The Pain Clinic is dedicated to improving the comfort, mobility, and overall wellbeing of animals experiencing acute or chronic pain. The service brings together expertise from a range of veterinary disciplines, including anaesthesia and pain management, physiotherapy, neurology, orthopaedics, oncology, behaviour, and diagnostic imaging. By combining these perspectives, the clinic delivers a comprehensive, coordinated approach to enhancement and maintenance of quality of life, particularly for patients with complex or long-term conditions.Each consultation includes a detailed assessment of the patient's condition. This may include evaluation of pain behaviours, functional abilities, mobility, medical history, and lifestyle factors, supported by validated assessment tools and objective measurements when appropriate.Based on the patient’s assessment, a bespoke management plan is developed, tailored to the needs of each patient and their owners. Contact details 0131 650 7650 HFSAreception@ed.ac.uk (Pet owners: please note that this mailbox is for referring vets only. We cannot comment on cases that we have not seen but are happy to talk to your vet.) Follow us on Facebook Treatment recommendations may include medication, rehabilitation and exercise programmes, weight and lifestyle management, environmental adaptations, and advanced pain-relief techniques.Led by Dr Cristina Bianchi, an American Specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, the Pain Clinic works closely with the Royal (Dick) Edinburgh Physiotherapy Assessment & Intensive Rehabilitation (REPAIR) Centre at the Hospital, which offers physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, to promote an all-round approach to chronic pain in pets. Our aim is to help animals maintain the highest possible levels of comfort, function, and independence, enabling them to enjoy a good quality of life despite the challenges of painful disease.Where indicated, interventional procedures such as targeted nerve blocks, epidurals and acupuncture can be incorporated into a treatment strategy. Dr Cristina Bianchi performing an epidural steroid injection under combined fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance for the treatment of canine lumbosacral disease. Information for referred clients If you have been referred to us by your vet, these pages are for you. Information for vets Information for veterinary professionals looking for advice or to refer a patient to us. This article was published on Friday 10 July 2026
