2015 AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines for dogs and cats

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Pain Management
• Companion Animal Health

Background:

• Advances in animal pain management necessitated an update to the 2007 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines.
• The 2015 Guidelines provide a comprehensive review of new knowledge in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To support veterinarians in integrating advanced pain management strategies into practice.
• To improve patient outcomes and quality of life for companion animals.
• To enhance the veterinarian-client-patient relationship through effective pain alleviation.

Main Methods:

• A continuum of care approach including anticipation, early intervention, and response evaluation.
• Team-oriented strategy involving owners for optimal pain recognition, prevention, and treatment.
• Inclusion of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management modalities.

Main Results:

• Behavioral changes are key indicators of pain and recovery, forming the basis for validated pain scores.
• Evidence-based strategies exist for mitigating post-surgical pain.
• Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a significant, under-diagnosed cause of chronic pain in cats and dogs, with established management protocols in dogs and emerging strategies for cats.

Conclusions:

• Effective pain management is crucial for veterinary practice, enhancing patient care and well-being.
• These guidelines empower veterinarians to implement improved pain management protocols.
• A proactive and individualized approach to pain management leads to better patient outcomes and quality of life.