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Diagnosis and management of chronic joint pain in the dog
Author(s) -
McKee Malcolm
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inp.f2862
Subject(s) - medicine , chronic pain , joint pain , muscle atrophy , lameness , arthrodesis , atrophy , surgery , intensive care medicine , physical therapy , pathology , alternative medicine
Chronic joint pain in dogs is a common reason for owners to seek veterinary attention. Affected dogs typically have persistent lameness, stiffness and muscle atrophy. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important since there are a number of conditions, such as sepsis and neoplasia, that require specific treatment. This article reviews the causes and clinical features of chronic joint pain in dogs, as well as the diagnosis and management of these debilitating conditions. In addition to current medical therapies, the surgical options of arthrodesis, joint replacement and excision arthroplasty are discussed.