In this episode, Hannah and Dr Kathy Murphy talk about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), how often it is missed or mislabelled as “just ageing” or pain-related changes, what the DISHAA signs look like, how CCD is actually diagnosed, and which management options exist. They also emphasise the role of simple questionnaires and observation forms to spot changes early and have clearer, more productive vet visits. Published March 2021 (https://youtube.com/live/pPdL8gcePrM)

Guest bio

Dr Kathy Murphy qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1999. After several years in mixed practice, she moved to the University of Oxford, where she completed two specialist clinical qualifications and a Wellcome Trust–funded PhD in behavioural neuroscience. She is now director of the Comparative Biology Centre and the founder of Barking Brains, where she turns complex neuroscience into practical guidance for trainers, behaviourists and dog guardians.

Key take-home messages (short)

1. ​ CCD is common in older dogs and often mistaken for “normal ageing”.
2. ​ Many medical problems and pain can cause temporary cognitive changes that look like dementia.
3. ​ DISHAA is a helpful checklist of typical signs, but these signs are not specific to CCD.
4. ​ Simple tools like the CCDR scale plus home videos and notes make vet assessments much more accurate.
5. ​ Good management of older dogs should always include looking for and treating chronic pain alongside any suspected CCD.

Relevant links

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) – owner questionnaire:

http://rng.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CCDR-scale-revised.pdf

Chronic pain and arthritis (CAM tools)

Suspicion of Chronic Pain – Observations Form (PDF):

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Suspicion-of-Chronic-Pain-Observations-Form.pdf

CAM downloads – charts, guides, printable tools:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

CAM Education – online learning platform:

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

Barking Brains (Dr Kathy Murphy) – Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/neuroscienceisawesome/

CAM Member Zone

If you want deeper support around arthritis, chronic pain and brain health in dogs, you can join the CAM Member Zone for extra videos, webinars, downloads and community support:

Become a CAM member / Member Zone:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-cam-member/

Overview:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

Episode summary

Host sits down with Daniela Malcolm-Stewart (Woody’s Holistic Grooming) to unpack how grooming and osteoarthritis (OA) intersect — and why groomers belong in the interdisciplinary care team. Daniela explains her consent-based setup (floor work, padded mats, walk-in shower) and how many “difficult” dogs are actually showing pain. She shares the story of Maximus, whose later-diagnosed OA, hip dysplasia and spondylosis shaped her mission to empower guardians to groom at home with welfare first.  

Guest bio

Daniela Malcolm-Stewart is a certified holistic grooming behaviourist and founder of Woody’s Holistic Grooming. After her first dog, Maximus, panicked in a conventional salon, she retrained and built a consent-based approach that prioritises emotional wellbeing over aesthetics. Today she teaches guardians to groom at home and adapts salon environments for dogs with pain, drawing on learnings from CAM and other training. Maximus’s legacy continues to drive her work.  

5 key take-homes

1. Grooming & OA are tightly linked — done well, grooming supports comfort; done poorly, it can exacerbate pain. 

2. Choice-rich environments reduce stress: floor work, padded mats and walk-in showers build trust and better bonds. 

3. “Behaviour problem” or pain? Many grooming struggles are pain-driven; grooming time can reveal early signs. 

4. Adapt the groom to the diagnosis: techniques and pacing should consider OA and other conditions to keep dogs comfortable. 

5. Empower guardians: consent-based home grooming reduces reliance on traditional salons and can mean happier, healthier dogs. 

