In this thought-provoking episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon sits down with Vincent Hoogstad, a physiotherapist turned animal rehabilitation practitioner and educator. Together, they explore the complexities of pain: how animals and humans perceive it differently, the cultural drivers that shape our response to it, and why pain behavior is not always a reliable indicator of suffering.

The conversation dives into evolutionary perspectives, the distinction between emotions and feelings, and how caregivers’ expectations often complicate decision-making in veterinary practice. Vincent shares stories from his clinical work and his broader studies in ethology, primatology, and conservation, alongside reflections from his book Monkey Business.

Listeners are invited to challenge assumptions about pain, embrace observation over assumption, and reflect on how empathy and environment shape the way we interpret suffering in both humans and animals.

Guest Bio:

Vincent Hoogstad began his career as a human physiotherapist in Rotterdam before shifting his focus to animal rehabilitation and behavioral ecology. He has trained extensively in physical rehab (University of Tennessee), primatology, wildlife conservation, and the One Health perspective. Based in Crete, he runs a small rehabilitation business while lecturing internationally.

Vincent is also the author of Monkey Business, a book exploring empathy, sociality, and the interconnectedness of humans and animals. He is passionate about bridging science, philosophy, and practice to better understand pain and behavior across species.

Key Takeaways

1. Pain is always real, but pain behavior is heavily influenced by environment and context.

2. Animals often hide pain, especially prey species, which makes observation skills critical.

3. Human cultural expectations strongly influence how caregivers interpret and respond to their pet’s pain.

4. Observation is often more reliable than owner reports when assessing discomfort.

5. Education, empathy, and environmental modification are as powerful as medication in managing chronic pain.

Relevant Links:

Monkey Business (Vincent Hoogstad’s book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Monkey-Business-Empathy-Animals-People/dp/1916238549/

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access tools, guides, and exclusive education to help you better understand and manage arthritis in dogs. From lifestyle modification resources to validated pain questionnaires, the Member Zone equips you with everything you need to improve your dog’s quality of life.

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

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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 João Alves MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon with a special interest in chronic pain and osteoarthritis. Together they discuss why spotting pain early is vital, how misinterpreting behaviour can delay care, and why arthritis should be considered long before obvious lameness develops.

João shares practical advice for general practitioners on integrating chronic pain assessment into everyday consults, from history-taking to subtle movement observation. He and Hannah also explore the importance of teamwork with owners, how simple validated tools can improve accuracy, and why communication and empathy are often as powerful as prescriptions in managing canine OA.

Guest Bio:

João Alves MRCVS is a veterinary surgeon based in the UK with a strong focus on chronic pain management and welfare. He has built his clinical practice around improving outcomes for dogs living with osteoarthritis and other long-term pain conditions, ensuring that both vets and owners have the knowledge and tools to intervene earlier. João is passionate about bridging the gap between research and everyday practice, making pain management more accessible and effective for all.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chronic pain is often under-recognised. Behavioural changes such as reluctance to jump, subtle stiffness, or reduced play may be early red flags.

2. Owners are key partners. Teaching them to recognise and record changes helps provide better evidence for diagnosis and management.

3. Validated assessment tools reduce subjectivity and help track progress more reliably than owner memory alone.

4. Pain management should begin early—waiting for overt lameness means lost time and welfare compromise.

5. Empathy, continuity, and communication are central. Building trust leads to more accurate reporting and better adherence to management plans.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access webinars, guides, case studies, and a supportive community of professionals and pet owners working to improve canine arthritis care.

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

Use the Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form

Help identify dogs that may be living with hidden pain. This validated form supports early recognition and structured conversations with owners.

Download here: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspicion-of-chronic-pain/

Learn more about CAM:

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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.

This episode of Canine Arthritis Matters takes a practical look at how telehealth can strengthen osteoarthritis care in the UK (and beyond). Host Hannah Capon is joined by registered veterinary nurse Evie Tumon and senior anaesthetist/pain specialist Dr. James Hunt to unpack what remote guidance adds: time to listen, continuity, calmer conversations outside the “white coat” setting, and a clearer framework for weight, lifestyle, and analgesia decisions that owners can take back to their primary vet. The team discuss variability in current OA care, why “no recipes” means we must monitor and adapt, and how validated tools (like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory) help align owner perception with a dog’s day-to-day function. They also share how the CAM teleguidance service supports overloaded practices by offering owners structured coaching, while reinforcing that in-person exams and prescribing stay with the primary vet.

