Managing Your Pet’s Chronic Pain with Holistic and Medical Care

Chronic Pain in Pets: How Holistic and Medical Care Work Together

Santa Monica Veterinary Group | Santa Monica, California

A dog who hesitates before jumping on the couch or a cat who avoids a favorite perch may be telling you more than, “I’m just getting older.” Subtle changes like these often point to chronic pain- discomfort that builds slowly and affects every part of daily life.

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we believe pets should never have to accept pain as normal. By combining trusted medical treatments with holistic therapies, we can relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and help families feel confident they’re supporting their pet’s health.

What Is Chronic Pain in Pets?

Unlike a sudden injury that heals quickly, chronic pain lasts for months or years. It often develops gradually, which makes it harder to spot. Because dogs and cats instinctively hide weakness, families may not notice until their pet avoids stairs, refuses to play, or changes daily habits.

Left untreated, chronic pain can weaken muscles, stiffen joints, and alter your pet’s personality. Addressing it early improves long-term comfort and helps pets stay active.

There are a huge number of common conditions that cause pain, such arthritis, cancer, dental disease, and lingering injuries. Routine wellness exams can help find these problems before they cause your pet significant pain.

Recognizing the Signs of Pain

Pain is often subtle, especially in cats. Some clues to watch for include:

• Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to climb stairs
• Sleeping more than usual or hiding away
• Licking, chewing, or over-grooming one spot
• Flinching, growling, or snapping when touched
• Eating less or showing less interest in toys

Resources such as Mobility Matters guide from AAHA explain in depth how mobility changes reveal discomfort. For cats in particular, facial expressions can be powerful indicators of discomfort. The Feline Grimace Scale provides a science-backed way to assess ear position, whiskers, and eye shape to gauge pain. This helps owners and veterinarians catch subtle suffering earlier.

Why Early Care Matters

Chronic pain does more than cause discomfort. Over time, it can trigger muscle atrophy, joint deterioration, and behavioral issues like anxiety or aggression. Some pets even develop chronic pain syndrome, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive.

Early treatment prevents long-term complications and helps pets continue to move, play, and bond with their families.

How Santa Monica Veterinary Group Identifies Painful Conditions

A comprehensive diagnosis is the first step toward relief. Our services include:

• Physical exams to evaluate posture, mobility, and joint tenderness
• Digital radiographs for bones, joints, and dental structures
• Abdominal ultrasounds to detect internal causes of pain such as stones or tumors
• Echocardiograms to assess heart-related discomfort
• Endoscopy for minimally invasive evaluation of GI or respiratory issues
• Full in-house blood work for systemic conditions that worsen pain

We also recommend bringing videos of how your pet moves at home, since clinic visits may not show the full picture. The adrenaline rush of a car ride and clinic visit can often cover pain symptoms in your pet. Don’t worry- if your pet was limping at home but isn’t at our appointment, we believe you.

Treatment Options: Blending Medical and Holistic Care

Every pet is unique. At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, we create multimodal plans that balance proven medications with complementary therapies.

Medical Treatments

• NSAIDs and other analgesics reduce inflammation safely. Learn about drugs used to relieve pain in pets.
• Adjunctive medications like gabapentin or amantadine help nerve pain.
• New biologic therapies such as Solensia (for cats with arthritis) and Librela (for dogs with arthritis) target pain at the nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway. These monthly injections are the first of their kind and can dramatically improve quality of life for aging pets without the risks of daily oral medications.
• Surgery may be needed for advanced orthopedic conditions, tumors, or dental disease.

Holistic Therapies

• Acupuncture improves circulation and releases endorphins.
• Laser therapy and our in-house cold laser sessions ease inflammation and promote healing.
• Massage therapy, when guided by a veterinarian, supports relaxation and mobility
• Veterinary physical rehabilitation uses stretching, hydrotherapy, and strengthening exercises to restore mobility.

The Role of TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine)

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has been practiced for thousands of years and focuses on balancing energy, supporting organ systems, and treating the root causes of disease. Techniques include acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na (a form of medical massage).

At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, Dr. Susan Bohrer, DVM, CVA, CVFT, leads our TCVM program. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture, and is an expert in herbal medicine, Tui-na, and food therapy. Holistic therapies like TCVM complement conventional medicine, offering a broader spectrum of support- especially for pets with arthritis, long-term mobility issues, or conditions that don’t fully respond to standard medications.

Supporting Comfort at Home

Small changes at home can make a big difference:

• Provide orthopedic bedding and warm, quiet spaces
• Use ramps and stairs to reduce strain and prevent jumping on beds, couches, and in cars
• Encourage gentle, frequent exercise rather than long sessions
• Keep weight under control to reduce stress on joints
• Explore assistive devices for pets with arthritis such as slings, carts, or orthotic braces
• Modify the home environment- guides like arthritis-friendly home adjustments for dogs and cat home modifications outline effective steps

Consistency at home extends the benefits of both medical and holistic therapies.

Urgent Pain Relief When You Need It

Chronic pain sometimes flares into acute crises. Santa Monica Veterinary Group provides urgent care during open hours for pets experiencing sudden lameness, severe discomfort, or post-surgical complications. Same-day evaluations mean your pet doesn’t have to wait to feel better. For after-hours needs, we guide clients to trusted local ER hospitals.

FAQs

Can chronic pain be cured?
 Sometimes, but more often it’s managed to provide comfort and maintain mobility.

Is it safe to give pets human pain medications?
 No. Drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are toxic to some pets. Always consult your veterinarian first. Ibuprofen can cause kidney damage to dogs, and a single tylenol can be fatal to a cat.

How do I know if treatment is working?
 Keep a log of appetite, sleep, activity, and mood. Even subtle improvements are meaningful.

Your Partner in Pet Comfort

Chronic pain doesn’t have to define your pet’s life. With modern medicine, holistic therapies, and thoughtful home adjustments, we can relieve discomfort and restore joy.

If you notice subtle changes in mobility, mood, or appetite, don’t wait. Call Santa Monica Veterinary Group at (310) 828-4587 or contact us online. Our experienced team– including Dr. Susan Bohrer and her TCVM expertise- is ready to create a personalized plan that blends advanced technology with compassionate care.