Surgeries performed on cats include procedures for treating injuries or removing foreign objects. Even preventive surgeries such as neutering result in incisions that require post-operative monitoring and care. An uncomplicated incision takes seven to 10 days to heal, but pain-relief medication may not be necessary for this entire time. Like many animals, cats can tolerate certain amounts of pain without powerful prescription medications.
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Buprenorphine (Buprenex®)
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Buprenorphine is commonly prescribed by veterinarians for cats who have undergone surgery. The prescription is a powerful opiate similar to morphine and is controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency. The drug is given in 0.005 to 0.01 milligram-per-pound dosages, and can be given as an oral tablet. As a pain in relief in cats it is extremely effective and will cause sedation. However, it should not be given to cats with known liver problems.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
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Arnica (Arnica montana) can be used as a short-term homeopathic remedy for pain relief in cats. Arnica can be used post-op to help soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation and heal wounds. Consult a veterinarian before applying Arnica for appropriate dosage, and never administer it to the cat internally.
Natural Healing
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For cats as well as dogs, allowing the animal to heal naturally is a good post-op recovery advice. Most incisions in cats are surgically sutured, and have more than one layer of stitches. A cat owner will not be able to view internal sutures, but skin sutures are the only layer visible in a normal healing incision. Paying close attention to the sutures will allow the cat to heal normally. Discourage the cat from licking or chewing at sutures, and monitor the animal for discharge or bleeding from the suture area.
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