Veterinarians may be getting it very wrong when examining your dog’s sensitivity to pain

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Raleigh, North Carolina — Different breeds have different levels of pain sensitivity, and these differences do not always align with commonly held beliefs about pain specific to a dog breed. A recent study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University found that a dog’s temperament, especially interactions with strangers, can influence how veterinarians perceive the breed’s sensitivity to pain. It was revealed that there is

“Veterinarians have a pretty strong consensus on pain assessment.” dog hypersensitivity Margaret Gruen, associate professor of behavioral medicine and co-author of the study, said:

Figure 1. Ten dog breeds/breed types selected for study. (A) Findings of Gruen et al. (1) To demonstrate average pain sensitivity ratings by both veterinarians and the public for 10 selected dog breeds. The scale ranges from 0 = not sensitive at all to 100 = most sensitive imaginable. In Gruen et al., (1), median pain sensitivity ratings between veterinarians and the general public were compared using a two-sample t-test, with p-values = 0.001 indicated using asterisks. .

. (B) Visual representation of his 10 dog breeds/breed types selected based on a veterinarian’s classification of pain sensitivity ratings. Heights are given by breed to include breeds/breed types of varying sizes. Figure 1. Ten dog breeds/breed types selected for study. (A) Findings of Gruen et al. (1) To demonstrate average pain sensitivity ratings by both veterinarians and the public for 10 selected dog breeds. The scale ranges from 0 = not sensitive at all to 100 = most sensitive imaginable. In Gruen et al., (1), median pain sensitivity ratings between veterinarians and the general public were compared using a two-sample t-test, with p-values = 0.001 indicated using asterisks. . . (B) Visual representation of his 10 dog breeds/breed types selected based on a veterinarian’s classification of pain sensitivity ratings. Heights are given by breed to include breeds/breed types of varying sizes. (Credit: North Carolina)

This study investigated whether there is a correlation between a breed's perceived pain sensitivity and its actual pain threshold. Researchers examined 149 healthy adult dogs of 10 different breeds that were subjectively assessed. — High, average, or low pain sensitivity. Pain sensitivity was measured using methods adapted from human clinical medicine, such as the pressure and temperature test on the dog’s hind legs. Emotional reactivity tests were also performed to assess the dogs’ reactions to unfamiliar objects and people.

Figure 2. Quantitative sensory testing method used (27). (AC) EVF device: (A) EVF device setup showing the Von Fly tip with cord attached to the recording device, (B) close-up view of the 0.9 mm Von Fly tip applicator used, and (C) Magnified view of the recording device showing current force (middle), maximum force applied (top left), and measured unit force (top right). (D–F) PA device: (D) PA device setup showing the blunt probe attached to the recording device, (E) showing the maximum applied force (middle) and the measured unit force (top). A magnified view of the recording device, and (F) the researcher’s technique of applying bluntly probed PA to the metatarsal bone of the dog, with the tip perpendicular to the dog’s skin. (G,H) Thermosensory analyzer and thermal device including thermo mode connected to a laptop: (G) Laptop screen displayed when the thermosensory analyzer is ready to start a new test, and (H) Application of the heat probe to the heat sensor metatarsal canine. Using a stopwatch, the researchers recorded the time it took for the dog to exhibit a behavioral response, he was within 1/100 of hers. EVFG, electronic phone fly. PA, pressure algorithm; Figure 2. Quantitative sensory testing method used (27). (AC) EVF device: (A) EVF device setup showing the Von Fly tip with cord attached to the recording device, (B) close-up view of the 0.9 mm Von Fly tip applicator used, and (C) Magnified view of the recording device showing current force (middle), maximum force applied (top left), and measured unit force (top right). (D–F) PA device: (D) PA device setup showing blunt probe attached to recording device, (E) showing maximum applied force (middle) and measured unit force (top). A close-up view of the recording device, and (F) the researcher’s technique of applying bluntly probed PA to the dog’s metatarsal bones, with the tip perpendicular to the dog’s skin. (G,H) Thermosensory analyzer and thermal device including thermo mode connected to a laptop: (G) Laptop screen displayed when the thermosensory analyzer is ready to start a new test, and (H) Application of the heat probe to the heat sensor metatarsal canine. Using a stopwatch, the researchers recorded the time it took for the dog to exhibit a behavioral response, he was within 1/100 of hers. EVFG, electronic phone fly. PA, pressure algorithm; Figure 2. Quantitative sensory testing method used (27). (AC) EVF device: (A) EVF device setup showing the Von Fly tip with cord attached to the recording device, (B) close-up view of the 0.9 mm Von Fly tip applicator used, and (C) Magnified view of the recording device showing current force (middle), maximum force applied (top left), and measured unit force (top right). (D–F) PA device: (D) PA device setup showing blunt probe attached to recording device, (E) showing maximum applied force (middle) and measured unit force (top). A close-up view of the recording device, and (F) the researcher’s technique of applying bluntly probed PA to the dog’s metatarsal bones, with the tip perpendicular to the dog’s skin. (G,H) Thermosensory analyzer and thermal device including thermo mode connected to a laptop: (G) Laptop screen displayed when the thermosensory analyzer is ready to start a new test, and (H) Application of the heat probe to the heat sensor metatarsal canine. Using a stopwatch, the researchers recorded the time it took for the dog to exhibit a behavioral response, he was within 1/100 of hers. EVFG, electronic phone fly. PA, pressure algorithm; (Credit: North Carolina) The results showed that there are indeed breed-specific differences in the pain sensitivity thresholds of dogs. However, these differences were not always consistent with rankings provided by veterinarians. for example, maltese dog

It showed a high sensitivity threshold, consistent with veterinarian perceptions. in contrast, siberian husky Veterinarians thought these animals to be very sensitive, but they turned out to have moderate pain tolerance. Interestingly, some large dog breeds considered sensitive actually exhibited moderate to high pain tolerance. The study also revealed a potential link between canine emotional reactivity and canine emotions. Assessment of pain tolerance by veterinarians

for certain breeds. Dogs who are less likely to engage with new objects or exhibit stress during interactions with strangers may be rated as having a lower pain tolerance. This suggests a dog’s stress level and emotional reactivity.

during a veterinary visit It may affect a veterinarian’s perception of the breed’s pain tolerance.The results of this study suggest that there are biological differences in pain sensitivity between dog breeds, highlighting the need for an individualized therapeutic approach. The researchers aim to further investigate the biological causes behind these differences, which may lead to more effective breed-specific pain management strategies. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of considering a dog’s anxiety and mental health during veterinary visits. These factors can affect how pain is perceived.