This weeks episode features a replay from a 2022 discussion between Dr Hannah Capon and veterinary pain specialist Dr Matt Gurney. Together they explore what the "perfect" arthritis medication would look like—and whether one actually exists. They explain why chronic pain is far more complex than most people realise, highlighting how pain travels through the body and why no single medication can target every stage of the pain pathway. Instead, they discuss the importance of a multimodal approach, combining appropriate medication with weight management, physiotherapy, exercise modification and regular monitoring. The conversation also tackles common owner concerns around long-term medication, safety, side effects and the evidence behind licensed arthritis treatments. Hannah and Matt explain how veterinary drugs are tested, monitored and chosen, while emphasising that early intervention is key to preventing pain from becoming harder to control. This episode provides practical, evidence-based advice to help owners feel more confident when making decisions about managing their dog's arthritis.

References

Visit Zero Pain Philosophy, the leading veterinary education site for acute and chronic pain in dogs and cats.

Matt is currently the Veterinary Lad at Pawra, an expert canine wellness clinic in Chiswick, London

5 Key Take-Home Points

• No single medication treats every aspect of arthritis pain—multimodal management works best.

• Early diagnosis and treatment can make arthritis easier to manage long term.

• Medication is only one part of treatment alongside weight control, physiotherapy and exercise management.

• Licensed arthritis medications undergo rigorous testing and ongoing safety monitoring.

• The best treatment plan is the one that is effective, safe and practical for both the dog and owner.

Guest bio:

Dr Matt Gurney is a European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, with a particular passion for chronic pain management. Matt is also a co-founder of Zero Pain Philosophy, an educational platform dedicated to improving pain recognition and management within the veterinary profession. A respected international speaker, educator and researcher, he is committed to advancing evidence-based pain management and empowering both veterinary professionals and pet owners with practical, compassionate advice to help animals live happier, more comfortable lives. Matt is currently the Veterinary Lead at Pawra, a brand new canine wellness clinic based in London.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

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

Join us next week for the second instalment in the August theme of “Pain Medications”.

Episode summary

In this heartfelt episode, Hannah Capon is joined by veterinary rehabilitation specialist Dr Jane White to discuss life with a disabled dog and the lessons she's learned through caring for her own Border Collie, Drift, following a devastating spinal cord injury. Jane shares how her personal experience transformed her perspective as a veterinary professional, highlighting the emotional challenges, practical adaptations and mindset shifts that come with caring for a mobility-impaired dog.

Together, they explore how many of these lessons apply equally to dogs living with arthritis—from adapting the home environment and maintaining quality of life to managing caregiver guilt and recognising that every dog’s journey is unique. The conversation also tackles difficult topics such as incontinence, rehabilitation, end-of-life decisions and the importance of building a trusted support team. Ultimately, this episode is a compassionate reminder that while life with a disabled or arthritic dog may look different, it can still be full of joy, purpose and meaningful moments.

Recourses

Visit Jane’s website and buy a copy of Loving Life With A Disabled Dog

Pepper’s Place - wheelchairs and support for disabled dogs

5 Key Take-Home Points

• Don’t focus on what your dog has lost - focus on what they can still enjoy

• Adapt your dogs environment to make daily life easier and safer

• If you have to take an activity away, replace it with something equally as rewarding

• Be kind to yourself - there’s no perfect way to care for a disabled dog

• Review, reassess and adapt regularly - small changes can make a big difference

Speaker bio

Dr Jane White is a veterinary surgeon with over 35 years of experience and a passion for rehabilitation, mobility and improving quality of life for dogs and cats. She holds advanced qualifications in feline medicine, behaviour, veterinary physiotherapy and canine rehabilitation, and has extensive experience in hydrotherapy and acupuncture. Jane is also a committee member of the British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association. Following a life-changing spinal injury suffered by her own Border Collie, Drift, she wrote Loving Life with a Disabled Dog, sharing practical advice and emotional support for caregivers. Jane is dedicated to helping owners navigate mobility challenges with confidence, compassion and hope.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

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

In this episode, Hannah is joined by Lucy Goodright, an experienced McTimoney chiropractor and manual therapist, to explore the role of complementary therapies in supporting dogs with osteoarthritis. Together, they discuss how chiropractic care, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and other manual therapies can fit within a truly multimodal approach to arthritis management. Rather than promoting any single treatment as a cure, the conversation focuses on collaboration, realistic expectations, and empowering caregivers to make informed decisions. They examine the current evidence for manual therapies, why research remains limited, and the importance of using appropriately qualified, regulated practitioners who work closely with veterinary teams. The episode also highlights the value of environmental adaptations, careful observation, compassionate communication and setting measurable goals when introducing any new intervention. Ultimately, Hannah and Lucy emphasise that every dog is an individual, successful arthritis management requires teamwork, and maintaining quality of life depends on combining evidence-based medicine with thoughtful, personalised care.

References:

Find Lucy online at AnimalSpine.com

Visit the McTimony Animal Association here or Discover MAA Research

Animal Health Proffesions' Register (AHPR)

Visit RAMP - Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners

PainScience.Com

5 Key Take-Home Points

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution—arthritis management should always be tailored to the individual dog.

• Choose qualified professionals who are appropriately trained, insured and willing to work alongside your veterinary team.

• Set realistic expectations and regularly review whether a treatment is genuinely helping.

• Small lifestyle changes matter, including home adaptations, weight management and environmental modifications.

• Communication and collaboration are key—the best outcomes come when caregivers, vets and therapists work together towards shared goals.

Learn more about CAM

CAM website - CAM Education Centre - The Pain Vet

Chronic Pain Symposium - CAM Shop - CAM Podcast

Socials for Professionals:

Facebook pro - LinkedIn - Instagram

Socials for Caregivers:

Facebook - Instagram - Holly's Army

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

Join us in August for “Pain Medications” month!