Canine Arthritis Matters

Episode summary

In this heartfelt episode, Hannah Capon is joined by veterinary rehabilitation specialist Dr Jane White to discuss life with a disabled dog and the lessons she's learned through caring for her own Border Collie, Drift, following a devastating spinal cord injury. Jane shares how her personal experience transformed her perspective as a veterinary professional, highlighting the emotional challenges, practical adaptations and mindset shifts that come with caring for a mobility-impaired dog.

Together, they explore how many of these lessons apply equally to dogs living with arthritis—from adapting the home environment and maintaining quality of life to managing caregiver guilt and recognising that every dog’s journey is unique. The conversation also tackles difficult topics such as incontinence, rehabilitation, end-of-life decisions and the importance of building a trusted support team. Ultimately, this episode is a compassionate reminder that while life with a disabled or arthritic dog may look different, it can still be full of joy, purpose and meaningful moments.

Recourses

Visit Jane’s website and buy a copy of Loving Life With A Disabled Dog

Pepper’s Place - wheelchairs and support for disabled dogs

5 Key Take-Home Points

• Don’t focus on what your dog has lost - focus on what they can still enjoy

• Adapt your dogs environment to make daily life easier and safer

• If you have to take an activity away, replace it with something equally as rewarding

• Be kind to yourself - there’s no perfect way to care for a disabled dog

• Review, reassess and adapt regularly - small changes can make a big difference

Speaker bio

Dr Jane White is a veterinary surgeon with over 35 years of experience and a passion for rehabilitation, mobility and improving quality of life for dogs and cats. She holds advanced qualifications in feline medicine, behaviour, veterinary physiotherapy and canine rehabilitation, and has extensive experience in hydrotherapy and acupuncture. Jane is also a committee member of the British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association. Following a life-changing spinal injury suffered by her own Border Collie, Drift, she wrote Loving Life with a Disabled Dog, sharing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers. Jane is dedicated to helping owners navigate mobility challenges with confidence, compassion and hope.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Lucy Goodright, an experienced McTimoney chiropractor and manual therapist, to explore the role of complementary therapies in supporting dogs with osteoarthritis. Together, they discuss how chiropractic care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and other manual therapies can fit within a truly multimodal approach to arthritis management. Rather than promoting any single treatment as a cure, the conversation focuses on collaboration, realistic expectations, and empowering caregivers to make informed decisions. They examine the current evidence for manual therapies, why research remains limited, and the importance of using appropriately qualified, regulated practitioners who work closely with veterinary teams. The episode also highlights the value of environmental adaptations, careful observation, compassionate communication and setting measurable goals when introducing any new intervention. Ultimately, Hannah and Lucy emphasise that every dog is an individual, successful arthritis management requires teamwork, and maintaining quality of life depends on combining evidence-based medicine with thoughtful, personalised care.

References:

Find Lucy online at AnimalSpine.com

Visit the McTimony Animal Association here or Discover MAA Research

Animal Health Proffesions' Register (AHPR)

Visit RAMP - Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners

PainScience.Com

5 Key Take-Home Points

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—arthritis management should always be tailored to the individual dog.

• Choose qualified professionals who are appropriately trained, insured and willing to work alongside your veterinary team.

• Set realistic expectations and regularly review whether a treatment is genuinely helping.

• Small lifestyle changes matter, including home adaptations, weight management and environmental modifications.

• Communication and collaboration are key—the best outcomes come when caregivers, vets and therapists work together towards shared goals.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Socials for Caregivers:

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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us in August for “Pain Medications” month!

In this episode, Dr Michele Broadhurst shares her integrative approach to managing osteoarthritis and chronic pain in dogs, drawing on her expertise in chiropractic, rehabilitation, dry needling, and myofascial therapy. She explains why successful treatment requires looking beyond the affected joint to consider the whole patient, including movement, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle. Michele and Hannah discuss the importance of early intervention, collaborative multidisciplinary care, realistic home exercise programmes, and empowering owners to make simple but meaningful changes. Together, they highlight that while osteoarthritis cannot be cured, a proactive, multimodal approach can dramatically improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Dr Broadhurst graduated from Chiropractic college in South Africa in 2003 and as a Certified Sports Chiropractor in 2004. Michele is also certified with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Being the first certified animal chiropractor in South Africa Michele built a very successful large and small animal practice specializing in animal chiropractic, dry needling and rehabilitation. 

Dr Broadhurst and her husband owned and ran a human chiropractic and multidisciplinary clinic for 15 years and she is now co-medical director of an integrative veterinary clinic in Dallas Texas. She is published in several medical journals and lectures both nationally and internationally on the subject of myofascial pain in animals.

