In this episode, Professor Duncan Lascelles joins Hannah Capon to explore the future of pain management in dogs with osteoarthritis. Duncan shares insights from his extensive research into pain detection and his work on AniV8’s development of objective tools to measure chronic pain in companion animals. They walk through a case study to demonstrate how early recognition and a structured approach can transform outcomes. The discussion highlights why osteoarthritis should be viewed as a disease of younger dogs, and why early intervention opens the door to more treatment options and a better quality of life.
Published 2023 – https://youtu.be/M_adx3azXT0

Brief Bio

Duncan Lascelles is Professor of Small Animal Surgery and Pain Management at North Carolina State University. He leads the Translational Research in Pain (TRiP) program, which investigates how to detect and treat pain associated with spontaneous disease in animals. He is also Director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre (CPREC) and Co-founder of AniV8, a company dedicated to developing innovative tools for measuring pain in companion animals. His work aims to advance both veterinary and human pain medicine.

Key Takeaways

1. Osteoarthritis is not just a disease of older dogs—early onset is common and often overlooked.
2. Objective tools to measure pain are crucial for both research and day-to-day treatment monitoring.
3. AniV8 is working on new tech to measure pain through real-time, data-driven methods.
4. A structured approach to case workups ensures no aspect of the dog’s condition is missed.
5. Early diagnosis improves quality of life and increases the number of effective treatment options.

Relevant Links

AniV8 – https://aniv8.com

Useful CAM Tools Mentioned (All in Member Zone)

1. Chronic Pain Indicator Chart
2. Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form
3. Good Day – Bad Day Diary

Join the CAM Member Zone - For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials.
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External Tools Mentioned

1. Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) – University of Pennsylvania:https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/research-laboratory/clinical-investigation-center/current-clinical-trials/canine-brief-pain-inventory
2. LOAD (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) – Elanco resource
   https://mypetandi.elanco.com/uk/dog/load
3. Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (available via the Pawsita app)
   https://www.pawsita.com

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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 CAM Live episode, Dr. Rowena Packer joins Hannah Capon to discuss her 2012 research on how dog owners often perceive breed-related health issues as “normal.” This perception can delay diagnosis and treatment and contribute to the continued breeding of dogs with extreme physical traits. The conversation focuses on the welfare consequences of conformational disorders, the caregiver burden, and how changing owner education and perception could lead to better outcomes. Rowena shares insight from her academic work and practical suggestions for improving veterinary communication around these issues.

Published 2023 – https://youtu.be/nktzMyjR4bo

Brief Bio

Rowena is the Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the Royal Veterinary College, London. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and inherited disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare, and caregiver burden. Rowena has co-authored >90 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021). Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health. Rowena is a founding member of Brachycephalic Working Group and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs.

RVC profile: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/about/our-people/rowena-packer

Key Takeaways

1. Many owners mistake clinical signs of inherited disorders as typical breed traits, delaying diagnosis and care.

2. Extreme conformations can contribute to a wide range of health and behavioural problems, including chronic pain.

3. Vets should proactively educate owners on the difference between breed standards and actual welfare concerns.

4. Breed-driven expectations contribute to caregiver burden and complicate decision-making.

5. Open access research and better communication are key tools in challenging the normalisation of suffering.

Relevant Links

Original 2012 paper – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225280218

Follow-up studies:

– https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0219918

– https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237276

– https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9372/1/3/32

This podcast is in relation to this paper - Packer, R. M. A., Hendricks, A. & Burn, C. C. (2012) Do dog owners perceive the clinical signs related to conformational inherited disorders as ‘normal’ for the breed? A potential constraint to improving canine welfare. Animal Welfare 21, 81-­93

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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 CAM Live episode, Dr. Brennen McKenzie (known as the SkeptVet) joins Hannah Capon to discuss why evidence-based medicine is essential in protecting animals and caregivers from ineffective or harmful treatments. They explore common arthritis-related therapies and highlight the importance of rigorous scientific testing. Topics include the use of NSAIDs, turmeric, CBD, glucosamine, PEMF, LED/laser therapy, essential fatty acids, and zoopharmacognosy.
Published December 2020 – https://youtu.be/9l2PrUvQjW0

Brief Bio

Brennen McKenzie is a small animal veterinarian, writer, and lecturer with a background in biology, physiology, and epidemiology. He holds a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is the author of the book Placebos for Pets and founder of the SkeptVet blog, where he advocates for science-based veterinary care. He has served as President of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association and continues to publish and lecture on veterinary decision-making and critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

1. Evidence-based medicine helps prevent physical, emotional, and financial harm to both pets and owners.
2. Many commonly used supplements and treatments lack strong scientific support for their effectiveness.
3. NSAIDs remain one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for managing arthritis pain in dogs.
4. Caregivers should understand how scientific evidence is built through rigorous testing, not anecdote.
5. Evaluating claims critically helps caregivers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions.

Relevant Links
SkeptVet Blog – http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

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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, Dr. James Elliott joins Hannah Capon to explore the use of radiotherapy in treating osteoarthritis-related pain in dogs. Known primarily as a cancer treatment, radiotherapy is now being examined for its potential in managing chronic pain when conventional treatments are not enough. James shares clinical insights, including the case of his own dog, and discusses the promise and challenges of this emerging approach.

Brief Bio

Dr. James Elliott is a veterinary oncologist at Southfields Veterinary Specialists. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh and completed a residency in medical oncology at the University of Liverpool. He later trained in radiation oncology in the United States. His current work includes using advanced radiotherapy techniques to manage both malignant and non-malignant conditions in animals, including osteoarthritis.

