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/

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