Managing pain in companion animals can be challenging. Understanding the mechanism of pathologic pain and recognizing the behaviour or body language of animals experiencing pain is the basis of the management of pain. In this 2-CD program, animation is used to illustrate the mechanism of pain, and videos of original cases displaying behaviours associated with varying degrees of pain, dysphoria, and pain-free states are presented with audio description. Other causes of discomfort are included with suggested management. The origin of pain and it’s consequences are presented and the importance of preventing this are highlighted.
There are many analgesic drugs and modalities available to manage pain. The various classes of analgesics (opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, local anesthetics, adjunctive analgesics) and modalities (epidural placement of drugs and catheter, several local anesthetic procedures, multi-modal analgesia) are presented in this program with movies and audio instructions.
Management of surgical, medical and traumatic pain in cats, dogs, birds, small rodents and reptiles, for adults, pediatrics, pregnant, and nursing animals is demonstrated. Home management and chronic pain management suggestions are also offered.
There are 91 sections presenting the above topics; within each there is a ‘discussion’ document where additional information is presented in web page format. Quick links to information within the discussion document facilitates easy access to drug dosages, indications, contraindications, methods, etc.
The two CDs encompass a minimum of eighteen hours of continuing education and serve as a reference modality for day-to-day practice of pain management. The presentation is designed to facilitate learning at a pace controlled by the reader utilizing visual, audio and ‘hard copy’ media. The material covered is relevant to veterinary students, practitioners and caregivers managing clinical cases, and researchers in the laboratory setting.
The cost of the program is $199.00 (US).
