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. 2d ago

    Episode 88 - Nutrition, supplements, treatment plans and rehabilitation - Matt Brunke

    In the US, two out of three dogs are obese. This exacerbates the difficulties vets face when trying to manage pain and rehabilitate arthritic dogs. Matt Brunke and Hannah Capon discuss nutrition and supplements and point out that fat doesn’t just increase loading on joints, it secretes inflammatory mediators that make arthritis worse. They then go on to discuss an imaginary case study – an overweight dog with elbow problems – and Matt outlines what he would do to reach a diagnosis and the different options for treatment, from stem cells and platelet rich plasma to the more usual pharmaceutical interventions. With all options, the aim is to get the dog as free from pain as possible so that it can complete a rehab programme aimed at restoring function. Guest Bio: Matt Brunke DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and practises rehabilitation, acupuncture and pain management in Maryland, US. 5 Key takeaways: Obesity worsens arthritisExtra fat increases joint stress and inflammation. Pain relief comes firstDogs need pain control before rehab can work. Diet mattersGood nutrition and supplements can support joint health. Treatment should be multimodalCombining meds, rehab, weight loss, and therapies works best. Focus on quality of lifeThe goal is better movement, comfort, and daily function. 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-ltd Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

    1h 20m

  2. May 26

    Episode 87 - A physiotherapeutic approach to managing arthritis - Carrie Smith

    Carrie Smith joins Hannah Capon to discuss physiotherapy approaches for managing arthritis in dogs through two case studies. Sidney developed allodynia after multiple surgeries, causing normal touch to feel painful due to chronic pain and central sensitisation. His case highlights how painful dogs are often mislabelled as “difficult” and how therapies like kinesio-taping can help. The second case follows Emily, a 15-year-old malamute whose arthritis suddenly worsened despite good management. With extra rest, support, and time, Emily recovered well, demonstrating the importance of adapting care during flare-ups. Carrie also shares an acupuncture case, reflecting her continued passion for rehabilitation therapy. 5 Key Takeaways: Pain is not always obvious Arthritis pain can alter the nervous system, making normal touch feel painful. Behaviour can indicate pain is present “Difficult” behaviour in dogs may actually be a sign of hidden pain. Treatment should be individualised Effective arthritis care needs a tailored, multimodal approach. Flare up are part of the arthritis journey Arthritic dogs often experience flare-ups that require extra support and rest. Patience matters Patience, compassion, and creative therapies can improve quality of life. Guest Bio: Carrie Smith graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She holds a certificate GUNN IMS (dry needling), a certificate in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and a certificate in sports physiotherapy. Carrie was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team 1996-1998 including the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan and team physiotherapist for the Canadian Men’s National Rugby Team 2007-2012, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Since 2018 Carrie has been the physiotherapist for the Canadian WAO Team (World Agility Open) and she is the owner of Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre and Kemptville Canine Centre. Learn more about CAM:Facebook: Canine Arthritis ManagementInstagram: Canine Arthritis Management (@canine_arthritis) • Instagram profileYoutube: Canine Arthritis ManagementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

    1h 3m

  3. May 19

    Episode 86 - Exercising young dogs - Steph Ellis

    This weeks Facebook Live is with Nicki Bell who is joined by Steph Ellis. Steph is a veterinary nurse turned physiotherapist, shares practical guidance on exercising young dogs and managing arthritis. She questions rigid rules like the “five minutes per month” guideline and instead focuses on tailored conditioning, core stability, and recognising fatigue. The conversation underlines how movement, rest, and early training to settle shape long-term joint health. Steph Ellis is a qualified veterinary nurse and veterinary physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience. She holds a postgraduate diploma and is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. She has worked for seven years as a self-employed physio with Four Feet Physio, alongside part-time work at a Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance affiliated practice. Much of her work focuses on arthritic patients and owner education. Steph also has personal experience managing a young, active dog with multiple orthopaedic conditions, including elbow injury, carpal deformities, and hip dysplasia. Rethink the 5-minute ruleExercise needs to be tailored to the individual dog, not a fixed formula. Focus on conditioningStrength and core stability are more important than just increasing activity. Clarify lead exerciseOn-lead work should be controlled and purposeful, not just slow walking. Spot fatigue earlySmall changes in movement or behaviour often signal the need to stop. Teach proper restDogs need to learn how to settle, as rest is key for recovery and joint health. Relevant links Support your dog’s joints before issues arise. Download the ramps booklet in the memberzone and learn how to reduce strain in everyday life. 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-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. Guest BioKey takeaways

