What is Neuropathic Pain?
Research of the neurobiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain is an area of science where the input of human experience is being utilized to help the advancement of care for our animal friends. Neuropathic pain can take many forms, which cannot be described to us by our dogs, such as burning or stabbing. The veterinarian, of which it's important to pick a doctor with some experience in this particular field, will analyze the existence of this chronic pain in your dog by looking at your pet’s history, and checking causes like an identifiable lesion, and through a neurological examination to rule out other possible causes of pain. A combination of both medication and therapy such as acupuncture will be suggested upon identification of neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is caused by an abnormality in the day to day function of the peripheral or central nervous system. In most cases, this type of pain is ordinarily chronic in nature. Because our pets are unable to verbalize their discomfort, the pain of a neuropathic origin can be difficult to diagnose, thus making a visit to the veterinarian paramount to your dog’s health. Although your dog will not be able to explain to you of the severity of the pain, he deserves to be relieved of it.Neuropathic Pain Average Cost
From 17 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $6,000
Average Cost
$3,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain in Dogs
It is known that neuropathic pain in dogs is a condition that may be difficult to recognize. As a pet owner, you know your dog best and must seek veterinary advice if you feel that your dog is suffering from pain:
- One of the most obvious signs will be a change in your pet’s behavior
- Change in mood and vitality
- Low tolerance to activity, especially exercise - no matter how light
- Licking an area constantly
- Vocalization of pain
- Possible lack of appetite
- Change in urinary habits or bowel movements, including accidents in the house
- Noticeable change in posture
- Difficulty walking or standing up
- Trouble with jumping or managing stairs
Perhaps less obvious to you are the following symptoms of neuropathic pain:
- Your pet may exhibit a painful reaction to non-painful pressure such as touch (allodynia)
- Your dog may feel a heightened sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia)
- Your dog may pull back from you when your are giving him attention due to extra sensitivity to touch and sensation (hyperpathia)
Causes of Neuropathic Pain in Dogs
Simply put, neuropathic pain occurs when the pain moves from the original source and the neural pathways become unusually sensitized. The pain then occurs with or without stimuli. Some causes for neuropathic pain are listed below:
- Spinal tumor
- Injury to the spinal cord
- Injury to the peripheral nerves such as cauda equina syndrome (pressure and swelling of nerves)
- Phantom pain resulting from a limb amputation
- Intervertebral disk herniation
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
Diagnosis of Neuropathic Pain in Dogs
When you bring your dog to the clinic, be prepared to discuss with the veterinarian a complete history of your dog’s past and present experiences. Because your pet is unable to speak for himself, you must be vigilant and as thorough as you can be when explaining the situation.
You may be asked the following questions:
- How long has the pain been obvious to you?
- Is the pain intermittent or continuous?
- Do you notice any specific areas where the pain may be originating from?
- Has your dog recently, or in the past, been ill or injured?
- Does your pet vocalize pain when you least expect it?
The determination of the presence of neuropathic pain is often diagnosed by recognizing abnormal behavior. Together you and the veterinarian will observe your pet and use various stimuli to diagnose neuropathic pain:
- Pain response to non-painful stimulation such as touch (allodynia)
- Heightened sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia)
- Excessive sensitivity to touch, pressure, stimulation (hyperpathia)
Tools that may not cause a high degree of pain in a normal patient, but can cause extreme discomfort to a pet in a neuropathic state may be a pinprick, thermal heat or cold, stroking an area with gauze or cotton, and applying pressure.These assessments are crucial to diagnosing a case of neuropathic pain.
The veterinarian may decide to do blood tests or x-rays to look for lesions, infection, or to rule out other possible causes or symptoms of pain before confirming a diagnosis of neuropathic pain.
Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Dogs
If we compare the treatment of human neuropathic pain to the same sort of constant pain in our dogs, the common goal of treatment is to provide as much relief as possible. In humans, neuropathic pain is determined on these deciding factors:
- There may be accompanying swelling
- There can be pain but no tissue damage with it
- A lack of some sensations may be evident
- The pain can come in sudden jolts and spasms
- allodynia, hyperalgesia, and hyperpathia are present
- the pain burns, stabs and tingles
If you think about the factors mentioned above, one can imagine the difficulty in treating neuropathic pain. Studies show that the best forms of managing this type of pain is a combination of drugs and non-pharmacological therapy. Some of the options include:
- Opioids
- Anti-inflammatories
- Local anaesthetics
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Anti-epileptics
As this field is under constant study, the veterinarian will discuss with you the options available. It should be noted that finding the right mix and balance of medication will take some time, and your cooperation and the documentation of improvements in your pet’s behavior will be invaluable information for the primary veterinary caregiver.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Neuropathic Pain in Dogs
Follow up with the veterinarian on a daily to weekly basis will be required when the drugs are being tailored to the needs of your pet. Avoidance of adverse side effects is important. Because different dogs respond in various ways to pain, we must remember that neuropathic pain management is really an individual case by case scenario.
The behavior of your dog as he responds to the pain management treatment will be key to deciding if the protocol being followed is the best one for your pet. Daily observance of your dog is necessary, as is reporting all changes, whether positive or negative, to the veterinarian. You should be aware that neuropathic pain does not usually resolve, resulting in lifelong pain management.
