Fergus Coutts Veterinary Pain Management

08/08/2026

Happy National Cat Day! 🐱

Today we're celebrating the curious, independent and endlessly entertaining cats that make our lives so special.

While every cat has their own unique personality, there are a few things every cat owner should know to help keep them happy and healthy.

The best thing you can do for your cat is get to know what's normal for them. That way, you'll be more likely to spot when something isn't quite right.

08/08/2026

Testing, testing, meow... 🎤🐱

Oh good, it works! Now that we have your attention...

For the first time ever, we're joining the International Cat Day celebrations as the UK's first national cat blood donation service! 🥳

And what better way to celebrate than by recruiting the founding members of our lifesaving pride? 😻🩸

We're looking for cats who are:
🐱 Fit and healthy
📅 Aged 1 to 8 years old
⚖️ Weigh 4.5kg or more
🤝 Happy to be handled and comfortable around people

Help us make cat blood donation history and register meow 👉 www.petbloodbankuk.org/cats

03/08/2026

🐾 Low‑Dose Ketamine for Arthritis Pain in Dogs: What Owners Should Know

Ketamine isn’t just an anaesthetic. At very low doses, it may help reduce chronic osteoarthritis (OA) pain in dogs especially when standard treatments aren’t enough. New research is beginning to support what many pain specialists have observed in practice.

🔬 How Ketamine Works in Chronic Pain

Ketamine has long been used safely in veterinary medicine as an anaesthetic. But at low doses, it acts very differently. Instead of “putting an animal under,” it targets a specific pain pathway in the nervous system the NMDA receptor.

🧠 Why NMDA receptors matter

When a dog has long‑term arthritis, the nerves carrying pain signals can become overactive. This process, called central sensitisation, makes pain feel louder and more persistent.

• NMDA receptors act like “volume k***s” for pain
• Chronic inflammation can turn these k***s up
• Ketamine helps turn them back down by blocking the NMDA channel

This reduces the “amplification” of pain signals, helping dogs feel more comfortable.

📌 What’s especially interesting:

Even after ketamine has left the bloodstream, its pain‑relieving effects can continue. This is because it influences:

• Gene expression
• Glial cell activation (cells involved in chronic pain)
• Tonic blockade — ketamine can remain trapped in the NMDA channel, continuing to reduce pain signalling

📚 New Evidence: Ketamine for OA Pain in Dogs

A 2026 study from the University of Copenhagen explored whether low‑dose ketamine could help dogs with osteoarthritis pain.

🐕 Study overview:

• 16 dogs with confirmed OA
• Randomly assigned to ketamine or placebo
• Dose: 0.5 mg/kg (as listed in the BSAVA Formulary)
• Dogs already on NSAIDs, Librela, or paracetamol continued their usual treatment
• Pain and mobility were assessed over 28 days
• Owners completed the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (cBPI)

📈 Key findings:

Dogs receiving ketamine showed:

• Improved passive range of movement (PROM) in the first week
• Reduced clinical pain scores over the first two weeks
• A trend toward lower pain interference scores
• Many owners correctly guessed their dog had received ketamine — suggesting they noticed a difference

This was a pilot study, so larger trials are needed. But it provides early evidence that ketamine may help dogs whose arthritis pain remains difficult to manage.

🐾 What This Means for Your Dog

Ketamine is not a first‑line treatment. It’s used when a dog’s pain remains difficult to control despite standard therapies.

✔️ Owners should know:

• It’s given at very low doses
• It’s part of a multimodal pain plan, not a standalone fix
• It may help reduce “nerve-level” pain amplification
• Informed consent is required because this use is off‑licence
• It’s typically considered when pain is still limiting comfort or mobility

🧩 Part of a bigger picture

Ketamine works best when combined with:

• NSAIDs
• Librela
• Physiotherapy
• Weight management
• Home environment adjustments

There is no “silver bullet” for arthritis but ketamine may be a helpful addition for dogs who need more support.

If your dog struggles with arthritis pain despite treatment, low‑dose ketamine may be an option worth discussing with your vet. It’s safe, well‑studied in other pain settings, and early research suggests it may help reduce chronic OA pain when used carefully as part of a broader plan.