Referenced Links:

Integrative Animal Solutions

Rehab4Pets

International Veterinary Chiropractic Association

5 Key Take Home Points:

• Osteoarthritis is a whole-body condition—successful management goes far beyond treating the affected joint.

• Small, consistent changes at home can make a bigger difference than complicated treatment plans.

• Movement is medicine—keeping dogs active in the right way helps maintain strength, confidence, and function.

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach; every dog needs an individualised management plan.

• The best outcomes come from teamwork between owners, vets, and rehabilitation professionals.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week for the final episode of the “Complementary Therapies” chapter!

Can orthotic braces help dogs with osteoarthritis live more comfortably and stay active? In this episode, Hannah is joined by veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist Lizzie Oselton to explore the growing role of canine orthotics in arthritis management. Lizzie explains how modern custom-made braces are designed to improve joint stability, support functional movement and reduce abnormal loading, rather than simply immobilising joints. Together, they discuss which dogs are most likely to benefit, how braces are fitted, common misconceptions, and why orthotics should always form part of a wider management plan alongside weight control, pain relief, physiotherapy and environmental adaptations. They also explore the current evidence, the importance of realistic expectations, and why personalised treatment is essential. Packed with practical advice for both veterinary professionals and dedicated caregivers, this episode offers an accessible introduction to an exciting area of rehabilitation medicine that aims to keep arthritic dogs moving safely for longer.

Guest Bio:

Lizzie Oselton, BSc (Hons) Equine Management, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy,, is a veterinary physiotherapist based on the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire borders. She runs Meadowside Vet Physio, providing mobile veterinary physiotherapy for horses and dogs alongside a veterinary physiotherapy clinic within a small-animal veterinary practice in Wisbech. 

Lizzie also holds a Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy.

Her interest in canine orthotics developed through treating dogs with osteoarthritis, where maintaining movement is central to long-term management. She sees orthotic support as another tool to help appropriate patients remain active, comfortable and engaged in rehabilitation as part of a multimodal treatment approach.

Referenced links:

Visit Lizzie’s Facebook page here Meadowside Vet Physio

Learn more about Wimba

Download the Wimba free case consult app on GooglePlay or Apple

Read Bernie’s detailed case study here

5 Key Take Home Points

• Orthotics support movement and joint stability—they don't cure arthritis or replace pain relief.

• The best outcomes come when braces are combined with physiotherapy, weight management and veterinary care.

• Every brace should be custom-fitted and prescribed for the individual dog.

• Protecting function is just as important as managing pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.

• Small changes at home and tailored exercise can make a big difference to long-term mobility and quality of life.

  
  

More about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week for more on complimentary therapies!

Communication is one of the most important tools in successful OA management. In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah is joined by registered veterinary nurse and veterinary education specialist Jessica Woolrich from VetLed to explore how better communication can strengthen relationships between caregivers, veterinary professionals and allied teams.

Together, they discuss why communication is about far more than simply sharing information. From listening and building trust to navigating difficult conversations, Jess shares practical tips for creating genuine partnerships that improve long-term care for dogs living with chronic pain.

Using real-life scenarios from practice, the conversation explores what happens when caregivers leave consultations feeling overwhelmed, why second conversations matter, and how curiosity can help overcome barriers to understanding. Whether you're a caregiver or a veterinary professional, this episode offers simple, practical insights into communicating with confidence and compassion to achieve the best outcomes for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Visit the VetLed website: Vetled

Or contact Jess on [email protected]

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week for the complementary therapies series!

In the last episode of the “Diet & Nutrition” series, we are joined by Lianne O'Boyle, Head of Clinical at Nutravet. We discuss the vital role veterinary nurses play in osteoarthritis management, the growing use of laser therapy in practice, and whether veterinary education adequately prepares clinicians for managing chronic conditions such as OA. Lianne also shares insights from her transition into the supplement industry, offering a balanced perspective on evidence, regulation, client expectations, and the role of ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and boswellia in joint health support.

Packed with practical advice for both veterinary professionals and pet caregivers, this episode explores how a collaborative, multimodal approach can help improve the lives of dogs and cats living with osteoarthritis.

NutraVet

Guest Bio

Lianne O’Boyle is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, teaching, leadership and business. Early in her career, she discovered a passion for developing others, moving into training and education to support the next generation of veterinary nurses. She later stepped into entrepreneurship, running her own successful veterinary sector business for a decade, before transitioning into senior leadership roles within industry. Today, Lianne is Head of Clinical at a leading pet nutraceutical company, where she combines her clinical background with commercial strategy to drive innovation and animal health. With a career that spans practice, education, business ownership and industry leadership, Lianne is a passionate advocate for the role of veterinary nurses beyond traditional practice. She now shares her insights as a speaker, championing leadership, career growth and the expanding opportunities for nurses in the veterinary industry.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

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Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week for the new series “Complimentary Therapies”

This week, we’re joined by Dr Conny Moseley, veterinary pain specialist and cannabinoid medicine expert, to explore the role of CBD in managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis in dogs.

