Pain Management in Prescott, AZ

Pain management is the targeted, ongoing work of recognizing, measuring, and treating pain in pets. Modern veterinary medicine treats pain as a vital sign. We design pain control plans for surgery recovery, chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, cancer pain, and the everyday discomfort that builds up as pets age. Dr. Bason has a particular interest in geriatric care.

Conditions we treat

• Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common chronic pain condition in dogs and cats
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and chronic back pain
• Cruciate ligament injuries (pre- and post-surgical)
• Post-operative recovery from any surgical procedure
• Cancer pain and palliative care
• Soft tissue injuries and chronic wound pain
• Dental pain (always managed at the source with dental treatment)
• Feline chronic pain, which is widely under-recognized

What "multimodal" means

Pain travels through multiple pathways in the nervous system. A single medication can interrupt one pathway, but several complementary medications working together produce better pain relief at lower individual doses, with fewer side effects. A typical chronic pain plan combines two or more of:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as carprofen, meloxicam, or grapiprant
• Anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibody injections (Librela for dogs, Solensia for cats), given monthly
• Gabapentin for neuropathic and chronic pain
• Adjunct medications such as amantadine for refractory cases
• Joint supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin)
• Prescription joint diets
• Weight management (often the single highest-impact intervention)
• Activity modification and environmental changes

Recognizing pain in dogs and cats

Pets do not generally cry or vocalize when they are in pain. They show it in subtler ways: reluctance to jump, slowness on stairs, stiffness after rest, decreased grooming in cats, irritability with handling, decreased appetite, restlessness at night, or simply "slowing down." Owners often interpret these changes as normal aging. Many of them are pain that responds to treatment.

Signs of chronic pain to watch for

• Slower to rise from rest, especially first thing in the morning
• Reluctance to jump on the couch, into the car, or up the stairs
• Shorter walks or slower pace
• Difficulty getting comfortable, restlessness, or pacing at night
• Changes in sleeping position (cats often start sleeping in odd places to avoid jumping)
• Decreased grooming or matting in cats
• Decreased appetite or slow eating
• Irritability, withdrawal, or new aggression with handling
• Subtle limping or a shift in the way they stand or sit

What to expect at a pain management visit

A pain visit usually starts with a detailed history (when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, what medications you have tried) and a careful orthopedic and neurologic exam. We may take X-rays to identify joint disease, run bloodwork to confirm organs can safely process medications, and walk through a multimodal plan with you. Most owners see meaningful improvement within two to four weeks. We schedule rechecks every three to six months to fine-tune the plan as conditions evolve.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my older pet is in pain?

Look for changes in mobility, posture, and behavior rather than vocalizations. Slow rises, reluctance on stairs, shorter walks, stiffness after rest, decreased grooming in cats, irritability with handling, and changes in sleep are all common signs. If you are unsure, our team can run a structured pain-scoring assessment during a visit.

Are NSAIDs safe for dogs and cats long-term?

Properly chosen and monitored, yes. We confirm kidney and liver function with bloodwork before starting and recheck every six to twelve months on long-term therapy. Cats have fewer NSAID options than dogs, but newer agents like meloxicam in low doses, and the monthly Solensia injection, give us safe long-term tools for feline arthritis.

What is Librela / Solensia and is it right for my pet?

Librela (dogs) and Solensia (cats) are monthly subcutaneous injections of an anti-NGF monoclonal antibody. They reduce arthritis pain without going through the liver or kidneys, which makes them especially useful for older pets or pets that cannot tolerate NSAIDs. They are not a fit for every patient. We will walk through the right combination at your visit.

Can I give my pet over-the-counter pain medications?

Please do not. Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and most human pain medications are toxic to dogs, cats, or both, sometimes in tiny doses. Acetaminophen in particular can be lethal to cats. If your pet seems painful, call us first. We will get you something effective and safe.

Does weight loss really help arthritis?

Yes, often more than any single medication. A study of overweight Labradors found that lean-fed dogs lived almost two years longer and had dramatically less arthritis. Even a 10 percent reduction in body weight produces measurable improvement in mobility. We can build a weight-loss plan alongside the pain plan.

What about physical therapy, laser, or acupuncture?

These adjunct therapies have a real role in chronic pain management. We can refer you to local rehabilitation and acupuncture providers when those modalities are a fit. They typically work best alongside medication, not as a replacement.

Related services: Preventative Care, Internal Medicine & Diagnostics, End of Life Care & Euthanasia.

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Bason, DVM. Last reviewed May 1, 2026.