Management of cancer pain

Pain secondary to cancer in animals should be promptly addressed to allevia te suffering, stress, and anxiety and to improve quality of life. Uncontrol led cancer pain can have a negative effect on the owners and caregivers of affected animals. The pathophysiology of cancer pain is discussed in this a rticle, along with pain evaluation and monitoring. Treatment of cancer pain should be individualized, and a step-wise approach to the management of ca ncer pain is presented. The use of opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and adjuvant medications are also reviewed.