References
Chronic pain in small animals: how to create a pain management plan
Abstract
Chronic pain impairs the quality of life of pets. Although the exact prevalence is unknown, recognition of chronic painful conditions has increased in the last few decades. Osteoarthritis may affect up to 20% of the canine adult population, although sources put this figure higher, at up to 40%. Chronic pain has a complex pathophysiology and a variety of presentations. The assessment can be challenging, as there may be several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying one disease. This clinical review gives an overview of chronic pain and demonstrates how to approach two case examples using the diagnostic tools available and illustrating the treatment options.
Chronic pain is a common condition that has been recognised as affecting almost 20% of the human population worldwide (Breivik et al, 2006). Although the prevalence of chronically painful conditions in small animals is unknown, we can assume it is probably significant as a result of the increase in life expectancy. Chronic pain negatively influences the health and welfare of pets. The assessment of this condition has greatly improved over time as research has elucidated the pathophysiology of these diseases, and pain scoring scales and health-related quality of life instruments have been validated. However, the recognition and treatment of chronic pain is still considered limited (Robertson, 2008; Lorena et al, 2013). This clinical review presents how to approach two common chronic conditions (chronic intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs and osteoarthritis in cats), elucidating the pathophysiology of the pain presented, and explains the pain scoring systems available for the veterinarians with consideration given to different treatment options.
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