Pain is an under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated condition in animals. Chronic pain is a significant welfare concern in our fifth life stage (or end-of-life) veterinary patients. This article aims to look at three common conditions that can adversely affect end-of-life patients: osteoarthritis, dental disease, and cancer. It will then look at how the pain in these conditions can be effectively addressed and managed.

Patients that are in the fifth life stage (end-of-life) often present with multiple problems, which makes them challenging cases. Often, these patients are very vulnerable, and this is sometimes overlooked. This article aims to provide a brief and basic overview of looking after the end-of-life patient, whether at home or in hospital, by utilising a framework adapted from the 2016 International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, and American Animal Hospital Association Guidelines (IAAHPC/AAHA).