In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by Professor Natasha Olby of North Carolina State University to explore the emerging but under-recognised concept of frailty in companion animals. Frailty is widely studied in human medicine but rarely discussed in veterinary practice, despite its major implications for how we interpret behaviour, manage medications, and support quality of life in ageing dogs.

Together, they discuss how frailty differs from chronic pain, why misinterpreting one for the other can lead to over-medication or missed interventions, and how recognising frailty creates opportunities for prevention, lifestyle modification, and better caregiver guidance. Natasha also introduces her team’s newly developed frailty screening tool for dogs and explains how it can help veterinarians and owners identify pre-frail states and take action earlier.

Guest Bio:

Professor Natasha Olby is a veterinary neurologist at North Carolina State University. She earned her PhD in spinal cord injury, completed advanced surgical training in neurosurgery, and has received numerous awards, including the Faculty Achievement Award from the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians and the Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology.

She has authored countless publications and edited the BSAVA Manual of Companion Animal Neurology. Her current research focuses on ageing of the nervous system and frailty in dogs, with a landmark paper published in 2024:

Russell, K. J., Mondino, A., Fefer, G., Griffith, E., Saker, K., Gruen, M. E., & Olby, N. J. (2024). Establishing a clinically applicable frailty phenotype screening tool for aging dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1335463

Key Takeaways:

1. Frailty is not simply “old age” but a clinical syndrome of accumulated impairments across multiple systems, leading to increased vulnerability.

2. Frailty and chronic pain can look similar, but confusing the two risks over-prescribing medications or missing opportunities for lifestyle support.

3. Frailty is multidimensional: physical, nutritional, social, and cognitive domains all contribute.

4. Pre-frail states can be modified—early recognition allows exercise, nutrition, and environmental changes to slow progression.

5. Frailty screening tools can help veterinarians and owners identify risk, predict outcomes, and tailor interventions more effectively.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Gain access to exclusive resources, webinars, and a supportive community dedicated to improving life for dogs with chronic pain and frailty.

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

Access the Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed it live? You can still watch all lectures and expert discussions through our Education Centre.

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

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

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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, Hannah Capon speaks with Dr. Deborah (Deb) Torraca of Wizard of Paws, a pioneer in veterinary rehabilitation. Together they dive into one of the most overlooked challenges in managing osteoarthritis: comorbidities such as kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer that often overshadow pain management.

Deb shares her wealth of experience treating complex cases, showing how rehab, lifestyle modifications, and manual therapies can still transform quality of life—even when drugs like NSAIDs are limited or contraindicated. She emphasizes the importance of “baby steps” in building sustainable care plans, the overlooked role of enrichment and fun, and how simple tools like rugs, nail trims, and mobility aids can have life-changing impact.

This is a practical and inspiring discussion that calls for a cultural shift: osteoarthritis care should not be sidelined, and rehabilitation should be seen as a first-line option, not a last resort.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Deborah Torraca is the founder of Wizard of Paws Rehabilitation in the United States and a leading international educator in veterinary rehab. Originally trained as a human physical therapist, she shifted her focus to animals and has since authored and co-authored numerous textbook chapters, published research, and spoken at veterinary conferences worldwide.

Deb combines clinical practice with teaching, research, and industry collaboration, making her uniquely placed to comment on the real-world challenges of managing canine osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Her philosophy is rooted in practicality: use what’s available, start with the basics, and empower owners with realistic, effective steps to improve their dog’s life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Comorbidities should not eclipse pain management. OA is often deprioritised in favour of conditions like kidney or heart disease, but untreated pain worsens overall health and quality of life.

2. Rehab is a first-line treatment, not a last resort. Many dogs improve significantly through lifestyle adjustments, exercise, and manual therapies—sometimes avoiding surgery altogether.

3. Baby steps matter. Introducing gradual, sustainable changes is more effective and affordable than overwhelming dogs and caregivers with every possible intervention at once.

4. Practical tools make a big difference. Rugs, mobility aids, nail care, and enrichment activities can improve comfort and reduce stress on painful joints.

5. Quality of life includes joy. Beyond pain relief, ensuring enrichment, fun, and family connection is central to managing chronic conditions in dogs.

In this thought-provoking episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon sits down with Vincent Hoogstad, a physiotherapist turned animal rehabilitation practitioner and educator. Together, they explore the complexities of pain: how animals and humans perceive it differently, the cultural drivers that shape our response to it, and why pain behavior is not always a reliable indicator of suffering.

