This year, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has awarded more than $11 million to support prevention, control, and research for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids such as deer and elk.

 Funding was allocated to states, research institutions, universities, and Tribal governments.

CWD is a contagious, fatal, and progressive neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose, reindeer, and muntjac, and may also infect other cervids. The disease is caused by misfolded proteins, called prions, that kill brain cells. CWD has a “silent” incubation period, during which affected animals may not exhibit symptoms for months or years, but are still infectious. The final stages of infection are deadly.

As of April 11, 2025, CWD has been detected in free ranging cervids in 36 US states and in captive cervid facilities in 22 states. In Canada, the disease in free ranging cervids has been found in 4 provinces, with 3 provinces reporting infection in captive cervids.

“Because CWD is widespread and there are a limited number of effective tools, controlling and managing the disease is especially challenging,” wrote APHIS in a news release.

CWD continues to spread across North America

In 2025, the organization awarded a total of $5,290,775 for farmed cervid initiatives. Projects consisted of predictive genetics testing, herd plans, Herd Certification Program management, indemnity, live animal testing, and depopulation of infected and exposed animals.

For projects pertaining to wild cervids, the federal agency awarded $5,905,577. These initiatives included surveillance and management, research and development of ante-mortem diagnostics and management practices, and depopulation of infected herds and animal removal.

In a news release, APHIS said funding allocations for farmed cervid initiatives were mainly based on the state’s CWD status, number of herds participating in the CWD Herd Certification Program, and number of positive herds participating in genetic-based herd plans.

“These awards will enable State departments of agriculture, State animal health agencies, State wildlife or natural resources departments, Tribal governments and organizations, and research institutions and universities to expand CWD research, management, and response activities,” APHIS said.

APHIS awards over $11 million in 2025 to combat chronic wasting disease. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. September 30, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025.

Chronic wasting disease. US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. July 30, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cervid/chronic-wasting

Distribution of chronic wasting disease in North America. National Wildlife Health Center. April 11, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/distribution-chronic-wasting-disease-north-america-0

General CWD FAQs. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/diseases/cwd/faqs.phtml#:~:text=What%20is%20Chronic%20Wasting%20Disease,posture%20and/or%20drooping%20ears.

Articles

Chronic wasting disease is a contagious, fatal, and progressive neurological disease that affects cervids like deer and elk.

USDA awards $11 million in funds for chronic wasting disease

Brachycephaly is a breed conformation that consists of short and wide skull proportions.

 The short and wide conformation of the skull results in compression of the nasal and laryngeal airways, which may lead to reduced or absent frontal sinuses, aberrant nasal turbinates, and a reduction in overall airway space caused by a lack of alteration in the local soft tissue structures. The tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and nasopharyngeal mucosa are proportionally larger than the space within which they are housed, reducing the area for airflow through the upper respiratory tract.

Despite these conformational changes, not all brachycephalic dogs will be affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Breeds with more severe brachycephalic conformation, including French bulldogs, pugs, and other bulldog breeds, are at greatest risk.

BOAS is a spectrum of disease characterized by multilevel, partial, or complete obstruction of the upper airway secondary to brachycephalic anatomic conformation and progressive secondary changes to the local anatomy.

The primary anatomic components of BOAS include the following

The secondary anatomic components of BOAS include the following

Everted laryngeal saccules (stage 1 laryngeal collapse)

BOAS primarily affects the respiratory system, with secondary consequences to the gastrointestinal system.

 A less commonly considered consequence of BOAS is sleep-related disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, which can impact overall quality of life.

Clinical signs of BOAS include stertorous breathing, snoring, stress, heat and exercise intolerance, regurgitation, sleep disturbances, and, in extreme circumstances, respiratory distress, collapse, and cyanosis.

 These clinical signs result from the overall reduction in airway diameter because of the brachycephalic conformation. Stenotic nares and aberrant nasal turbinates reduce the size of the nasal passages, making movement of air through the nasal cavity challenging, which often results in open-mouth breathing.

 Movement of air through the nasal passages is important for thermoregulation, making these animals prone to hyperthermia.

