Cat lovers packed the class room Dec. 2 at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital to learn more about feline pain and treatment options. Drs. Narda Robinson and Bonnie Wright, from the Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine at Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, hosted "Focus on the Feline: Keeping Kitty Comfy and Safe with Integrative Medicine and Pain Prevention."
The free seminar helped animal caregivers evaluate whether or not their cat is experiencing pain and treatment options available. During the seminar, participants learned how to identify common behaviors that may indicate pain in cats. Drs. Robinson and Wright also discussed the pros and cons of the many available treatment options including medications, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbs, homeopathy, low-level laser therapy, interventional techniques, massage, chiropractic and raw food diets.
"The dizzying array of treatments for cats can be confusing. While some are safe, others can be deadly," said Dr. Robinson, Director of the Center. "The unique needs and natures of cats make it vital to know as much as possible about what works and what does not."
Founded in 2002, the Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine promotes the treatment of pain in animals to optimize quality of life and reduce suffering. The Center provides integrative pain medicine and natural healing services for small animals and education for veterinarians and animal caregivers. Dr. Robinson is a veterinarian and an osteopathic physician, and Dr. Wright is a board certified anesthesiologist with certification in veterinary medical acupuncture. They work together in service, education and research on behalf of the Center. The Center regularly provides seminars to the public on various animal health issues, primarily focusing on the causes, symptoms and the treatment of pain.
For more information, or to learn about upcoming seminars, visit the Center’s Web site at http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain/.
