PetAbility Podcast

This episode explores Synovetin OA, a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia. 

Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation, breaks down how this targeted therapy offers long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility without the daily hassle of medications.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ How Synovetin OA Works – A groundbreaking option for moderate to severe OA that reduces inflammation at the source with a single joint injection.
✅ Comparison to Traditional Treatments –No daily pills, fewer side effects, and longer-lasting than other therapies.
✅ Benefits & Safety – What pet owners can expect in terms of results, safety considerations, and ideal candidates.
✅ The Procedure & Aftercare – What to expect before, during, and after treatment.
✅ Cost & Accessibility – Where to find it, insurance considerations, and how it compares to other treatment costs.
✅ Success Stories – Real-life examples of animals who regained mobility and comfort.

With vet medicine evolving, cutting-edge treatments like Synovetin OA are revolutionizing how busy dog owners manage OA in their dogs. Could this be the "game-changer" your pet needs? 

Visit activedognow.com (pet parents) or synovetin.com (veterinarians).

Studied in canine elbows, Synovetin OA is given by authorized veterinarians. Temporary discomfort in treated joints may occur. Talk to a treating veterinarian near you for more information including what to expect following treatment and visit www.activedognow.com.

Find Dr. Brunke at VRAVet.com, his blog DrBrunke.Wordpress.com, or working with Paws of Honor and Hurricane's Heroes.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or even a reptile, learn the signs of imbalance, the impact of diet and antibiotics, and cutting-edge research shaping the future of pet health. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips to keep your pet happy from the inside out!

Find more information at Animal Biome.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

🐾 Curious about the Assisi LOOP® and tPEMF™ treatment? Let’s break it down with expert guest, Mialisa Gluckert from Zomedica!

We’re diving into what the Assisi LOOP® is and how it works, using its unique targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF™) technology, to address inflammation or anything ending in “-itis.” From easing osteoarthritis and chronic pain to helping with post-surgical recovery, we’ll explore the conditions the LOOP treats and how it seamlessly fits into pain management protocols - at home!

tPEMF™ works not only on cats and dogs, but other species like birds and reptiles equally well! Our discussion will answer all of your practical questions like how often to use the LOOP, whether you need a prescription, and how to introduce & apply it to your pet. 

We’ll also tackle some of the science behind tPEMF™ (note: FDA-approved for people!), discuss what veterinarians consider when recommending the LOOP, and what makes the Assisi LOOP® effective. And for those thinking about making a purchase, we’ll address the cost, warranty, and the different models available to suit your pet’s needs.

If you’re looking for a gentle, non-invasive, easy-to-administer, drug-free way to support your pet’s health, this deep dive into the Assisi LOOP® is for you! It seems almost too good to be true, but it isn’t - the proof is in seeing your pet return to doing the things it enjoys - and the science! 🐶🐱🐓🦎 

For more information, see Assisi's suite of products. 

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Mobility issues are a challenge many pet owners face, and Ruff Ramp offers a life-changing solution. In this episode, we welcome Larry Backes, dog enthusiast and creator of the Ruff Ramp - a thoughtfully designed mobility aid that helps dogs navigate stairs with ease, confidence, and safety. Larry’s journey began with his beloved dog, Montana, whose medical condition inspired him to engineer a robust ramp with a multitude of design features you do not even know your pet needs. We’ll discuss how Ruff Ramp differs from traditional ramps with its gentle slope, cleats, and guardrails to benefit dogs with arthritis, neurological conditions, or injuries. Larry shares customer success stories (watch Zeus now), insights into the testing and materials used, as well as versatile customization options. Tune in to learn how this innovative product for dogs of any size can be a game-changer for your pet’s mobility, comfort, safety, and overall well-being.

Find Larry Backes and his Ruff Ramp products at RuffRamp.net
Get 10% off by using Promo Code PETPOD22 when you place your order!
See 15 y.o. Dachshund, Zeus, conquering ~20 stairs with his Ruff Ramp!

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional help. Plus, our expert guest, certified professional dog trainer, Tracey Costa, CPDT-KA, CNWI, NACSW, shares invaluable insights on strengthening the bond between kids and their furry companions, as well as must-know resources for new dog owners. Tune in for practical advice and heartfelt guidance to help your family create a happy, lasting relationship with your new four-legged friend!! 