Relevant links:

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — official site (about Daniela, services & approach)

https://woodysholisticgrooming.co.uk/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Instagram (behind-the-scenes & updates)

https://www.instagram.com/woodysholisticgrooming/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Facebook (contact & local info)

https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSN2/

- Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) — owner guides & science-backed advice

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

- CAM Education — courses for professionals

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

- CAM Downloads/Resources — free tools & checklists

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, host Hannah Capon and Dr. Sarah Heath delve into the complexities of canine arthritis and the importance of behavioral medicine. They discuss the intricate relationship between pain and behavior, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in veterinary care. The conversation highlights the significance of caregiver insights, the role of rehabilitation coaches, and the rising interest in pain management within the veterinary community. Dr. Heath shares practical advice on conducting pain relief trials and the importance of monitoring behavioral changes to improve canine health outcomes.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Sarah Heath is an RCVS and European veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and the founder of Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice (est. 1992). After four years in mixed practice, she dedicated her career to integrating emotional, cognitive, and physical health within clinical care. Sarah is a Fellow (2018) for contributions to the profession, an external lecturer in small-animal behavioural medicine at the University of Liverpool, and teaches on the veterinary undergraduate course at the University of Central Lancashire. Her practice in North West England provides behavioural medicine and chronic pain management in a multidisciplinary team.

1. Pain and behavior are closely linked; emotional health impacts pain perception. So veterinary professionals must consider physical, emotional, and cognitive health together.

2. Rehabilitation coaches play a vital role in managing canine behavior and pain.

3. Contextualized care is essential for effective treatment plans.

4. Caregivers' observations are crucial in diagnosing and managing pain in pets. Thats why pain relief trials can help identify pain as a contributing factor to behavioral issues.

5. Monitoring changes in mood and behavior is key to assessing the effectiveness of pain management.

Relevant links:

Daniel Mills’ 2020 Pain & Behaviour Paper

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105517

(Pain and behaviour in veterinary behavioural medicine, The Veterinary Journal)

Zero Pain Philosophy (Dr. Matt Gurney)

Link: https://zeropainphilosophy.com/

University of Liverpool – Behavioural Medicine (Sarah lectures here)

Link: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/

RCVS Fellowship

Link: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/fellows/

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access practical tools to support dogs living with osteoarthritis, including the Good Day / Bad Day Diary — a downloadable resource to help you track how your dog is coping and spot changes early.

Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Dr. Hannah Capon speaks with Bowen practitioner Laura Johnson about the lesser-known integrative therapy, the Canine Bowen Technique. Laura shares her personal journey from education to becoming a certified Bowen practitioner, and how her own agility dog’s chronic pain led her to explore this gentle, fascia-focused therapy.

Together, Hannah and Laura discuss what Bowen is, how it works, and how it may complement veterinary care in cases of osteoarthritis and chronic pain. They also talk about the importance of understanding the parasympathetic nervous system, the role of fascia, and the need to approach treatment as a collaborative, individualized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Guest Bio

Laura Johnson is a certified practitioner of both human and canine Bowen Technique and McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release. She began her practice in 2017 after a long career in the education sector. An agility competitor herself, Laura first encountered Bowen when treating her own dog’s chronic shoulder injury, an experience that inspired her to change careers.

Today, she works with both human and canine clients, focusing on helping individuals live functional, balanced lives. Laura is passionate about choice-led, consent-based practice and ensuring that caregivers and their dogs feel supported through every stage of care.

Key Takeaways

1. ​ Canine Bowen Technique is a gentle, fascia-focused therapy that may support relaxation, balance, and improved mobility in some dogs.
2. ​ While research in dogs is still limited, human studies suggest Bowen can influence fascia, circulation, and parasympathetic activity.
3. ​ Bowen should not replace evidence-based veterinary care but can complement other therapies such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture.
4. ​ Caregiver awareness and choice-led practice are key to ensuring positive experiences for dogs.
5. ​ Managing chronic pain and arthritis requires a whole-dog approach, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.

Relevant links

For more resources on managing canine arthritis and chronic pain, visit the CAM Member Zone:

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Book a THE PAIN VET appointment

Need help navigating your dog’s arthritis care? Our The Pain Vet service connects you with experienced professionals who can give you personalised advice and a structured plan to take back to your vet.

Learn more and book here: https://thepainvet.co.uk

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon welcomes Professor Clare Rusbridge, a world-renowned veterinary neurologist, to discuss the complex overlap between neurological and orthopaedic disease in dogs. Together, they explore how conditions such as Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, neuropathies, and osteoarthritis often coexist, and how misinterpretation can lead to over-medication or even unnecessary surgeries.