 The elongated and hyperplastic soft palate extends across the rima glottidis, resulting in a reduction in upper airway diameter, thus increasing the negative pressure required for air to pass. The increased negative airway pressures can result in eversion of the laryngeal saccules and tonsils locally but also result in increased negative pressure within the thoracic cavity, leading to gastroesophageal reflux and, in severe circumstances, hiatal hernias.

 The hypoplastic tracheal component of this disease may exacerbate the respiratory signs but likely plays a lesser role in the airway obstruction.

Many dogs exhibit mild signs such as stertor or snoring early in life, which many owners may consider normal for the breed. It is important to begin discussing BOAS early in these animals’ lives, so that owners can better understand the consequences of the disease and monitor for progression of clinical signs. Early intervention when clinical signs are mild is ideal, as the longer the upper airway tissues are exposed to increased upper airway pressures, the more affected they become (ie, further hyperplasia, redundancy, and eversion of local soft tissues), leading to more severe clinical signs.

Diagnostic evaluation for BOAS can vary greatly based on the severity of clinical signs, the disease’s chronicity, and the surgeon’s preferences. Stenotic nares are easily identified on routine physical examination; however, further investigation of the nasal passages for aberrant nasal turbinates requires advanced imaging such as a CT scan or rhinoscopy.

 Evaluation of the palate, laryngeal saccules, tonsils, and other nasopharyngeal tissues can be achieved with a sedated oral and laryngeal examination. This can be performed with or without endoscopic equipment. However, greater assessment of soft palate thickness and overall airway diameter can be achieved via CT scan.

 Thoracic imaging (3-view thoracic radiographs or CT) can rule out aspiration pneumonia because of gastroesophageal reflux/regurgitation and can be used to assess for evidence of a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias can be dynamic in nature and therefore may not always be identified on static imaging.

Surgical interventions are typically aimed at the respiratory components of the disease, with the goal of reducing the negative pressures within the upper airway, thus improving air flow.1,3 By reducing the upper airway pressures, the negative intrathoracic pressures may also be improved, resulting in the improvement or resolution of gastrointestinal-related clinical signs. However, if gastrointestinal signs persist, medical management with antacids and promotility agents may be required, or direct surgical intervention for treatment of a hiatal hernia may be warranted.

Surgical interventions may include any combination of the following procedures

Partial staphylectomy for elongated and hyperplastic soft palate

Laryngeal sacculectomy for everted laryngeal saccules

Laser ablation turbinectomy for aberrant nasal turbinates

Tonsillectomy for enlarged and everted tonsils

The individual dog’s anatomic abnormalities will determine the combination of procedures. Surgeon preference and experience will dictate the specific surgical techniques used to address each component of the disease.

Preoperatively, a brachycephalic risk score may be determined to understand the relative risk for a negative outcome following BOAS surgical interventions.

This score can help set appropriate expectations for owners and inform the veterinary team of the individual risk for each dog undergoing surgical treatment for BOAS. In addition to the specific risk associated with airway surgery, brachycephalic dogs are at increased risk of complications associated with anesthesia.

 Preanesthetic interventions are recommended and often include medications used to reduce the risk of vomiting and regurgitation, as aspiration pneumonia is the most common complication following brachycephalic anesthesia.

In addition to aspiration pneumonia, the risk for postoperative upper airway obstruction following BOAS surgery is significant. There are many ways to reduce the risk of upper airway obstruction, such as administration of injectable steroids, topical application of mannitol in the oropharynx, and a slow and controlled anesthesia recovery. However, being prepared for an emergency temporary tracheostomy is always recommended.

The overall prognosis for dogs following BOAS surgery remains unclear because of the multilevel nature of the airway obstruction with this disease.

 Overall, dogs who recover from BOAS surgery should show improvement in respiratory and gastrointestinal clinical signs. If clinical signs persist, further investigations and interventions may be warranted. It is important to note that not all components of BOAS may be addressed with surgical interventions; thus, a return to normal airway function (nonbrachycephalic breeds) is unrealistic.

Ekenstedt KJ, Crosse KR, Risselada M. Canine brachycephaly: anatomy, pathology, genetics and welfare. 

