5232 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22205 | Mon-Th 7:30 – 7:30, Fri 7:30 – 5:30, Sat Closed, Sun Closed | (703) 528-2776

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5232 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22205 | Mon-Th 7:30 – 7:30, Fri 7:30 – 5:30, Sat Closed, Sun Closed | (703) 528-2776

Find UsBusiness HoursEmail Us

Pain Management

Pain Management

Compassionate Care Minimizes Suffering

Veterinary patients feel pain and discomfort under the same circumstances as people do. We know that recognizing and alleviating pain in animals is the essence of good patient care. In that sense, the only medical or surgical procedures that can be called a success are those that control pain.

At Ballston Animal Hospital, all pets undergoing surgery receive medication to control pain. Pain medications will be administered at the hospital and will be sent home with the pet.

Anytime you feel your pet is experiencing pain at home, either by injury, illness, or unknown origin, contact us at once. As an important member of the team, your observations may be our first indication that a bigger health problem is present. It is interesting to note that animals naturally hide their pain, probably to protect themselves from predators. To help you detect signs that your pet is suffering, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) gives us these five clues:

Clue 1
Abnormal chewing habits are often an indicator of mouth or dental problems.


Clue 2
Drastic weight gain or loss; any pain might cause this but it is often associated with arthritis or other joint pain.


Clue 3
Avoiding affection or handling due to pain from being held may be an indication of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease.


Clue 4
Decreased movement and exercise is usually an indicator of osteoarthritis or joint disease.


Clue 5
“Accidents;” urine or stool accidents may be indications of urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, or joint diseases.

Being aware of your pet’s habits can help you and your veterinarian assess and manage your pet’s pain.

Read more about this topic on the HealthyPet website.

Call us at 703-528-2776 to schedule an appointment for a surgical consultation or book a visit online.