Providing animals with safe and effective relief from pain.
In Stirling, Aberdeen & Inverness.

13/07/2026

🐾 What We’re Managing at the Pain Clinic

Over the past few months, the Pain Clinic has been helping pets with a wide range of complex pain conditions the kind where one single treatment isn’t enough. That’s why we use a multimodal approach, combining medication, lifestyle changes, rehab, and supportive therapies to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

🔹 Osteoarthritis (OA) pain

Especially in dogs who haven’t responded well to Librela or who can’t continue it. Our OA Care Programme focuses on both pharmaceutical and non‑pharmaceutical management because exercise plans, weight control, home adjustments, and pacing daily activities matter just as much as medication.

🔹 Pain in pets with complex health issues

Some pets can’t take NSAIDs due to other medical conditions. We tailor pain plans carefully to keep them comfortable while staying safe.

🔹 Persistent pain after injury or surgery

When healing doesn’t go as expected, chronic pain can linger. We help identify what’s going on and build a plan to support long‑term recovery.

🔹 Spinal pain

Including IVDD, spondylosis, and facet joint OA. These cases often need a mix of rehab, pain relief, and careful activity management.

🔹 Neurological & orthopaedic referrals

For pets with pain that’s hard to pinpoint, we work through the possibilities step by step to find the cause and the right treatment.

If clients want to understand what referral looks like, the case studies on my website are a great place to start: ferguscoutts.co.uk/case-studies

07/07/2026

🐾 Journal Club: When Osteoarthritis Affects More Than Just the Dog

Osteoarthritis (OA) isn’t just a “senior dog problem” and it doesn’t just affect the dog. New research shows it can have a real impact on an owner’s daily life, confidence, and emotional wellbeing too. That part often gets overlooked, but it matters just as much as choosing the right treatment plan.

🐶 “But he doesn’t yelp…” Why pain can be hard to recognise

Many owners struggle to accept their dog is in pain because they expect dramatic signs. But most dogs with chronic pain don’t cry out. Instead, they show subtle changes: slowing down on walks, hesitating on stairs, or seeming less enthusiastic about play.

Tools like LOAD, HCPI, and cBPI can help vets and owners work together to spot these changes. Just remember: other health issues (like heart disease) can also affect activity levels, so scores aren’t always straightforward.

🧩 A new way to understand the whole picture

A recent study introduced the Canine OA Quality of Life & Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (CaOA‑QoL‑TS) a mouthful, but a genuinely helpful tool.

Instead of focusing only on pain or mobility, it looks at:

• Dog’s quality of life
• Owner’s quality of life
• Treatment satisfaction

Owners answer 26 simple questions about how OA affects everyday life. The goal isn’t just data it’s better conversations. If an owner reports frustration, worry, or disruption at home, the vet team can tailor advice, reassurance, and expectations more effectively.

This strengthens the therapeutic alliance — the trust and teamwork between vet and owner which is essential for long‑term success.

🩺 Diagnosis isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all

The study also raises an important question: What counts as a “definitive” OA diagnosis?
Not every dog needs X‑rays or joint taps. Age, breed, clinical signs, and owner observations all matter. The approach should fit the dog, the family, and the situation.

💬 Why this matters for owners

Managing OA isn’t just about medication or rehab. It’s about understanding how the diagnosis affects the person who loves and cares for the dog. When owners feel supported, informed, and confident, dogs get better care and better outcomes.

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❤️ Takeaway

Osteoarthritis affects the whole family. The more we understand the dog and the owner, the better we can manage pain, improve mobility, and protect quality of life on both ends of the lead.

24/06/2026

What is heatstroke?

With the recent heat wave it’s very important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke!

Heatstroke is a state of hyperthermia (elevated core body temperature above the normal range) resulting in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when heat generation exceeds the body's ability to lose heat.

What are the main predisposing factors for Heatstroke?