. 2020;176:109-115. doi:10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.02.008

Tomlinson F, O’Neill E, Liu NC, Sargan DR, Ladlow JF. BOAS in the Boston terrier: a healthier screw-tailed breed? 

. 2024;19(12):e0315411. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0315411

Krainer D, Dupré G. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. 

. 2022;52(3):749-780. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.01.013

Hynes JM, Menard JV, Lopez DJ. Quality of life improvement in 3 dogs with sleep-disordered breathing managed by permanent (crico)tracheostomy. 

. 2024;86(2):1-9. doi:10.2460/ajvr.24.09.0270

Stordalen MB, Bray S, Stringer F, Stonebrook C, Guilherme S, Bray JP. Awake 160-slice computed tomography for upper airway evaluation in 17 dogs. 

. 2024;11(8):342. doi:10.3390/vetsci11080342

Tarricone J, Hayes GM, Singh A, Davis G. Development and validation of a brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score to predict the risk of complications in dogs presenting for surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. 

. 2019;48(7):1253-1261. doi:10.1111/vsu.13291

Gruenheid M, Aarnes TK, McLoughlin MA, et al. Risk of anesthesia-related complications in brachycephalic dogs. 

. 2018;253(3):301-306. doi:10.2460/javma.253.3.301

Hill M, Lepiz ML, Ida KK, Rutter C, Mankin KT, Dickerson V. Implementation of a standard perioperative protocol reduces postoperative respiratory distress events in dogs undergoing surgical correction of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. 

. 2025;263(5):590-598. doi:10.2460/javma.24.09.0598

Surgery can help improve respiratory and gastrointestinal clinical signs of the disease.

Managing brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

Did you know that besides our Vet Blast Podcast, dvm360 has recently launched 2 new podcast options for our listeners? 

, hosted by Christopher Lee, MPH, DACVPM, which features board-certified specialists and industry-change-makers to talk more on the world of veterinary preventative medicine, and The Resilient Vet, hosted by Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, and Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP. 

 aims to help veterinary professionals build both physical and emotional resilience to help them thrive in veterinary medicine. You do not want to miss out on these new video podcasts, so tune into dvm360.com to see the latest from each.

Since you are on the website already, be on the lookout for these headlines coming out this week:

 that was led by the University of Maryland demonstrated promising results for cats infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) that receive early care and treatment. The research highlights both the importance of rapid recognition of H5N1 and potential role of antiviral therapy to protect animal health.

Ruby, a Labrador retriever from Phoenix, Arizona, recently was featured in Pet Poison Helpline’s Toxin Tails after she ingested almost an entire container of her owner's medicated cream for psoriasis, including the tube, and was rushed to the emergency room to treat her ingesting too much ruxolitnib.

, Matthew W. Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine), CCAT, Fellow IAVRPT makes a guest appearance on our show to share more about pain management with our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA.

The US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and Texas A&M University announced a partnership to combat New World Screwworm after it has been found by the USDA less than 70 miles from the US border.

Our newest addition of Clinic Center will be available this week! This latest installment will include the first and only 24/7 Specialty and Emergency Veterinary Facility in San Luis Obispo, California, the opening of South Florida’s referral only advanced imaging center for pets, and more.

Merck Animal Health recently announced the results of a new study on PROTAZIL, a pelleted treatment for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis—a neurological disease in horses.

Check out this week’s upcoming headlines on dvm360.com.

Sneak peek: NNSA and Texas A&M announce partnership to combat New World Screwworm, and other news

PetPace has introduced a new smart collar for dogs and cats that allows users to share data with veterinarians. The collar, V3.0, provides biometric monitoring and clinical-grade vital signs, as well as free access to veterinary telehealth and telemedicine through live chat and video.

According to the company, the device allows veterinarians to monitor chronic disease, treatment protocols, and post-procedure recovery. It also supports virtual consultations and telemedicine services when a doctor–patient relationship exists.

A cat wearing the PetPace collar. (Courtesy of PetPace)

This latest generation is also testing a feature that allows for epilepsy episode monitoring, which records seizure events in dogs and provides veterinarians or neurologists with data to support diagnosis and treatment planning, PetPace said in a news release announcing the product’s launch.

