No, there is a difference between acute and chronic pain. Acute pain comes on suddenly and goes away when there is no longer a cause. We may hear a yelp or the dog is suddenly lame. We may see swelling, lameness, or if we are very unlucky a broken bone may be evident. If the cause is known it is typically treated with veterinary prescribed pain relief and rest.
Chronic pain is ongoing and linked with chronic issues such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Chronic pain is now being classified as pain that continues after the tissue has healed, though it can be thought of as lasting longer than 3 or 6 months.
Not only do the causes of these two types of pain differ, so do the effects. Chronic pain is not just a prolonged extension of acute pain, it signals that wide-ranging physiochemical changes have occurred in the central and peripheral nervous systems, from the level of the peripheral nociceptors, to the cerebral cortex, causing a persistent hypersensitivity to pain. Meaning our dogs can become super sensitive.
Dogs are good at hiding pain. The first signs may be a change in behaviour. They may be grumpy with other dogs when they haven't been before, sleeping more, not jumping onto the furniture or into the car, if they do jump in they may hesitate first. Some of these changes are very subtle, and require us being observant of our dog's behaviour.
Chronic pain also has an emotional effect on our dogs too. They may seem depressed or quieter than they used to be. There may also be a change in appetite or weight changes, which should always be assessed.
Osteoarthritis is an extremely common health problem for the dogs in the UK. A study in the US found that 80% of dogs over 7 years had some degree of OA.
The difference between a healthy joint and one with osteoarthritis.
I have designed a special program especially for dogs with these chronic pain issues, to include physiotherapy, Tellington TTouch, videos, home management recommendations and more to help your lovely canine friend feel less pain, be comfortable, improve their stride and be happy again.
If you would like to learn more, contact me via e-mail wellbalancedanimals@gmail.com or book a free 20 minute phone call here. https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php...