Tripawds Podcast Episode #134: Amputation pain in cats is complex and often misunderstood. Veterinary pain specialist Carl Bradbrook shares how the Zero Pain Philosophy shapes modern feline pain management and recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Amputation pain in cats often starts before surgery and can involve both inflammation and nerve pain, which is why early and ongoing pain control matters.
- Cats hide discomfort well, so changes in behavior, posture, appetite, and facial expression are often the best clues that pain is not well managed.
- Pain management does not end when stitches come out, and many cats need continued support well beyond the first two weeks to heal comfortably.
Tripawd Talk #134: Cat Amputation Recovery and the Zero Pain Philosophy
Pain after amputation can look very different in cats, and it is often harder to recognize and manage than many pet parents expect.
In this episode of Tripawd Talk Radio, Rene speaks with Carl Bradbrook, a UK veterinary anaesthesia and pain management specialist and co-founder of the Zero Pain Philosophy.
Together, we explore how amputation pain develops, why nerve pain and inflammation play such a big role, and how pain can begin even before surgery takes place.
Our conversation focuses on cats and covers:
- pre-surgical pain control
- hospital pain management
- medications commonly used before and after surgery
- signs that pain is not well controlled at home
- and what phantom pain can look like in feline amputees.
Carl also shares why healing takes longer than many people realize and why pain management often needs to continue well beyond the first couple of weeks.
This episode is designed to help cat parents ask better questions, recognize red flags sooner, and feel more confident advocating for their cat during recovery.
About Carl Bradbrook, BVSc CertVA DipECVAA FRCVS
Carl is a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia and is a co-founder of The Zero Pain Philosophy. Carl worked for many years as an anaesthesia consultant, upskilling multiple vet practices on advanced treatments in anaesthesia and pain management.
He is a popular and devoted speaker who shares his expertise with global audiences. Carl now works at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in the UK as Clinical Director. Carl was President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists from 2018-2022.
In 2020 Carl was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice.
Resources
Tripawd Cat Pain Management Tools