Smart dog collar could help warn of imminent earthquakes

Users and veterinarians can access pets’ health data through the company’s app. The app is also available on the Apple Watch, where users can access all functions and receive real-time alerts for vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, temperature, and trends.

According to PetPace, the device is able to detect and quantify pain in pets through medically-activated artificial intelligence and machine learning. “Our advanced Pain Score technology identifies subtle signs of discomfort before they become visible,” wrote PetPace in its release.

In its launch announcement, PetPace said the collar uses analytics on millions of behavioral and physiological data points each day. “Activity alone is insufficient for assessing health,” Asaf Dagan, DVM, co-founder and chief veterinary scientist, said in the release.

 “Only real-time physiological data—like temperature, pulse, heart rate variability, and respiration—can accurately reveal what’s happening inside the animal’s body. It’s an exceptionally valuable tool in the hands of the vet and the pet owners in improving the health and well-being of pets.”

“This isn’t just a new version—it’s a colossal transformation in pet healthcare,” said Lior Abraham, general manager of PetPace.

 “PetPace V3.0 doesn’t just monitor—it thinks, learns, and protects, helping prevent unnecessary suffering and improving quality of life and longevity. The PetPace collar is making history—delivering predictive data that transforms virtual care and sets a new standard in telehealth and telemedicine.”

The V3.0 collar is not the only device PetPace has launched in recent years. Last year, the pet health wearable technology company launched a system called the Pregnancy Monitoring Module that uses AI and machine learning algorithms to monitor dogs throughout their pregnancy lifecycle. The device alerts dog owners of any negative health indicators and gives users a 10-day to 12-hour window before labor begins.

Bautista-Alejandre A. PetPace™ Launches World's First AI Smart Collar that Includes 24/7 Global Telehealth and Telemedicine—Revolutionizing Real-Time Health Monitoring for Dogs and Cats. PetPace. September 16, 2025. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250916765592/en/PetPace-Launches-Worlds-First-AI-Smart-Collar-that-Includes-247-Global-Telehealth-and-TelemedicineRevolutionizing-Real-Time-Health-Monitoring-for-Dogs-and-Cats

Bautista-Alejandre A. Advancing maternal pet care through AI. 

. July 3, 2024. Accessed September 29, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/advancing-maternal-pet-care-through-ai

The new health tracking device is also piloting a feature for monitoring epilepsy episodes.

AI-powered pet collar allows data sharing with veterinarians

National Veterinary Associates has a new CEO. Meanwhile, veterinarian staffing company IndeVets has announced a new senior vice president of clinical leadership with more than 13 years of experience. And last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy appointed the founding dean of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Matthew Edson, DVM, MBA, CVPM, MRCVS, member of New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Matthew Edson, DVM, MBA, CVPM, MRCVS (Image courtesy of New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association)

Edson has been appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA) recently announced. Edson, who owns a mixed animal practice in South Jersey, is the founding dean of the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in NJ. From 2019 to 2021, he served as NJVMA president. During this time, he played a central role in helping veterinary personnel be categorized as “essential personnel,” which allowed practices to remain open under safe conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Murphy also appointed him to the New Jersey One Health Task Force, and he has been involved in leadership roles with the American Veterinary Medical Association.

As an advocate for the advancement of veterinary medicine, education, and public health, Edson was named a Top Veterinarian by 

 in 2017 and was voted Best Veterinarian in Burlington County by 

 readers from 2018 to 2022. From 2022 through 2025, Edson also appeared on the 

 Health Care Power 50 list, which features top influencers in health care in NJ.

“NJVMA congratulates Dr Edson on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to his continued contributions to the veterinary profession and the greater medical community,” the NJVMA wrote in the news release announcing Edson’s appointment.

Christina Moore, DVM, MBA, senior vice president of clinical leadership, IndeVets

Earlier this month, the veterinarian staffing company IndeVets promoted Moore to senior vice president of clinical leadership. Moore, who has more than 13 years of experience in the veterinary industry, will lead the company’s clinical leadership team and spearhead hiring and veterinarian-support initiatives across the US in her new role.

Moore first joined IndeVets in 2023. During this time, she contributed to the development of programs that foster collaboration, growth, and mentorship among veterinarians.

