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.

1. Key Takeaways:

   1. 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.
   2. Importance of Early Education: Screening for orthopedic issues (like hip dysplasia) early can prepare owners for age-related conditions.
   3. Role of Physical Exams and Diagnostics: Hands-on exams often reveal more than imaging and can avoid unnecessary expenses for owners.
   4. Empowering Vet Staff: Utilizing veterinary technicians and educational resources (like checklists) helps manage caregiver expectations and spreads educational outreach.
   5. 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/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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Femoral head and neck excision (FHO): This procedure can provide relief, but requires intensive rehabilitation for optimal outcome.
4. Total hip replacement: Considered the gold standard for restoring normal joint function, but it’s expensive and comes with risks.
5. 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/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
READ 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: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

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

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Kirkby-Shaw and Dr. Hannah Capon discuss the importance of a multimodal approach in managing osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Kristin outlines her "care quad" framework, categorizing treatment into four areas: pain management, nutrition/weight management, lifestyle/environmental modification, and rehabilitation. Kristin and Hannah emphasize that a comprehensive treatment plan requires addressing multiple areas—beyond medication alone—to ensure the dog's well-being. They also discuss the emotional impact on owners and the importance of caregiver support.

Key Takehomes:

1. Multimodal Treatment: Osteoarthritis should not be treated with just one approach. Combining pain management, lifestyle adjustments, weight control, and exercise is key.
2. Weight Management is Crucial: Maintaining a healthy weight is the most effective way to slow down OA progression.
3. Caregiver Involvement: Owners' emotions and ability to manage care directly impact a dog's treatment plan and ultimately, the success of a given plan. The plan should be developed with the owner’s input to ensure the plan is appropriate for both the dog and pet parent.
4. Communication Between Vets and Therapists: Consistent cross-talk between medical professionals is essential for a cohesive treatment plan.
5. Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-ups and tracking improvements are necessary to adjust the multimodal plan as needed.

Relevant Links:

• Join our CAM Member Zone for resources on OA, emotional support and more informations (only 35£ per year) - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/oa-support
• More on Multimodal Treatment - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/multimodal-management

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.