado Pet Rehabiliation • James Gaynor, DVM, MS, DAAVA, DAAPM • Kim Spelts BS, CVT (anesthesia specialty), CCMT, CCRP • 5520 N Nevada Ave Suite 150 • Colorado Springs, CO 80918 • 1-719-266-6400 • www.colosadopetrehabiliation.com • Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including physical rehabilitation and massage • Colorado State University Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine • Narda Robinson DO, DVM, MA, FAAMA • Bonnie Wright DVM, DACVA • 300 West Drake Road • Fort Collins, CO 80523 • 1-970-297-4477 • http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain • Offers comprehensive pain assessment & management, including acupuncture and massage • Look for veterinarians who are certified in acupuncture (CVA) or physical rehabilitation (CCRP). Human physical therapists can also become certified in canine rehabilitation, but be sure they work closely with a trust-worthy veterinarian and that they have sufficient experience/patience when handling dogs