Canine Arthritis Matters

Dr. Hannah Capon
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Canine Arthritis Matters, your go-to resource for canine health and wellbeing. Hosted by Dr. Hannah Capon, 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 friend. Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 102 - The Arthritis Toolbox: Surgery, Rehab and Regenerative Medicine with Dr James Guthrie

    In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by Dr James Guthrie, one of the UK's few specialists qualified in both small animal surgery and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Together they explore the current realities of managing canine osteoarthritis, discussing why there is still no cure, the importance of earlier diagnosis, and why treatment decisions should focus on the individual joint, the whole dog, and the family caring for them. James explains the latest surgical options, including joint replacements, arthrodesis and minimally invasive procedures, while highlighting the growing role of regenerative medicine, rehabilitation and conservative management. Through practical case discussions, the conversation tackles difficult clinical decision-making, ethical considerations, and the value of combining surgery with exercise, pain management and lifestyle changes. The episode offers an honest, balanced look at modern osteoarthritis care and reinforces the importance of teamwork, realistic expectations and personalised treatment plans. Packed with practical insights, this episode offers an up-to-date look at managing canine osteoarthritis with compassion and realism from an expert surgeon. References: ExamVet is a personalized, one-to-one coaching service created by Dr. James Guthrie to help veterinarians and veterinary students pass professional board exams, residency evaluations, and school tests on their first attempt. Visit James at Fitzpatrick Referrals 5 Key Take-Home Points Early intervention offers the best chance of slowing osteoarthritis progression. Surgery works best as part of a multimodal treatment plan, not in isolation. Every treatment decision should consider the joint, the dog and the family. Rehabilitation should be proactive, structured and intensive—not an afterthought. Quality of life should always guide treatment choices, even when conversations are difficult. Guest bio: Dr. James Guthrie is one of the UK's leading veterinary surgeons, uniquely holding specialist qualifications in both small animal surgery and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. Working at Fitzpatrick Referrals, he has a particular interest in minimally invasive surgery, regenerative medicine and helping dogs achieve the best possible outcomes through a combination of surgery and rehabilitation. Alongside his clinical work, James teaches, lectures internationally and mentors the next generation of veterinary specialists. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 101 - Straight to the Joint: Injectable Solutions for Canine Osteoarthritis with Joao Alves

    In this first episode of the intra-articular series, Hannah is joined by Dr João Alves to explore intra-articular approaches to canine osteoarthritis and how first-opinion practitioners can confidently bring more targeted treatment into everyday practice. They discuss why early identification and treatment of painful joints may be preferable to waiting until disease is advanced, while emphasising the importance of accurate diagnosis and imaging. João explains how local blocks and mesotherapy can help identify pain-generating joints before committing to more invasive or expensive interventions. The conversation covers corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, regenerative medicine and gels, alongside the practical considerations of cost, availability, sedation and treatment protocols. A major theme is managing uncertainty: not every treatment will work for every dog, and plans may need to change. Crucially, the episode highlights communication, realistic expectations, objective monitoring and long-term collaboration with caregivers. The overall message is encouraging: practitioners do not need every available option to start doing more. Links Connect with Dr Joao Alves on LinkedIn 5 Key Take Home Points Treat the painful joint, not just the X-ray. Early, targeted intervention may offer better opportunities. Use diagnosis and imaging to guide treatment decisions. Set realistic expectations—no treatment works for every dog. Good communication and monitoring are essential. Guest bio João Alves graduated from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, in 2012 and has since worked at the Guarda Nacional Republicana (Portuguese Gendarmerie) with their police working dogs, focusing on sports medicine and rehabilitation, helping these animals to achieve their full potential.He completed his PhD in 2021 from the University of Évora, Portugal, in intra-articular management modalities for osteoarthritis. In 2022, he became a European Specialist in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Diplomate of the European College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation - Small Animals; DECVSMR).In addition to osteoarthritis, he conducts research and is interested in working dog sports medicine, photobiomodulation therapy, and canine exercise. João has published dozens of papers and chapters and frequently lectures on these topics. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Join us next week to hear a surgeons perspective on OA with JAmes Guthrie!

