September is Animal Pain Awareness Month

While we are different species, we all process and feel pain similarly. As advances in modern medicine have increased our lifespan, our animal family members are also reaping the benefits of advances in modern veterinary medicine. More of our beloved pets are undergoing elective surgical procedures to treat a variety of disease processes, from a torn cruciate ligament to extractions of infected teeth.

Pain management has become an important specialty area in veterinary medicine just as it has in human medicine. You want the best for your family members and that includes top-of-the-line treatments for pain management.

Because their pain is our pain

It was once thought that animals did not experience pain in the same way people do. But research supports that if a procedure is thought to be painful to us, it will also be painful to our furry friends as well, even though they may go to great lengths to hide it from us. So proper pain management must be offered to all of our patients.

What you can do

1. Ask our veterinary team about the customized steps we will take to manage your pet’s pain.
2. Talk to our veterinary team about common signs of osteoarthritis pain in senior pets, such as reluctance to go up or down stairs, being slow to rise after sleeping and loss of interest in playing, running or jumping.
3. Request a pain consultation for your pet. Lange Animal Clinic veterinarians offer tailored pain management protocols for patients at risk for chronic pain such as osteoarthritis.
4. Ask about rehabilitation options and other steps to manage any chronic pain your pet experiences.

Pain management is an important aspect of any surgical or medical procedure.  Together with our veterinary team, you can make your pets as comfortable as possible in the postoperative period or into their senior years.

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For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.  

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FDA Warns Popular Topical Pain Medication Toxic to Pets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning that topical pain medications containing flurbiprofen are dangerous to animals, even in tiny amounts. The warning was the result of several reports of household pets becoming ill or dying after the guardians used flurbiprofen topical pain relief formulations.

Flurbiprofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, joint pain, muscular discomfort and other aches. It was originally marketed as Ansaid® (Pfizer), then Froben® (Abbott), and is now widely available in generic form. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), and other NSAIDs. Flurbiprofen is commonly added to pain relieving creams and lotions, and that may be how pets, especially cats, are being accidentally poisoned.

Pets and medications

Cats seem particularly sensitive to NSAIDs such as flurbiprofen. For years veterinarians have warned cat owners to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen) and never give your dog or cat aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs without consulting with your veterinarian first. Add flurbiprofen to that No-Try List.

What prompted this warning?

The FDA revealed that the guardian of two cats sickened by flurbiprofen had recently used a pain-relieving cream on the neck and feet. The guardian did not recall the two cats eating, licking or otherwise directly contacting the cream. These two cats developed kidney failure and fortunately recovered with veterinary care.

Another household had three cats that became sick and died, despite aggressive veterinary care. The guardian had also used a flurbiprofen-containing product prior to the cats developing clinical signs. All three cats eventually died and had necropsies performed, confirming NSAID toxicity.

Clinical signs of flurbiprofen and NSAID toxicity are severe and abrupt. Many cats will progress to critical condition within 24 to 72 hours of NSAID exposure. Dogs may also be affected by flurbiprofen and NSAIDs, although they appear to be less sensitive to developing life-threatening toxicity.

What are the signs of NSAID poisoning?

Clinical Signs of Flurbiprofen and NSAID Toxicity in Cats and Dogs include:

• Decreased appetite and reluctance to eat
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Blood in stool
• Melena (black, tarry stools)
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Increased thirst or urination

How can you protect your pet?

Lange Animal Clinic veterinarians in Pekin, IL urge the that if you use a topical pain relief product, it’s critical to keep these medications away from your dog or cat. If you apply a topical cream or lotion, avoid touching your pet for several hours and only after thoroughly washing. Be careful contacting couches, chairs and bedding with these preparations. Curious cats and dogs may lick residues and become poisoned. Cats may be affected by tiny amounts of flurbiprofen and there may be risk of continued exposure to tiny amounts over several days or weeks.

Our veterinarians have been seeing an increase in inadvertent poisonings from topical medications over the past several years. Hormone and testosterone gels, cancer medications, nicotine patches, topical steroids and pain treatments have all been reported to cause accidental toxicity in pets. This latest FDA warning reminds us that as we seek convenience and relief for ourselves, there may be unintended consequences for our pets. Treat your pain, but remember even our most seemingly safe medications may be deadly to our furry family members.

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For over 45 years, Lange Animal Clinic has provided veterinary services in Pekin, IL and the surrounding areas for over three family generations. Our expert staff of Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants are trained to ensure the best quality medical care for your beloved pets-whether it be as a routine medical examination to more complicated surgical procedures. We are a small companion animal clinic providing services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets.

Dr. Colleen O’Rourke, owner and senior Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, takes great pride in making certain that every patient’s experience is handled with the utmost care, compassion, and economically in the best interests of our clients. Visit us at www.langeanimal.com.  

About Us 
Our Services
Setup an Appointment