Rise and shake: Canine pain indicators

At Fetch dvm360 conference, Michael Petty, DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CCRT, CAAPM, shared a pair of tips about visually identifying presentation of pain in pooches. As dvm360 Medicine Channel Director Mindy Valcarcel and dvm360 News Channel Director Kristi Fender report, Dr. Petty said much can be learned simply from observing how a dog gets up and gets moving.

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Dr. Petty is on the spot.

For starters, watch how the dog transitions into a standing position. Does the patient come up on its front feet first? If so, this can indicate pain, possibly hip dysplasia.

Another motion to analyze is when, after rising, a dog gives itself a good shake from head to tail. If that shaking stops at a certain place along the body, this may point to pain at that location.

Watch the video for more.

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