26/06/2026
Pain is Rarely Just One Thing
One of the biggest misconceptions about pain is that it fits neatly into one category. In reality, many dogs experience mixed pain, where inflammatory (nociceptive), nerve-related (neuropathic), and myofascial pain occur together. These different pain mechanisms can overlap, amplify one another, and even change over time.
Pain is not static. As disease progresses, tissues heal, muscles compensate, or the nervous system becomes sensitised, the dominant pain mechanism may shift. A dog with osteoarthritis, for example, may initially have predominantly inflammatory pain but later develop muscle tension, fascial dysfunction, and neuropathic pain due to chronic sensitisation. This is why two dogs with the same diagnosis can experience pain very differently.
Because pain is constantly evolving, treatment should evolve too.
This is where a multimodal pain management approach becomes so valuable. Rather than relying on a single medication or therapy, multimodal management targets multiple pain pathways simultaneously. This may include veterinary-prescribed medications, weight management, appropriate exercise, rehabilitation, massage therapy, environmental modifications, and other evidence-based interventions tailored to the individual dog.
Most importantly, this approach should always be guided by your vet. Regular reassessment allows treatment to be adjusted as your dog’s condition changes, ensuring the most effective pain relief while minimising adverse effects.
The goal isn’t simply to reduce pain it’s to improve movement, restore function, and give every dog the best possible quality of life.
💚 Pain changes, so pain management should too.
References.
* Michele J. Sharkey (2013). The Challenges of Chronic Pain in Companion Animals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(6), 1241–1254.
* B. Duncan X. Lascelles et al. (2008). WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