A warm/hot, humid environment with inadequate ventilation
(e.g. due to weather conditions or animals being left in an unventilated room or car)
Inadequate shade
Inadequate drinking water
Excessive exercise

Be aware of the symptoms and look out for the signs in your pet.
These include:
Panting which increases as heatstroke progresses
Drooling, salivating
Agitation, restlessness Very red or pale gums
Bright red tongue
Increased heart rate
Breathing distress
Vomiting Diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
Signs of mental confusion, delirium
Dizziness, staggering
Lethargy, weakness
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Collapsing and lying down
Little to no urine production
Coma

HEATSTROKE IS A VERY SERIOUS, LIFE THREATENING CONDITION: IT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR PET'S INTERNAL ORGANS, SOMETIMES TO THE POINT WHERE THEY STOP FUNCTIONING AND CAN BE RAPIDLY FATAL - IT REQUIRES URGENT TREATMENT.

Preventing heatstroke

The good news is that you can help to prevent heatstroke by ensuring your pets are kept in appropriate environmental conditions and being aware of the symptoms so action can be taken swiftly.

23/06/2026

It’s important to remember while you’re enjoying the sun how hot the pavement/road can get!

Here is a handy guide to keep you and your pet safe.

If in doubt walk on the grass.

If you believe your pet has burnt their feet please contact a vet immediately

22/06/2026

☀️ Summer outings with your dog can be a joy — but even on a cooler day, temperatures can rise quickly.
This year’s weather may be unpredictable, but the risk of heatstroke is still very real.

🚗 Never leave your dog in the car, even for just 5 minutes.
Even with the window cracked, the temperature inside can soar in moments — with potentially fatal consequences.

🐶 Dogs most at risk include:
• Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds
• Older dogs
• Dogs with health issues
• Overweight dogs

⚠️ Signs of heatstroke to watch for:
• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or confusion
• Collapse or vomiting

📞 If you spot any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.

👉 Enjoy the summer safely — plan ahead, stay cool, and always put your dog’s welfare first.

19/06/2026

Is Your Dog in Pain? 🐾 Here’s What to Look For

Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort—but pain has a way of showing itself if you know the signs. If your dog is acting differently, it could be their way of saying, “I hurt.”

👀 Common signs of pain in dogs:

• Shaking or trembling
• Arched back or lowered head
• Panting or restlessness
• Avoiding touch
• Excessive licking or vocalising
• Limping or walking slowly
• Reluctance to jump, use stairs, lie down or get up
• Sudden aggression

Pain can be acute (from injury or illness) or chronic (from conditions like arthritis or dental disease). Both deserve attention.

🩺 Common causes of pain include:

• Joint or bone damage
• Soft tissue injuries, sprains or strains
• Back problems
• Dental disease
• Infections (ear, skin, urinary tract)
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Certain cancers
• Post-surgical discomfort

💬 If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Pain management is not just about comfort—it’s about quality of life. As veterinary pain specialists, we’re here to help your dog feel better, move better, and live better.

🐕 Compassionate care for every step of the journey

15/06/2026

Is Your Cat in Pain? 🐱💔 Don’t Miss the Subtle Signs

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort—but pain leaves clues. If your feline friend isn’t quite themselves, it could be more than just a mood.

🔍 Signs your cat may be in pain:

• Limping or abnormal gait
• Difficulty jumping or moving
• Hiding or withdrawing
• Less grooming, playing, or affection
• Appetite or activity changes
• Squinting, tail flicking, or hunched posture
• Growling, groaning, or avoiding bright areas
• Straining to urinate or licking one area repeatedly

Pain can stem from many causes—some obvious, others silent.

🩺 Common causes of feline pain:

• Surgery or trauma
• Infections or inflammation
• Arthritis or dental disease
• Urinary tract issues
• Digestive problems
• Neurological conditions
• Cancer or exposure to extreme temperatures

😿 Pain affects more than comfort—it impacts quality of life. The good news? It doesn’t have to.

As veterinary pain specialists, we’re here to help your cat feel safe, supported, and soothed. If you’re concerned, speak to your vet—or send us a DM for guidance.

🐾 Gentle care for silent sufferers