When is it best to treat pain in relation to a veterinary visit?

• A. During the procedure
• B. After the procedure
• C. Prior to the veterinary visit
• D. Not necessary

Answer: (C)

Treat pain before it starts. Giving analgesia preemptively blunts the nociceptive signals that would come from the upcoming procedure, which helps prevent central sensitization and wind-up. This approach leads to better overall comfort, reduces the amount of anesthesia or additional analgesics needed during the procedure, and generally improves recovery and welfare after the visit.

In practical terms, preemptive or preoperative analgesia—such as a local nerve block, regional anesthesia, or systemic analgesics started before anesthesia—is more effective than waiting to treat pain only after it has begun or trying to manage it solely during or after the procedure. Treating after the pain has already started can be beneficial, but it doesn’t prevent the initial sensitization and may require higher doses to achieve the same relief. Not treating pain at all is unethical and inconsistent with good welfare.