Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Musculoskeletal Pain Recognition

Musculoskeletal pain is frequently underrecognized in dogs, leading to unnecessary suffering that can be prevented with better assessment.

Key Facts

Dogs rarely vocalize pain, leading owners to underestimate musculoskeletal discomfort
Reduced activity, reluctance to climb stairs, and changed posture are key pain indicators
The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scale helps owners assess pain at home
NSAIDs and adjunctive therapies like physiotherapy significantly improve quality of life
Breed predispositions to joint disease mean proactive screening is warranted for at-risk dogs

Welfare Considerations

Silent suffering from musculoskeletal pain is a significant but often overlooked welfare issue in companion dogs. Improving owner and veterinary recognition of subtle pain signs enables treatment that dramatically improves quality of life.

What You Can Do

Monitor your dog for subtle pain signs: gait changes, reduced activity, difficulty rising
Schedule regular veterinary checks for breeds prone to joint disease
Ask your vet about validated pain assessment tools and multi-modal pain management