Final answer:
The assumption that a dog sleeping soundly indicates well-managed pain is false. Post-surgical pain can sometimes make animals seem lethargic or sleep more heavily, and pain management should be assessed through various methods by a veterinarian.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the question, "If your canine patient is curled up sleeping soundly after her OHE surgery, her pain is probably well managed," the answer is false. While a dog sleeping soundly after surgery might seem like a good sign, it is not a reliable indicator that the animal's pain is well managed. Post-surgical pain can sometimes cause animals to be more lethargic or to sleep more heavily, as part of a stress response or due to the effects of pain medication.
Pain assessment in animals can be challenging because they cannot verbally express how they feel. Veterinarians use various pain assessment methods such as observing changes in behavior, checking physiological parameters, and looking for signs of pain such as restlessness, panting, or a lack of appetite. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor a range of indicators to ensure proper pain management.