Persistent pain can significantly affect a dog's overall well-being. Diagnosing chronic pain conditions in dogs can be challenging. Still, our veterinarians in Turlock provide information on these conditions, their symptoms, and ways to assist your dog in pain management.
What is Chronic Pain in Dogs?
Most dog owners aim to provide excellent care for their pets. However, certain conditions are beyond prevention. When a dog experiences chronic pain, alterations in their behavior and mobility become evident. Prompt diagnosis is essential for implementing treatment and pain management.
How to Know if Your Dog Suffers From Chronic Pain
If you are concerned that your canine companion may be suffering from chronic pain, then you will want to note any signs and symptoms that you see and bring them in for a full examination in order to rule out any other possible causes.
Your vet may utilize the following pain assessment methods in order to diagnose your dog's condition:
- Veterinary examination
- Physiologic biomarkers
- Objective measurements of gait and movement
- Multifactorial clinical measurement instruments
- Owner assessment of activities of daily living (ADL)
The Causes of Chronic Pain in Dogs
Dogs often suffer from chronic pain primarily due to osteoarthritis, which affects around 40% of them. Contributing factors for osteoarthritis encompass hereditary and congenital elements that can impact dogs of varying ages and breeds.
Laser Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain in Dogs
Veterinary cold laser therapy is a fairly new treatment method for symptoms related to various disorders. It is most commonly used to help manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing for your pet.
Therapeutic lasers utilize specific wavelengths of light to modify the affected tissues' physiology. The emitted light stimulates tissue cells, promoting quicker cellular regeneration during treatment.
If you want to understand how your dog can benefit from veterinary laser therapy, consult your veterinarian.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.