Canine Arthritis Matters

• Episode 43 - Conformation and Innate Health - Rowene Packer

  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/nktzMyjR4boBrief BioRowena 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-packerKey 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 LinksOriginal 2012 paper – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225280218Follow-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, 81-­93Learn 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 42 - Evidence-based interventions with Brennen McKenzie, the SkeptVet

  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/9l2PrUvQjW0Brief BioBrennen 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 TakeawaysEvidence-based medicine helps prevent physical, emotional, and financial harm to both pets and owners.Many commonly used supplements and treatments lack strong scientific support for their effectiveness.NSAIDs remain one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for managing arthritis pain in dogs.Caregivers should understand how scientific evidence is built through rigorous testing, not anecdote.Evaluating claims critically helps caregivers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions.Relevant LinksSkeptVet Blog – http://skeptvet.com/Blog/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 41 - From Tumors to Joints: Exploring Radiation’s Role in Pain Relief - James Elliot

  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 BioDr. 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 TakeawaysRadiotherapy is being explored as a novel option for managing arthritis pain, particularly in dogs that cannot tolerate standard treatments.Modern radiation techniques allow short, targeted sessions, reducing stress and side effects.Not all dogs benefit equally; success may depend on the stage of the disease and location of pain.There is a low but present risk of radiation-induced side effects, including secondary cancer in younger animals.More research is needed, but early clinical results suggest radiotherapy could become a valuable tool in multimodal pain management.Relevant LinksPodcast episode – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaASouthfields Veterinary Specialists – https://www.southfields.co.ukCAM Teleguidance service – https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.ukCAM Member Zone – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-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 40 - The welfare, economic and ecological cost of breed-related disease - Emma Milne

  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/lhPF54u4DaABrief BioEmma 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 TakeawaysBreed-related diseases, especially in flat-faced dogs, are preventable but continue due to outdated breeding standards.The veterinary profession needs to lead by example and stop enabling harmful breeding practices.Economic and ecological consequences are tied to these breeds through increased medical care and reduced animal wellbeing.Public perception of pedigree breeds needs to shift—purebred does not mean healthy.Greater unity and action are required from all professionals to create lasting change in animal welfare.Relevant LinksVets Against Brachycephalism - Emma’s campaign to highlight the cruelty of extreme dog breeding – https://www.vetsagainstbrachycephalism.comFunctional Dog Collaborative – A movement supporting healthy, temperamentally sound mixed-breed breeding - https://www.functionalbreeding.orgValley Vets - A practice refusing artificial fertility support for brachy breeds – https://www.valleyvets.netRVC VetCompass – A new framework to judge canine health by features, not breed name - https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompassCAM 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/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 39 - Chronic Pain Symposium - Unpacking Pain: 7,000 Delegates, 40 Lectures, One Shared Mission

  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 TakeawaysInterdisciplinary Approach: Chronic pain management requires a collaborative effort across veterinary professionals, behaviorists, caregivers, and more. This event emphasized breaking down professional silos.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. Accessibility Matters: Live attendance was free, ensuring inclusivity. Recordings and additional materials are available through VIP access on CAM’s LearnWorlds platform.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.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.Unlock Even More with the CAM Member Zone!Join the CAM Member Zone today and gain instant access to hundreds of expert interviews, downloadable resources, caregiver courses, clinical tools, and ongoing CPD content. Whether you’re a vet, nurse, therapist, or trainer—this is your chronic pain management toolkit, all in one place.👉 Become a Member Now - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/cam-membership/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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