AKC Canine Health Foundation - 30

Do Dog Breeds Differ in Pain Sensitivity?
Rachel Caddiell, PhD, MSc
North Carolina State University
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Rachel Caddiell is currently a Research Associate within the
Comparative Behavioral Research group at North Carolina State
University College of Veterinary Medicine. She recently
completed her PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences with a
concentration in Population and Global Medicine at North
Carolina State University studying under the supervision of Dr.
Margaret Gruen, Dr. Duncan Lascelles, and Dr. April Kedrowicz.
Dr. Caddiell's dissertation studies used an interdisciplinary
approach to investigate whether there is a biological or
behavioral basis for dog breed pain sensitivity beliefs, as well as when and how perceptions
regarding breed are learned by veterinary professionals. Additionally, during her doctoral
training, she has conducted multiple research projects pertaining to human-animal relationships
with companion animals using a One Welfare approach to identify direct and indirect links
between animal welfare and human well-being. Her passion for animal welfare and behavior
has a long history. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Dr. Caddiell completed her BSc in
Psychology with a Minor in Human and Animal Interactions at The Ohio State University where
she contributed to multiple animal welfare projects across various species including gestating
sows, piglets, dairy cows, dairy calves, sheep, and broiler chickens. After graduating from The
Ohio State University, Dr. Caddiell earned her Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas
A&M University under the direction of Dr. Courtney Daigle. Her thesis research examined the
impact of environmental enrichment through the provision of a cattle brush on feedlot steer
behavior, productivity, and stress physiology. Beyond research, Dr. Caddiell is deeply committed
to teaching and mentorship and enjoys connecting with and sharing her excitement for One
Welfare concepts with students, industry professionals and community members. In addition to
her commitments at the university, Dr. Caddiell serves as a third-party auditor for Humane Farm
Animal Care evaluating laying hen operations.
PRESENTATION ABSTRACT
Background: Despite no existing scientific evidence, veterinarians believe that dog breeds
differ in their sensitivity to pain. These beliefs could negatively impact pain recognition and
treatment. Therefore, our research studies aimed to 1) determine whether breed differences in
pain sensitivity exist, and 2) evaluate the effect of breed on the clinical recognition and
treatment of pain.
Methods: To address Aim 1, pain sensitivity thresholds (using quantitative sensory testing
(QST) methods) were prospectively measured across 10 dog breeds selected to represent
breeds subjectively rated by veterinarians as having high, average, or low pain sensitivity. A final
sample of 149 healthy, pain-free dogs was included. To address Aim 2, a retrospective review of
emergency room (ER) transfer records from a large veterinary hospital was conducted. Data
were extracted across a two-year period (2017-2018) and included: patient breed, service
transferred to, pain score assigned, whether they received a pain management plan and the
type(s) of pain management ordered. The final sample included 4,163 patients across 67
breeds.
2023 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference
Presented by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Nestlé Purina PetCare

AKC Canine Health Foundation

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