Veterinary Pain Management

Catalog description

This elective course will focus on an understanding of pain pathways and modalities for providing analgesia, as well as pain assessment, in a variety of species, including dogs, cats, horses, farm animals, and exotic animals. The student will review and deepen their understanding of the pathophysiology and neuroanatomy of nociception, pain pharmacology, and non-pharmaceutical analgesic modalities that are critical in providing appropriate and effective pain management in clinical settings. Pharmaceutical analgesic modalities covered will include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, local anesthetics, gabapentinoides, and locoregional anesthesia techniques. Non-pharmaceutical analgesic modalities will include physical rehabilitation, low-level laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and underwater treadmill. Students will also gain an understanding of species-specific differences in assessment and treatment of pain. Prerequisites None