by Natalie Diamanti, DVM, CVA.
As a mixed-animal integrative medicine veterinarian, I’ve observed that pain is a common denominator among all my patients. Our patients may not be able to tell us they are in pain but by observing their normal behaviors we can become more aware of subtle changes when something is not right. How a dog, cat or horse shows us they are in pain will be different for each individual patient.
Recognizing Pain in Animals
Just like people, animals have different pain tolerances. Age, environment and past experiences can also play a role in an animal’s response to pain. Some common signs of pain include:
- Elevated heart and respiratory rates
- Behavioral changes
- Altered ear position
- Sweating (in horses)
- Panting (in small animals)
- Lameness or changes in movement
- Restlessness
- Colic signs in horses (pacing, rolling, pawing, kicking, or looking at their sides)
The Challenge of Pain Management
Pain management is something almost every veterinarian must navigate daily in their practice. Pain can manifest due to a variety of issues, from neurologic to orthopedic. It can be acute in onset or chronic in nature. The intensity can be mild, moderate or severe, with the latter two being more easily detectable. Diagnosing the cause of the pain and effectively treating and resolving the issue can sometimes be a challenge due to cost, compliance from both animal and owner, and severity of the issue. The most efficacious way to treat pain is through a multimodal approach.
Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) Therapy: A Non-Pharmaceutical Option
One modality I recommend to every pet owner, especially for patients who cannot tolerate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, is targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) therapy.
The Assisi Loop, a tPEMF device, offers a non-steroidal, non-invasive, safe and effective option for reducing inflammation, controlling pain and speeding healing. This clinically proven technology, similar to bone growth stimulators used in human medicine since the 1970’s, delivers targeted microcurrents to damaged tissue. This electromagnetic signal stimulates cell repair by increasing the production of naturally occurring nitrous oxide (NO) produced by the body.
Applications of tPEMF Therapy
Assisi Loop tPEMF therapy can be beneficial in a wide range of conditions, including:
- Post surgical care
- Wound care
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendon injuries
- Bone and joint injuries
- Spinal and nerve disorders
- Laminitis (in horses)
Treatment Protocol Example
For a patient with chronic arthritis in their left hip, I might combine acupuncture with a 15-minute session on the Assisi Loop Lounge for enhanced anti-inflammatory and pain control benefits. I then recommend that owners purchase a 20cm manual Assisi Loop device for home use, typically 3-4 times daily for 7-10 days, gradually reducing frequency as improvement occurs.
The Assisi Loop Lounge is an excellent option for patients with multiple areas of concern, allowing for full-body or multi-body part treatment. Its rechargeable battery pack makes it a cost-effective choice for long-term use or households with multiple pets.
The Clinical Use Guide, available to veterinarians, will tailor a treatment protocol specific to an animal’s condition. The treatments can then be initiated and delivered by the owner and with guidance of a veterinarian, pharmaceuticals may be reduced or eliminated after a certain duration of time.
A Comprehensive Approach to Pain Management
While tPEMF therapy is a valuable tool, it’s important to remember that pain management often requires a multimodal and team approach. Other options may include:
- Pharmaceuticals (NSAIDS, steroids, opioids)
- Shock Wave Therapy
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Rehabilitation exercises
By combining these various approaches, we can help reduce inflammation and pain in our patients, allowing them to recover faster, move better, and lead more comfortable lives.
As veterinary professionals, it’s crucial that we stay informed about the latest advancements in pain management techniques and technologies. By doing so, we can provide the best possible care for our patients and improve their quality of life.