Guest Bios:

Evie Tummon, RVN

Evie is a registered veterinary nurse working in clinical practice and on CAM’s tele-platform, where she hosts discovery calls and leads nurse calls. Her focus is demystifying choices for overwhelmed caregivers and breaking change into doable steps that fit each home and dog.

Dr. James Hunt

James is a senior anaesthetist at a multidisciplinary referral hospital, runs Pet Pain Relief (a clinic dedicated to pain management), and is a specialist in ethics and welfare with a PhD focused on chronic pain/OA. In CAM’s tele service he helps owners and vets build robust, basics-first plans—weight, lifestyle, analgesia—and use validated tracking so everyone can see what’s working.

Key Takeaways:

1. Telehealth complements, it doesn’t replace. Remote sessions remove time pressure, reduce the “frozen in the consult room” effect, and let clinicians tailor plans to the caregiver’s reality—then loop back to the primary vet for exams and prescribing.

2. Framework over “fix.” OA management isn’t a one-step recipe; start with weight, daily life changes, and clear priorities, then add/adjust analgesia and adjuncts based on response.

3. Measure what matters. Pair an owner’s unique pain indicators with a validated tool like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory to track severity, interference with activities, and quality of life over time. Expect scores to spark useful conversations, not just produce a “number.”

4. Lower the stress to raise the care. For reactive or anxious dogs, remote guidance can be a lifeline; it builds caregiver confidence and plans for low-stress vet visits (timing, ramps, car setups) before the next in-person appointment.

5. Plan for flares and continuity. Set expectations that flare-ups happen, agree an analgesic “flare plan” in advance, and keep the same clinician(s) involved so owners feel heard and supported across visits.

Relevant Links:

Get Support Through Teleguidance

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with options or just want a clear, step-by-step plan for your dog’s osteoarthritis care, our teleguidance team is here to help. You’ll receive personalised advice you can take straight back to your own vet—without leaving home.

Find out more: https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk

Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed the live event? Watch all lectures anytime through the Education Centre and level up your OA toolkit.

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

Join the CAM Member Zone

Get ongoing support, templates, webinars, and Q&As to manage canine OA more confidently.

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

Learn more about CAM:

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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 Ben Cormack, an international educator and musculoskeletal therapist with over 20 years of experience, about the relevance of the biopsychosocial (BPS) model in veterinary care.

Ben explains the history and philosophy behind the BPS model, why it should be seen as a framework rather than a fixed treatment method, and how it can enhance communication, trust, and treatment outcomes. Together, they explore the parallels between human and veterinary medicine, highlighting how lifestyle, environment, psychology, and social factors can influence recovery as much as the physical diagnosis itself.

They also discuss the pitfalls of over-relying on polypharmacy, the importance of prognosis over diagnosis, and why taking time to truly listen to clients and patients can be transformative. Ben shares personal stories, including how he applied these principles to his own dog, Teddy, and how small environmental or emotional adjustments can make a big difference in an animal’s comfort and quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Ben Cormack is a musculoskeletal therapist, international presenter, writer, and educator with a patient-centred approach to rehabilitation. He owns Core Kinetic and co-owns The Better Clinician Project, offering evidence-based education to health professionals. Ben specialises in movement and exercise-based rehab, integrating the biopsychosocial framework into his work. He lectures globally, contributes to academic publications, and still works clinically to stay connected to real-world patient needs.

Key Takeaways:

The biopsychosocial model is a philosophy of care, not a fixed checklist, and should enhance rather than replace biomedical precision.

Listening to the patient (or client) is fundamental—understanding context and personal circumstances often guides better treatment decisions.

The source of pain is not always the cause; genetics, environment, behaviour, and emotional factors often play major roles.

Over-reliance on medications can overlook lifestyle and environmental changes that may have a bigger long-term impact.

Veterinary care can benefit from adopting strategies from human healthcare, such as focusing on prognosis, social factors, and patient-centred communication.

