120 Suspicion of Chronic Pain with Dr Hannah Capon

Episode 120 – Suspicion of Chronic Pain with Dr Hannah Capon

One of the questions I get asked most frequently is how, if you are suspicious that your patient may be experiencing pain or discomfort, to relay this suspicion to the pet's GP vet or caregiver.

Oftentimes, we see something during a consultation – a change in capability, posture, gait or behaviour – that makes us think there may be an underlying physical health challenge for our patient. But convincing GP vets or caregivers of the same can be challenging and frustrating.

That is why, when I saw Dr Hannah Capon present her "Suspicion of Chronic Pain" document at one of the conferences we attended together last year, I had a light bulb moment of "this is exactly what we need".

In this episode, Hannah and I chat about how the resource came into existence, how we like to use it and we highlight all the different scenarios this document might be so valuable in.

It is important to note that this is not a validated tool, but rather an amazing, easy-to-use resource to be scribbled on during consultations and then presented to whomever needs to see it – be it caregiver or GP vet.

It is also an incredible teaching tool to demonstrate that a patient is in pain or discomfort, and exactly which signs are raising red flags for us.

I honestly wouldn't be without it anymore and I have it on my desk for literally ALL of my consultations – canine and f