When your pet is critically ill or recovering from trauma or surgery, the physical pain they experience is only part of the story. The emotional toll for both pets and the people who love them is real and profound. At Omega Veterinary Group in San Mateo, we understand how difficult it is to hand over your beloved pet to medical professionals, especially when they’re in pain, frightened, or feeling unwell.

You’re not just leaving your animal in our hands you’re trusting us with your family. That’s not something we take lightly.

We want you to know: we see your pet the way you do. We recognize their fear, their discomfort, and the trust you’ve placed in us. Our ICU and critical care team is here to provide not just expert medical treatment but also gentle, empathetic care, so your pet feels as safe and comfortable as possible in what can be a very scary situation.

Why Pain Management Is About More Than Just Medicine

Pain is one of the most urgent concerns for any pet in the ICU. But effective pain management isn’t just about relieving discomfort it’s about giving your pet the best chance at healing both physically and emotionally.

How Pain Affects the Healing Process

  • Delays recovery: Pain activates stress hormones that can delay wound healing, reduce immune function, and impair organ recovery.
  • Alters behavior: Pets in pain often hide, growl, avoid eye contact, or become unusually quiet all signs they’re hurting.
  • Impacts mental well-being: Pain increases anxiety and confusion, especially when pets are away from their families in an unfamiliar environment.

At Omega Veterinary Group, we prioritize excellent pain control from the moment your pet is admitted. Our ICU and emergency services are designed to support healing with round-the-clock monitoring, advanced medications, and gentle, low-stress handling.

It’s Hard to Be Away From Them We Understand

Leaving your pet in an ICU is deeply emotional. You worry if they’re scared, if they miss you, or if they’re in pain and don’t understand why you’re not there.

We get it—because we’ve been there, too. That’s why we treat every animal with the care we’d want for our own. We speak to them softly. We keep them clean and comfortable. We notice when they seem stressed and do our best to soothe them. And we keep you updated, because we know how hard it is to be apart

How We Assess Pain in the ICU

Pain is personal. It varies by species, breed, personality, and health status. That’s why we use multiple tools and techniques to assess and manage it.

Our Approach Includes:

  • Behavioral observation: Licking, panting, whining, or tensing muscles can all be signs of pain.
  • Physiological cues: We monitor changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pupil size.
  • Validated pain scoring systems: Tools like the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale, Feline Grimace Scale, and CSU Acute Pain Scale help us track pain over time and adjust treatment as needed.

We know your pet may not be able to speak but they’re always telling us how they feel. Our job is to listen.

Pain Isn’t Always Obvious: Conditions That Hurt More Than They Look

It’s easy to understand that a broken leg or a visible wound is painful but many conditions that cause intense suffering in pets don’t leave obvious marks. These internal or neurologic conditions can go unnoticed if pain signs are subtle or masked by your pet’s instinct to “hide” illness. At Omega Veterinary Group, we’re trained to detect and manage these less visible but very real sources of pain.

Here are a few common, under-recognized painful conditions:

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Dogs often take a “praying position” (front legs down, hindquarters up) to try to relieve the discomfort. Cats may simply become withdrawn and quiet, making it easy to miss. Without treatment, it can lead to systemic illness and long-term digestive issues.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes increased pressure inside the eye, leading to excruciating pain and rapid vision loss. Pets can’t tell us their head hurts, but they might paw at their face, avoid light, or squint. This is an emergency waiting even a few hours can result in permanent blindness. Any change in your pet’s eyes warrants immediate attention.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD is a painful spinal condition in which the discs between the vertebrae herniate or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. Pets may yelp when touched, resist movement, or suddenly become unable to walk. Some appear quiet and still—not from peace, but from pain. Prompt pain relief and stabilization are essential to prevent permanent nerve damage.

Foreign Bodies

Whether it’s a bone shard in the stomach or a splinter in the paw, foreign objects can cause deep, sharp pain and inflammation. Gastrointestinal obstructions may present with mild vomiting or changes in appetite yet the discomfort can be agonizing. Abdominal palpation, imaging, and surgical intervention may be needed.

Dental Abscesses and Oral Pain

Dental disease doesn’t always show up as bad breath or visible tartar. A fractured tooth or oral tumor may cause constant, dull pain that affects eating, mood, and behavior. Pets with painful mouths may still eat just slower, more carefully, or only on one side leading owners to miss the problem entirely.

Urinary Obstructions (Especially in Male Cats)

A blocked urethra causes severe bladder pressure, similar to kidney stone pain in humans. Affected cats may strain in the litter box, cry out, or suddenly hide. This is not only painful it’s life-threatening, and requires immediate ICU care to relieve the obstruction and stabilize kidney function.

Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease

Chronic joint pain can slowly rob your pet of mobility and joy. Many owners think their aging dog or cat is simply “slowing down” but what you’re often seeing is untreated pain. With appropriate treatment, pets with arthritis often regain energy and comfort you thought was gone for good.

At Omega Veterinary Group, we look beyond the obvious. If your pet seems “off,” quieter than usual, or just not quite themselves, trust your instincts and contact our ICU and emergency care team.

Advanced Pain Management Options at Omega

We take a multimodal approach combining medications, supportive therapies, and low-stress techniques to maximize comfort.

Pharmacologic Support

  • Opioids for severe or surgical pain
  • NSAIDs for inflammation and chronic pain
  • Local anesthetics for nerve blocks or surgical sites
  • Adjuncts like gabapentin or trazodone for anxiety and nerve-related discomfort

Explore common pain medications for pets

Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

  • Laser therapy for inflammation and post-op pain
  • Acupuncture and physical therapy for chronic pain and mobility
  • Heating pads, padded bedding, and positioning devices for comfort

Each pain plan is tailored to your pet’s condition, species, age, and personality.

FAQs About Pain and ICU Care

Q: Will my pet be in pain while hospitalized?
A: We work diligently to keep your pet comfortable. Pain control is proactive not reactive in our ICU.

Q: Will my pet be scared without me?
A: Some anxiety is natural, but we use calming techniques, soft voices, and comforting routines to help them feel safe.

Q: Can I visit my pet while they’re hospitalized?
A: In many cases, yes. Visits are encouraged when it helps your pet, and we’ll discuss what’s best based on their condition.

Q: What if my pet has ongoing pain after discharge?
A: We’ll create a custom home pain management plan and stay in close contact to make sure your pet is improving.

We’re Here to Help You and Your Pet

At Omega Veterinary Group, we know it’s not just about test results or medications it’s about how your pet feels and how you feel when you have to let them go into someone else’s care.

We promise to treat your pet like our own with skill, gentleness, and deep compassion.

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Your pet deserves relief. You deserve peace of mind. Let’s work together to bring both.