Pain Management
Offering acupuncture and monoclonal antibody therapy for pet pain relief in Minnetonka. Personalized care for dogs and cats at Gehrman Animal Hospital.
Pain Management for Dogs & Cats in Minnetonka, MN
Helping pets feel their best, even when they’re hurting, is an important part of veterinary care. Pain — whether from injury, surgery, or chronic illness — can significantly impact a pet’s quality of life. That’s why Gehrman Animal Hospital offers specialized pain management solutions, including veterinary acupuncture and monoclonal antibody injections, to provide relief with compassion and precision. Our goal is to help pets live more comfortably and actively, every day.
Understanding Pain in Pets
Pain in pets can be easy to miss — dogs and cats often mask discomfort until it affects their behavior or activity. Whether it’s sudden (acute) or long-developing (chronic), pain can impact a pet’s appetite, mobility, and mood. Signs like limping, hiding, vocalizing, or reluctance to move may point to underlying discomfort that deserves attention. Early intervention not only relieves suffering but also helps prevent long-term complications.
At Gehrman Animal Hospital, we use proven tools like acupuncture and monoclonal antibody therapy to identify and manage pain, which helps pets live healthier, more comfortable lives.
A Multimodal Approach to Pain Relief
Pain affects each pet differently, so there’s no single treatment that works for everyone. That’s why our team at Gehrman Animal Hospital uses a multimodal pain management approach, combining therapies like acupuncture, monoclonal antibody injections, anti-inflammatories, nutritional support, and environmental changes to provide safe, lasting relief.
These plans are customized to your pet’s needs, medical history, and lifestyle — aiming to ease discomfort while improving mobility and quality of life. Regular collaboration among our close-knit team ensures consistent, evolving care that truly supports your pet over time.
As a privately owned practice, we build strong relationships with pets and their families to build trust and provide continuity and care. For us, managing pain isn’t just about stopping discomfort — it’s about helping your pet move better, feel better, and enjoy life more fully.
Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats
Acupuncture has long been used in veterinary medicine to manage various conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain. By stimulating specific points on the body with ultra-fine needles, acupuncture helps:
- Release natural endorphins
- Increase circulation
- Reduce inflammation
- Support nerve function
At Gehrman Animal Hospital, acupuncture is commonly used for conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, IVDD, nerve injuries, and post-surgical discomfort. It’s also a safe option for pets who can’t tolerate certain medications due to kidney or liver issues.
Most pets tolerate treatment well — many relax deeply during their sessions. A typical visit lasts 30-45 minutes and may involve calming music or gentle handling to keep your pet at ease. Results are often seen after several sessions, with plans tailored to your pet’s specific condition and comfort.
Used on its own or as part of a broader pain management plan, acupuncture gives pets a chance to feel better naturally — helping them move more freely, rest more comfortably, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Long-Term Pain Relief
Monoclonal antibody therapy is one of the most advanced tools available in veterinary pain management today. This innovative, non-steroidal treatment is designed to relieve chronic pain in dogs and cats — particularly those with osteoarthritis or joint inflammation — without the risks associated with traditional medications.
Unlike standard drugs, which often affect multiple systems in the body, monoclonal antibodies work with your pet’s immune system to target a specific pain trigger: nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF plays a major role in how the body processes pain. When joints are inflamed, NGF levels rise, activating receptors that tell the brain something hurts. This therapy binds to NGF and blocks its ability to send those signals — essentially stopping pain at the source.
How It’s Administered
The treatment is given as a simple monthly injection, performed during a regular visit. Most pets show improvements in mobility, energy, and comfort within days of receiving it — often with fewer side effects than traditional medications.
Ideal for Senior Pets and Chronic Conditions
Monoclonal antibody therapy is especially valuable for:
- Dogs with joint stiffness, limping, or limited movement
- Cats who avoid jumping, become withdrawn, or show subtle signs of pain
- Pets that cannot tolerate NSAIDs due to liver, kidney, or digestive concerns
- Older pets who require safe, consistent pain relief
This therapy is well-tolerated, even in senior pets or those with existing medical conditions, making it a safe long-term option. There’s no impact on liver or kidney function, no daily dosing, and no need for frequent lab monitoring.
