A hidden problem in pets- companion animal chronic pain

摘要

CHRONIC pain is a major problem in the pet population, and is often left undiagnosed and untreated.Reasons for this include misconceptions about how animals present with pain, owners being unaware of the treatment regimens or care plans that are available for their pet and, unfortunately, financial aspects.OA is just one type of chronic pain. Various sources state varying amounts, but approximately 25 per cent of dogs are diagnosed with arthritis in their lifetime, with as many as 60 per cent of dogs having radiographic evidence of it.Slingerland et al (2011) found that 61 per cent of the cats in their study had OA in at least one joint and 48 per cent of the cats had more than one joint affected by OA. Of the cats that were 14 years and older, 82 per cent had OA in at least one joint.