Mary Ann Vande Linde, DVM
A few years ago, I had the honor of watching a young veterinarian, Dr. V, handle a challenging communication with a new client. Tank Smith was a gentle, hundred-pound, 6-year-old Rottweiler who was scheduled for a rabies vaccine-only visit.

As Tank moved down the hall, Dr. V noted how uncomfortable he looked. In the exam room, Dr V noticed Tank hesitating to sit at Mr. Smith’s asking. Tank’s legs trembled and he appeared uncomfortable when he was finally able to sit down.

The morning appointments were starting to get backed up. As the appointment began, I was curious how Dr. V was going to let Mr. Smith know just how much pain Tank appeared to be experiencing. The big unspoken question was this: “What would Tank’s quality of life be if we didn’t talk about his pain?”

Dr. V asked Mr. Smith to walk Tank down the stairs in front of the hospital and then walk back up on the handicap ramp. It took less than 5 minutes. The client and doctor watched as the technician walked with Tank.

Mr. Smith said, “He sure is having trouble on those stairs,” and the doctor agreed.

“Can we help him, Doc? “ A light bulb moment: The client is aware of a change in the behavior of their pet, but hadn’t realized it was due to pain. So, Tank came inside for a complete work up with radiographs to find the cause of his pain.

And Tank was in pain. The reason Mr. Smith originally booked the appointment was for a rabies vaccination because Tank snapped at his daughter yesterday when she bumped into him. He did not understand why Tank was suddenly showing aggression and did not want to lose him as a family member.

Radiographs showed osteoarthritis of the hips and lower back. Dr. V walked through the results with Mr. Smith, linking to the behavior observed outside. There will be pain medication, and some adjustments at home for ease of mobility and comfort, maybe a ramp for the car and house. Handouts reviewed how to approach and care for Tank with family and friends. Tank Smith left that day in less pain and with plans to monitor and partner with the hospital for ongoing care.

At that time, we were able to use the stairs and a handicap ramp to open Mr. Smith’s eyes to the pain that Tank was experiencing and let him know that this was the likely cause of his change in behavior. It’s not uncommon for our clients to write changes in behavior off to the dog being “in a bad mood” or “getting lazy in his old age.” In fact, most will just assume it’s a normal aging process, and not something that can be treated.

Acute pain can be protective, but if allowed to continue can become constant and debilitating. If chronic pain remains undiagnosed, it can lead to behavior changes that the client sees but often doesn’t understand.

There is now an additional option to help identify OA pain. This checklist can shared with clients so they can learn to connect the behavior changes they see at home or elsewhere to pain that may be the cause.

There are days in practice we are overbooked and are tempted to rush to finish up an appointment. These are the times where we specifically need to remind ourselves to focus on the case in front of us, and not be tempted to avoid talking about the comfort and quality of each animal we see. When communication, education, and care come together to help a client understand their pets’ behavior, treat their pets, and add positive environmental changes, their pets can experience a better quality of life.

As for Tank, his behavior improved, and his home was made more comfortable with ramps, orthopedic beds, and some family education. Comfortable again, he enjoyed his trail walks and playing with the kids for years to come.

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.