Neuropathic Pain Average Cost
From 17 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $6,000
Average Cost
$3,800
Top
Neuropathic Pain Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Chihuahua
Woody
9 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating
No Appetite
Withdrawn
Sleeps Alot
Licking And Chewing His Paws An
Pants Alot
Lump On Back Ontop Of Spine
My Chihuahua is 9 years old and recently diagnosed with diabetes. He is taking 5 units of humalin n twice a day. He seemed to do fine at first but he is acting way out of character. Normally he is a snuggly little thing likes to play follow us around the house gives kisses and hugs non stop and would always sit with my husband and I and nurse our hands until recently. He is still peeing through the roof a lot of the Times all over my floors he does nothing but sleep even in places where he normally wouldn't lay down. He doesn't want to do much for activities he is still drinking an excessive amount of water eating has been difficult and he is constantly licking and chewing on his paws and legs. There are no cuts scrapes or any injuries to said areas but he won't quit. He has a lump underneath the skin towards his back end on top of the spine and if we touch it he pulls back. A few years ago he tore both acl's on his back legs one of which we did surgery. He pants A lot and sits and stares at myself and my husband when he's awake but doesn't want to do any sort of things with us. Im wondering about diabetic nerve pain for the way he's acting and my vet just says we have to get the diabetes regulated before we focus on anything else? He's my baby and I can't watch him like this it breaks my heart.
Jan. 30, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. His diabetes does not sound like it is controlled, and that may help with his behavior to get that controlled and see if he is still displaying these signs and behaviors. It would be a good idea to have a follow up with your veterinarian, and possibly a glucose curve to assess his blood sugar levels throughout the day, as his diabetes needs to be better controlled than that. I Hope that things go well for Woody.
Jan. 30, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Beagle
Susie
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vocalizing Pain
Not Very Act
Not Her Self
My dog has been to the vet two time in two days because she seems to be in a lot of pain. They can't find anything wrong with her. They have done X-Rays on her abdomen because they thought she might have a blockage and no she did not. When she lays down she squeals when she gets back up sometimes for about 10 seconds. When she's sleeping and wakes up in the morning it's the worst she just seems like she is in so much pain. They gave her an antibiotic and pain medication but it only last for a little and then she seems to be in pain again. She's not pooping the normal amount only one time a day and it's a very small amount. She is peeing eating and drinking fine her normal amount. Sometimes she will play but most of he time she wants nothing to do with playing. Now she squeals if you go up to touch her sometimes or if you pull her leash to get her away from something.
Nov. 20, 2017
0 Recommendations
It is difficult to say what the specific cause of the pain would be; an intestinal obstruction, foreign body or even spinal issues would have shown up with x-rays. Further investigation may be needed but you may need to be referred to a Neurologist if there is no apparent cause for this pain. I would continue with the pain relief (if you have some) for now but visit a Neurologist to get to the bottom of this pain. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 20, 2017
Was this question and answer helpful?
Border Collie
Jasmine
15 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain
Difficulty Rising
Soreness
Our family border collie is having extreme difficulty standing and moving. We found a lump on her side (vet said it appears to be a fatty tumor). Due to her age she is taking a Glucosamine supplement daily. She is generally able to move and go the the restroom and even navigate the stairs once you assist her into the standing position. She was very a very athletic dog and is around 60 lbs but her demeanor has been changing and appears to be in more pain. The vet mentioned nerve damage but she has never been in a traumatic accident. Is this possibly severe arthritis. If it is nerve damage would a laser treatment help? What are your suggestions?
Thank you!
JASMINE's loving family.
Oct. 19, 2017
2 Recommendations
Nerve damage may occur for a variety of reasons and doesn’t necessarily mean that Jasmine was in a traumatic accident, smaller injuries like a fall or a slight knock may still cause some damage. Arthritis is another possibility especially at her age, a week’s course of antiinflammatories may help to see if there is any improvement in her condition; 60lb seems a little on the heavy side for a Border Collie and would suggest some weight loss plan to reduce the weight which she needs to carry. Treatments like laser therapy and acupuncture may be beneficial. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 20, 2017
Our American Staffordshire Terrier was diagnosed with Nerve damage. The vet wanted to Euthanize due to age (12 years 9 months) however has reluctantly prescribed steroids to see if this helps. She said it was just buying extra time for him!
July 24, 2018
Shona S.
Was this question and answer helpful?
Chihuahua poneranian mix
Bella
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness On All Four Limbs, Incontinence
Hello Dr.,
My 5-yr old chihuahua/pomeranian began feeling weak, shaking, and having muscle spasms about 9 days ago. She has gotten progressively worse and as of 4 days ago, can no longer stand on her own as all four limbs have lost most motor function, and she became incontent yesterday. Per her vets recommendation, I tried crate rest and meloxicam as needed, but she still does not look too good. I took her to a vet neurologist yesterday and he said the source of weakness is coming from her head or neck, but i believe it's from the neck. I cannot afford mri or csf spinal tap procedures, so I would like to know what I should so at this point? I want to treat as probable intervertebral disk disease and give steroids to reduce inflammation, but I am not sure. PLEASE HELP!! I cannot watch my dog go through this.
Sept. 8, 2017
0 Recommendations
I would recommend taking an x-ray with contrast media (myelography - considerable cheaper than an MRI) as an intervertebral disk protrusion or compression would be easily seen as a bump on the spinal cord in relation to the contrast media. Medical management should be conservative if a diagnosis isn’t confirmed and your Veterinarian is right to start with meloxicam before moving on to other medications. I would do the myelography and a check of reflexes etc… and then decide on a course of action. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 8, 2017
Dr. Turner,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Because Bella has been having more head seizures recently, she was prescribed Zonisamide 2x/daily for a week. I want to know if I can give a dose to her immediately after a seizure? Or should I give it 2x daily approx 12 hours apart, regardless of whether or not she is having an acute seizure episode? Thank you!
Sept. 9, 2017
Bella's Owner
Was this question and answer helpful?
Neuropathic Pain Average Cost
From 17 quotes ranging from $3,000 - $6,000
Average Cost
$3,800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
