[PyrNet-L] Painkillers for Pets

[Michael Bishop <agarthan@uq.net.au>]

For those who would insist on painkillers for the Pyrs with Wounded
Knee...

The reason vets say not to give painkillers is simple:  Pain has a
purpose.

It's there to tell you part of your body's not working properly, your
skin has been breached, etc. Giving a dog (or cat) painkillers is a bad
move because, without the indicator that pain is for them, a wounded
animal will GET UP and act as if it has no injury - in all liklihood
worsening the injury by putting weight and strain on it.

Luv 'em as we may, dogs don't usually realise that they have an injury
and shouldn't use a limb, etc, UNLESS that natural indicator - pain - is
there to tell them they should keep off the affected area, at least
until it's healed enough to use..

If you DO decide to administer painkillers, keep it light - enough to
avoid *undue* pain, but certainly not enough so the dog can mistakenly
think all is well, get up, and try and walk on the affected limb.

Michael Bishop
Agarthan@uq.net.au
Brisbane, Australia
ICQ# 6275519