Hannah Capon speaks with registered veterinary nurse Kirsty Cavill about the evolving approach to chronic pain management in dogs. They discuss the importance of team collaboration, how the traditional veterinary model may not be suited for long-term pain cases, and the growing role of vet nurses in chronic disease management. Kirsty shares insights from her work in canine rehabilitation, community care, and telehealth, emphasizing how practices can improve chronic pain care by rethinking consultation structures, better utilizing vet nurses, and creating more supportive environments for caregivers and pets. They also touch on public perception of osteoarthritis (OA) and how education and awareness are shaping the future of treatment.

Brief Bio:

Kirsty Cavill is a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation, chronic pain management, and community-based care. She runs Paws Canine Myotherapy, a rehabilitation business helping dogs with mobility issues. Kirsty is also Director of Veterinary Services at The Vet Connection, a remote telehealth provider, and volunteers with StreetVet and the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA). Passionate about advancing the role of veterinary nurses in chronic disease management, she is also a speaker and educator in the field.

Key Takeaways

1. Chronic pain management requires a different approach – Unlike acute cases, long-term pain conditions need ongoing support, tailored plans, and a collaborative team effort.
2. Vet nurses are key players in chronic disease care – Nurses can take on greater roles in managing OA cases, helping to reduce vet workload and improve patient outcomes.
3. The standard 15-minute consultation is not enough – Chronic pain care needs a shift toward longer consultations, follow-ups, and remote check-ins to better support caregivers.
4. Client education and engagement are essential – Owners need clear guidance on managing their dog’s condition, with trusted vet-led information rather than misinformation online.
5. The veterinary industry must adapt – The future of chronic disease care may include dedicated pain management clinics, specialized spaces in practices, and expanded telehealth services.

Relevant links:

CHRONIC PAIN SYMPOSIUM - Don’t miss out - https://www.camonlineshop.com/chronic-pain-symposium-2025/

Kirsty’s Website - http://pawsmyotherapycare.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

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.

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.

Hannah Capon and Rebecca Sartain discuss the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and canine professionals in detecting and managing chronic pain in dogs. Rebecca, a canine hydrotherapist and rehabilitation specialist, shares her experiences running a doggy daycare and how she notices early signs of musculoskeletal issues in dogs before their owners do. They emphasize the need for better communication between vets, dog walkers, groomers, and daycare staff to identify potential health concerns earlier. The conversation also highlights how owners sometimes struggle to accept a diagnosis and why building trust is key in encouraging proactive care.

Biography:

Rebecca Sartain is a certified canine hydrotherapist and rehabilitation specialist with nearly a decade of experience. She has worked in inpatient rehabilitation, hydrotherapy training, and advanced physiotherapy. Currently, she is expanding her work to include a doggy daycare center focused on spotting early mobility issues in dogs. Rebecca is also a key member of Holly’s Army, part of Canine Arthritis Management, and actively involved in educating pet professionals about chronic pain in dogs.

Key Takeaways

1. Canine professionals play a vital role – Dog walkers, groomers, and daycare providers often spot mobility issues before vets or owners do.
2. Owners may resist diagnoses – Many caregivers struggle to accept that their pet has a chronic condition, making trust and communication crucial.
3. Early detection is key – Subtle signs like posture changes, stiffness, or fatigue should be taken seriously to slow disease progression.
4. Video documentation helps vets – Using videos to capture movement issues provides clearer evidence when consulting with a veterinarian.
5. Interdisciplinary teamwork improves care – Collaboration between vets and canine professionals can lead to better early detection and long-term pain management.

Check out our upcoming Chronic Pain Symposium - 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

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.

Andrew Hale and Hannah Capon explore the crucial yet often overlooked role of communication in managing a dog’s health and well-being. They discuss how personal belief systems shape judgment, influence behavior, and affect how caregivers perceive their dog’s actions—especially when pain may be a factor. The conversation highlights how a caregiver’s past experiences, emotional attachment to therapy, and interactions with veterinary professionals impact treatment decisions. Andrew challenges listeners to rethink how they communicate, train, and care for their dogs, promoting a more dog-centered approach to caregiving.

Brief Bio: Andrew Hale

Andrew Hale is a Certified Animal Behaviourist specializing in Dog Centred Care, an approach that prioritizes a dog’s emotional well-being. With over 10 years of experience, he is a certified member and trustee of the Association of INTOdogs. Andrew is also the behavioral consultant for Pet Remedy and Animals In Distress. He actively promotes compassionate training and education through his Dog Centred Care Facebook group and the Beyond the Operant YouTube series, which challenges conventional beliefs about dog behavior and care.