“Christina’s leadership has fostered a culture where excellence in care and professional fulfillment go hand in hand,” Michael Raphael, CEO and co-founder of IndeVets, said in a company news release.

 “She is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the next chapter of clinical excellence at IndeVets.”

John G. Bruno, CEO, National Veterinary Associates

John G. Bruno (Image courtesy of National Veterinary Associates)

Bruno was appointed CEO by National Veterinary Associates’ board of directors on September 8. In his most recent position, Bruno was president and chief operating officer for Xerox, the printing and digital document solutions company that invented the modern photocopier. Bruno will continue as a member of the Xerox board of directors and take on the role of chair for its new Integration Committee.

Since 2014, Bruno has been a board member at the multinational financial technology company Global Payments. Prior to Xerox, he served as CEO of data analytics services and chief operating officer of Aon plc.

"It's an incredible honor to be selected by the board to lead NVA at this exciting moment in its journey," Bruno said in an organizational release.

"I'm energized to work alongside this talented team to deliver modern, tech-enabled pet health care that's compassionate, scalable, and clinically excellent. Together, we'll help pets and the people who love them enjoy more quality years together."

Former NJVMA president Dr Matthew Edson appointed to New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. News release. New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. September 22, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://njvma.org/former-njvma-president-dr-matthew-edson-appointed-to-new-jersey-state-board-of-veterinary-medical-examiners/

IndeVets names Dr Christina Moore senior vice president of clinical leadership. News release. IndeVets. September 11, 2025. Accessed Sepember 26, 2025.

National Veterinary Associates names John G. Bruno chief executive officer. News release. National Veterinary Associates. September 8, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://www.nva.com/newsroom/national-veterinary-associates-names-john-g-bruno-chief-executive-officer

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: Founding dean of Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine is appointed to NJ State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, and more

Cats and dogs experience pain in many forms, from the obvious discomfort of acute injuries or surgery to the persistent, more challenging symptoms to identify of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Pain may also result from injury, inflammation, or musculoskeletal disease. As veterinary professionals, it is our responsibility to help caregivers and clinical teams recognize these symptoms, differentiate normal behavior from pain-driven behaviors, and implement timely interventions that improve welfare, mobility, and quality of life.

Chronic pain affects more than comfort. It can interfere with eating, elimination, drinking, grooming, mobility, and social interactions, disrupt gastrointestinal function, delay wound healing, increase infection risk, elevate cardiovascular parameters, and contribute to anxiety, fear, fatigue, or depression. Unrecognized pain can also strain the human-animal bond and increase stress and compassion fatigue among veterinary teams.

Observation begins before handling. How a patient enters the room, moves, or rises from a resting position can reveal compensatory movements, asymmetry, or reluctance to jump, climb, or turn. A critical thinking approach to handling, including utilizing feline-friendly, fear-fear, and low stress handling techniques is essential because fear, stress, and adrenaline can temporarily suppress an animal’s perception of pain, masking discomfort. For example, a dog that was limping at home may not exhibit that symptom once in the exam room. This highlights the importance of observing the patient’s baseline behavior in the home environment and gathering caregiver input to accurately identify chronic pain.

Fear Free techniques such as using a touch gradient allow clinicians to identify sensitive areas, tailor handling, and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Gentle palpation of joints, muscles, and the spine, combined with careful evaluation of range of motion, can uncover discomfort that might be missed in a cursory exam. Pain scoring tools, including the Glasgow CMPS, Feline Grimace Scale, and Colorado State Pain Scales, provide consistency and structure.

A touch gradient is a term used to describe how to touch our canine and feline patients to minimize fear and stress during veterinary procedures. It emphasizes continuous hands-on contact, acclimating to touch intensity, identifying sensitive areas, and considering individual patient needs. Handling begins with the least sensitive areas and progresses to more sensitive regions. For example, a patient with a severely inflamed ear would have that area examined last. This approach minimizes stress, prevents fear escalation, and allows observation of body language changes that indicate discomfort before procedures like injections or blood draws.

Stress complicates pain recognition. Anxiety or prior negative experiences may suppress pain behaviors, making pain symptoms harder to detect. Even with low-stress techniques, many patients arrive anxious, making continuous observation critical. Behavior remains the most reliable indicator of pain.

