Pain Management

One of our goals at Silver Star Animal Hospital is to provide the most effective medication and pain management strategy for pets that have pain issues. Left untreated, pain reduces quality of life and can delay recovery from surgery, injury, or illness.

Pain is typically classified as acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually due to sudden illness or injury. Acute pain is treated through surgery if necessary, and short term-high dose medication. Animals have a resounding ability to heal quickly, so lengthy treatment is not usually needed. Chronic pain is most likely due to age-related issues such as arthritis, diabetic disease, obesity related injuries, and degenerative joint disease. This type of pain is usually treated with rehab exercises, special diets, corticosteroid treatments, and long term-low dose medications.

Many animals will not show obvious signs of pain or sickness. Pet owners do not realize that the most common sign of pain is change in behavior. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of the following symptoms, chances are that your pet is experiencing pain, and should be examined by a qualified veterinarian.

Common Signs of Pain:

  • Stiffness
  • Decreased Activity
  • Lagging behind on walks
  • Difficulty standing up
  • Pacing, Restlessness, Biting
  • Slow to Sit or Lay Down
  • Limping
  • Avoidance of Stairs
  • Muscle Atrophy (loss)
  • Hesitation to Move
  • Neck Weakness
  • Trembling
  • Depressed Appetite
  • Running with “Bunny Hops”
  • Unusual Crying or Whining - or yelping when touched
  • Hiding
  • Arched Back, Head Lowered or Tilted
  • Panting (Increase in respiration)

In addition to treating pets for chronic pain or pain from injury, we focus on our surgical cases to ensure that they are as pain free as possible. If pain medication is given before a surgery is performed, your pet will hurt much less after the surgery, will require less anesthesia and post-operative pain medicine, and will recover more quickly from the procedure performed.

If you live in the areas of Orlando, Ocoee, Apopka, or Windermere, Florida, and your pet is exhibiting signs of pain, please call our hospital today and schedule an examination by one of our capable veterinarians.


We know that your pets are part of your family and it is our mission to help ensure a long and healthy life for each and every one of them.

Our Hours

Monday: 9:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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