We discuss the science behind CBD, how it differs from traditional pain medications, what the current evidence tells us, and the practical challenges vets and caregivers face when choosing and using CBD products.

A balanced, evidence-based conversation packed with insights on chronic pain management, canine osteoarthritis, and where CBD may fit into modern veterinary practice.

Referenced links:

Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine

Does oral cannabidoil oil in adjust to pain medications help reduce pain & improve locomotion in dogs with osteoarthritis?

Guest bio

Dr. Conny Mosley is a board-certified anesthesiologist and currently the Veterinary Consultant for Pain & Internal Medicine for Elanco Canada. Conny has held faculty positions at North Carolina State University, Oregon State University and Ontario Veterinary College and has been an anesthesiologist in a private specialty practice, where she also ran an Integrative Veterinary Pain Clinic. She continues to consult on pain cases. Conny is certified in acupuncture, served on the WSAVA Global Pain Council and is the founding director of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine. Conny is a passionate advocate for ethical and practical veterinary care and pain management. Her contributions to the field include publications, lectures, and a deep commitment to both teaching and learning.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

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Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Join us next week for the final instalment in the “Diet & Nutrition” series!

Internal medicine and nutrition specialist, Isuru Gajanayake, joins CAM’s Esme Howells to discuss the nutritional needs of dogs with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. All dogs need a balanced diet and their requirements differ depending on their age but also on their medical issues and body score. Isuru talks us through protein and energy requirements at different life stages and provides guidance on how to choose the right food from the huge range available.

Guest bio

Isuru Gajanayake is an American, European and RCVS specialist in small animal internal medicine, and an American specialist in small animal nutrition. He works at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in Solihull, seeing referral cases in both internal medicine and clinical nutrition https://willows.uk.net/

Referenced links

WSAVA Nutritional Guidelines https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

WSAVA Nutritional Toolkit https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit-English.pdf

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

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Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn more about nutrition with Dr Conny Mosely next week!

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the few supplements that have some evidence of benefit for osteoarthritis. Nicki Bell talks to Charley Gray about omega 3s, how they work and why they are useful in the management of canine arthritis. Charley explains the different omega 3s and why it is currently EPA and DHA that we are particularly interested in for dogs. Their role in the anti-inflammatory pathway is explained with diagrams and analogies. There are different sources of omega 3s – plants, fish and algae and their pros and cons are described alongside guidance on what might be the best option for dogs. Charley also discusses dosing of omega 3s and how to work out how much your dog needs for their weight. It can be difficult to give a therapeutic dose without giving your dog too much fat in its diet or exceeding safe limits for Vitamins A and D. The session ends with a comparison of omega 3 levels in different joint supplements and other options for providing adequate levels in your dog’s diet.Charley is a vet with a special interest in nutrition. She works as a small animal vet and as a nutritionist helping to audit and formulate diets. She works with owners who want to prepare a home-cooked diet for their pets to make sure the diet is well-balanced and complete.

Veterinary Nutrition & Formulation Services:

https://www.companion-nutrition.co.uk/

5 Key Take Homes

• Omega-3s are one of the few supplements with evidence for canine osteoarthritis
• EPA and DHA are the most important omega-3s for dogs

• Omega-3s help by influencing inflammatory pathways
• Not all omega-3 sources are equally useful
• Correct dosing is crucial and can be challenging

Learn more about CAM:
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions, send them to: [email protected]

In the US, two out of three dogs are obese. This exacerbates the difficulties vets face when trying to manage pain and rehabilitate arthritic dogs. Matt Brunke and Hannah Capon discuss nutrition and supplements and point out that fat doesn’t just increase loading on joints, it secretes inflammatory mediators that make arthritis worse. They then go on to discuss an imaginary case study – an overweight dog with elbow problems – and Matt outlines what he would do to reach a diagnosis and the different options for treatment, from stem cells and platelet rich plasma to the more usual pharmaceutical interventions. With all options, the aim is to get the dog as free from pain as possible so that it can complete a rehab programme aimed at restoring function.

Guest Bio:

Matt Brunke DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and practises rehabilitation, acupuncture and pain management in Maryland, US.

5 Key takeaways:

• Obesity worsens arthritis
  Extra fat increases joint stress and inflammation.

• Pain relief comes first
  Dogs need pain control before rehab can work.

• Diet matters
  Good nutrition and supplements can support joint health.

• Treatment should be multimodal
  Combining meds, rehab, weight loss, and therapies works best.

• Focus on quality of life
  The goal is better movement, comfort, and daily function.

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]