  3. Aug 25

    Episode 100 - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories with Dr James Hunt

    Dr James Hunt returns to chat about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the last episode in the “Pain Medications” series. NSAIDs often get bad press so we asked James to come and clarify some of the facts from the misinformation. He and Hannah explain what NSAIDs are and how they work, adverse events and how to report them and ways to use these drugs as safely as possible. References Vitis Dr Hunt’s Pet Pain Relief pain management clinic here Dr Hunt’s article An analysis of the relative frequencies of reported adverse events associated with NSAID administration in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom and the article Hannah mentioned is here Guest bio: Dr James Hunt qualified in 1998 from RVC with a strong interest in pain management and worked in mixed practice for six years while completing the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Anaesthesia. Following this he moved into small animal practice for a further six years, at which time the opportunity arose to undertake an MSc by research at the University of Bristol, investigating perioperative sedation and analgesia in dogs and cats. Enjoying the world of research, he continued at the University of Bristol for a further six years, including working on a 3-year research project investigating pain mechanisms in pet dogs with osteoarthritis. In 2017 he joined the anaesthesia department at a referral hospital in Somerset seeing cases for chronic pain management consultations. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behaviour Medicine, and contributed to the chapter on chronic and osteoarthritic pain in the BSAVA Guide to Pain Management in Small Animal Practice. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Listen in next week when the new series “Intra-articular and injectable treatments” begins!

  4. Aug 18

    Episode 99 - Pain Management; Are We Doing Enough with Prof Rodrigo Mencalha

    In this fascinating episode, Hannah Capon is joined by Professor Rodrigo Mencalha, one of Brazil's leading experts in veterinary chronic pain management. Together they explore why osteoarthritis pain is far more complex than simply "wear and tear" and discuss how understanding different pain phenotypes can transform the way we treat dogs with chronic pain. Rodrigo explains why pain management should always be evidence-based, combining scientific research, clinical experience and the goals of each caregiver. He challenges the overuse of medications such as gabapentin, highlights the importance of recognising pain early, and explains why many dogs require an individualised, multimodal treatment plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The conversation also covers pain assessment tools, central sensitisation, regenerative therapies, rehabilitation and the vital role caregivers play in monitoring their dog's progress. This episode is packed with practical insights that will change the way you think about osteoarthritis and chronic pain in dogs. References Visit Professor Rodrigo’s Learning Platform here Follow Prof. Rodrigo on Instagram and LinkedIn 5 Key Take-Home Points Chronic pain is complex—every dog needs an individualised treatment plan. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Osteoarthritis pain isn't just in the joints; the nervous system plays a major role. Regular pain assessments help guide better treatment decisions. Managing chronic pain successfully requires a multimodal approach, combining medication, rehabilitation, weight management and caregiver education. Guest Bio: Professor Rodrigo Mencalha is a veterinarian specialising in anaesthesiology, pain medicine and veterinary neurology, with a clinical focus on chronic pain management and musculoskeletal health. Based in Brazil, he holds a Master's and PhD in neuroscience and pain management in dogs and cats and has dedicated the past 15 years to advancing veterinary pain medicine. Rodrigo is the author of leading textbooks on chronic pain, coordinates postgraduate programmes in chronic musculoskeletal pain, regenerative medicine and rehabilitation, and founded the Veterinary Medicine Without Pain Project, which has trained thousands of veterinarians across Latin America and Europe. An internationally respected speaker and educator, Rodrigo is passionate about improving the recognition, assessment and treatment of chronic pain to enhance the quality of life of dogs and cats. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Join us next week for out 100th episode with Dr Alex Avery!