Find Tracey Costa at Positive Note Dog Training!

Resources:
Family Paws: Creating Dog Aware Generations
Doggone Safe Educational Resources - The Pet Professional Guild
i Speak Dog
101 Dog Tricks - Kids Edition on Amazon
Living with Kids and Dogs - Colleen Pelar, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Links to Dog Training Professionals:
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
The Pet Professional Guild
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how regenerative medicine, particularly biologics, can bring relief to our beloved pets suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). With warmth and expertise, David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, discusses treatment options like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and joint injectables such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, and synthetics. Each approach is carefully explained, highlighting the factors that guide their use. Partnering with your veterinarian can help you make the best choices for your furry family member’s comfort and well-being. OA can be challenging, but this episode provides hope, guidance, and the tools to ask the right questions to help your pet feel their best.

Find Dr. Dycus at his specialty practice, Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics (fusionvetortho.com)
Instagram - fusionvetortho
Consulting business - DrDavidDycus.com
Instagram - ortho_vet

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Imagine undergoing surgery without understanding why, and then returning home only to be confined to bed with no explanation. You're deprived of all activities and stimulation—no television, books, phone, computer, or any form of entertainment—for weeks or even months. It would drive you CRAZY! This is exactly how your dog feels after surgery.

Lori Chamberland, Education Manager at Fear Free Pets, draws from her personal experience with her 1.5-year-old Border Collie, an agility competitor, to share valuable insights. She highlights a variety of proactive strategies to prepare for and navigate the rehabilitation process, ensuring the most stress-free and successful recovery—both physically and emotionally. These tips are invaluable for pet parents and veterinary professionals alike.

For more information about enrichment and stress reduction for pets, go to FearFreeHappyHomes.com

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Meet Naja Muller, the devoted "Mom" to a pack of incredible handi-capable rescued bullies and the heart behind the inspiring social media presence, Tonka's Journey. As a kindred spirit to PetAbility Podcast's mission, Naja shares our commitment to normalizing differently-abled pets by highlighting the journeys of her three current dogs' unparalleled resiliency, unabashed spirit, and unbridled zest for life.

Naja discusses her dedication to Tonka, Summer, and Macy's physical and emotional health and well-being by employing assistive devices, utilizing a team of veterinary experts, creating a vibrant and enriching home environment, building an online community that supports, educates, and uplifts each other, and providing never-ending TLC. Naja also reveals how these special rescue pups transformed her by providing lessons in patience, empathy, and joy - ultimately forming a bond that's truly unique.

Be prepared to be moved, inspired, and reminded of the transformative power of unconditional love.

Follow their adventures on social media:
Instagram - @Tonkas_Journey
TikTok - @Tonkas.Journey
Facebook - @TonkasJouney

For more information, you may email Naja at [email protected] or [email protected].

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Buckle up as Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, PT, PhD, tCPT™, Fellow, IAVRPT, shares her story as a true pioneer in the discipline of small animal physical rehabilitation. In turn, get glimpses of how far this field has come in the past 25 years. Thanks to her grit, determination, and admittedly, even a little bit of luck, Carrie continues to pave the way for so many to fulfill dreams of working with pets. From her early days on Animal Planet's Emergency Vets to founding CanineIQ, the first educational program dedicated to physical therapists seeking to transition to treating dogs, it seems Carrie has done it all!

For more information about the Transitional Canine Physical Therapist (tCPT)™ credentialing program, visit canineiq.net.
Contact Carrie at [email protected].

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Let's dispel some misconceptions about rats! Rats are VERY smart, super snuggly, clean, social creatures. Historically, due in large part to media and negative idioms, rats have gotten a bad rap. 11 year-old Kylie Wilson is here to tell us about what it's like to live with four domestic pet rats, why she loves them and how she cares for them. This includes methods of enrichment, diet, bathroom training, and so much more! Open your mind - and perhaps your home - to rats. We think you will find them much more enchanting than you may have ever imagined.

Click here for current information about rat care at Isamu Rats.
Visit Emiology on YouTube for helpful videos about prepping to have rats including setting up your rat enclosure.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...