In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah discusses with Dr. James Hunt, Dr. Katie Smithers and Evie Tummon the importance and application of teleguidance in managing canine arthritis. Teleguidance involves remote consultations to help dog owners manage their pets' arthritis symptoms from home, providing expert advice and support without the need for in-person visits. This service aims to enhance the quality of life for arthritic dogs by offering tailored pain management strategies and lifestyle recommendations.

Additionally, it addresses the biopsychosocial aspects of caregiving, recognizing the emotional and psychological impacts on pet owners and providing them with necessary support.

Dr. James Hunt is a renowned veterinary surgeon specializing in the management of painful conditions in dogs and cats. With over 25 years of experience, his primary focus has been on pain management. He holds multiple advanced qualifications, including a PhD in pain management, and has published extensively on the subject. Dr. Hunt also founded Pet Pain Relief, a clinical pain referral service in the UK.

Dr. Katie Smithers is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Anaesthesia with a deep interest in pain management. She has extensive experience in both first opinion and referral practice settings and currently runs a peripatetic pain management clinic in South Wales.

Evie Tummon is a dedicated registered veterinary nurse specializing in geriatric care and pain management. She runs successful pain clinics in Cornwall and collaborates with Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), organizing educational outreach and support for pet owners.

Take Home Messages

1. Comprehensive Remote Care: Teleguidance offers detailed remote consultations to manage canine arthritis, reducing the need for in-person visits

2. Time-Intensive Process: Each case involves significant time for video/photo analysis, history taking, and collaboration, ensuring thorough care .

3. Holistic Observations: By observing dogs at home, the service minimizes stress and improves the accuracy of assessments and education .

4. Support for Caregivers: The service also addresses the emotional/psychological needs of pet owners, supporting them in managing their pet’s chronic pain .

TELEGUIDANCE

- No Prescriptions or Diagnoses: Teleguidance supports existing veterinary care by offering insights and management strategies based on previously established diagnoses, without prescribing or diagnosing .

- Stress Reduction: Observing dogs in their home environment reduces stress and anxiety, allowing for more accurate assessments of their condition and behavior .

- Educational Value: The service emphasizes caregiver education, providing detailed guidance and advice tailored to each pet’s needs, improving overall care and management .

Relevant Links

Canine Arthritis Teleguidance: Find out more about our Teleguidance Service - https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk

Pet Pain Relief: https://petpainrelief.co.uk

Canine Arthritis Essentials Course: Reduce your dog's arthritis pain and make sure they have a good quality of life with this easy-to-follow, affordable course. https://www.cameducation.co.uk/course/camessentials

And find our other courses here: https://www.cameducation.co.uk/courses

Have a look at our member zone: 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

Learn more about CARE:

Website: https://caninearthritis.org

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.