Relevant Links:

Core Kinetic: https://www.core-kinetic.com/

The Better Clinician Project: https://www.betterclinicianproject.com/

Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed the live event? You can still access every lecture from the Chronic Pain Symposium through our Education Centre. Learn from leading experts in pain management and rehabilitation at your own pace.

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

⸻

Join the CAM Member Zone

Get ongoing support, resources, and exclusive content designed to help you manage canine arthritis more effectively. The CAM Member Zone offers webinars, guides, Q&As, and a community of like-minded professionals and pet owners.

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

Learn more about CAM:

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

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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 speaks with Dr. Laurie McCauley, a leading voice in veterinary rehabilitation. Together, they explore how movement, touch, and integrative therapies can transform the lives of dogs living with osteoarthritis.

Dr. McCauley shares practical strategies for at-home care, discusses the power of isometric exercises, and explains how tools like lasers and tuning forks can play a supportive role in reducing pain and improving mobility. The conversation also highlights common missteps by both caregivers and clinicians and emphasizes low-cost, high-impact interventions that anyone can implement.

Whether you’re a vet, physio, or pet parent, this episode offers grounded advice and inspiration for helping dogs move and feel better—no matter their age or condition.

Guest Bio

Dr. Laurie McCauley has dedicated her career to keeping pets happy, healthy, and mobile. A graduate of Colorado State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she spent six years in general practice before pioneering the field of veterinary rehabilitation. She designed the first underwater treadmill for dogs and opened one of the first dedicated rehab clinics.

Board-certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. McCauley is also certified in acupuncture and chiropractic therapy. She served on the faculty of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute for 14 years, lectures internationally, and contributes to leading veterinary journals and textbooks.

She currently runs Red Tail Rehab, a mobile rehab clinic based in North Carolina, and is the founder of Optimum Pet Vitality—an online education platform offering courses for both professionals and pet parents.

Courses include laser therapy, myofascial work, and her widely popular tuning fork therapy program. Her mission is to teach people how to help their pets live longer, stronger lives through hands-on care, education, and empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. Use isometric exercises

Rhythmic stabilization and three-legged stands are low-risk exercises that build strength safely. They are especially valuable for geriatric or fragile dogs and can be done at home with minimal equipment.

2. Touch is therapy

Gentle, intentional touch can reduce cortisol, improve circulation, and support pain relief. It’s not just emotional—it’s physiological. Don’t underestimate the power of your hands.

3. Walk your dog daily

Even dogs with arthritis benefit from daily walks. Movement maintains joint health and stamina. Frequency, not distance, is what matters.

4. Exercise must be tailored

Activities like ball play can be risky if done without thought. Understanding the dog’s physical condition is critical to choosing appropriate, safe exercises.

5. Therapies like PEMF and tuning forks work—but require knowledge

Modalities such as lasers, tuning forks, and PEMF devices can reduce pain and support healing—but they’re most effective (and safest) when used by someone trained.

Relevant Links:

• Optimum Pet Vitality online learning hub: https://www.optimumpetvitality.com/

• Tuning Fork Therapy Course: https://courses.optimumpetvitality.com/tuning-into-your-dog

This episode is supported by Accord Animal Health, makers of PerNic® Cox—a palatable joint support paste for dogs, formulated with cold-pressed Green Lipped Mussel oil. It’s delivered in an easy-to-use syringe for precise dosing, ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Learn more about PerNic® Cox and the full range of natural supplements at:

https://accord-animalhealth.com

Learn more about CAM:

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

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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.

Hannah Capon speaks with PhD researcher Georgia Wells about functional mobility in dogs—what it really means, how it differs from lameness, and why current tools like CBPI and LOAD only scratch the surface. Georgia shares the path from dog grooming to academia, her current research on developing a functional mobility scale for caregivers to use at home, and why assessing everyday activities like toileting, eating, and play could be key to detecting problems earlier. A must-listen for anyone invested in chronic pain, early OA detection, or environmental modification.

Georgia Wells is a PhD candidate with Scotland’s Rural College and the University of Edinburgh, researching functional mobility in dogs. Her background spans zoology, locomotion studies (including pangolins!), and hands-on grooming experience. This blend of academic and real-world insight informs her work on developing a functional mobility scale that empowers caregivers to notice and act on subtle movement changes in dogs. Georgia is passionate about improving welfare through better owner-led assessment and early detection of compromised mobility.

