Pet pain relief
The innovative pain clinic provides individual management plans and treatment for dogs and cats suffering from chronic pain related to conditions such as osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain.
James Hunt is one of the UK’s leading vets in the management of painful conditions in dogs and cats. For over 25 years working as a vet, pain management has been his primary interest, and he has undertaken additional training and recognition in anaesthesia, and acute and chronic pain management. Pet Pain Relief was established in 2022, initially providing care to pets in their own homes. Securing the Dulverton premises has enabled us to expand our range of services beyond those currently available from any other centres in Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, including musculoskeletal ultrasound, and joint and nerve injections.
Vet visits can cause anxiety in both pets and their owners, triggering the release of adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones not only prepare animals for fight or flight but can also mask pain, making it harder for us to accurately assess their condition. That’s why at Pet Pain Relief, we prioritise reducing stress during visits. Our clinic features Floors for paws Pawsafe non-slip commercial flooring throughout, we use unscented cleaning products wherever possible, and our padded examination mat is placed on the floor to avoid lifting dogs onto the table. We have a great selection of treats! For pets with vet-related phobias, we’re happy to discuss calming products or prescription medications before the appointment to ensure a more relaxed experience. For more details about the importance of non-slip flooring this is a useful article https://www.floorsforpaws.com/dog-slipping-on-floor/
In-person consultations deliver a holistic assessment of pain – considering previous history and investigations, a thorough assessment of the pet and their lifestyle enables an accurate picture of the types of pain and its impacts, allowing rational re-evaluation and prescription of analgesic medications or recommendations for other treatment modalities.
An online review can highlight potential additional treatment options to discuss with your primary vet, a report is always provided so that your vet is fully informed.
Physical therapies, including acupuncture and laser, can target different aspects of the pain pathway, working synergistically with medication. Although some red light treatments are available directly to pet owners, they are unlikely to penetrate the skin surface, therefore laser light is recommended for treating muscle and fascia problems.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive way of looking at the structure of soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. In some cases, dogs and cats can undergo ultrasound imaging while conscious, but to fully examine deeper structures sedation may be recommended. Our clinic employs comprehensive patient monitoring to minimise any risk associated with sedation.
Delivering medications close to peripheral nerves can manage pain in specific areas. James has undergone additional training to use electrolocation and ultrasound to specifically and safely reach the target nerves. In successful cases, prolonged pain relief can result from a single injection performed under a short sedation.
Low back pain related to disc degeneration can respond to epidural injections performed under a short anaesthetic. James has undergone additional training to perform epidural injections.
Injections of anti-inflammatories, hydrogel cushioning compounds, platelet-rich plasma, and stem cells can provide effective relief from joint pain and minimise the need for systemic medications. James has undergone additional training to perform intra-articular treatments.
01398 630030
41 High Street, Dulverton TA22 9DW