Key Takeaways

1. Radiotherapy is being explored as a novel option for managing arthritis pain, particularly in dogs that cannot tolerate standard treatments.
2. Modern radiation techniques allow short, targeted sessions, reducing stress and side effects.
3. Not all dogs benefit equally; success may depend on the stage of the disease and location of pain.
4. There is a low but present risk of radiation-induced side effects, including secondary cancer in younger animals.
5. More research is needed, but early clinical results suggest radiotherapy could become a valuable tool in multimodal pain management.

Relevant Links

Podcast episode – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaA
Southfields Veterinary Specialists – https://www.southfields.co.uk

CAM Teleguidance service – https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk
CAM Member Zone – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

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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 CAM Live episode, Emma Milne joins Hannah Capon to discuss the impact of breed-related disease on dogs, the veterinary profession, and society. The conversation covers the ethical, economic, and welfare consequences of breeding for appearance, particularly in brachycephalic breeds. Emma shares her insights from years of animal welfare advocacy and challenges the industry to take stronger action to protect canine health.
Published November 2023 – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaA

Brief Bio

Emma Milne graduated from Bristol University in 1996 and worked in general practice before becoming a clinical nutrition advisor. She has been a trustee for the Animal Welfare Foundation and the Dog Breeding Reform Group and has worked with multiple charities. Emma is the founder of Vets Against Brachycephalism and has written nine books on animal welfare. In 2021, she was awarded a Fellowship by the RCVS for her contributions to the profession in the field of welfare. She now lives in France, continuing her welfare work and writing.

Key Takeaways

1. Breed-related diseases, especially in flat-faced dogs, are preventable but continue due to outdated breeding standards.
2. The veterinary profession needs to lead by example and stop enabling harmful breeding practices.
3. Economic and ecological consequences are tied to these breeds through increased medical care and reduced animal wellbeing.
4. Public perception of pedigree breeds needs to shift—purebred does not mean healthy.
5. Greater unity and action are required from all professionals to create lasting change in animal welfare.

Relevant Links

Vets Against Brachycephalism - Emma’s campaign to highlight the cruelty of extreme dog breeding – https://www.vetsagainstbrachycephalism.com
Functional Dog Collaborative – A movement supporting healthy, temperamentally sound mixed-breed breeding - https://www.functionalbreeding.org
Valley Vets - A practice refusing artificial fertility support for brachy breeds – https://www.valleyvets.net
RVC VetCompass – A new framework to judge canine health by features, not breed name - https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
CAM Member Zone - £25/year for access to 450+ hours of education and tools – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
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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 delivers a comprehensive recap of the 2024 Chronic Pain Symposium, a four-day event organized by Canine Arthritis Management (CAM). She explains its objectives, the interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain in animals, and the inclusion of various topics such as osteoarthritis, visceral, dental, and dermatological pain. Hannah discusses the planning, team efforts, guest speakers, session highlights, and the resources available for continued learning via CAM’s LearnWorlds platform.

Key Takeaways

1. Interdisciplinary Approach: Chronic pain management requires a collaborative effort across veterinary professionals, behaviorists, caregivers, and more. This event emphasized breaking down professional silos.
2. Massive Undertaking: The symposium took over 6 months of planning and involved a wide global network, offering 4 days of content, including Bite Size Friday with 30–40 mini lectures.
3. Accessibility Matters: Live attendance was free, ensuring inclusivity. Recordings and additional materials are available through VIP access on CAM’s LearnWorlds platform.
4. Content Variety: Lectures covered topics from osteoarthritis and palliative care to behavioral science and ethics. Expert sessions featured in-depth exploration of pharmaceutical, surgical, and integrative modalities.
5. Global Impact & Ongoing Access: Content will be translated into 12 languages and remains accessible post-event. The entire package (lectures + notes + CE credits + CAM Member Zone) is available for £125.

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👉 Become a Member Now - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/cam-membership/

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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 inspiring episode for Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM), Hannah Capon is joined by Helen Silver-McMahon, a veterinary nurse turned human factors and patient safety specialist. Helen shares how her early interest in veterinary nursing led to a career focused on improving communication, teamwork, and wellbeing in veterinary settings. Together, they explore the essential role of effective communication in chronic pain management and how it impacts client satisfaction, team dynamics, and patient outcomes. With relatable stories and practical insights, the conversation encourages professionals to rethink the value of soft skills, explore new directions, and find joy in their veterinary careers.

Brief Bio

Helen is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with a background in surgical nursing and a passion for communication and human factors. After completing a master’s degree in Human Factors and Patient Safety, she co-founded Being Human, a training company focused on communication, team performance, and wellbeing in veterinary practice. Helen continues to consult on patient safety and champions a culture of empathy and open communication within vet teams.

Key Takeaways

1. Communication is a clinical skill – Helen emphasizes that communication directly affects patient outcomes, client compliance, and team morale.
2. Human factors influence everything – Veterinary teams must understand how environment, stress, and fatigue affect performance and safety.
3. Empathy leads to better care – Creating psychological safety for clients and colleagues strengthens trust, collaboration, and results.
4. Personal coping strategies matter – From emotional resets between consults to leaving mental “baggage” at the door, small habits can improve wellbeing.
5. Vet nursing opens doors – Helen’s journey proves that vet nurses can diversify into new roles, from education and coaching to systems change and consulting.

Relevant Links

Being Human – Helen’s training initiative - https://being-human.org.uk
Messy Communication Paper by Ellie Russell (referenced) - https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.1068

Learn more about CAM:
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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.