Discover how chronic pain affects your furry friend's well-being and find effective ways to alleviate their discomfort. Our team of veterinarians in Burlington and Bellingham will discuss this topic of chronic pain in dogs and provide valuable insights on pain management for your beloved pet.
Chronic Pain in Dogs
We all aspire to love and care for our dogs as we do our human family members. However, there are situations, like chronic pain, that can't always be avoided. Chronic pain not only causes discomfort to dogs but also significantly affects their overall well-being.
Causes of Chronic Pain in Dogs
When dogs experience chronic pain the most common cause is Osteoarthritis affecting approximately 40% of dogs. Some of the contributing factors for osteoarthritis include hereditary and other congenital factors which can affect dogs of all ages and breeds.
Diagnosing Chronic Pain in Dogs
If you think your dog might be experiencing long-term pain, it's important to observe any signs or symptoms and take them to the vet for a thorough examination to eliminate other potential causes.
To diagnose your dog's condition, the vet may use the following methods to assess pain:
- Veterinary examination
- Physiological markers
- Objective measurements of how your dog walks or moves (such as using a force plate or accelerometer)
- Your assessment of your dog's daily activities
- Comprehensive clinical measurement tools that consider multiple factors.
Laser Therapy Treatment for Chronic Pain in Dogs
Veterinary cold laser therapy is a new treatment method for various disorders in pets. It primarily manages pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes wound healing.
Therapeutic lasers work by emitting specific light waves that can change the functioning of affected tissues. During treatment, the emitted light stimulates the cells in the tissues, leading to faster regeneration.
The choice of laser wavelength determines which tissues can be targeted. Most commonly, near-infrared light is used, but lower wavelength lasers are becoming more popular. Lower wavelength lasers are suitable for treating skin-related issues, while higher wavelength lasers are effective for deep tissue repair.
If you're interested in learning more about how your dog can benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy, it's best to consult your vet.
Learn More about Cold Laser Therapy
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.