Pain Definition

Pain: During cancer and/or cancer treatments, pain can have several sources, including tumors pressing on organs or tissues such as bones and nerves, tissues stretched beyond their normal lengths, blocking of circulation, inflammation resulting from cancers, and surgical incision healing. A dog in pain may isolate himself, seem apathetic, or limit his movement. Some dogs may vocalize. Some treatments may cause temporary pain (such as surgery) – but, in the end, if the treatment prevents more pain than it causes, there can be higher overall life quality. Unmanaged or chronic pain, however, can cause a decrease in life quality. Pain management is part of a Full Spectrum cancer care plan, and is addressed in Chapter 17 of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.