Overview of Pain Assessment and Management in Animals

BySandra Allweiler, DVM, DACVAA, Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University
Reviewed/Revised Mar 2023

    Pain delays recovery, negatively impacts patient well-being, and can affect the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Although pain was previously a neglected area, it is now well recognized in veterinary medicine that providing optimal patient care includes management of pain. Optimal management of pain continues to evolve quite rapidly, including due to vastly improved comprehensive anesthesia care as well as the introduction of validated pain scales.

    quizzes_lightbulb_red
    Test your Knowledge nowTake a Quiz!
    Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID
    Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID
    Download the free Merck Vet Manual App iOS ANDROID