Canine Arthritis Matters

By: Dr. Hannah Capon; Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
  • Summary

  • Welcome to Canine Arthritis Matters, your go-to resource for canine health and wellbeing. Hosted by Dr. Hannah Capon and Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw, our podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice on managing canine arthritis, mobility issues, and chronic pain. Our goal is to educate and support dog owners in early identification, proactive management, and comprehensive care practices, ensuring dogs lead long, comfortable, and happy lives. Join us on this journey to improve the quality of life for your furry friends.
    Dr. Hannah Capon; Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw
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Episodes
  • Episode 18 - How do you know when you’re doing enough for your arthritic dog - Chelsea Dawson
    Nov 26 2024

    Dr. Hannah Capon and Dr. Chelsea Dawson discuss how to manage arthritis in dogs using a multimodal approach. They stress the importance of individualized care that combines medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapies. The emotional challenge of feeling guilty for not doing enough is addressed, with a focus on recognizing what’s realistically achievable. They also highlight the need to observe behavioral changes and focus on the dog’s happiness. Owners are advised to avoid comparing themselves to others and maintain open communication with their vets. (Published September 2021 - https://youtube.com/live/ER5rnYDDi_o)

    P.s. - And it looks like we have a surprise guest! Luna, Hannahs dog, has joined the conversation—clearly, she has some paws-itively important thoughts to share.

    Biography

    Dr. Chelsea Dawson is a veterinarian specializing in chronic pain management and holistic veterinary medicine. After moving from Canada to the UK to attend the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, she began focusing on chronic pain and integrated therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine. She currently runs her own referral service for pain assessments in Yorkshire and East Lancashire.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Multimodal approach: Effective arthritis management requires multiple interventions (e.g., medication, lifestyle changes, supplements), which should be tailored to the dog and owner’s circumstances.
    2. Biopsychosocial care: Consider the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the dog when developing a pain management plan.
    3. Behavioral markers: Watch for behavior changes that signal pain or discomfort, as these are often better indicators than physical symptoms.
    4. Manage guilt: Owners often feel they aren’t doing enough, but it’s essential to focus on what’s realistically possible and be confident in the care being provided.
    5. Avoid comparisons: Social media can create pressure to do more than what’s feasible. Focus on your dog’s specific needs rather than comparing with others.

    Relevant Links

    CAM Courses - https://www.cameducation.co.uk

    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/

    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: https://caninearthritis.org
    Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk
    Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Episode 17 - The importance of educating pet parent about pain - Dr Jennifer Johnson
    Nov 19 2024
    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: info@caninearthritis.co.uk Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Episode 16 - Knowing when to say Goodbye - Hannah, Nicki and Amy
    Nov 12 2024
    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: info@caninearthritis.co.uk Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.
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    1 hr and 17 mins

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