In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by Dr. Michelle Kutzler, a leading expert in veterinary reproduction, to tackle one of the most emotionally charged and confusing topics for caregivers and professionals alike: whether, when, and how to neuter dogs.

Drawing on decades of research and clinical experience, Michelle explains why there is no single correct answer to neutering decisions. The conversation explores the hormonal consequences of gonad removal, particularly the long-term elevation of luteinizing hormone (LH), and how this may influence musculoskeletal health, joint disease, ligament integrity, cancer risk, and behaviour.

Together, Hannah and Michelle discuss early neutering and skeletal development, osteoarthritis risk, ligament laxity, body composition changes, and the emerging evidence linking neutering to anxiety-related behaviours. They also explore alternative sterilisation options, including vasectomy, hysterectomy without ovary removal, intratesticular injections, and hormone-modulating implants such as deslorelin.

This episode emphasises contextual, individualised decision-making and highlights the importance of balancing health risks, benefits, and caregiver trade-offs. It is the first part of a wider conversation, with a follow-up episode planned.

Guest Bio

Dr. Michelle Kutzler graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 and completed a residency in theriogenology at Cornell University, followed by a PhD in physiology. She has held academic positions at Oregon State University and, as of July 2025, joined the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine faculty.

Dr. Kutzler has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, more than 30 book chapters, and two textbooks in the field of animal reproduction. She serves as Chair of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Reproduction Control Committee, co-chairs the International Symposium for Canine and Feline Reproduction Scientific Committee, is a scientific advisor for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs, and is President-Elect of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.

Her research focuses on the systemic effects of gonadectomy, endocrine balance, musculoskeletal health, cancer risk, and behaviour.

Key Takeaways

1. There is no universal answer to whether or when dogs should be neutered; decisions must be individualised.

2. Early neutering permanently alters skeletal development, joint angles, muscle mass, and ligament stability, increasing OA risk.

3. Removal of gonads leads to lifelong elevation of luteinizing hormone, which has receptors throughout the body, including joints, ligaments, and the brain.

4. Some anxiety and behaviour changes in neutered dogs may be hormonally driven and, in certain cases, improve with LH suppression.

5. Alternative sterilisation options exist and should be discussed openly alongside traditional spay and neuter surgery.

Relevant Links

World Small Animal Veterinary Association Reproduction Control Committee

https://wsava.org/committees/reproduction-control-committee/

Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs

https://acc-d.org/

International Symposium for Canine and Feline Reproduction

https://iscfr.org/

Deslorelin (Suprelorin) background information

https://www.virbac.com/home/our-products/pet-health/suprelorin.html

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 of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by dog behaviour consultant and trainer Jessie Kasper from Mindful Methods Training. Together they explore the intersection between dog training and pain, and how physical discomfort can influence behaviour, learning, and training outcomes.

Jessie shares examples from her own casework, highlighting common behavioural clues that may indicate pain, and discusses how trainers and caregivers can work more collaboratively with veterinary professionals. The conversation also covers osteoarthritis in training cases, challenges in moving from suspicion to management, and the importance of education and empathy when supporting dogs living with chronic pain.

Guest Bio

Jessie Kasper is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and a certified Family Dog Mediator. She is Fear Free Certified, an Emotional CPR Certified Practitioner, and a CAMadvocate Level 1. Jessie runs Mindful Methods Training, where she focuses on compassionate, science-informed training approaches that consider the whole dog, including physical health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive needs.

More about Jessie and her work:

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com

Key Takeaways

1. Pain can significantly interfere with dog training by affecting focus, motivation, and emotional regulation.

2. Many behaviour cases have an underlying pain component, even when physical signs are subtle or easily missed.

3. Collaboration between trainers, caregivers, and veterinary professionals leads to better welfare and training outcomes.

4. Behavioural changes such as avoidance, inconsistency, or reduced engagement can be important clues to physical discomfort.

5. Educating caregivers about the link between pain and behaviour supports earlier intervention and more realistic expectations.

Relevant Links

Mindful Methods Training: https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

CAM Member Zone: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspicion-of-chronic-pain/

CAM Vet Nurse Arthritis Flip Chart: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/product/oa-flipchart/

Young Dog Joint Care Course

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

Learn more about Jessie’s work and access resources supporting young dog joint care and pain-aware training at:

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

Join the CAM Member Zone to access practical tools such as the Good Day / Bad Day Diary, monitoring resources, and education to support dogs living with chronic pain:

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Dr Jason Lowe, Chief Veterinary Officer at Contura Vet, to explore the use of intra articular hydrogels as a tool in osteoarthritis management, with a specific focus on Arthramid and how this technology may influence synovitis, joint function, pain, and longer term outcomes. Starting with a clear refresher on osteoarthritis pathology, the conversation then moves into how a 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel can integrate with synovial tissues and why that might matter clinically. They discuss where the evidence currently sits, what licensing and real world data can and cannot tell us, and why careful case selection remains essential. Practical caveats are emphasised, including the need for appropriate imaging, the realities of sedation or GA for administration, and the importance of rehabilitation to address established physical consequences of OA. The episode closes with broader, big picture OA management takeaways for both vets and caregivers, with actionable tips focused on monitoring, decision making, and building a sustainable plan for the individual dog.

Guest Bio

Dr. Jason Lowe is a respected equine veterinarian and until recently based in Cambridge, New Zealand. With a profound passion for horses and a commitment to their well-being, Dr. Lowe has over 30 years of clinical experience in specialist equine clinics throughout the world. After obtaining his veterinary degree from Massey University, New Zealand, Dr. Lowe embarked on a journey to specialize in equine medicine. He completed a Certificate in Equine Practice from the Royal College, London and a Masters in Business Administration from Waikato University, New Zealand.

Key Takehomes

1. OA is more than cartilage wear and tear. Synovitis and the wider joint environment matter, which is why targeted intra articular approaches are of interest.

2. Hydrogels are not a magic reset. They may support the synovial environment and joint function, but they do not rebuild established biomechanical change on their own. Rehab and time still do the heavy lifting.

3. Evidence is promising but must be interpreted with discipline. Real world and observational data can be useful, but study design, outcome measures, and time horizons influence what you can conclude.

4. Case selection and process are part of the treatment. Imaging, sedation or GA suitability, expectations setting, and a whole dog plan determine whether the option makes sense for that specific patient.

5. OA management remains multi modal. Even if hydrogels help, they sit within a broader strategy including monitoring, weight optimisation, movement plans, pain control where needed, and caregiver education.

Relevant Links

Arthramid (overview): https://arthramid.com/

Arthramid product page (2.5% iPAAG): https://arthramid.com/product/

Contura animal health (veterinary orthopaedics): https://contura.com/animal-health/

Arthrosamid (human equivalent): https://arthrosamid.com/

Contura announcement including Dr Jason Lowe appointment: https://arthramid.com/2024/07/contura-animal-health-holdings-acquires-innovative-medical-solutions/

If you are a caregiver and you are unsure whether pain is part of your dog’s picture, take CAM’s free course Is My Dog in Pain? to learn the common and the subtle signs, and how to gather useful videos and notes for your next vet consult: https://www.cameducation.co.uk/course/is-my-dog-in-pain

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.