Canine Arthritis Matters

• Episode 62 - The perfect pain medication - Matt Gurney

  In this episode, Hannah and Dr Matt Gurney talk about what the “perfect” pain medication for dogs would look like in real life. They break this idea down into three key areas used in drug design and clinical choice: efficacy (how well it works), safety (short- and long-term), and accessibility (practical dosing, routes of administration and affordability). For each area, they explore what vets and owners hope for, where current drugs already meet many of these needs, and where there are still gaps. The conversation helps owners understand why vets combine different drugs and strategies to manage both acute and chronic pain, rather than relying on a single “magic” medication.Guest bioDr Matt Gurney graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2003 and worked in mixed practice before returning to Liverpool to complete a residency in anaesthesia and analgesia. From 2009 to 2018 he developed and led the anaesthesia service at Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Cheshire. In 2018 he joined Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in the south of England. Matt is a European Veterinary Specialist and an RCVS Recognised Specialist in anaesthesia and analgesia, and is currently President of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia & Analgesia. His core interests are acute and chronic pain management. He is also co-founder of Zero Pain Philosophy, an online support service for vets and vet nurses focused on improving pain management in practice.Key take-home messages (short) 1. The “perfect” pain medication needs to balance three things: strong effect, high safety and good practicality for real owners and dogs. 2. Many of the qualities we want from an ideal drug already exist across the range of pain medications we have today. 3. No single drug does everything, which is why vets often use multimodal pain management (several medications and approaches together). 4. Safety is not just about side effects today, but also about long-term use, interactions and the individual dog’s health status. 5. Accessibility matters: if a drug is too expensive, hard to give or awkward to dose, it will not work in the real world – even if it is excellent on paper.Relevant linksEpisode recordingYouTube live recording (published May 2022):https://youtube.com/live/3jGXj358mBMDr Matt Gurney and clinical workAnderson Moores Veterinary Specialists – Matt’s current hospital:https://www.andersonmoores.comZero Pain Philosophy – online support and education for vets and vet nurses:https://www.zeropainphilosophy.comCAM downloads – pain charts, guides and printable tools:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/Suspicion of Chronic Pain – Observations Form (PDF) – to record behaviour, posture, capability and gait changes before a vet visit:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Suspicion-of-Chronic-Pain-Observations-Form.pdfYou can join the CAM Member Zone for:• extra videos and webinars on pain management and arthritis• printable tools, checklists and planning guides• a supportive community focused on keeping dogs comfortable for longerBecome a CAM member / Member Zone:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-cam-member/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-ltdHave questions send them to: [email protected] tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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• Episode 61 - Canine cognitive dysfunction - Kathy Murphy

  In this episode, Hannah and Dr Kathy Murphy talk about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), how often it is missed or mislabelled as “just ageing” or pain-related changes, what the DISHAA signs look like, how CCD is actually diagnosed, and which management options exist. They also emphasise the role of simple questionnaires and observation forms to spot changes early and have clearer, more productive vet visits. Published March 2021 (https://youtube.com/live/pPdL8gcePrM)Guest bioDr Kathy Murphy qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1999. After several years in mixed practice, she moved to the University of Oxford, where she completed two specialist clinical qualifications and a Wellcome Trust–funded PhD in behavioural neuroscience. She is now director of the Comparative Biology Centre and the founder of Barking Brains, where she turns complex neuroscience into practical guidance for trainers, behaviourists and dog guardians.Key take-home messages (short)​ CCD is common in older dogs and often mistaken for “normal ageing”.​ Many medical problems and pain can cause temporary cognitive changes that look like dementia.​ DISHAA is a helpful checklist of typical signs, but these signs are not specific to CCD.​ Simple tools like the CCDR scale plus home videos and notes make vet assessments much more accurate.​ Good management of older dogs should always include looking for and treating chronic pain alongside any suspected CCD.Relevant linksCanine cognitive dysfunctionCanine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) – owner questionnaire:http://rng.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CCDR-scale-revised.pdfChronic pain and arthritis (CAM tools)Suspicion of Chronic Pain – Observations Form (PDF):https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Suspicion-of-Chronic-Pain-Observations-Form.pdfCAM downloads – charts, guides, printable tools:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/CAM Education – online learning platform:https://www.cameducation.co.uk/Barking Brains (Dr Kathy Murphy) – Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/neuroscienceisawesome/CAM Member ZoneIf you want deeper support around arthritis, chronic pain and brain health in dogs, you can join the CAM Member Zone for extra videos, webinars, downloads and community support:Become a CAM member / Member Zone:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-cam-member/Overview:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/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-ltdHave questions send them to: [email protected] tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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• Episode 60 - Consent-Based Grooming: The Missing Piece in Your OA Team - Daniella Malcom Stewart

