Prospective comparison of chronic pain and quality of life in dogs presenting with five common orthopaedic conditions

Vet Rec. 2026 May 9. doi: 10.1002/vetr.70743. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain, which affects multiple aspects of dogs' wellbeing, including quality of life (QoL), was assessed in dogs with elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, medial patella luxation, cranial cruciate ligament rupture or osteoarthritis.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in client-owned dogs diagnosed with one of five common orthopaedic presentations. Owners completed the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI) and a QoL questionnaire before presentation.

RESULTS: No significant differences in owner-reported QoL scores were found among the five common orthopaedic conditions (p = 0.279). There was considerable individual variation in the chronic pain measures and QoL scores across groups of dogs with different conditions. Dogs presenting with elbow dysplasia had the lowest mean reported measures of chronic pain (HCPI: 11, 1-30; CBPI: 27, 0-68), while dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture had the highest (HCPI: 16, 0-35; CBPI: 40, 0-80).

LIMITATIONS: The study relied on owner assessments. Neither condition severity nor radiographic grading was standardised.

CONCLUSION: A wide individual variation in QoL and clinical metrology instrument scores was identified in dogs presenting with common orthopaedic diseases, requiring tailored management approaches that address the impact of the condition on the individual dog.

PMID:42104917 | DOI:10.1002/vetr.70743