Small shifts in posture, movement, facial expression, and coat condition frequently reveal discomfort and provide valuable diagnostic information.

The 2022 AAHA/AAFP (now known as the Feline Veterinary Medical Association) Pain Management Guidelines emphasize that behavior is the most reliable indicator of pain.

Common signs of chronic pain noted during exams:

Altered posture: hunched, “statue-like,” or stiff stance

Reluctance to rise, sit, lie down, jump, or climb

Stiff, deliberate, or shortened movements

Tail changes: tucked, awkward, or low carriage

Facial tension or grimacing: muzzle tension, squinted eyes, whiskers pulled back or straight, ears rotated back, lowered head

Avoidance or defensive behaviors when touched and/or approached

Increased or localized muscle tension; skin rippling or twitching

Head turns, displacement behaviors, or shifting weight

Escalating fear or anxiety: lip licking, whale eye, dilated pupils, freezing

Vocalizations: growling, hissing, yelping, meowing

Sudden changes in demeanor when specific areas are palpated

Odd coat patterns: rippling, clumping, directional changes, mats, rough patches, overgrooming

Can exhibit aggressive behavior, both defensive and offensive, with handling

Caregiver observations are invaluable, as many chronic pain signs are most apparent at home. Caregivers can identify baselines and detect changes from baseline in daily activities, such as jumping, grooming, greeting, or play. Open-ended questions encourage detailed feedback. Below are examples of open-ended questions.

“Walk me through a typical day for your pet, what activities do they still enjoy?”

“How is your pet interacting with family members, other pets, and their environment?”

“What changes have you noticed in how your pet moves, jumps, climbs, or rests?”

“Are there activities your pet used to do that they’ve stopped, if so, which ones?”

“What changes have you noticed in eating, drinking, or grooming routines?”

“What new or unusual behaviors have you noticed?”

“When was the last time your pet increased anxiety, irritability, or avoidance?”

“How are the interactions between them and the other animals and people in the home?”

“What behaviors, if any, concern you or cause you stress?”

Video recordings of pets at home can provide valuable insight into gait, movement, and behavior that may be masked in clinic visits.

Chronic pain management is more than medication. Environmental modifications can reduce strain and improve quality of life, such as:

Low-sided litter boxes or multiple locations for cats

Nightlights for older pets with vision or mobility challenges

Framing these adaptations as “quality of life tools” helps caregivers see them as proactive support.

Caregiver education improves chronic pain detection and promotes early intervention. Effective strategies include:

Sharing videos of pets walking, eliminating, and engaging in favorite activities.

Providing handouts, blogs, or social media posts highlighting signs. 

Demonstrating cooperative care medication techniques. 

Setting expectations for reassessment and adjustment of multimodal pain plans

Discussing benefits and side effects of medications.

Establish a baseline for mobility, behavior, and daily function as well as a pain score

Use ongoing reassessment through video, diaries, pain scores, and caregiver reports

Employ multimodal interventions (pharmacologic therapy, rehab, acupuncture, environmental support)

Regularly adjust care plans as conditions progress

Chronic pain is not subtle once we educate ourselves and foster caregiver understanding and engagement. Animals constantly communicate discomfort through behavior and body language; we simply need to observe and interpret it. By assessing body language throughout the exam and actively involving caregivers in recognizing and managing pain, veterinary professionals can uncover discomfort that might otherwise remain hidden. This collaborative approach not only enables earlier recognition and more effective pain management but also promotes caregiver compliance and ultimately improves the quality of life for the animals entrusted to our care.

Fear Free. Fear Free Pets. Fear Free Pets. https://fearfreepets.com

Gruen, M. E., Hellyer, P. W., & Rodan, I. (2022). 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 58(2), 55–76. 

Kucera, T. Chirrups and Chatter. Accessed September 24, 2025.  https://chirrupsandchatter.com

Kucera, T. [@chirrupsandchatter]. Instagram profile. Accessed September 24, 2025. https://www.instagram.com/chirrupsandchatter/ 

Learn how to identify subtle behavioral changes, work with caregivers, and use a multimodal approach to manage pain effectively.