Recognising pain in cats can be challenging, especially in a veterinary clinic where cats may be distressed due to being away from their home environment and the presence of novel sights, sounds, and smells. In the lecture we will cover what pain is, the different types of pain cats may experience, and why pain assessment is so important in order for feline patients to recover as quickly as possible from illness and injury and with minimal stress.
We will discuss the needs of feline patients and how subtle changes in their facial expressions, body language, postures, and behaviours can be an indication of pain. We will also go over the importance of the veterinary nurse's role in using validated pain scoring systems to assess and manage pain in feline patients, as well as how we can educate cat caregivers about the signs of feline pain to ensure their cat's welfare is maintained.
- Describe what pain is and the different types of pain
- Recognise why cats are masters in disguise when it comes to hiding pain
- Determine the subtle signs if pain in cats
- Demonstrate how to use validated pain scoring systems – what’s the latest?
- Recognise the benefits of working with cat owners/caregivers to assess their cat’s pain
Nursing
Presented by Alexandra Taylor, BVNA Senior Vice President - BVNA
Presented at BVA Live 2023
BVNA Nursing Theatre
Thursday, 11 May, 09:00-09:50
Please note this session is not RACE-approved but you can still earn a CPD certificate