Characterization of Naturally-Occurring Neuropathic Pain in Dogs

Clinical experience demonstrates that canine patients commonly suffer from neuropathic pain and little is known to address this issue. Our study aims to investigate different tools for the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain. Forty dogs with naturally-occurring neuropathic pain will be included in a prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial using appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dogs will be assigned to receive treatment with a drug that is used in humans for neuropathic pain (gabapentin), or gabapentin in combination with an anti-inflammatory drug (meloxicam) in a cross-over design (dogs will receive both treatments during study). QoL, pain scores, client-specific outcome measures, biomarkers of inflammation and QST will be evaluated before and during the study for observation of treatment effect. This study provides insight on the diagnosis of neuropathic pain and may prove the efficacy meloxicam in a new application.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paulo Steagall

Student:

Hélène Ruel

Partner:

Boehringer Ingelheim

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: