In the US, two out of three dogs are obese. This exacerbates the difficulties vets face when trying to manage pain and rehabilitate arthritic dogs. Matt Brunke and Hannah Capon discuss nutrition and supplements and point out that fat doesn’t just increase loading on joints, it secretes inflammatory mediators that make arthritis worse. They then go on to discuss an imaginary case study – an overweight dog with elbow problems – and Matt outlines what he would do to reach a diagnosis and the different options for treatment, from stem cells and platelet rich plasma to the more usual pharmaceutical interventions. With all options, the aim is to get the dog as free from pain as possible so that it can complete a rehab programme aimed at restoring function.

Guest Bio:

Matt Brunke DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and practises rehabilitation, acupuncture and pain management in Maryland, US.

5 Key takeaways:

• Obesity worsens arthritis
  Extra fat increases joint stress and inflammation.

• Pain relief comes first
  Dogs need pain control before rehab can work.

• Diet matters
  Good nutrition and supplements can support joint health.

• Treatment should be multimodal
  Combining meds, rehab, weight loss, and therapies works best.

• Focus on quality of life
  The goal is better movement, comfort, and daily function.

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: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

Carrie Smith joins Hannah Capon to discuss physiotherapy approaches for managing arthritis in dogs through two case studies. Sidney developed allodynia after multiple surgeries, causing normal touch to feel painful due to chronic pain and central sensitisation. His case highlights how painful dogs are often mislabelled as “difficult” and how therapies like kinesio-taping can help. The second case follows Emily, a 15-year-old malamute whose arthritis suddenly worsened despite good management. With extra rest, support, and time, Emily recovered well, demonstrating the importance of adapting care during flare-ups. Carrie also shares an acupuncture case, reflecting her continued passion for rehabilitation therapy.

5 Key Takeaways:

• Pain is not always obvious

Arthritis pain can alter the nervous system, making normal touch feel painful.

• Behaviour can indicate pain is present

“Difficult” behaviour in dogs may actually be a sign of hidden pain.

• Treatment should be individualised

Effective arthritis care needs a tailored, multimodal approach.

• Flare up are part of the arthritis journey

Arthritic dogs often experience flare-ups that require extra support and rest.

• Patience matters

Patience, compassion, and creative therapies can improve quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Carrie Smith graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She holds a certificate GUNN IMS (dry needling), a certificate in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and a certificate in sports physiotherapy. Carrie was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team 1996-1998 including the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan and team physiotherapist for the Canadian Men’s National Rugby Team 2007-2012, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Since 2018 Carrie has been the physiotherapist for the Canadian WAO Team (World Agility Open) and she is the owner of Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre and Kemptville Canine Centre.

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: Canine Arthritis Management
Instagram: Canine Arthritis Management (@canine_arthritis) • Instagram profile
Youtube: Canine Arthritis Management
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

This weeks Facebook Live is with Nicki Bell who is joined by Steph Ellis. Steph is a veterinary nurse turned physiotherapist, shares practical guidance on exercising young dogs and managing arthritis. She questions rigid rules like the “five minutes per month” guideline and instead focuses on tailored conditioning, core stability, and recognising fatigue. The conversation underlines how movement, rest, and early training to settle shape long-term joint health.

Steph Ellis is a qualified veterinary nurse and veterinary physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience. She holds a postgraduate diploma and is a member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists.

She has worked for seven years as a self-employed physio with Four Feet Physio, alongside part-time work at a Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance affiliated practice. Much of her work focuses on arthritic patients and owner education.

Steph also has personal experience managing a young, active dog with multiple orthopaedic conditions, including elbow injury, carpal deformities, and hip dysplasia.

1. Rethink the 5-minute rule
   Exercise needs to be tailored to the individual dog, not a fixed formula.

2. Focus on conditioning
   Strength and core stability are more important than just increasing activity.

3. Clarify lead exercise
   On-lead work should be controlled and purposeful, not just slow walking.

4. Spot fatigue early
   Small changes in movement or behaviour often signal the need to stop.

5. Teach proper rest
   Dogs need to learn how to settle, as rest is key for recovery and joint health.

Relevant links

Support your dog’s joints before issues arise. Download the ramps booklet in the memberzone and learn how to reduce strain in everyday life. 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.

Guest BioKey takeaways