Clare highlights practical diagnostic tips for vets in general practice, shares stories from her extensive clinical experience, and tackles the risks of polypharmacy when pain is assumed to be the sole culprit. The conversation also explores the role of validated tools like Chiari Check, the importance of reassessment, and the need for a more multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain.

Guest Bio:

Professor Clare Rusbridge is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology and Professor in Veterinary Neurology at the University of Surrey. She also serves as a senior neurologist at Wear Referrals. With over 160 scientific publications and numerous book chapters, including contributions to both veterinary and human neurology, Clare is an internationally recognised leader in neuropathic pain.

Her work focuses on Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, and she has been instrumental in raising awareness about neurological causes of chronic pain in dogs. In addition to her clinical and academic work, Clare runs the educational YouTube channel Claire-NeuroVet and serves as a trustee and patron for several welfare organisations, including the Dog Breeding Reform Group and Cavaliers Matter.

Key Takeaways:

1. Neurological disease and orthopaedic pain often overlap, making careful assessment essential to avoid misdiagnosis.

2. Polypharmacy can worsen clinical signs; drug side effects such as sedation may mimic progression of disease.

3. Simple observation tools—like gait videos and pain scoring—can reveal hidden neurological or orthopaedic causes of mobility problems.

4. Chiari malformation and syringomyelia remain under-recognised, particularly in toy and brachycephalic breeds, but screening tools like Chiari Check can help.

5. Chronic pain management requires layered planning: acute care, long-term management, and flare protocols for caregivers and vets.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access exclusive resources, webinars, and practical tools for managing canine osteoarthritis and chronic pain.

Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Explore the Chiari Treatment Algorithm

Looking for structured guidance on managing Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in dogs? Use the free treatment algorithm here: https://caninechiari.com/treatmentAlgorithm

Chiari Check Questionnaire: https://www.chiaricheck.co.uk/

Clare Rusbridge’s YouTube Channel (Claire-NeuroVet): https://www.youtube.com/@claire-neurovet

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Dr. Hannah Capon is joined by Dr. Mark Epstein, a leading voice in veterinary pain management and co-owner of Total Bond Veterinary Hospitals in the US. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of recognising, assessing, and managing chronic pain in dogs and cats. From validated clinical metrology instruments (COAST, LOAD, CBPI, CSOM) to the promise of anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies, Mark shares insights from both research and everyday practice.

The discussion also touches on the potential role of AI in the near future, the importance of multimodal management beyond pharmaceuticals, and the need for better caregiver communication. With candid reflections on successes, challenges, and the risk of polypharmacy, this episode offers both practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives for anyone involved in chronic pain management.

Guest Bio

Dr. Mark E. Epstein is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in canine and feline practice. He serves as medical director and co-owner of Total Bond Veterinary Hospitals in North Carolina. With decades of experience in companion animal pain management, he is a founding fellow of the ABVP’s Companion Animal Pain Management and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

Mark is a certified veterinary pain practitioner, frequent lecturer, and author of peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He has chaired the American Animal Hospital Association’s Senior Care Guidelines and Pain Management Guidelines Task Force. Despite his global reputation, Mark emphasizes that most of his work is still first-opinion general practice — making his insights directly relevant to everyday clinicians.

Key Takeaways

1. Pain recognition and assessment remain the biggest challenges in chronic pain management; validated tools like COAST, LOAD, CBPI, and CSOM can help but each has strengths and weaknesses.

2. COAST staging provides a common language for veterinarians, particularly useful for early identification (Stage 1 dogs at risk).

3. Multimodal care must go beyond drugs — weight management, exercise, client education, and lifestyle changes are essential.

4. Polypharmacy requires caution; gabapentinoids in particular may contribute to sedation and proprioceptive issues that are misinterpreted as disease progression.