Proven Benefits
- Monthly pain relief with a single injection
- Enhanced mobility and reduced inflammation
- No negative effects on appetite or digestion
- Improved overall comfort and quality of life
- Reduced reliance on oral medications
This cutting-edge treatment fits seamlessly into Gehrman Animal Hospital’s philosophy of compassionate, individualized care — helping pets live more comfortably, actively, and joyfully, especially as they age.
Recognizing Pain in Pets: What to Watch For
Pets may not be able to speak, but they often show us when something is wrong — sometimes in ways that are easy to miss. Changes in movement, behavior, or even grooming habits can be early indicators of discomfort. What might seem like aging or moodiness could actually be pain that’s interfering with your pet’s daily comfort and quality of life.
At Gehrman Animal Hospital, we encourage pet owners to watch for signs such as:
- Limping or lameness
- Hesitation to jump or use stairs
- Vocalizing, restlessness, or changes in posture
- Decreased appetite or altered sleep habits
- Withdrawing, hiding, or reduced interaction
- Sensitivity to touch or grooming
Dogs may slow down on walks, become less playful, or lick at painful joints, while cats often reduce grooming, avoid high places, or hide more than usual — behaviors that can easily go unnoticed.
Why Early Detection Is Important
Unaddressed pain can gradually worsen, leading to muscle loss, joint stiffness, and behavioral changes. Pets may stop engaging with family members or become more prone to injury. Catching these signs early allows us to intervene with effective, low-risk treatments that restore mobility and reduce suffering.
Early intervention also means using fewer medications and slowing the progression of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis — keeping pets more active, engaged, and happy for longer.
The Role of Regular Check-Ups
Routine wellness exams are key to identifying subtle pain-related issues. During these visits, our veterinary team evaluates movement, posture, joint health, muscle tone and what you’ve noticed at home.
Many pet parents are surprised to learn that those “small changes” are actually signs of pain. With a thoughtful treatment plan, pets often bounce back with greater energy, comfort, and connection to their families.
Caring for Your Pet Like Family
For decades, Gehrman Animal Hospital has been a trusted part of the Minnetonka community, known for providing consistent, compassionate care. As a privately owned practice, we value long-term relationships and team-based care that emphasizes connectedness and quality of life.
Our pain management services reflect that commitment — blending proven therapies with a deep understanding of how pain affects pets physically and emotionally. It’s part of our mission to support both pets and the humans who love them.
Pain Management Services Available Near You
Gehrman Animal Hospital is proud to offer veterinary pain management services to families across the west metro area.. Whether your pet needs long-term care for arthritis or short-term pain relief following surgery or injury, our experienced team is here to support their comfort and recovery every step of the way.
Ready to Help Your Pet Feel Better?
Pet owners across the west metro trust Gehrman Animal Hospital for attentive, consistent care from a team that truly knows their patients. As a privately owned practice, we offer personal, community-focused service backed by advanced medical options — including pain management that supports your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
Call us at (952) 545-9161 to learn how we can help your dog or cat feel their best.
Do you still have questions?
Call us at (952) 545-9161 or email us at reception@gehrman-animal.com.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain Management
What conditions can acupuncture help treat in pets?
Acupuncture can relieve pain from arthritis, post-surgical recovery, back problems, and some neurological disorders. It may also help with anxiety and inflammation.
Is monoclonal antibody therapy safe for senior pets?
Yes. This monthly injection is often a better option for older pets than NSAIDs, as it doesn’t burden the kidneys or liver. It’s especially helpful for managing osteoarthritis.
Will my pet need multiple acupuncture sessions?
Most pets benefit from a series of sessions. Your veterinarian will recommend a schedule based on the condition being treated and your pet’s response.
How do I know if my pet is in pain?
Some conditions, like masses or dental infections, may clearly require surgical treatment. In other cases, such as orthopedic issues or internal problems, our veterinarians will assess your pet’s health and help you decide on the best plan based on exam findings, imaging, and lab work.
Can pain management improve my pet’s quality of life?
Absolutely. Relieving pain helps pets move, eat, rest, and engage with their families more comfortably — often leading to a longer, happier life.
