Fergus Coutts Veterinary Pain Management

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

What is heatstroke?With the recent heat wave it’s very important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke! Heatstroke is ...
24/06/2026

What is heatstroke?

With the recent heat wave it’s very important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke!

Heatstroke is a state of hyperthermia (elevated core body temperature above the normal range) resulting in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when heat generation exceeds the body's ability to lose heat.

What are the main predisposing factors for Heatstroke?

A warm/hot, humid environment with inadequate ventilation
(e.g. due to weather conditions or animals being left in an unventilated room or car)
Inadequate shade
Inadequate drinking water
Excessive exercise

Be aware of the symptoms and look out for the signs in your pet.
These include:
Panting which increases as heatstroke progresses
Drooling, salivating
Agitation, restlessness Very red or pale gums
Bright red tongue
Increased heart rate
Breathing distress
Vomiting Diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
Signs of mental confusion, delirium
Dizziness, staggering
Lethargy, weakness
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Collapsing and lying down
Little to no urine production
Coma

HEATSTROKE IS A VERY SERIOUS, LIFE THREATENING CONDITION: IT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR PET'S INTERNAL ORGANS, SOMETIMES TO THE POINT WHERE THEY STOP FUNCTIONING AND CAN BE RAPIDLY FATAL - IT REQUIRES URGENT TREATMENT.

Preventing heatstroke

The good news is that you can help to prevent heatstroke by ensuring your pets are kept in appropriate environmental conditions and being aware of the symptoms so action can be taken swiftly.

It’s important to remember while you’re enjoying the sun how hot the pavement/road can get! Here is a handy guide to kee...
23/06/2026

It’s important to remember while you’re enjoying the sun how hot the pavement/road can get!

Here is a handy guide to keep you and your pet safe.

If in doubt walk on the grass.

If you believe your pet has burnt their feet please contact a vet immediately

☀️ Summer outings with your dog can be a joy — but even on a cooler day, temperatures can rise quickly.This year’s weath...
22/06/2026

☀️ 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.

Is Your Dog in Pain? 🐾 Here’s What to Look ForDogs are masters at hiding discomfort—but pain has a way of showing itself...
19/06/2026

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

Is Your Cat in Pain? 🐱💔 Don’t Miss the Subtle SignsCats are experts at hiding discomfort—but pain leaves clues. If your ...
15/06/2026

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

What Is Pain—and How Does It Affect Our Pets? 🐾Pain isn’t just a feeling—it’s the body’s alarm system, triggered by actu...
12/06/2026

What Is Pain—and How Does It Affect Our Pets? 🐾

Pain isn’t just a feeling—it’s the body’s alarm system, triggered by actual or impending tissue damage. Just like us, animals experience pain in many forms—from a dull ache to intense discomfort. And just like us, every pet has a unique pain threshold shaped by age, personality, and past experiences.

🔍 There are two main types of pain:

Acute Pain
⚡ Sudden and sharp—often caused by injury, surgery, or illness.

Chronic Pain
🕒 Persistent and progressive—lasting over 8 weeks and often linked to conditions like arthritis or dental disease. Chronic pain is now recognised as a disease in its own right, causing long-term changes in the nervous system that can make even gentle sensations (like brushing) feel painful.

💡 Understanding pain is the first step toward relief. If you suspect your pet is hurting, early intervention can make a world of difference.

📞 Speak with your vet—or reach out to me via email, phone, or DM for specialist advice.

🐶🐱 Helping pets live pain-free, one step at a time

☀️ Here are a few summer dangers to keep in mind this summer ☀️ 🥵 Heat and dehydrationDogs are not as good at dealing wi...
06/06/2026

☀️ Here are a few summer dangers to keep in mind this summer ☀️

🥵 Heat and dehydration
Dogs are not as good at dealing with high temperatures as humans, as they find it harder to cool down, so it is important to see signs that your dog is too hot (for example, panting excessively and lethargy) and take the necessary precautions to avoid heatstroke. Make sure they have plenty of water and an area of shade to cool down.

🌹 Flowers and plants
Summer is the perfect time to get out of the house and relax in your garden. Some plants and flowers can be toxic to dogs, and can cause serious clinical effects.

🦟 Insect stings and bites
Along with the flowers in bloom, summer brings an abundance of insects. The severity of an insect sting or bite depends on the insect, the location of the sting/bite and whether your dog is allergic. Typical signs include redness, pain and swelling.

🏖️ Beach dangers
The beach can hold a few dangers for your dog, so safety precautions should be considered. Stop your dog from drinking sea water as it could lead to salt poisoning; make sure you have fresh water to keep them hydrated. Ensure your dog has a shady area to cool down in and consider using sunscreen, especially if your dog has pale or thin fur, and on vulnerable areas such as the nose and ears. Running on sand uses more energy than on grass, so make sure your dog doesn't overdo it and has plenty of rest. Wash the salt and sand out of your dog's coat and paws, and check for any cuts.

🚗 Hot dogs in cars
Dogs should never be left in the car unattended, even on a mildly warm day. Dogs can die this way even if the car has been left in the shade and car windows are open. If you are travelling in the car with your dog for a long period of time, make sure you take the necessary precautions such as taking plenty of stops, having lots of water and an appropriate shady space for your dog.

The goal of pain management is helping pets to live happy and healthy lives. Sometimes pets have a visible improvement i...
03/06/2026

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.

Tail posture is one of the many subtle indicators we assess when evaluating pain in dogs.A tucked tail, reduced wagging,...
04/05/2026

Tail posture is one of the many subtle indicators we assess when evaluating pain in dogs.
A tucked tail, reduced wagging, or a shift from your dog’s normal posture can signal discomfort long before more obvious symptoms appear.
If you’re concerned about changes in your dog’s body language, our clinic can help you understand what’s going on and support their comfort.

Address

Broadleys Veterinary Hospital
Stirling
FK77LE

Telephone

+447768110495

Website

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