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Chronic Pain Conditions in Dogs

Chronic pain can significantly impact a dog's well-being and quality of life. While your vet can help you manage your pooch's pain, the conditions behind it can be difficult to diagnose. In today's post, our San Gabriel vets list chronic pain conditions in dogs and their symptoms and explain how you can help your pup.

What is chronic pain in dogs?

Dogs with chronic pain can experience a prolonged soreness or discomfort that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Various underlying conditions like degenerative joint disease, nerve damage, spinal issues, hip dysplasia, or arthritis may be to blame for your pup's chronic pain. This can significantly affect a dog's quality of life, leading to reduced mobility, behavioral changes, and decreased enjoyment of activities. 

Veterinarians will usually take a multi-faceted approach to managing pain in dogs, potentially integrating medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical intervention depending on their patients' specific conditions and individual needs. 

Signs of Chronic Pain in Dogs 

If your dog is experiencing chronic pain, you may notice one or more of the following:

  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs 
  • Irritability 
  • Yelping or whining 
  • Lack of enthusiasm for walks, activities, or play 
  • Decrease in appetite 
  • Tail lowered or tucked in 
  • Limping
  • Irritability 
  • Generally sad demeanor 

Chronic pain can develop gradually in your dog's body, making it challenging for even the most vigilant dog owner to detect signs or symptoms. for this reason, it's important to take your pet to your veterinarian for annual routine exams during their lifetime, from the time they are young puppies to their senior years

These wellness checkups allow your vet to monitor your pooch's health over time and detect subtle changes that may otherwise not be noticed. 

Causes of Chronic Pain in Dogs 

Many factors can contribute to chronic pain in dogs. Osteoarthritis is the most common and affects many dogs, particularly older ones. This condition can develop as a result of factors like genetics, aging, obesity, joint abnormalities, or previous injuries. 

Other causes of pain in dogs include:

  • Dental health problems
  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Cancer

What are the types of tests used to diagnose chronic pain in dogs?

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from chronic pain, take them to the vet for a comprehensive examination. 

Your vet may use the following methods to diagnose your dog's condition:

  • Physiologic biomarkers: Biomarkers are physiological indicators that can be assessed with laboratory tests such as urine analysis, imaging studies, and blood tests. Vets often use these biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, and manage a dog's chronic pain. By integrating biomarker analysis with behavioral evaluation and a clinical assessment, veterinarians and pet owners can gain more insight into a dog's chronic pain, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for your dog. 
  • Measurements of gait:  This gait assessment is essential for diagnosing and monitoring chronic pain conditions, particularly those affecting the musculoskeletal system. By evaluating the way a dog walks, veterinarians can gain a comprehensive understanding of the gait abnormalities and functional impairments associated with chronic pain in dogs. This facilitates accurate diagnosis and targeted management strategies.
  • Multifactorial clinical measurement instruments: Clinical measurement instruments such as pain score systems, quality-of-life assessments, and physical examinations are highly valuable tools for veterinarians. They take into account various dimensions of pain including changes in behavior, physical signs, and functional impairment, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the pain experienced by dogs. These tools enable veterinarians to assess and monitor chronic pain in dogs more comprehensively.

Treatments for Chronic Pain in Dogs

Never give your dog medications formulated for humans. Many medications effective for us can be toxic for dogs. If your dog is diagnosed with a condition resulting in chronic pain, the recommended treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

Surgery is generally the best treatment for painful dental conditions such as periodontal disease or the need for tooth extraction.

Chronic pain related to cancer can be treated in several ways, including medications such as Tramadol, NSAIDs such as Metacam, Previcox, Deramaxx, and Rimadyl,  or topical medications including lidocaine, benzocaine, cortisone, or dimethyl sulfoxide.

For chronic pain caused by joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, your vet may prescribe a change in diet plus dietary supplements.

Non-drug therapies to help reduce inflammation and soothe joints include cold laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or acupuncture. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Galliprant, Rimadyl, Previcox, or Metacam, and painkillers, such as Gabapentin or Tramadol, can also help.

How can cold laser therapy help?

Veterinary cold laser therapy is a relatively new method of treatment for dogs in pain. It is commonly used to help manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing in pets.

The light emitted by these lasers stimulates the cells within the tissues, promoting faster cellular regeneration.

The wavelength of the laser used determines the tissue it can affect. Low-wavelength lasers are typically used to treat areas near and involving the skin, while higher-wavelength lasers focus on deep tissue repair.

Talk to your vet if you'd like to learn more about how veterinary cold laser therapy may benefit your dog.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.

Do you suspect your dog is suffering from chronic pain? Contact our San Gabriel vets today to book an exam for your pooch.

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