In Episode 2 of Canine Arthritis Matters, hosts Hannah Capon and Kristin Kirkby Shaw share their personal journeys managing osteoarthritis in their own dogs. They discuss the challenges, early signs, and importance of a multimodal approach to care, including lifestyle changes and weight management. Their stories underscore the need for early detection and proactive management to improve the quality of life for dogs with arthritis and chronic pain and how hard it can be for the caregiver.

1. Personal Experiences:

Kristin shares stories about her dogs Bella, Bailey, and Beans, highlighting the difficulties of managing OA and the impact of early recognition and intervention.

Hannah reflects on her experiences with her dog Holly, emphasizing the importance of identifying pain early and the potential intervention points throughout a dog’s life.

2. Behavioral Indicators of Pain:

Both hosts discuss the subtle signs of pain in dogs, such as lip licking, breath holding, and changes in behavior like noise sensitivity or aggression.

3. Rehabilitation and Multimodal Approaches:

The importance of integrating rehabilitation techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercises, into the management of OA.

The future of veterinary practice, including the incorporation of multi-specialty teams and a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions.

4. Educational Resources:

Highlighting the need for continuous education for both veterinarians and pet owners to improve the early detection and management of OA.

Tune in to gain insights and practical tips from their experiences.

Dr. Hannah Capon:

Hannah Capon is a renowned veterinarian and founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM https://caninearthritis.co.uk), a platform dedicated to educating dog owners and veterinary professionals about arthritis. With a passion for improving the quality of life for arthritic dogs, Hannah is a leading voice in the field of canine pain management. Inspired by her own dogs’ battles with arthritis, she combines professional expertise with personal experience to make a difference.

Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw: Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw (CARE https://caninearthritis.org) is a veterinarian specialized in surgery and rehabilitation/sports medicine with over 14 years of clinical experience managing arthritis and chronic pain. She has firsthand experience dealing with arthritis and pain in her own dogs. Kristin founded CARE, a website dedicated to providing practical, evidence-based tools and resources for those caring for dogs with arthritis. She is passionate about educating veterinary professionals and caregivers on the early signs of arthritis and methods to manage it, ensuring a high quality of life for affected dogs.

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

Learn more about CARE:

Website: https://caninearthritis.org

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.