Canine Arthritis Matters

Dr. Jennifer Johnson talks with Evie about educating pet owners to recognize pain in their dogs. She highlights the importance of early intervention, explaining how many signs of pain are subtle and often missed. The episode encourages using a multimodal approach to pain management and emphasizes the need for objective tracking through “pain trials.” Early education for pet parents, starting in puppyhood, is crucial for preventing conditions like osteoarthritis. (Published May 2023 - https://youtube.com/live/bvL5TOMQWsg) Biography Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a small animal veterinarian with 30 years of experience. She specializes in pain management and has spent the last 15 years educating her peers on multimodal pain management. Dr. Johnson is certified through the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) and has authored several veterinary chapters and articles on pain management, including the chapter on pain management in Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine (Wiley, 2017). Key Takeaways Recognize pain early: Dogs are skilled at hiding pain, so owners must look for subtle behavioral changes rather than waiting for overt signs. Multimodal management: Use a combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical approaches to address chronic pain effectively. Objective monitoring: Track behaviors before and after treatment to measure improvements and make informed decisions about ongoing care. Start education early: Begin educating owners during puppyhood to help prevent conditions like osteoarthritis and ensure long-term joint health. Ongoing owner education: Many owners still struggle to accept their pets’ pain, making ongoing education vital for improving pet care. Relevant Links The Chronic Pain Symposium 2025 by CAM offers a comprehensive exploration of chronic pain management in animals, featuring expert speakers, innovative treatments, and the latest research advancements. - https://www.camonlineshop.com/chronic-pain-symposium-2025/Mention of CAM’s Puppy Guidelines download for preventing future joint issues - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CAM-Puppy-Guidance-Caregiver-Handout.pdfIs My Dog in Pain course, an educational resource for owners on managing pain in dogs - https://www.cameducation.co.ukIVAPM -The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) is dedicated to advancing pain management education, advocacy, and research to improve the quality of life for animals. - https://www.ivapm.org Want to try the Canine Brief Pain Inventory for your dog? This tool is a great way to track your dog’s pain and mobility, helping you and your vet make better decisions about their care. - https://www.vet.upenn.edu/docs/default-source/VCIC/canine-bpi.pdf?sfvrsn=6fd20eba_0 Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltdLearn more about CARE: https://caninearthritis.orgHave 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 focuses on the difficult decision of knowing when it’s time to euthanize a beloved pet. Hannah, Amy, and Nicki discuss the emotional toll, how to assess quality of life, and the subjective nature of this decision. They share personal experiences as vets and pet owners, offer advice on preparing for the decision, and suggest resources and tools to help pet owners navigate this tough process. The episode emphasizes being prepared, talking with your vet, and creating a plan for end-of-life care. (Recorded July 2021 - https://youtu.be/kw8LtpyCYmg ) Biographies: • Amy: Veterinary professional with significant experience in managing the euthanasia process and counseling pet owners on end-of-life care. She shares her own experiences with her pets to guide listeners through emotional aspects of pet loss.• Nicki: A veterinarian involved in CAM with expertise in pain management and quality-of-life assessments for animals. She brings both professional insights and personal stories of handling euthanasia decisions. Key Takeaways: Euthanasia is common: Around 90% of dogs are euthanized rather than dying naturally, and many times chronic pain plays into the decision to euthanize, making it important to be prepared for this possibility. Quality of life is subjective: Each dog’s quality of life is unique, and it’s vital to define what happiness means for your pet before they reach their final days. Prepare early: Discuss options and preferences with your vet early, including where the euthanasia will take place and post-euthanasia decisions like cremation. Support networks are crucial: Having a support system of vets, friends, and family, as well as bereavement services, can help make the process easier. Monitor behavior changes: Tools like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory or quality-of-life scales can help track when a dog may no longer be living happily. Relevant Links: Canine Brief Pain Inventory: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/clinical-trials-vcic/our-services/pennchart/cbpi-toolQuality of Life Scale: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/quality-of-life-scale/Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Helpline: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-lossCAM End of Life Care Booklet: CAM Shop - https://www.camonlineshop.com/end-life-care-booklet/CAM’s Owner Support Group (Holly’s Army): A Facebook group for support in making difficult decisions - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2161091580843717/ Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd Learn more about CARE: 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.

In this episode, Dr. Hannah Capon and Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw discuss common barriers in providing optimal care for dogs with osteoarthritis. They explore topics such as public misconceptions, caregiver denial, and the emotional burden on veterinary professionals. They address the challenge of convincing owners that “slowing down” often indicates pain, the role of physical exams versus diagnostics, and the importance of self-care for vet staff. Practical strategies and communication tips are shared for navigating these challenges effectively. Key Takeaways: Challenge of “Just Getting Old” Mindset: Many caregivers misattribute changes in their dog’s mobility to aging, not realizing these may be signs of pain. Importance of Early Education: Screening for orthopedic issues (like hip dysplasia) early can prepare owners for age-related conditions. Role of Physical Exams and Diagnostics: Hands-on exams often reveal more than imaging and can avoid unnecessary expenses for owners. Empowering Vet Staff: Utilizing veterinary technicians and educational resources (like checklists) helps manage caregiver expectations and spreads educational outreach. Veterinary Burnout and Self-Care: Chronic disease management can be emotionally taxing, making self-care essential for veterinarians. Relevant Links: CAM education platform: Learn more from our courses - https://cameducation.co.uk Join our CAM Member Zone for resources on OA, emotional support and more informations - also watch more FB lives! (only 35£ per year) - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/oa-support Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd Learn more about CARE: 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.

In this episode, Karen Perry and Hannah Capon discuss surgical options for osteoarthritis in dogs, particularly for hip and elbow disease. Karen explains when surgery is necessary versus when conservative management (e.g., medication and rehab) is sufficient. They explore the complexities of elbow surgeries and the success rates of different interventions. The episode provides insight into the timing and risks of various surgeries, emphasizing the importance of a tailored approach to each dog’s needs. (published in March 2020 - https://youtu.be/0fY0unlShYM ) Biography: • Karen Perry: Associate Professor in small animal orthopedics at Michigan State University with a special focus on managing degenerative joint diseases. She is an expert in surgical options for hip and elbow dysplasia, having trained and worked extensively in the UK and the US, contributing research and expertise in veterinary orthopedics. Key Takeaways: Hip dysplasia requires careful assessment: Surgery isn’t always necessary in young dogs. Medical management may help delay surgery until it’s clear that it’s needed. Early surgical interventions: Procedures like juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) and triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) must be performed very early (young puppies) with the goal of preventing hip arthritis in dogs with hip dysplasia; these procedures are infrequently performed, partly because dogs may not be showing clinical signs of pain despite having hip dysplasia. Femoral head and neck excision (FHO): This procedure can provide relief, but requires intensive rehabilitation for optimal outcome. Total hip replacement: Considered the gold standard for restoring normal joint function, but it’s expensive and comes with risks. Elbow surgeries are more complex: Surgical success is often limited in elbow dysplasia cases, making conservative management the foundation of management in most cases. Relevant Links: CAM education platform: Learn more from our courses - https://cameducation.co.uk Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritisYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd Learn more about CARE: https://caninearthritis.orgREAD MORE about HIP and ELBOW DYSPLASIA -https://caninearthritis.org/article/dod-hip-dyplasia/https://caninearthritis.org/article/dod-elbow-dysplasia/ 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.