Dr. Amber Batson joins Hannah Capon to discuss the connection between pain and fear in dogs and how these two factors are deeply linked. They explore how chronic pain can lead to anxiety and behavioral changes, often misunderstood by owners as stubbornness or aggression. Amber highlights the importance of recognizing these signs early and implementing a multimodal approach that includes veterinary care, behavioral support, and pain management. The conversation also touches on how stress affects a dog’s ability to recover and how caregivers can use science-based techniques to create a calmer, more pain-free environment.
(published July 2023 - https://www.youtube.com/live/SPo0kHk4zQs)

Bio

Dr. Amber Batson graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1999 and quickly developed a passion for animal behavior. She has pursued extensive qualifications in canine, feline, and equine behavior and welfare and now focuses on educating professionals and pet owners. Amber’s mission is to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, helping people better understand animal behavior and recognize early signs of pain. In addition to her education work, she continues to practice as a veterinary behaviorist and clinician.

Key Takeaways

1. Pain and fear are interconnected – chronic pain can cause anxiety and behavioral issues, often misinterpreted as disobedience or aggression.
2. Recognizing subtle pain signs is crucial – changes in posture, hesitation in movement, and withdrawal from social interactions may indicate pain.
3. Stress can worsen pain – anxiety increases pain perception, making stress management an important part of treatment.
4. A multimodal approach works best – combining veterinary care, behavioral therapy, and environmental adjustments leads to better outcomes.
5. Education empowers caregivers – understanding the link between behavior and pain helps owners provide better long-term care.

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

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.

Hannah Capon is joined by Dr. Sara Jackson to discuss contextual care in veterinary medicine and its role in managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. They explore how communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence impact both caregivers and veterinary professionals. Sara shares her journey in the veterinary field, from overcoming self-doubt to becoming a leader in vet education, culture, and well-being. The conversation highlights barriers to effective care, such as team dynamics, caregiver fears, and the need for self-reflection. They also discuss how vets can better manage challenging conversations, support pet owners, and build a healthier workplace culture.

Brief Bio: Dr. Sara Jackson

Dr. Sara Jackson is a veterinary surgeon with a background in emergency and critical care (ECC), leadership training, and vet well-being advocacy. After earning a PhD in canine behavior and air-scenting, she pursued veterinary medicine at Cambridge and later became an advocate for compassionate leadership and contextualized care in veterinary practice. Sara works with VetLed, BVA Great Vet Workplaces, and VetLife while continuing to educate and mentor professionals on creating supportive, empathetic work environments.

Key Takeaways

1. Contextual care is about adaptability – every case is unique, requiring an individualized approach based on the pet’s condition, caregiver situation, and veterinary team dynamics.
2. Veterinary leadership culture matters – supportive leadership helps professionals thrive, reducing stress and improving patient outcomes.
3. Communication is a clinical skill – non-verbal cues, tone, and engagement play a huge role in building trust with pet owners.
4. Reflection improves decision-making – taking time to assess past interactions helps professionals refine their approach to patient care.
5. Self-compassion is crucial – veterinary professionals need to recognize emotional fatigue, set boundaries, and seek support when needed.

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

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.

Hannah Capon speaks with Professor Stuart Carmichael about the complexity of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs and why it is more than just cartilage damage. They discuss how OA affects all structures around the joint and can lead to nervous system hypersensitivity, making pain perception more complicated. Stuart explains why x-ray changes don’t always reflect pain levels, why different joints require different treatment approaches, and how the disease progresses over time. (published February 2020 https://youtu.be/jmM-yqQ5sp4)

Brief Bio:

Professor Stuart Carmichael is an internationally recognized veterinary orthopaedic specialist with a strong focus on osteoarthritis treatment and research. He is the Professor of Veterinary Science at the University of Surrey and Co-founder of Aim-OASys Ltd, a company developing decision-making tools for OA treatment. Through Joint Adventures Ltd, he provides clinical consultancy and works to improve arthritis management strategies for veterinarians and pet owners.

Key Takeaways

1. Osteoarthritis is more than cartilage damage – it affects ligaments, muscles, and nerves, making pain management complex.
2. Pain doesn’t always match x-rays – the severity of joint changes on imaging does not necessarily indicate how much pain a dog is experiencing.
3. Different joints need different treatments – the approach to managing arthritis varies depending on the affected joint and stage of the disease.
4. The nervous system becomes hypersensitive – chronic OA pain can alter nerve function, making pain harder to control over time.
5. Early intervention is key – addressing arthritis sooner improves long-term outcomes and can help slow disease progression.

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

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.