5. The future of pain management includes monoclonal antibody therapies and potentially AI-based assessment tools, but empathetic caregiver communication will always be central.

Relevant links

For more practical tools, resources, and ongoing education in osteoarthritis and chronic pain management, visit the CAM Member Zone:

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Dr. Hannah Capon speaks with Dr. Tyler Carmack, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at Caring Pathways. Dr. Carmack shares her journey from emergency medicine into dedicating her career to hospice and palliative care for companion animals. Together, they explore how end-of-life care can be approached with compassion, planning, and innovation, particularly in cases of chronic pain and osteoarthritis. From emergency kits to integrative therapies and caregiver communication, this conversation sheds light on an area of veterinary medicine that remains under-discussed but deeply impactful.

Guest Bio

Dr. Tyler Carmack is the Director of Hospice and Palliative Care for Caring Pathways. She founded Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice in 2011 and has practiced exclusively in hospice and palliative care for over a decade. Dr. Carmack has served on the board of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) since 2016 and lectures internationally on end-of-life care. She holds certifications in animal hospice, palliative care, veterinary acupuncture, Chinese food therapy, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, and end-of-life care. Her professional passions include pain management and caregiver support during the most difficult stages of a pet’s life.

Key Takeaways

1. Hospice and palliative care are distinct yet complementary approaches—palliative can begin early in life to support comfort, while hospice typically refers to the final stages.

2. Emergency medication kits provide families with peace of mind and help manage crises until veterinary support is available.

3. Tools like quality-of-life and frailty scales can empower caregivers and improve communication with veterinary teams.

4. Simple lifestyle adjustments—traction mats, ramps, and planned mobility support—can dramatically improve quality of life in older or frail pets.

5. End-of-life care requires not only medical expertise but also time, compassion, and proactive planning for both pets and their families.

Relevant links

If you want to deepen your understanding of hospice and palliative care, explore resources at:

Caring Pathways – https://charlotte.caringpathways.com/meet-our-team/dr-tyler-carmack-director-of-hospice-and-palliative-care/

International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) – https://iaahpc.org/

For veterinary professionals, further tools and handouts are available in our CAM Member Zone:

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by ACPAT veterinary physiotherapist Amy King to discuss one of the most common causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs: cruciate disease. As the leading driver of stifle arthritis, cruciate ligament injuries demand careful management, whether surgical or conservative.

Amy explains the underlying causes and pathophysiology of cruciate disease, key interventions and why they matter, and practical rehabilitation approaches tailored for both post-surgical and conservatively managed dogs. With insights drawn from her clinical work and research, Amy highlights how physiotherapy supports recovery, reduces the risk of further joint deterioration, and helps maintain mobility and quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Amy King has worked as a physiotherapist since 2012 and earned her MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy from Hartpury in 2018. She joined The Win Clinic in Somerset in 2019, where she treats a varied caseload including orthopaedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as sporting dogs.

In 2021, Amy presented research on canine hypermobility at the ACPAT seminar, reflecting her interest in advancing evidence-based rehabilitation. At home, she enjoys training her Labrador, Tolly, in recreational gundog work.

Key Takeaways:

1. Cruciate disease is the leading cause of stifle arthritis and must be managed carefully to reduce long-term joint damage.

2. Surgery is generally the gold standard, but some cases can be managed conservatively with appropriate support.

3. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in both surgical and conservative cases, aiding recovery and preventing compensatory problems.

4. Rehabilitation should be tailored to the individual dog’s needs, age, activity, and concurrent conditions.

5. Early intervention and structured support can significantly improve long-term quality of life for cruciate patients.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Gain access to exclusive resources, webinars, and support materials for managing canine arthritis in clinical practice and at home.

Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Use the CAM Vet Nurse Flip Chart

The OA Flip Chart is a practical consultation tool designed to help veterinary nurses explain osteoarthritis and its management to owners clearly and confidently.

