Event Summary:
“Diagnostic” pain trials are a cornerstone of veterinary practice, helping clinicians determine whether an animal’s movements or behaviours are driven by underlying pain. These trials go beyond simply administering analgesia—they rely on careful observation and expert interpretation of change. Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in this process, offering detailed assessment of patients before, during, and after pain trials to identify meaningful improvements or persistent dysfunction. Their input adds depth and objectivity to clinical decision-making, supporting the development of targeted, rational analgesic plans that are tailored to each individual patient.
Speaker Bio:
James has focused on pain management throughout his career, leading him to pursue advanced training in anaesthesia and undertake Master’s and Doctorate research in pain medicine. He is a Recognised Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law, and a Founding Fellow of the ACVAA Fellowship in Pain Medicine. James provides referral consultations for dogs and cats, both from his Somerset-based clinic and online. Further clinic information is available at petpainrelief.co.uk, and online appointments can be booked via thepainvet.co.uk.