Should stress management be included in clinical management of dogs with chronic illness?

A chronic disease is a persistent illness of more than one week's duration. Many chronic diseases in dogs can only be managed, rather than cured, and some are also progressive. Veterinarians often focus on physical health but may not consider the role of stress in the disease process and inpatient welfare. Very little research exists on the relationship between stress and disease in dogs. Previously, two independent research groups found that dogs with non-adrenal disease had significantly higher acute stress levels than healthy controls.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Behavior Source Type: research