  Episode summaryHost sits down with Daniela Malcolm-Stewart (Woody’s Holistic Grooming) to unpack how grooming and osteoarthritis (OA) intersect — and why groomers belong in the interdisciplinary care team. Daniela explains her consent-based setup (floor work, padded mats, walk-in shower) and how many “difficult” dogs are actually showing pain. She shares the story of Maximus, whose later-diagnosed OA, hip dysplasia and spondylosis shaped her mission to empower guardians to groom at home with welfare first.  Guest bio Daniela Malcolm-Stewart is a certified holistic grooming behaviourist and founder of Woody’s Holistic Grooming. After her first dog, Maximus, panicked in a conventional salon, she retrained and built a consent-based approach that prioritises emotional wellbeing over aesthetics. Today she teaches guardians to groom at home and adapts salon environments for dogs with pain, drawing on learnings from CAM and other training. Maximus’s legacy continues to drive her work.  5 key take-homes1. Grooming & OA are tightly linked — done well, grooming supports comfort; done poorly, it can exacerbate pain. 2. Choice-rich environments reduce stress: floor work, padded mats and walk-in showers build trust and better bonds. 3. “Behaviour problem” or pain? Many grooming struggles are pain-driven; grooming time can reveal early signs. 4. Adapt the groom to the diagnosis: techniques and pacing should consider OA and other conditions to keep dogs comfortable. 5. Empower guardians: consent-based home grooming reduces reliance on traditional salons and can mean happier, healthier dogs. Relevant links:- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — official site (about Daniela, services & approach)https://woodysholisticgrooming.co.uk/- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Instagram (behind-the-scenes & updates)https://www.instagram.com/woodysholisticgrooming/- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Facebook (contact & local info)https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSN2/- Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) — owner guides & science-backed advicehttps://caninearthritis.co.uk/- CAM Education — courses for professionalshttps://www.cameducation.co.uk/- CAM Downloads/Resources — free tools & checklistshttps://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/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-ltdHave questions send them to: [email protected] tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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• Episode 59 - The Intersection of Pain and Behavior in Dogs - Sarah Heath

  In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, host Hannah Capon and Dr. Sarah Heath delve into the complexities of canine arthritis and the importance of behavioral medicine. They discuss the intricate relationship between pain and behavior, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in veterinary care. The conversation highlights the significance of caregiver insights, the role of rehabilitation coaches, and the rising interest in pain management within the veterinary community. Dr. Heath shares practical advice on conducting pain relief trials and the importance of monitoring behavioral changes to improve canine health outcomes.Guest Bio:Dr. Sarah Heath is an RCVS and European veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and the founder of Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice (est. 1992). After four years in mixed practice, she dedicated her career to integrating emotional, cognitive, and physical health within clinical care. Sarah is a Fellow (2018) for contributions to the profession, an external lecturer in small-animal behavioural medicine at the University of Liverpool, and teaches on the veterinary undergraduate course at the University of Central Lancashire. Her practice in North West England provides behavioural medicine and chronic pain management in a multidisciplinary team.1. Pain and behavior are closely linked; emotional health impacts pain perception. So veterinary professionals must consider physical, emotional, and cognitive health together.2. Rehabilitation coaches play a vital role in managing canine behavior and pain.3. Contextualized care is essential for effective treatment plans.4. Caregivers' observations are crucial in diagnosing and managing pain in pets. Thats why pain relief trials can help identify pain as a contributing factor to behavioral issues.5. Monitoring changes in mood and behavior is key to assessing the effectiveness of pain management.Relevant links:Daniel Mills’ 2020 Pain & Behaviour PaperLink: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105517(Pain and behaviour in veterinary behavioural medicine, The Veterinary Journal)Zero Pain Philosophy (Dr. Matt Gurney)Link: https://zeropainphilosophy.com/University of Liverpool – Behavioural Medicine (Sarah lectures here)Link: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/RCVS Fellowship Link: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/fellows/Join the CAM Member ZoneAccess practical tools to support dogs living with osteoarthritis, including the Good Day / Bad Day Diary — a downloadable resource to help you track how your dog is coping and spot changes early.Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/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-ltdHave questions send them to: [email protected] tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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• Episode 58 - Exploring Canine Bowen Technique - Laura Johnson

  In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Dr. Hannah Capon speaks with Bowen practitioner Laura Johnson about the lesser-known integrative therapy, the Canine Bowen Technique. Laura shares her personal journey from education to becoming a certified Bowen practitioner, and how her own agility dog’s chronic pain led her to explore this gentle, fascia-focused therapy.Together, Hannah and Laura discuss what Bowen is, how it works, and how it may complement veterinary care in cases of osteoarthritis and chronic pain. They also talk about the importance of understanding the parasympathetic nervous system, the role of fascia, and the need to approach treatment as a collaborative, individualized plan rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.Guest BioLaura Johnson is a certified practitioner of both human and canine Bowen Technique and McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release. She began her practice in 2017 after a long career in the education sector. An agility competitor herself, Laura first encountered Bowen when treating her own dog’s chronic shoulder injury, an experience that inspired her to change careers.Today, she works with both human and canine clients, focusing on helping individuals live functional, balanced lives. Laura is passionate about choice-led, consent-based practice and ensuring that caregivers and their dogs feel supported through every stage of care.Key Takeaways​ Canine Bowen Technique is a gentle, fascia-focused therapy that may support relaxation, balance, and improved mobility in some dogs.​ While research in dogs is still limited, human studies suggest Bowen can influence fascia, circulation, and parasympathetic activity.​ Bowen should not replace evidence-based veterinary care but can complement other therapies such as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or acupuncture.​ Caregiver awareness and choice-led practice are key to ensuring positive experiences for dogs.​ Managing chronic pain and arthritis requires a whole-dog approach, considering physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.Relevant linksFor more resources on managing canine arthritis and chronic pain, visit the CAM Member Zone:https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/Book a THE PAIN VET appointmentNeed help navigating your dog’s arthritis care? Our The Pain Vet service connects you with experienced professionals who can give you personalised advice and a structured plan to take back to your vet.Learn more and book here: https://thepainvet.co.ukLearn 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-ltdHave questions send them to: [email protected] tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

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