When your pet starts to slow down, stops jumping onto the couch, or winces when touched, it’s hard not to feel concerned. Chronic pain, whether from injury, joint issues, or internal conditions, can sneak up on our animals and gradually take away their quality of life. At Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Bossier City, LA, we see many cases where surgery offers real, lasting relief. It’s not always the first step, but in some situations, it’s the right one.
Chronic pain in animals is usually caused by degenerative joint disease (like arthritis), spinal issues, past injuries, or even cancer. Unlike acute pain, which shows up suddenly and heals over time, chronic pain hangs around, making everyday movement harder. It’s like carrying a backpack of bricks around your neck and shoulders—constant, heavy, and exhausting.
Surgery is usually an option after conservative treatments—like medication, weight management, or more—don’t provide enough relief. The goal of surgery isn’t just to fix a problem but to give your pet a better daily life.
Two common surgical procedures to address chronic pain include:
• Tumor removal: To ease pressure or inflammation that leads to pain.
• Ligament repair: Especially for torn cruciate ligaments in the knees of dogs, which is a frequent issue in active breeds.
Surgery, when successful, can give your pet a fresh lease on life. Some of the benefits we see include:
• Improved mobility
• Reduced or eliminated need for pain medications
• More energy and playfulness
• Less stress from persistent discomfort
It’s not an instant cure, though. Recovery takes time, and you’ll need to follow post-operative instructions closely. That includes activity restrictions, medication, and possibly follow-up physical therapy.
Chronic pain can wear your pet down little by little, but surgery can be a turning point when other options fall short. At Jimmie Davis Highway Animal Hospital, your veterinarian in Bossier City, LA, we’re committed to helping your pets live more comfortably, one step at a time. If you think surgery might be part of your pet’s path to feeling better, we’re here to talk it through. Call us at (318) 742-5353 for pet surgery treatment from a veterinarian near you.
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8:00 am - 11:30 am
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8:00 am - 11:30 am
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
8:00 am - 11:30 am
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
8:00 am - 11:30 am
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
8:00 am - 11:30 am
2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Closed
Closed