In this episode, Hannah and Dr Kathy Murphy talk about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), how often it is missed or mislabelled as “just ageing” or pain-related changes, what the DISHAA signs look like, how CCD is actually diagnosed, and which management options exist. They also emphasise the role of simple questionnaires and observation forms to spot changes early and have clearer, more productive vet visits. Published March 2021 (https://youtube.com/live/pPdL8gcePrM)

Guest bio

Dr Kathy Murphy qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the Royal Veterinary College in 1999. After several years in mixed practice, she moved to the University of Oxford, where she completed two specialist clinical qualifications and a Wellcome Trust–funded PhD in behavioural neuroscience. She is now director of the Comparative Biology Centre and the founder of Barking Brains, where she turns complex neuroscience into practical guidance for trainers, behaviourists and dog guardians.

Key take-home messages (short)

1. ​ CCD is common in older dogs and often mistaken for “normal ageing”.
2. ​ Many medical problems and pain can cause temporary cognitive changes that look like dementia.
3. ​ DISHAA is a helpful checklist of typical signs, but these signs are not specific to CCD.
4. ​ Simple tools like the CCDR scale plus home videos and notes make vet assessments much more accurate.
5. ​ Good management of older dogs should always include looking for and treating chronic pain alongside any suspected CCD.

Relevant links

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) – owner questionnaire:

http://rng.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/CCDR-scale-revised.pdf

Chronic pain and arthritis (CAM tools)

Suspicion of Chronic Pain – Observations Form (PDF):

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Suspicion-of-Chronic-Pain-Observations-Form.pdf

CAM downloads – charts, guides, printable tools:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

CAM Education – online learning platform:

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

Barking Brains (Dr Kathy Murphy) – Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/neuroscienceisawesome/

CAM Member Zone

If you want deeper support around arthritis, chronic pain and brain health in dogs, you can join the CAM Member Zone for extra videos, webinars, downloads and community support:

Become a CAM member / Member Zone:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-cam-member/

Overview:

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

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.

Episode summary

Host sits down with Daniela Malcolm-Stewart (Woody’s Holistic Grooming) to unpack how grooming and osteoarthritis (OA) intersect — and why groomers belong in the interdisciplinary care team. Daniela explains her consent-based setup (floor work, padded mats, walk-in shower) and how many “difficult” dogs are actually showing pain. She shares the story of Maximus, whose later-diagnosed OA, hip dysplasia and spondylosis shaped her mission to empower guardians to groom at home with welfare first.  

Guest bio

Daniela Malcolm-Stewart is a certified holistic grooming behaviourist and founder of Woody’s Holistic Grooming. After her first dog, Maximus, panicked in a conventional salon, she retrained and built a consent-based approach that prioritises emotional wellbeing over aesthetics. Today she teaches guardians to groom at home and adapts salon environments for dogs with pain, drawing on learnings from CAM and other training. Maximus’s legacy continues to drive her work.  

5 key take-homes

1. Grooming & OA are tightly linked — done well, grooming supports comfort; done poorly, it can exacerbate pain. 

2. Choice-rich environments reduce stress: floor work, padded mats and walk-in showers build trust and better bonds. 

3. “Behaviour problem” or pain? Many grooming struggles are pain-driven; grooming time can reveal early signs. 

4. Adapt the groom to the diagnosis: techniques and pacing should consider OA and other conditions to keep dogs comfortable. 

5. Empower guardians: consent-based home grooming reduces reliance on traditional salons and can mean happier, healthier dogs. 

Relevant links:

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — official site (about Daniela, services & approach)

https://woodysholisticgrooming.co.uk/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Instagram (behind-the-scenes & updates)

https://www.instagram.com/woodysholisticgrooming/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Facebook (contact & local info)

https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSN2/

- Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) — owner guides & science-backed advice

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

- CAM Education — courses for professionals

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

- CAM Downloads/Resources — free tools & checklists

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

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, host Hannah Capon and Dr. Sarah Heath delve into the complexities of canine arthritis and the importance of behavioral medicine. They discuss the intricate relationship between pain and behavior, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in veterinary care. The conversation highlights the significance of caregiver insights, the role of rehabilitation coaches, and the rising interest in pain management within the veterinary community. Dr. Heath shares practical advice on conducting pain relief trials and the importance of monitoring behavioral changes to improve canine health outcomes.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Sarah Heath is an RCVS and European veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and the founder of Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice (est. 1992). After four years in mixed practice, she dedicated her career to integrating emotional, cognitive, and physical health within clinical care. Sarah is a Fellow (2018) for contributions to the profession, an external lecturer in small-animal behavioural medicine at the University of Liverpool, and teaches on the veterinary undergraduate course at the University of Central Lancashire. Her practice in North West England provides behavioural medicine and chronic pain management in a multidisciplinary team.

1. Pain and behavior are closely linked; emotional health impacts pain perception. So veterinary professionals must consider physical, emotional, and cognitive health together.

2. Rehabilitation coaches play a vital role in managing canine behavior and pain.

3. Contextualized care is essential for effective treatment plans.

4. Caregivers' observations are crucial in diagnosing and managing pain in pets. Thats why pain relief trials can help identify pain as a contributing factor to behavioral issues.

5. Monitoring changes in mood and behavior is key to assessing the effectiveness of pain management.

Relevant links:

Daniel Mills’ 2020 Pain & Behaviour Paper

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105517

(Pain and behaviour in veterinary behavioural medicine, The Veterinary Journal)

Zero Pain Philosophy (Dr. Matt Gurney)

Link: https://zeropainphilosophy.com/

University of Liverpool – Behavioural Medicine (Sarah lectures here)

Link: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/veterinary-science/

RCVS Fellowship

Link: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/fellows/

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access practical tools to support dogs living with osteoarthritis, including the Good Day / Bad Day Diary — a downloadable resource to help you track how your dog is coping and spot changes early.

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

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.