Find it here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/product/oa-flipchart/

Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by Professor Natasha Olby of North Carolina State University to explore the emerging but under-recognised concept of frailty in companion animals. Frailty is widely studied in human medicine but rarely discussed in veterinary practice, despite its major implications for how we interpret behaviour, manage medications, and support quality of life in ageing dogs.

Together, they discuss how frailty differs from chronic pain, why misinterpreting one for the other can lead to over-medication or missed interventions, and how recognising frailty creates opportunities for prevention, lifestyle modification, and better caregiver guidance. Natasha also introduces her team’s newly developed frailty screening tool for dogs and explains how it can help veterinarians and owners identify pre-frail states and take action earlier.

Guest Bio:

Professor Natasha Olby is a veterinary neurologist at North Carolina State University. She earned her PhD in spinal cord injury, completed advanced surgical training in neurosurgery, and has received numerous awards, including the Faculty Achievement Award from the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians and the Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology.

She has authored countless publications and edited the BSAVA Manual of Companion Animal Neurology. Her current research focuses on ageing of the nervous system and frailty in dogs, with a landmark paper published in 2024:

Russell, K. J., Mondino, A., Fefer, G., Griffith, E., Saker, K., Gruen, M. E., & Olby, N. J. (2024). Establishing a clinically applicable frailty phenotype screening tool for aging dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1335463

Key Takeaways:

1. Frailty is not simply “old age” but a clinical syndrome of accumulated impairments across multiple systems, leading to increased vulnerability.

2. Frailty and chronic pain can look similar, but confusing the two risks over-prescribing medications or missing opportunities for lifestyle support.

3. Frailty is multidimensional: physical, nutritional, social, and cognitive domains all contribute.

4. Pre-frail states can be modified—early recognition allows exercise, nutrition, and environmental changes to slow progression.

5. Frailty screening tools can help veterinarians and owners identify risk, predict outcomes, and tailor interventions more effectively.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Gain access to exclusive resources, webinars, and a supportive community dedicated to improving life for dogs with chronic pain and frailty.

Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Access the Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed it live? You can still watch all lectures and expert discussions through our Education Centre.

Access now: https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with Dr. Deborah (Deb) Torraca of Wizard of Paws, a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation. Together they dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in managing osteoarthritis: comorbidities such as kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer that often overshadow pain management.

Deb shares her wealth of experience treating complex cases, showing how rehab, lifestyle modifications, and manual therapies can still transform quality of life—even when drugs like NSAIDs are limited or contraindicated. She emphasizes the importance of “baby steps” in building sustainable care plans, the overlooked role of enrichment and fun, and how simple tools like rugs, nail trims, and mobility aids can have life-changing impact.

This is a practical and inspiring discussion that calls for a cultural shift: osteoarthritis care should not be sidelined, and rehabilitation should be seen as a first-line option, not a last resort.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Deborah Torraca is the founder of Wizard of Paws Rehabilitation in the United States and a leading international educator in veterinary rehab. Originally trained as a human physical therapist, she shifted her focus to animals and has since authored and co-authored numerous textbook chapters, published research, and spoken at veterinary conferences worldwide.

Deb combines clinical practice with teaching, research, and industry collaboration, making her uniquely placed to comment on the real-world challenges of managing canine osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Her philosophy is rooted in practicality: use what’s available, start with the basics, and empower owners with realistic, effective steps to improve their dog’s life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Comorbidities should not eclipse pain management. OA is often deprioritised in favour of conditions like kidney or heart disease, but untreated pain worsens overall health and quality of life.

2. Rehab is a first-line treatment, not a last resort. Many dogs improve significantly through lifestyle adjustments, exercise, and manual therapies—sometimes avoiding surgery altogether.

3. Baby steps matter. Introducing gradual, sustainable changes is more effective and affordable than overwhelming dogs and caregivers with every possible intervention at once.

4. Practical tools make a big difference. Rugs, mobility aids, nail care, and enrichment activities can improve comfort and reduce stress on painful joints.

5. Quality of life includes joy. Beyond pain relief, ensuring enrichment, fun, and family connection is central to managing chronic conditions in dogs.