&‘PET? Painful Myths Dogs Howl About (NAPSA)—Don’t mistake your dog’s croon for howling at the moon; Fido could be hurting. In fact, more than eight million dogs suffer from osteoarthritis and, in 2002, veterinarians performed nearly 14 million painful surgeries on our fourlegged friends. Talk with your veterinarian about canine pain management and, in the meantime, educate yourself about the myths versus the realities of canine pain. Myth: Dogsfeel pain differently from humans. Fact: The nervous systems of dogs and humansare very similar. “Dogs feel pain just like people do. However, how we react to and communicate pain can be very different,” said Dr. Michael McFarland, a veterinarian and director of the Pfizer Animal Health Sedation and Pain Management Team. “When we hurt, we take action. Dogs rely on us to identify and relieve their pain.” Myth: Anesthesia and sedation are the sameaspainrelief. Fact: Anesthesia and sedation simply block a dog’s perception of pain. “When a dog wakes up from surgery without receiving pain medication, he will be in pain,” said McFarland. Myth: Dogs tolerate pain better than humans. Fact: For dogs, hiding pain is an instinct. In nature, a hurt animal is considered vulnerable. As a result, dogs hide their discomfort, even though they may bein significant distress. Myth: Dogs should feel pain after surgery. Fact: “It was once believed that dogs in pain after surgery are easier to keep still. In fact, the opposite is true,” said McFarland. “Dogs in pain will try to escape the discomfort, possibly re-injuring a wound or surgical area.” BOW Ow! OWNER PERCEPTIONS OF CANINE PAIN 93% treat their dog’s pain Beataoer aon 81%would spend more money Soetoro Rng ere poe tal Fareedfearesettstoin ‘Source: Proprietary market research. 2003. Dog owner ‘sample size: 818. Data on file, Pizer Animal Health A recent survey of more than 800 dog owners found man’s best friend really is part of the family when beingtreated for pain. Fortunately, veterinarians can now provide a new pain-management solution. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an injectable form of Rimadyl (carprofen), the most prescribed canine pain medication. Pet owners also now haveaccess to convenient takehomedosing of Rimadyl. For more canine pain management information, consult a veterinarianor call 1-800-720-DOGS. Safety Information As with other pain relievers in this class, signs of Rimadyl intolerance may include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate side effects involving the digestive tract, liver or kidneys. Someof these side effects, like those of other NSAID-class medications, may occur without warning and, in rare situations, may be serious, resulting in hospitalization or even death.In field use, the reported rate of all side effects for Rimadyl has been less than one percent. If signs of intolerance occur, discontinue Rimadyl therapy and contact your veterinarian. See the Important Information for Dog Owners section for the full prescribing information at www.rimadyl.com.
