Two Specialist-led clinics offer bespoke referral service for small animals with chronic pain and behaviour problems. Pets with complex chronic pain and behavioural issues can now benefit from two services that offer specialist insight and practical support in a calm clinical environment. The University of Edinburgh’s Hospital for Small Animals has expanded its offering to referring vets, owners and their pets, with the launch of a Pain Clinic, in a bespoke facility that also houses the existing Behaviour Clinic.Chronic pain can impact quality of life and may lead to new or intensified behaviour issues; discomfort can drive anxiety, reactivity and aggression; while stress can mask pain and complicate assessment. Specialist clinicians from the Pain Clinic and the Behaviour Clinics work together, as well as with the Hospital’s other referral services, to ensure a holistic treatment approach for patients with chronic pain and behaviour concerns. Treatment of painThe newly launched Pain Clinic offers support with the diagnosis and ongoing management of several chronic pain conditions in pets, including pain of musculoskeletal, spinal or visceral origin. Led by Dr Cristina Bianchi, an American Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, the service has an individualised approach to treatment. The service offers additional options for patients with chronic pain that remains poorly controlled or difficult to localise despite investigation, or for those who cannot tolerate conventional pain relief. It is also suited to cases where medication must be adjusted owing to concurrent disease management such as dermatology or chemotherapy. (l-r) Dr Kevin McPeake, Dr Amy Miele and Dr Benjamin Cross from the Behaviour Clinic, and Dr Cristina Bianchi from the new Pain Clinic. The Pain Clinic is dedicated to treating chronic pain and improving quality of life for companion animals, helping them live happier, more active and comfortable lives through multi-modal, evidence-based pain management. Through compassionate care, and close collaboration with colleagues and referring veterinarians, I aim to improve welfare, restore function, and maximise every patient's happiness and quality of life. Dr Cristina Bianchi American Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Head of the Pain Clinic Addressing behavioural challengesThe Behaviour Clinic is run by Dr Kevin McPeake, the only European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine in Scotland, supported by Veterinary Behavioural Medicine residents Dr Amy Miele and Dr Benjamin Cross. The service, which opened in 2021, sees referred dogs and cats for concerns such as separation related problems, noise sensitivities, house soiling, aggressive behaviours and reactivity. Bespoke facilitiesTo limit unwanted pet-to-pet interactions, the Pain Clinic and Behaviour Clinic are housed in a new dedicated space a short walk from the main Hospital for Small Animals.The space has a direct and accessible entrance, dedicated parking, and is surrounded by green space, offering a calm, safe environment for patients and their owners.Inside, a large open area with non-slip flooring and lots of natural light enables patients to have a detailed gait analysis, and the three consult rooms are sound-proofed to reduce noise transfer. To reduce stress in feline patients, cats are typically visited at home, to minimise the impact of travel and unfamiliar environments. The Behaviour Clinic has been open for five years and has expanded, from one to three clinicians. Previously based within the Hospital for Small Animals. we are delighted we now have a bespoke facilities for our consultations, and an increased capacity to accept referrals. Dr Kevin McPeake European and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine and Head of the Behaviour Clinic If you have a patient that may benefit from attending the Pain Clinic or the Behaviour Clinic, please contact the Hospital on 0131 650 7650 or hfsareception@ed.ac.uk.Related linksBehaviour Clinic webpage About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Small Animals Vets This article was published on Thursday 25 June 2026
