Fergus Coutts Veterinary Pain Management

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Fergus Coutts Veterinary Pain Management Providing animals with safe and effective relief from pain. In Stirling, Aberdeen & Inverness. Appointments can be made in Stirling and Aberdeen.

I provide safe, effective and humane management of pain in animals, with the aim of providing solace and restoring your pet’s quality of life. To arrange/ discuss appointments:
Broadley Veterinary Hospital, Stirling - 01786 445665
Ardene House Veterinary Hospital, Aberdeen - 01224 740700

The goal of pain management is helping pets to live happy and healthy lives. Sometimes pets have a visible improvement i...
15/10/2026

The goal of pain management is helping pets to live happy and healthy lives. Sometimes pets have a visible improvement in mobility, in other cases they just seem happier and have greater quality of life.

Is pain affecting my pet's quality of life?

The effects of chronic pain are difficult to assess. Common behavioural changes indicating your pet's quality of life may be affected by pain include:

• Losing interest in exercise or play.
• Not sleeping well, or just being 'down in the dumps.
• Showing signs of withdrawal from the family.
What conditions benefit from Pain Management?

A range of painful conditions have been helped with Pain Management:

• Pets with uncontrolled arthritis pain.
• Pets who are unable to take some pain-relieving medicines.
• Pets recovering from injury, or after surgery.
• Pets with back pain.
• Palliative care for pets with cancer.

Would Pain Management help my pet?

If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from pain, please ask your usual vet for advice. They will refer you for an appointment if they think Pain Management could help your pet's quality of life.

What is Pain Management?

The first step in Pain Management is to diagnose the causes of your pet's pain. Working closely with you and your referring vet, we then develop a safe and effective treatment plan for your pet

This may include:

• Pain relieving medicines.
• Drug-sparing physical therapies, including acupuncture.
• Innovative joint therapies.
• Physiotherapy, to improve your pet's mobility and help to restore confidence that walking need not be painful.
• Small changes you can make at home to improve your pet's comfort.

This integrated approach treats pain from all angles, helping to improve your pet's quality of life.

🌙 As the nights draw in, it’s time to shine—literally! 🌟Evening dog walks can be magical, but safety should always come ...
08/10/2026

🌙 As the nights draw in, it’s time to shine—literally! 🌟
Evening dog walks can be magical, but safety should always come first. That old saying “Be seen at night—wear something bright” isn’t just for humans… our furry friends need to be visible too!

🐾 Whether you’re strolling through the park or pacing the pavements, here are our top tips for safe winter walks:

🔦 Be Visible – Reflective gear for you and your dog
🎧 Skip the Headphones – Stay alert to your surroundings
💡 Carry a Light Source – A torch or LED collar works wonders
📱 Bring Your Phone – Just in case you need help

Let’s keep tails wagging and walks worry-free this winter! 🐕✨

Is Your Cat in Pain? 🐱💔 Don’t Miss the Subtle SignsCats are experts at hiding discomfort—but pain leaves clues. If your ...
22/09/2026

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

Is Your Dog in Pain? 🐾 Here’s What to Look ForDogs are masters at hiding discomfort—but pain has a way of showing itself...
18/09/2026

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

👋🏼
01/09/2026

👋🏼

Today is International Dog Day! 🐶
26/08/2026

Today is International Dog Day! 🐶

Today is National Take your Cat to the Vet Day !Has your cat not been it's usual self?Are they quieter than normal ?Have...
22/08/2026

Today is National Take your Cat to the Vet Day !
Has your cat not been it's usual self?
Are they quieter than normal ?
Have they been eating or drinking differently from normal?
Take today to book your cat a health check to make sure everything is ok!

What is 'normal' behaviour for dogs?Molony & Kent (1997) defined pain in veterinary species as:"... an aversive sensory,...
19/08/2026

What is 'normal' behaviour for dogs?

Molony & Kent (1997) defined pain in veterinary species as:

"... an aversive sensory, [cognitive] and emotional experience...representing an awareness of the animal of damage, or threat of damage, to the integrity of its tissues..."

In this context 'emotion' would include fear, frustration and leading to stress and suffering. Following on from this pain is also described as a 'biobehavioural disease', where pain and behaviour have an interdependent effect on each other.

Behaviour has an important role in pain assessment, as clinicians and owners draw inferences from their observations of dogs' behaviour. Signs of pain may include obvious signs, such as lameness, or more subtle changes to a dog's 'normal behavioural pattern'.
Well, what is normal behaviour? All dogs are different, but this is a rough breakdown:

Sleeping - 12 hours (several spells, day and night).
Exercising - 3 hours
Eating - 2.5 hours* (incl. scavenging and 'hunting').
Play - 1.5 hours
Rest - 1.5 hours
Grooming - 0.5 hours
Social behaviours - 3 hrs (time with the family)

* Of course, some dogs finish their food in 30 seconds.

In this context 'eating' includes hunting for treats and so on.

With acknowledgments to Pippa Hutchison

☀️ Summer outings with your dog can be a joy — but even on a cooler day, temperatures can rise quickly.This year’s weath...
15/08/2026

☀️ 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.

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.

Address

Broadleys Veterinary Hospital
Stirling
FK77LE

Telephone

+447768110495

Website

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