Companion Animals

Companion Dog Orthopaedic Pain Management

Orthopaedic pain is one of the most common causes of suffering in dogs, and multi-modal pain management significantly improves welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, and osteoarthritis are the leading orthopaedic conditions
NSAIDs are first-line for orthopaedic pain but have hepatic and renal risks with long-term use
Gabapentin and amantadine address neuropathic pain components
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and weight management complement pharmacological treatment
Monoclonal antibody treatments targeting nerve growth factor are a newer analgesic option

Welfare Considerations

Undertreated orthopaedic pain causes significant and prolonged suffering in dogs. Multi-modal approaches that address different pain pathways are more effective and allow lower NSAID doses. Regular pain assessment, owner education about pain signs, and access to physiotherapy are all welfare-improving interventions.

What You Can Do

Request regular pain scoring at annual checks for orthopaedic dogs
Ask your vet about physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for orthopaedic conditions
Maintain healthy body weight to reduce joint load and slow disease progression