The Hidden Epidemic: Chronic Pain in Our Companion Animals and the Solution Ahead

The Scope of the Problem 
Recent studies have shed light on the widespread nature of chronic pain in pets. A startling 40% of all dogs of all ages are believed to suffer from the pain associated with osteoarthritis, one of the most common and debilitating chronic conditions in dogs. Osteoarthritis (OA) doesn’t just affect older dogs; it can develop at any age, making it an ongoing challenge for veterinarians and pet owners alike. 

Cats are also not immune to chronic pain. 60% of cats over the age of six are thought to suffer from OA. This is a significant figure, and yet, it doesn’t end there. An additional 59% of felines experience dental pain. Dental issues in both cats and dogs often go unnoticed, due to a lack of caregiver awareness and through the signs of dental pain often being subtle. This leads to late diagnosis, if at all, and significantly more complex management.   

Beyond arthritis and dental pain, numerous other painful conditions also affect pets, yet they often remain underreported. For example, 7.3% of dogs present with clinical signs of otitis externa, a condition that leads to discomfort and pain in the ears, the true prevalence is likely much higher—some studies suggest the actual figure could range from 10-20%. These conditions, while not always considered chronic pain, contribute to a significant portion of the discomfort pets experience daily. 

Another under-appreciated example is visceral pain, a type of pain originating from internal organs.. A study of dogs presented to a university hospital found that 20% of these dogs had pain, with 11% of that pain being visceral in nature; and 14% of cats presented in pain, with 26% being visceral. These presentations were likely acute or acute-on-chronic in nature, common with conditions like pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and urinary tract diseases. Data does not exist to guide the prevalence of pets managing chronic manifestations of these diseases. 

These statistics hint at an abyss of chronic pain related disease within our companion animal population. A completely untouched topic which is well recognised in humans is persistent post-surgical pain, a condition that is believed to impact 10-50% of people undergoing surgery. At present we can only speculate that it also occurs in companion animals, and that our well intentioned elective surgeries may risk leaving pets in pain. 

While these figures give us a glimpse into the problem, one thing is clear: the majority of our companion animals will experience a chronic pain-related condition at some point in their lives, and for many, it will be a continuous challenge that affects their quality of life. 

Chronic Pain as a Global Public Health Concern 
Chronic pain is not only a major issue for pets but also for humans. In fact, chronic pain affects approximately 20% of adults worldwide, with 10% being newly diagnosed each year. A study conducted across 52 countries found the overall prevalence of pain to be 27.5%, with variations depending on the country. This global epidemic of pain highlights the importance of continuing to research and develop effective pain management strategies, not only for humans but also for animals. 
In human medicine, we have learned a great deal about managing chronic pain through accurate diagnosis, multimodal management, and lifestyle modifications. Patient education is also key, as is addressing the psychological aspects of pain. This approach allows for a personalized care plan that empowers patients, improves their outcomes, and enhances their overall well-being. 

So, how can veterinary professionals emulate these best practices and provide individualized care for pets? Effective chronic pain management for animals requires collaboration. Veterinarians, caregivers, and other animal healthcare providers must come together as part of an interdisciplinary team to offer comprehensive care. It’s not just about reducing pain; it’s about restoring function and improving the overall quality of life for pets. By sharing expertise, setting shared goals, and maintaining open communication, all stakeholders in these animal’s lives can create care plans suitable for them, the individual. In turn, sharing and delegating can lead to knowledge growth and lightening of work loads without compromising care. In fact, it leads to optimal contextual care, satisfied professionals and loyal clients. 

The Chronic Pain Symposium: A Solution in the Making 

Addressing the growing issue of chronic pain in pets requires not only more research but also greater awareness and education. That’s where the Chronic Pain Symposium comes in. Back for its second year, this online interdisciplinary event, hosted by Canine Arthritis Management, will take place from April 25th to 28th, 2025. This year, the event promises to be even bigger and more impactful, with ambitions to register 12000 delegates. 
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, which saw over 5500 delegates tune in for three days of informative lectures, this year’s symposium will span four full days, offering 11 hours of lectures per day. The event will be global, with lectures available for 24 hours after each session to accommodate time zones from around the world. As in 2024, the event will be FREE TO ATTEND LIVE, making it accessible to anyone with an interest in chronic pain management. We believe that there should be no obstacles to learning more about pain management. 

One of the key highlights of this event is its interdisciplinary approach. Experts from various fields, including veterinary medicine and surgery, behaviour, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and human pain management, will join forces to present on various subcategories of chronic pain, including musculoskeletal, dental, visceral, and dermatological pain. By coming together to share knowledge and discuss best practices, these experts will help bridge the gaps between different professions, offering insights that go beyond the outdated “gold standard approach” and replacing it with more contextually relevant care. 
One particular day of the symposium will be dedicated to discussing the OA journey for students, new graduates, and those who are less familiar with chronic pain management. Following the chronology of a dog’s life, this segment will cover everything from early detection in puppies and juveniles, to advanced management, as well as end of life care. We aim to ensure that all delegates leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities of osteoarthritis care in dogs. 
For those who want to access the content beyond the event, VIP tickets are available, offering access to lectures for the following year. With a digital delegate bag, an exhibition area, and various symposium paraphernalia, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved. 

Conclusion: Empowering Change in Chronic Pain Management 

The Chronic Pain Symposium is more than just an event; it’s a movement toward improving the quality of life for companion animals living with chronic pain. By bringing together experts from across the globe and offering free access to cutting-edge information, this symposium is helping to ensure that both veterinarians and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle chronic pain effectively.  
If you care about the well-being of pets, don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the 
change—register today and join a global community dedicated to enhancing the lives of our furry friends. 

www.chronicpainsymposium.co.uk 

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