At Harvest Veterinary Oncology Centre (HVOC), we see predominantly dogs and cats with cancer, and in these cases at least 60% of animals present with painful conditions. Tumours can cause pain directly through invasion and destruction of the body (i.e. osteosarcoma in the hindlimb), but any tumour type can also be associated with pain. For example, tumours can distort and stretch receptors in the abdominal organs, causing secondary inflammation of surrounding tissues or cause infarcts. In addition, metastasis to other organs can also cause painful reactions that are amplified due to a previously hypersensitized body system.
The Animal Pain Relief Clinic (APRC) at HVOC is a specialised service provided internally and externally to patients where there is ongoing pain arising from the patient’s primary cancer, secondary metastasis, multiple co-morbidities, or degenerative conditions.
The aim of APRC is to deliver specialised pain relief interventional procedures, reduce acute and chronic pain symptoms, and ultimately improve the quality of life for animals and animal owners. The APRC supports all referral departments and the general practice service at Harvest Veterinary Oncology Centre (HVOC) and Harvest Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital (HVSEH). We also welcome referrals within Hong Kong and beyond.
