Underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of non-arthritic chronic painful conditions in cats

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Chronic pain causes disability and has a negative impact on quality of life. It affects humans and cats in a similar manner and can become a long-term debilitating disease. Examples in cats include osteoarthritis, feline gingivitis-stomatitis complex, interstitial cystitis, diabetes-induced chronic pain, long-term pain after surgery due to nerve damage and trauma, among others. Unfortunately, with the exception of research on osteoarthritis, little is known about underlying pain mechanisms of other/most causes of chronic pain in cats. For example, these animals may present persistent post-surgical pain after onychectomy (“declawing”), the amputation of the third phalanx of each digit that is commonly performed in Canada and United States. Signs of pain include chronic lameness, back pain, inappropriate elimination habits, reluctance to ambulate, licking and chewing at the digits, aversion to the feet being touched, and long-term changes on weight bearing, among others. These signs lead to suffering, disability and reduced quality of life, and are a major burden to these cats as most of chronic conditions. Additionally, information on treatment for these conditions is almost inexistent. Appropriate treatment of chronic painful conditions is only possible once underlying mechanisms of pain are known. A long-term research program is urgently required to investigate these mechanisms of non-osteoarthritic chronic pain and its burden in cats, and it is the objective of this proposal. These mechanisms will be discovered using non-invasive, novel, objective measurements of pain thresholds in cats with naturally-occurring chronic painful disease. The burden of pain will be studied by using a clinical instrument (questionnaire-based assessment by veterinarian) that measure mobility, posture, among others, objective measurements and infrared imaging science (thermographic cameras that detect radiation produced by inflammation) before and after treatment with different analgesic modalities. This program will be conducted by a leading research group in feline pain management within a stimulating environment for research training and should yield optimal therapeutic interventions. It will produce an immediate impact to animal welfare. *****