what is an essential part of every patient evaluation, regardless of the
presenting complaint
pain assessment
pain assessment is referred to as _______ by many clinicians
fourth vital sign
why is pain assessment considered a special challenge in vet medicine
because patients are unable to verbally express their pain
what are some signs of pain in canines
vocalizing, ceasing to eat, self-mutilating at the source of pain
what are some signs of pain in felines
retreating, like to hide and suffer silently
what are some signs of pain in equines
rolling, stomping, kicking, biting at the source of pain
why is it important to assess the cause of pain in equines
because they can mimic the signs of colic when in pain, need to find the
problem
what are some signs of pain in ruminants
they can appear unthrifty and will separate themselves form the heard
what are some signs of pain in reptiles
they will get as far away from their heat lamp as possible and will change color
, what are some signs of pain in rabbits
self-mutilation, pulling out their hair
what are some signs of pain in birds
plucking their wing feathers
what makes it difficult to read pain responses
because animals can have different tolerances, making some of them difficult
to read
what are (7) signs seen in a typical pain response
1) increased or abnormal respirations
2) self mutilation
3) change in personality
4) decreased activity / reluctant to move
5) change in posture / stance
6) weight loss / dehydration
7) vocalization
what category is the first line agents for treatment of acute pain
opioids
opioids are the best for what type of pain
"true pain"
how can opioids be used for pain management
on their own or in combination with other agents
what can be a "negative" when treating animals in the clinic
the animals can get upset and stressed out on top of being in pain
what should be monitored when prescribing a pt. opioids