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 98 - The Perfect Pain Medication with Matt Gurney

    This weeks episode features a replay from a 2022 discussion between Dr Hannah Capon and veterinary pain specialist Dr Matt Gurney. Together they explore what the "perfect" arthritis medication would look like—and whether one actually exists. They explain why chronic pain is far more complex than most people realise, highlighting how pain travels through the body and why no single medication can target every stage of the pain pathway. Instead, they discuss the importance of a multimodal approach, combining appropriate medication with weight management, physiotherapy, exercise modification and regular monitoring. The conversation also tackles common owner concerns around long-term medication, safety, side effects and the evidence behind licensed arthritis treatments. Hannah and Matt explain how veterinary drugs are tested, monitored and chosen, while emphasising that early intervention is key to preventing pain from becoming harder to control. This episode provides practical, evidence-based advice to help owners feel more confident when making decisions about managing their dog's arthritis. References Visit Zero Pain Philosophy, the leading veterinary education site for acute and chronic pain in dogs and cats. Matt is currently the Veterinary Lad at Pawra, an expert canine wellness clinic in Chiswick, London 5 Key Take-Home Points No single medication treats every aspect of arthritis pain—multimodal management works best. Early diagnosis and treatment can make arthritis easier to manage long term. Medication is only one part of treatment alongside weight control, physiotherapy and exercise management. Licensed arthritis medications undergo rigorous testing and ongoing safety monitoring. The best treatment plan is the one that is effective, safe and practical for both the dog and owner. Guest bio: Dr Matt Gurney is a European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, with a particular passion for chronic pain management. Matt is also a co-founder of Zero Pain Philosophy, an educational platform dedicated to improving pain recognition and management within the veterinary profession. A respected international speaker, educator and researcher, he is committed to advancing evidence-based pain management and empowering both veterinary professionals and pet owners with practical, compassionate advice to help animals live happier, more comfortable lives. Matt is currently the Veterinary Lead at Pawra, a brand new canine wellness clinic based in London. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Join us next week for the second instalment in the August theme of “Pain Medications”.

  6. Aug 4

    Episode 97 - Loving Life with a Disabled Dog with Jane White

    Episode summary In this heartfelt episode, Hannah Capon is joined by veterinary rehabilitation specialist Dr Jane White to discuss life with a disabled dog and the lessons she's learned through caring for her own Border Collie, Drift, following a devastating spinal cord injury. Jane shares how her personal experience transformed her perspective as a veterinary professional, highlighting the emotional challenges, practical adaptations and mindset shifts that come with caring for a mobility-impaired dog. Together, they explore how many of these lessons apply equally to dogs living with arthritis—from adapting the home environment and maintaining quality of life to managing caregiver guilt and recognising that every dog’s journey is unique. The conversation also tackles difficult topics such as incontinence, rehabilitation, end-of-life decisions and the importance of building a trusted support team. Ultimately, this episode is a compassionate reminder that while life with a disabled or arthritic dog may look different, it can still be full of joy, purpose and meaningful moments. Recourses Visit Jane’s website and buy a copy of Loving Life With A Disabled Dog Pepper’s Place - wheelchairs and support for disabled dogs 5 Key Take-Home Points Don’t focus on what your dog has lost - focus on what they can still enjoy Adapt your dogs environment to make daily life easier and safer If you have to take an activity away, replace it with something equally as rewarding Be kind to yourself - there’s no perfect way to care for a disabled dog Review, reassess and adapt regularly - small changes can make a big difference Speaker bio Dr Jane White is a veterinary surgeon with over 35 years of experience and a passion for rehabilitation, mobility and improving quality of life for dogs and cats. She holds advanced qualifications in feline medicine, behaviour, veterinary physiotherapy and canine rehabilitation, and has extensive experience in hydrotherapy and acupuncture. Jane is also a committee member of the British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association. Following a life-changing spinal injury suffered by her own Border Collie, Drift, she wrote Loving Life with a Disabled Dog, sharing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers. Jane is dedicated to helping owners navigate mobility challenges with confidence, compassion and hope. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 96 - McTimoney Chiropractic and its Use in Arthritic Dogs with Lucy Goodright