Key Takeaways

1. Communication shapes care—how owners interpret and respond to their dog’s behavior influences treatment success.
2. Beliefs impact decisions—a caregiver’s personal experiences and emotional attachment to therapy shape their willingness to follow veterinary advice.
3. Pain can affect behavior—owners must recognize that changes in their dog’s behavior may be a sign of discomfort or pain.
4. Dog-centered care is key—approaching training and healthcare with empathy and compassion improves the dog-owner relationship.
5. Challenging existing views—caregivers should be open to rethinking traditional methods and exploring new ways to communicate with and support their dogs.

Relevant Links

Dog Centred Care Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc/
Beyond the Operant YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4tZ-siV3s&t=1573s
Association of INTOdogs: https://www.intodogs.org/

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.

In this episode, Caroline Taylor joins Nicki from CAM to discuss the impact of obesity on osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. They explore how excess weight affects mobility both mechanically—by adding stress to joints—and chemically—by increasing pro-inflammatory mediators that worsen joint disease. Caroline shares data from activity trackers, demonstrating how obesity significantly reduces mobility in dogs with arthritis. The discussion also touches on the challenges of weight loss, why it requires long-term lifestyle changes, and practical strategies to help owners manage their dog’s weight effectively.

Brief Bio

Dr. Caroline Taylor, known as The Slim Pet Vet, is a veterinary surgeon dedicated to canine weight management and helping dogs live longer, healthier lives. With over 55% of dogs overweight, she has made it her mission to tackle the silent obesity pandemic affecting pets. Caroline has developed an online step-by-step weight loss program incorporating the latest research on enrichment, diet, exercise, and behavioral change. She is not affiliated with any dog food company, ensuring unbiased, evidence-based guidance for dog owners.

Key Takeaways

1. Obesity worsens osteoarthritis: Extra weight puts mechanical strain on joints and releases inflammatory chemicals, accelerating joint damage.
2. Mobility is significantly reduced: Activity tracker data shows overweight dogs move far less, impacting their overall quality of life.
3. Weight loss is challenging but essential: It requires a long-term lifestyle change, not a quick fix or crash diet.
4. A holistic approach works best: Successful weight management combines diet, exercise, enrichment, and habit change.
5. Owner education is key: Many owners underestimate their dog’s weight problem and need support to implement changes effectively.

Relevent links:

Find put more about weight - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/weight-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

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, Hannah Capon is joined by Dr. James Hunt, an expert in pain management, to discuss neuropathic pain in dogs and its relevance to canine arthritis. They explore the complexities of neuropathic pain, its causes, how it differs from inflammatory pain, and the challenges of diagnosing it. Dr. Hunt shares insights into treatment options ranging from pharmaceuticals to advanced interventions like perineural steroid injections and Botox therapy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individualized care and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing chronic pain in dogs.

Bio:

Dr. James Hunt is a veterinary surgeon with over 26 years of experience and a recognized specialist in animal welfare, ethics, and law. He holds a PhD in pain mechanisms in dogs and cats and has a deep passion for pain management. Dr. Hunt runs a clinic in Somerset, where he focuses on advanced pain interventions, including nerve injections and integrative therapies, to improve the quality of life for pets.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Neuropathic pain is complex: It arises from nerve dysfunction and can occur alongside inflammatory or nociceptive pain in conditions like arthritis.
2. Signs of neuropathic pain: Symptoms include overgrooming, sudden reactions to touch, or behaviors indicating “burning” or “shooting” pain.
3. Diagnosis is challenging: Neuropathic pain is difficult to detect in nonverbal animals, requiring careful observation and exclusion of other causes.
4. Treatment is trial-and-error: Effective management often involves a mix of medications, nerve-targeted therapies, and integrative approaches like acupuncture.
5. Interdisciplinary care is vital: Collaboration between veterinarians, physiotherapists, and caregivers ensures the best outcomes for dogs with chronic pain.

Relevant links:

Looking for expert advice on managing your pet’s pain? Visit Pet Pain Relief https://petpainrelief.co.uk to explore advanced pain management options and therapies tailored to your furry friend.

Need personalized guidance for managing your dog’s arthritis? Connect with specialists at Canine Arthritis Teleguidance https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk for expert advice, tailored treatment plans, and compassionate support—all from the comfort of your home.

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.