    1h 18m

  4. May 12

    Episode 85 - Exercise - Danielle Anderson

    This episode of Canine Arthritis Matters focuses on the role of exercise in managing canine osteoarthritis. Core message: exercise is essential, but highly individual. It is not just about “going for a walk”, but about a structured, adaptive approach that considers the dog’s condition, environment, and behaviour. The conversation between Hannah Capon and Dr. Danielle Anderson expands exercise into a multidimensional tool: • physical rehabilitation • mental stimulation • emotional bonding They highlight that many dogs are either over-exercised or under-exercised due to lack of guidance, and that caregivers often struggle to balance routine, emotion, and medical reality. The episode reframes exercise as a tailored, monitored, and evolving component of a broader care strategy, not a fixed routine. Guest Bio Dr. Danielle Anderson is a Canadian veterinarian specialising in canine rehabilitation and pain management. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2002 and later completed her certification in canine rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee. Driven by a need for better pain management solutions, she founded her own rehab facility (SAW Veterinary Rehab), where she focuses on improving mobility, function, and quality of life for dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis. Her work combines clinical expertise with hands-on therapy, exercise programming, and a strong emphasis on owner education. Key Takeaways 1. Exercise is always relevant, but never one-size-fits-all Every dog requires a tailored plan based on age, condition, and lifestyle. 2. “Exercise” is more than walking It includes transitions (standing up), balance work, hydrotherapy, mental stimulation, and targeted rehab exercises. 3. Too much exercise is just as harmful as too little Many dogs push through pain, which misleads owners into overdoing activity. 4. Monitoring is critical The proactive-reactive-reflective approach helps adapt exercise safely over time. 5. Caregiver behaviour is a major factor Emotional attachment, routines, and lack of guidance often drive poor exercise decisions. 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.

    49 min

  5. May 5

    Episode 84 - Canine Hoopers - Hayley Laches

    This May we are fousing on exercise, Hayley Laches joins Nicki Bell to introduce Canine Hoopers, a low-impact dog sport designed to be inclusive for all dogs and handlers. Unlike traditional agility, Hoopers removes jumping, sharp turns and high physical strain, making it especially suitable for older dogs, dogs with mobility issues or those in pain management programs. Dogs navigate a flowing course of hoops, tunnels, barrels and mats, either alongside their handler or at a distance. The focus is not speed or intensity, but movement, confidence and connection. Hoopers shows that exercise does not need to be high impact to be effective – it can be adapted, accessible and still deeply enriching. The key message for May: exercise should be possible for every dog – it just needs to be the right kind. Guest Bio Hayley Laches is the founder of Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK), established in 2017. She developed Hoopers as an inclusive, low-impact alternative to agility, allowing dogs of all ages and abilities to stay active. Through CHUK, she offers training, competitions and the Good Hoopers Awards, helping owners build stronger relationships with their dogs through accessible exercise. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Exercise is not one-size-fits-all Even dogs with limitations can stay active – the format just needs to be adapted. 2. Low impact does not mean low value Controlled movement without jumping or sharp turns still builds strength, coordination and wellbeing. 3. Confidence is as important as fitness Hoopers supports mental stimulation and reduces fear or frustration linked to movement. 4. Handler flexibility matters Owners can run with their dog or guide from a distance – making it accessible for humans too. 5. Consistency over intensity Regular, manageable movement is more beneficial than occasional high-intensity exercise. Relevant Links Canine Hoopers UK (CHUK) https://www.caninehoopersuk.co.uk/ CHUK Facebook https://www.facebook.com/caninehoopersuk Hayley Laches website http://tamingcanines.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.

    1h 16m

  6. Apr 28

    Episode 83 - The Importance of Environment Modifications - Hannah

    In this April episode, Hannah Capon explains why home adaptations are a core part of managing chronic pain in dogs. She shows how simple changes like improving floor traction, adjusting access points and supporting rest areas can reduce pain, prevent flare-ups and improve confidence. Using concepts like frailty and acute-on-chronic pain, she highlights that senior and arthritic dogs have less reserve, making slips, stress and poor environments far more impactful. The home can either support recovery or actively worsen the condition. The key message: the environment should be safer, easier and more enjoyable. It is one of the most powerful, accessible and often overlooked tools in improving quality of life. Key take homes 1. Home adaptations are a fundamental part of chronic pain management and can significantly influence both disease progression and quality of life. 2. Simple, low-cost changes such as improving floor traction can have a major clinical impact. 3. Osteoarthritis should be viewed as a complex syndrome where environment affects pain amplification, behaviour and flare-ups. 4. Frailty in senior dogs increases vulnerability to slips and environmental stressors, making home safety critical. 5. Chronic pain affects not only movement but also sleep, cognition, behaviour and emotional state. Relevant links CAM Member Zone https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone It’s My Home Too - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/tools/home-assessment-tool/ 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.

