Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition resulting from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, characterised by spontaneous pain, heightened sensitivity to touch, and abnormal sensations like tingling or burning. It develops through mechanisms such as central sensitisation, which amplifies pain signals, and central disinhibition, reducing the spinal cord’s natural inhibitory processes. Neuropathic pain can manifest as allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli) or hyperalgesia (increased pain response to normally painful stimuli), significantly impacting quality of life. Effective management requires a multimodal approach, combining pharmacological treatments such as gabapentinoids, NMDA receptor antagonists, and anti-inflammatory drugs with non-pharmacological methods like acupuncture and stress reduction to address both physical and emotional components of pain.

Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS)

Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS)

Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS) is a condition characterised by severe oral discomfort, excessive licking, chewing, and pawing at the mouth. It can present as acute episodes in teething kittens or chronic episodes in adult cats, often triggered by eating or grooming. Burmese cats are predisposed. FOPS is thought to have a genetic basis linked to maladaptive pain and is influenced by stress and anxiety. Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes of oral pain and dental radiographs. Management includes dealing with any dental disease (even if considered minor), analgesics like gabapentin and phenobarbital and stress reduction strategies to improve environmental conditions and minimize anxiety triggers. While signs may resolve in kittens, adult cases often require ongoing care.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) is a multifaceted condition characterized by behaviours indicative of abnormal skin sensations, such as rippling skin, vocalization, and intense focus on the tail, including biting or hair removal. While some theories suggest a connection to epilepsy, most veterinary neurologists view FHS as a condition rooted in maladaptive pain, with emotional factors such as frustration and anxiety contributing to intensity of clinical signs. Diagnosis is one of exclusion, requiring the elimination of dermatological and other pain-related causes. Management focuses on reducing environmental stressors, ensuring access to necessary resources, and, in severe cases, incorporating neuropharmacological treatments such as gabapentinoids or fluoxetine. A systematic and holistic approach can lead to a fair prognosis for affected cats.

Neuropathic Pain and Treatment Playlist

Neuropathic Pain and Treatment Playlist

Neuropathic Pain and Treatment Playlist on YouTube provides an in-depth exploration of neuropathic pain in animals, focusing on its causes, underlying mechanisms, drugs and treatment strategies. Curated by Professor Clare Rusbridge, this playlist is an invaluable resource for veterinarians, researchers, and pet owners. It covers a range of topics, from understanding the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain to practical advice on managing affected animals through pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Whether you're seeking to deepen your clinical knowledge or find ways to improve the quality of life for pets suffering from chronic pain, this playlist delivers accessible and expert-driven insights.

Neuropathic Pain in Cats: Mechanisms and Multimodal Management

The article "Neuropathic Pain in Cats: Mechanisms and Multimodal Management" explores the complexities of neuropathic pain in felines, focusing on its underlying mechanisms and the need for integrated management strategies. It examines the role of the corticolimbic system, or 'pain matrix,' in modulating pain responses and highlights its contribution to both acute and chronic pain states. Notably, the paper introduces the first treatment algorithm specifically tailored for managing neuropathic pain in cats, offering a structured, multimodal approach that combines pharmacological interventions with environmental and behavioral strategies. This groundbreaking framework provides a comprehensive guide to improving the quality of life for cats suffering from this challenging condition.

Rusbridge C. Neuropathic pain in cats: mechanisms and multimodal management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2024;26(5). doi:10.1177/1098612X241246518https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241246518

A scientific and clean representation of pain nerve cells