{"id":30483,"date":"2024-05-23T19:01:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T19:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=30483"},"modified":"2026-01-26T19:54:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T19:54:16","slug":"canine-chronic-pain-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/pain-management\/canine-chronic-pain-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"Canine Chronic Pain Assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Abstract<\/b><\/p>\n

Any dog may experience chronic pain. While owners can play a key role in recognizing signs of chronic pain in dogs, identification and assessment of chronic pain are vital skills for the veterinary nurse. This article discusses the indications for and steps involved in performing a canine chronic pain assessment.<\/p>\n

Take-Home Points <\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Chronic pain can occur in animals at any age.<\/li>\n
  • Veterinary nurses should be able to teach anyone in the practice, as well as the client, how to successfully use a clinical metrology instrument.<\/li>\n
  • Dogs should be evaluated for pain, even if only by observation, at every veterinary visit.<\/li>\n
  • Videos taken at home can be helpful since the dog may not act the same at the hospital.<\/li>\n
  • Make sure to allow the client to voice any concerns they may have, especially if they do not recognize their dog\u2019s pain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

    T<\/span>he recognition of pain is constantly evolving in both human and veterinary medicine, and the evidence for treating chronic pain as a disease in itself is growing.1-3<\/sup> While chronic pain is generally defined as pain lasting for more than 3 months, it can be more accurately described as maladaptive pain, or pain not associated with healing, and it is often associated with long-term health issues (<\/span>BOX 1<\/b><\/span>).3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

    BOX 1 Causes and Examples of Chronic Pain3<\/sup><\/div>
    Chronic inflammation<\/strong><\/p>\n
      \n
    • Degenerative joint disease\/osteoarthritis<\/li>\n
    • Chronic intervertebral disk disease<\/li>\n
    • Hip dysplasia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Nonosteoarthritis\/nonmalignant conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Amputation (\u201cphantom pain\u201d)<\/li>\n
      • Lick granuloma<\/li>\n
      • Glaucoma<\/li>\n
      • Otic conditions<\/div><\/div>
        <\/li>\n
      • Dental disease<\/li>\n
      • Dermatitis<\/li>\n
      • Gastritis<\/li>\n
      • Mucositis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Canine osteosarcoma<\/li>\n
        • Mammary tumor<\/li>\n
        • Nasal tumor<\/li>\n
        • Multiple myeloma<\/li>\n
        • Central nervous\/spinal tumors<\/li>\n
        • Invasive cutaneous tumors<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Because animals cannot describe their own pain, pain assessment in dogs relies on several measures, such as behaviors reported by owners and physical signs evaluated by professional veterinary team members.2<\/sup> Caregivers (e.g., owners, family members) are in the best position to notice early signs of chronic pain; therefore, it is important to educate caregivers about gradual behavioral changes that may otherwise go unnoticed or be attributed to aging.3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n