Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Assessment and treatment of nonpain conditions in life-limiting disease.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Villalobos, Alice E
- Affiliation:
- Pawspice at VCA Coast Animal Hospital · United States
Plain-English summary
The article discusses a compassionate approach called "Pawspice," which focuses on managing symptoms and providing gentler treatments for pets with serious, life-limiting illnesses. It highlights that some veterinarians may have biases that lead them to overlook palliative care options for older pets or those with multiple health issues, including cancer. The author emphasizes the importance of assessing and treating non-painful conditions in these pets, as well as how to care for them at home. Overall, the article aims to encourage a more sensitive and supportive attitude towards pets facing serious health challenges.
Abstract
The "Pawspice" philosophy, which the author introduced at the 2000 American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, focuses on symptom management along with a kinder, gentler, or modified approach to standard therapy. Many veterinarians have preconceived bias or ingrained beliefs about aging, serious illness, multiple comorbidities, and cancer, which may cause a negative or dismissive approach toward palliative treatment, especially in geriatric pets. Veterinarians and their v-teams must overcome this insensitive attitude about life-limiting disease. This article describes assessment, treatment, and home management of some nonpainful life-limiting diseases, including cancer and age-related decline of vital functions in the Pawspice setting.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21601746/