If your loyal four-legged friend is suffering from chronic pain, it can significantly reduce their quality of life. Our vets at Chino Hills are here to shed some light on chronic pain in dogs and offer tips on how you can assist in managing your pet's discomfort.
Chronic Pain in Dogs
As pet owners, we strive to treat our furry friends with the same love and care we give to our human family members. However, despite our best efforts, there may be certain conditions that are beyond our control. Chronic pain is one such condition that not only causes discomfort to your canine companion but can also significantly impact their overall well-being.
Causes of Chronic Pain in Dogs
Chronic pain in dogs is often caused by osteoarthritis, which affects around 40% of canines. This condition can be influenced by various factors, including hereditary and congenital ones, and can affect dogs of any age or breed.
Diagnosing Chronic Pain in Dogs
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 to rule out any other possible causes.
Your vet may utilize the following pain assessment methods to diagnose your dog's condition:
- Veterinary examination
- Physiologic biomarkers
- Objective measurements of gait (eg, force plate) and/or activity and movement (eg, accelerometer)
- Owner assessment of activities of daily living (ADL)
- Multifactorial clinical measurement instruments.
Laser Therapy Treatment for Chronic Pain in Dogs
If your pet is experiencing symptoms related to various disorders, veterinary laser therapy may be a beneficial treatment option. This relatively new method of therapy is primarily used to manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing. The therapy works by utilizing light waves of a specific wavelength to modify the physiology of the affected tissues. During treatment, the light emitted by the therapeutic laser stimulates the cells within the tissues, promoting faster cellular regeneration.
The type of tissue that can be affected depends on the wavelength of the laser used. Typically, near-infrared light is emitted by the most commonly used lasers. However, lower wavelength lasers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to treat areas near and involving the skin. For deep tissue repair, higher-wavelength lasers are the preferred choice.
If you are interested in learning more about how veterinary laser therapy can benefit your dog, it is recommended that you speak to your vet. They can provide you with more information and determine if this treatment option is appropriate for your pet's specific needs.
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.