Key Takeaways

1. ​Functional mobility = more than gait—it’s about how dogs do daily tasks like toileting, eating, and moving between spaces.
2. ​Caregivers are uniquely positioned to notice changes, but they need the right tools and guidance.
3. ​Georgia’s scale is designed to be practical, accessible, and usable at home—unlike current vet-only tools.
4. ​Environmental factors (stairs, flooring, access) often go unnoticed but drastically impact function and comfort.
5. ​Functional changes may signal disease earlier than clinical signs—making this scale a future game-changer.

Useful CAM Tools Mentioned (All in Member Zone):

• ​Chronic Pain Indicator Chart
• ​Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form
• ​Good Day – Bad Day Diary
• ​It’s My Home Too – Environmental Checklist (Home FAST adaptation)

Join the CAM Member Zone

For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials.

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

Get Involved – Participate in Georgia’s Study

Georgia is currently recruiting dogs (healthy and mobility-compromised) to validate her functional mobility scale.

Register your interest: https://static.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/static/common/html/maintenance.html

Or email: [email protected]

Read her paper here - https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/89957113/1-s2.0-S1090023324000625-main.pdf

Sponsor Acknowledgement

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis

We’re proud to acknowledge Zoetis for supporting the education of veterinary and allied professionals, including through their sponsorship of the Chronic Pain Symposium (CPS).

Learn more about CAM:

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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, physiotherapist and researcher Nicole Bausch joins Hannah Capon to explore the overlooked concept of acute flares in canine osteoarthritis. Drawing from her background in the human health sector, Nicole explains how flares have only recently been formally defined even in people, and why this definition is essential for improving communication, treatment decisions, and outcomes in dogs. Hannah shares real-world challenges from clinical practice and personal experience, highlighting the risks of overmedication, caregiver distress, and missed welfare concerns when flares are not recognised or understood.

Key Takeaways

1. Acute flares are common but under-recognised. Until recently, even the human sector lacked a clear definition of OA flares.

2. Flare-ups can resolve spontaneously. Without awareness, vets may escalate medications unnecessarily or prematurely consider euthanasia.

3. Flares affect quality of life. They can cause days or weeks of discomfort, disrupting sleep, mood, and daily activity.

4. Imaging often doesn’t reflect pain. Radiographs or scans may not match what the dog is showing behaviourally.

5. Triggers matter. Nicole and Hannah discuss how physical and emotional triggers like overactivity or stress can initiate flares.

6. Better communication prevents problems. Hannah suggests that clearer explanations could reduce inappropriate spending and treatment.

7. Real-life insight: Nicole describes flare patterns in her own 16-year-old Jack Russell and how understanding them changed her approach.

8. Hannah on definition scope: “That’s all of OA until you cut it out, really isn’t it?”

Don’t let flares catch you off guard.

The CAM Acute Flare Kit is designed to help caregivers and professionals recognise, track, and respond to flare-ups quickly and confidently—reducing suffering and avoiding unnecessary treatment changes.

Packed with practical tools, guidance, and templates, it supports you in managing discomfort as it happens and helps you spot patterns before they escalate.

Access the Acute Flare Kit now in the CAM Member Zone

Join the CAM Member Zone

For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials. - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/

External Tools / Concepts Discussed:

1. FLARE-OA16 Questionnaire (human OA flare measurement – currently in development)

2. James Lind Alliance Research Priorities – https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk

3. OMERACT Working Group Flare Definition – https://omeract.org

Learn more about CAM:

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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, Professor Duncan Lascelles joins Hannah Capon to explore the future of pain management in dogs with osteoarthritis. Duncan shares insights from his extensive research into pain detection and his work on AniV8’s development of objective tools to measure chronic pain in companion animals. They walk through a case study to demonstrate how early recognition and a structured approach can transform outcomes. The discussion highlights why osteoarthritis should be viewed as a disease of younger dogs, and why early intervention opens the door to more treatment options and a better quality of life.
Published 2023 – https://youtu.be/M_adx3azXT0

Brief Bio

Duncan Lascelles is Professor of Small Animal Surgery and Pain Management at North Carolina State University. He leads the Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) program, which investigates how to detect and treat pain associated with spontaneous disease in animals. He is also Director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre (CPREC) and Co-founder of AniV8, a company dedicated to developing innovative tools for measuring pain in companion animals. His work aims to advance both veterinary and human pain medicine.

