For optimal results, both conventional and complementary therapies should be utilized along with close attention to weight management, exercise, diet and supplements. by Rob Butler DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT
Three key factors hen dealing with chronic pain, integrative pain management takes advantage of all the tools a veterinarian may have available. These encompass both conventional and alternative/complementary therapies to keep patients comfortable while improving or maintaining mobility and health. It is unlikely that a single modality, pharmaceutical or supplement can achieve this optimal state of comfort and health on its own. For integrative pain management to be most successful, each patient must be assessed individually based on his environment, lifestyle, level of fitness and health so that an appropriate treatment plan may be implemented. As veterinarians, I believe we do ourselves, as well as our clients and patients, a disservice if we fail to take the time to fully address each of these areas in order to formulate the best options for every individual animal. For many of us, this will be best accomplished by scheduling an appropriate time for a complete pain management assessment and consultation.
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integrative veterinary care
When dealing with chronic pain, most conventional as well as alternative focused practitioners will likely agree on the importance of the following:
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The need to achieve or maintain ideal body weight and condition. ppropriate activity levels to keep joints and tissues mobile A and maintain suitable muscle mass. properly balanced diet that includes supplements to A promote lean body weight while providing a source of high quality protein, antioxidants, a therapeutic level of Omega 3 fatty acids, and glycosaminoglycans.
Without an emphasis on the above three factors, optimal results are unlikely with additional treatment strategies. For obese pets, weight reduction may have the most significant effect on chronic pain by reducing the level of systemic inflammatory mediators and reducing the load on individual joints and associated tissues. I believe, therefore, that an integrative
