Assessment of potential maladaptive pain in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis using a von Frey aesthesiometer

Background This study aimed to investigate the possible presence of maladaptive pain in the thoracic limbs of dogs with elbow osteoarthritis (OA) using an electronic von Frey aesthesiometer (eVFA). Methods Twenty‐eight client‐ and staff‐owned dogs (OA, n = 14; controls, n = 14) were enrolled in the study. Every dog underwent a full orthopaedic examination, and then five von Frey measurements were obtained from each carpal pad of each dog. A maximum test threshold of 400 g was set and approved by an ethics committee. Results eVFA thresholds were significantly lower ( p < 0.001) in dogs with OA (median 248 g, range 128–369 g) than in control dogs (median 390 g, range 371–400 g). In the OA group, the sensory threshold was significantly lower ( p = 0.048) in the more severely affected limb than the less severely affected limb. Limitation The low maximum threshold required for ethical approval may influence the variability in the control group. Conclusions Dogs with elbow OA had significantly lower sensory thresholds than control dogs, which is compatible with the presence of maladaptive pain, potentially due to central sensitisation. Further research is required to evaluate the potential use of the eVFA for monitoring clinical progression and treatment response in dogs with elbow OA.