Key Takeaways

1. Osteoarthritis is not just a disease of older dogs—early onset is common and often overlooked.
2. Objective tools to measure pain are crucial for both research and day-to-day treatment monitoring.
3. AniV8 is working on new tech to measure pain through real-time, data-driven methods.
4. A structured approach to case workups ensures no aspect of the dog’s condition is missed.
5. Early diagnosis improves quality of life and increases the number of effective treatment options.

Relevant Links

AniV8 – https://aniv8.com

Useful CAM Tools Mentioned (All in Member Zone)

1. Chronic Pain Indicator Chart
2. Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form
3. Good Day – Bad Day Diary

Join the CAM Member Zone - For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials.
🡆 https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/

External Tools Mentioned

1. Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) – University of Pennsylvania:https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/research-laboratory/clinical-investigation-center/current-clinical-trials/canine-brief-pain-inventory
2. LOAD (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) – Elanco resource
   https://mypetandi.elanco.com/uk/dog/load
3. Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (available via the Pawsita app)
   https://www.pawsita.com

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 CAM Live episode, Dr. Rowena Packer joins Hannah Capon to discuss her 2012 research on how dog owners often perceive breed-related health issues as “normal.” This perception can delay diagnosis and treatment and contribute to the continued breeding of dogs with extreme physical traits. The conversation focuses on the welfare consequences of conformational disorders, the caregiver burden, and how changing owner education and perception could lead to better outcomes. Rowena shares insight from her academic work and practical suggestions for improving veterinary communication around these issues.

Published 2023 – https://youtu.be/nktzMyjR4bo

Brief Bio

Rowena is the Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and inherited disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare, and caregiver burden. Rowena has co-authored >90 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021). Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health. Rowena is a founding member of Brachycephalic Working Group and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs.

RVC profile: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/about/our-people/rowena-packer

Key Takeaways

1. Many owners mistake clinical signs of inherited disorders as typical breed traits, delaying diagnosis and care.

2. Extreme conformations can contribute to a wide range of health and behavioural problems, including chronic pain.

3. Vets should proactively educate owners on the difference between breed standards and actual welfare concerns.

4. Breed-driven expectations contribute to caregiver burden and complicate decision-making.

5. Open access research and better communication are key tools in challenging the normalisation of suffering.

Relevant Links

Original 2012 paper – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225280218

Follow-up studies:

– https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0219918

– https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237276

– https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9372/1/3/32

This podcast is in relation to this paper - Packer, R. M. A., Hendricks, A. & Burn, C. C. (2012) Do dog owners perceive the clinical signs related to conformational inherited disorders as ‘normal’ for the breed? A potential constraint to improving canine welfare. Animal Welfare 21, 81-­93

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 CAM Live episode, Dr. Brennen McKenzie (known as the SkeptVet) joins Hannah Capon to discuss why evidence-based medicine is essential in protecting animals and caregivers from ineffective or harmful treatments. They explore common arthritis-related therapies and highlight the importance of rigorous scientific testing. Topics include the use of NSAIDs, turmeric, CBD, glucosamine, PEMF, LED/laser therapy, essential fatty acids, and zoopharmacognosy.
Published December 2020 – https://youtu.be/9l2PrUvQjW0

Brief Bio

Brennen McKenzie is a small animal veterinarian, writer, and lecturer with a background in biology, physiology, and epidemiology. He holds a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is the author of the book Placebos for Pets and founder of the SkeptVet blog, where he advocates for science-based veterinary care. He has served as President of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association and continues to publish and lecture on veterinary decision-making and critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

1. Evidence-based medicine helps prevent physical, emotional, and financial harm to both pets and owners.
2. Many commonly used supplements and treatments lack strong scientific support for their effectiveness.
3. NSAIDs remain one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for managing arthritis pain in dogs.
4. Caregivers should understand how scientific evidence is built through rigorous testing, not anecdote.
5. Evaluating claims critically helps caregivers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions.

Relevant Links
SkeptVet Blog – http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

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.