    In this episode, Hannah is joined by Lucy Goodright, an experienced McTimoney chiropractor and manual therapist, to explore the role of complementary therapies in supporting dogs with osteoarthritis. Together, they discuss how chiropractic care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and other manual therapies can fit within a truly multimodal approach to arthritis management. Rather than promoting any single treatment as a cure, the conversation focuses on collaboration, realistic expectations, and empowering caregivers to make informed decisions. They examine the current evidence for manual therapies, why research remains limited, and the importance of using appropriately qualified, regulated practitioners who work closely with veterinary teams. The episode also highlights the value of environmental adaptations, careful observation, compassionate communication and setting measurable goals when introducing any new intervention. Ultimately, Hannah and Lucy emphasise that every dog is an individual, successful arthritis management requires teamwork, and maintaining quality of life depends on combining evidence-based medicine with thoughtful, personalised care. References: Find Lucy online at AnimalSpine.com Visit the McTimony Animal Association here or Discover MAA Research Animal Health Proffesions' Register (AHPR) Visit RAMP - Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners PainScience.Com 5 Key Take-Home Points There is no one-size-fits-all solution—arthritis management should always be tailored to the individual dog. Choose qualified professionals who are appropriately trained, insured and willing to work alongside your veterinary team. Set realistic expectations and regularly review whether a treatment is genuinely helping. Small lifestyle changes matter, including home adaptations, weight management and environmental modifications. Communication and collaboration are key—the best outcomes come when caregivers, vets and therapists work together towards shared goals. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Join us in August for “Pain Medications” month!

  8. Jul 21

    Episode 95 - Myofascial Therapy, Rehab & Whole-Dog Care with Michele Broadhurst

    In this episode, Dr Michele Broadhurst shares her integrative approach to managing osteoarthritis and chronic pain in dogs, drawing on her expertise in chiropractic, rehabilitation, dry needling, and myofascial therapy. She explains why successful treatment requires looking beyond the affected joint to consider the whole patient, including movement, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle. Michele and Hannah discuss the importance of early intervention, collaborative multidisciplinary care, realistic home exercise programmes, and empowering owners to make simple but meaningful changes. Together, they highlight that while osteoarthritis cannot be cured, a proactive, multimodal approach can dramatically improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Guest Bio: Dr Broadhurst graduated from Chiropractic college in South Africa in 2003 and as a Certified Sports Chiropractor in 2004. Michele is also certified with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. Being the first certified animal chiropractor in South Africa Michele built a very successful large and small animal practice specializing in animal chiropractic, dry needling and rehabilitation.  Dr Broadhurst and her husband owned and ran a human chiropractic and multidisciplinary clinic for 15 years and she is now co-medical director of an integrative veterinary clinic in Dallas Texas. She is published in several medical journals and lectures both nationally and internationally on the subject of myofascial pain in animals. Referenced Links: Integrative Animal Solutions Rehab4Pets International Veterinary Chiropractic Association 5 Key Take Home Points: Osteoarthritis is a whole-body condition—successful management goes far beyond treating the affected joint. Small, consistent changes at home can make a bigger difference than complicated treatment plans. Movement is medicine—keeping dogs active in the right way helps maintain strength, confidence, and function. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; every dog needs an individualised management plan. The best outcomes come from teamwork between owners, vets, and rehabilitation professionals. Learn more about CAM CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast Socials for Professionals: Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram Socials for Caregivers: Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk Join us next week for the final episode of the “Complementary Therapies” chapter!

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About

Welcome to Canine Arthritis Matters, your go-to resource for canine health and wellbeing. Hosted by Dr. Hannah Capon, 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 friend. Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Hannah Capon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Hannah Capon
  • Show Website
    Canine Arthritis Matters

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