Service of pain management in veterinary Medicine and its impact in cronic pain management in dogs and cats

Abstract

Chronic pain decreases the health-related quality of life, resulting in negative repercussions in the organism and in the misbalance of the injured animal's homeostasis and behavior. Inflammatory processes can lead to chronic pain and because the consequence of the mistreated acute pain is one of the most important causes of chronic pain, a high level of importance is established on its correct treatment. It is important to establish a protocol that includes the pharmacological and non-pharmacological administrations most indicated to each case individually, according to its own characteristics. Another essential aspect for pain management and its success is the analysis and observation of the evolution of the process, a necessary tool to determine the right prognostic and the measures to be taken. To fulfill these purposes, it is necessary the following the chronic pain patient through a specialized service, besides the general care dedicated to the animal's health. This study intends to demonstrate how the Pain and Palliative Care Service (ADCP) of the Surgery Department of the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMVZ USP) positively interfere with the health-related quality of life of the patient, decreasing the negative aspects and helping the pain management. (AU)