Circle of Care: Amputation Pain Solutions & Home Recovery Insights for Amputee Pets & Their People

Course overview

Amputations are major surgeries that are painful not only intraoperatively, but can also be painful for a fairly long time post-operatively. The longer recovery time from pain is due to the large areas of soft tissue involvement at the surgery site and the severing of numerous, some fairly large, nerves. The latter initiates neuropathic pain, which can be difficult to control. If the amputation is done because of a painful lesion, the pre-existing pain will exacerbate the intra- and post-operative pain. Dr Grubb will discuss pre-, intra- and post-operative analgesic strategies. Attendees will learn about the most immediate concerns that pet parents have when their dog or cat has had a limb amputation. The goal is to encourage discussion before and after surgery, in order to facilitate a smoother recovery with less emotional burden on the pet parent as well as the veterinary team.