    54 min

  7. Apr 21

    Episode 82 - The importance of anti-slip flooring for arthritic dogs - Mel Bruder and Glenn Mac

    In this CAM LIVE, Hannah Capon is joined by Mel Bruder and Glenn Mac to explore one of the most overlooked yet influential aspects of managing chronic pain in dogs: flooring. Despite caregivers often investing heavily in hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, medication and supplements, the daily surface a dog walks on can have a huge impact on pain, confidence, function and safety. The discussion examines why slippery flooring can be so problematic for debilitated or arthritic dogs, how repeated micro-slips affect movement and muscle use, and why flooring should be seen as a core part of case management rather than an afterthought. Hannah brings the veterinary perspective, Mel bridges human occupational therapy and veterinary physiotherapy, and Glenn adds practical expertise from the commercial flooring sector. The session also introduces how flooring safety is assessed in the human world and how some of those principles can be thoughtfully translated for dogs, even though there is currently no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test. Importantly, the conversation stays grounded in real life, looking at how flooring can be made safer across a range of budgets and home situations. This episode fits strongly within CAM’s April theme of home adaptations. It reinforces that a dog’s environment is part of treatment, and that changing the surface beneath their feet can meaningfully improve comfort, confidence and quality of life. Guest Bio Mel Bruder is a human occupational therapist and veterinary physiotherapist with a particular interest in how environment and function interact. Her dual background allows her to bridge human accessibility thinking with practical canine rehabilitation, making her perspective especially valuable when discussing flooring, mobility and home setup. Glenn Mac is a flooring specialist with expertise in resolving commercial flooring needs to improve safety for clients and customers. His experience in evaluating slip risk, surface performance and practical installation brings an important real-world perspective to the discussion of safer flooring for dogs. Key take homes ​ Flooring is a major but often overlooked factor in chronic pain management and can significantly influence mobility, confidence and safety in arthritic dogs.​ Slippery surfaces do not just increase fall risk; repeated micro-slips can worsen pain, alter gait and contribute to compensatory movement patterns.​ Home adaptations do not have to be expensive to be effective. Safer pathways, strategic rug placement and thoughtful surface choices can make a big difference.​ Although there is no recognised dog-specific flooring safety test, human flooring safety principles can help guide more informed choices.​ Environmental change is treatment. Improving a dog’s flooring can be just as important as adding another therapy session or supplement. Relevant links Floors for Paws flooring range https://www.floorsforpaws.com/commercial/ CAM Member Zone https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone Good Day Bad Day Diary https://caninearthritis.co.uk/gooddaybadday 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.

    1h 8m

  8. Apr 14

    Episode 81 - CPS 2026 - The One Team Approach - Hannah, Evie, Rebecca

    In this April-focused episode from Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon is joined by Evie and Rebecca to introduce the upcoming Chronic Pain Symposium, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world application, including home adaptations as a core pillar of managing chronic pain. The episode outlines how this year’s symposium has evolved to better support professionals and caregivers in translating knowledge into action. A key shift is moving beyond theory into practical implementation where environmental changes, daily routines and interdisciplinary collaboration become central to improving outcomes for dogs living with chronic pain. The team introduces a structured three-day format designed to balance breadth and depth. Bite Size Friday offers accessible, high-impact insights across disciplines, while Saturday introduces dual learning streams tailored to veterinary and allied professionals. Sunday then deepens selected topics, allowing attendees to truly integrate learning into practice. A recurring theme is that chronic pain management does not sit within one profession or one intervention. Instead, it requires a collaborative, multi-layered approach where home adaptations, behaviour, enrichment and lifestyle changes are as important as clinical treatments. Ultimately, this episode positions the symposium as more than education – it is a platform for changing how chronic pain is understood, discussed and managed in everyday environments. Guest Bios Evie Thurmond is part of the CAM core team, contributing across education, clinical work and content development. She is actively involved in chronic pain clinics, external lecturing and the development of Pain Vet. Rebecca plays a key role in managing Holly’s Army, CAM’s large caregiver community. She is a hydrotherapist, physiotherapy student and runs a dog daycare, bringing hands-on experience in canine behaviour and welfare. Key take homes 1. Chronic pain education must translate into real life Learning is only valuable if it can be applied. Home adaptations, routines and environment are critical bridges between theory and practice. 2. Home adaptations are central, not secondary From flooring and rest areas to feeding strategies and daily structure, environmental changes are essential for managing pain effectively. 3. Interdisciplinary collaboration is non-negotiable Veterinary teams, therapists and caregivers must work together. Different perspectives create better outcomes. 4. Depth matters as much as breadth Broad awareness is important, but true impact comes from deeper understanding and repeated exposure to key topics. 5. Caregiver empowerment drives success Equipping owners with practical tools and confidence is key to long-term management and improved quality of life. Event Details Event: Chronic Pain Symposium by Canine Arthritis Management Dates: 24–26 April 2026 and it‘s online so you can participate from all over the world. Structure Friday Bite-sized interdisciplinary sessions from multiple professionals Saturday Dual streams • Veterinary stream • Allied professional stream Sunday Deep dives into key topics including • Pain and behaviour • Lumbosacral pain • Frailty and ageing Plus additional panel discussions on • Interdisciplinary teamwork • Rehab modalities and evidence • Quality of life and end-of-life decisions Masterclasses (post-event) • Psychopharmacology with Katrin Jan • Intra-articular therapies with Joao Alves • Feline chronic pain with Sarah Caney Relevant links Tickets & info https://caninearthritis.co.uk CAM Member Zone https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone CAM Online Shop https://www.camonlineshop.com Holly’s Army (community) https://www.facebook.com/groups/hollysarmy

    30 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Hannah Capon
  • Show Website
    Canine Arthritis Matters

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