The conversation dives into evolutionary perspectives, the distinction between emotions and feelings, and how caregivers’ expectations often complicate decision-making in veterinary practice. Vincent shares stories from his clinical work and his broader studies in ethology, primatology, and conservation, alongside reflections from his book Monkey Business.

Listeners are invited to challenge assumptions about pain, embrace observation over assumption, and reflect on how empathy and environment shape the way we interpret suffering in both humans and animals.

Guest Bio:

Vincent Hoogstad began his career as a human physiotherapist in Rotterdam before shifting his focus to animal rehabilitation and behavioral ecology. He has trained extensively in physical rehab (University of Tennessee), primatology, wildlife conservation, and the One Health perspective. Based in Crete, he runs a small rehabilitation business while lecturing internationally.

Vincent is also the author of Monkey Business, a book exploring empathy, sociality, and the interconnectedness of humans and animals. He is passionate about bridging science, philosophy, and practice to better understand pain and behavior across species.

Key Takeaways

1. Pain is always real, but pain behavior is heavily influenced by environment and context.

2. Animals often hide pain, especially prey species, which makes observation skills critical.

3. Human cultural expectations strongly influence how caregivers interpret and respond to their pet’s pain.

4. Observation is often more reliable than owner reports when assessing discomfort.

5. Education, empathy, and environmental modification are as powerful as medication in managing chronic pain.

Relevant Links:

Monkey Business (Vincent Hoogstad’s book): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Monkey-Business-Empathy-Animals-People/dp/1916238549/

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access tools, guides, and exclusive education to help you better understand and manage arthritis in dogs. From lifestyle modification resources to validated pain questionnaires, the Member Zone equips you with everything you need to improve your dog’s quality of life.

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.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with João Alves MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon with a special interest in chronic pain and osteoarthritis. Together they discuss why spotting pain early is vital, how misinterpreting behaviour can delay care, and why arthritis should be considered long before obvious lameness develops.

João shares practical advice for general practitioners on integrating chronic pain assessment into everyday consults, from history-taking to subtle movement observation. He and Hannah also explore the importance of teamwork with owners, how simple validated tools can improve accuracy, and why communication and empathy are often as powerful as prescriptions in managing canine OA.

Guest Bio:

João Alves MRCVS is a veterinary surgeon based in the UK with a strong focus on chronic pain management and welfare. He has built his clinical practice around improving outcomes for dogs living with osteoarthritis and other long-term pain conditions, ensuring that both vets and owners have the knowledge and tools to intervene earlier. João is passionate about bridging the gap between research and everyday practice, making pain management more accessible and effective for all.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chronic pain is often under-recognised. Behavioural changes such as reluctance to jump, subtle stiffness, or reduced play may be early red flags.

2. Owners are key partners. Teaching them to recognise and record changes helps provide better evidence for diagnosis and management.

3. Validated assessment tools reduce subjectivity and help track progress more reliably than owner memory alone.

4. Pain management should begin early—waiting for overt lameness means lost time and welfare compromise.

5. Empathy, continuity, and communication are central. Building trust leads to more accurate reporting and better adherence to management plans.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access webinars, guides, case studies, and a supportive community of professionals and pet owners working to improve canine arthritis care.

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

Use the Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form

Help identify dogs that may be living with hidden pain. This validated form supports early recognition and structured conversations with owners.

Download here: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspicion-of-chronic-pain/

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.

This episode of Canine Arthritis Matters takes a practical look at how telehealth can strengthen osteoarthritis care in the UK (and beyond). Host Hannah Capon is joined by registered veterinary nurse Evie Tumon and senior anaesthetist/pain specialist Dr. James Hunt to unpack what remote guidance adds: time to listen, continuity, calmer conversations outside the “white coat” setting, and a clearer framework for weight, lifestyle, and analgesia decisions that owners can take back to their primary vet. The team discuss variability in current OA care, why “no recipes” means we must monitor and adapt, and how validated tools (like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory) help align owner perception with a dog’s day-to-day function. They also share how the CAM teleguidance service supports overloaded practices by offering owners structured coaching, while reinforcing that in-person exams and prescribing stay with the primary vet.

Guest Bios:

Evie Tummon, RVN

Evie is a registered veterinary nurse working in clinical practice and on CAM’s tele-platform, where she hosts discovery calls and leads nurse calls. Her focus is demystifying choices for overwhelmed caregivers and breaking change into doable steps that fit each home and dog.

Dr. James Hunt

James is a senior anaesthetist at a multidisciplinary referral hospital, runs Pet Pain Relief (a clinic dedicated to pain management), and is a specialist in ethics and welfare with a PhD focused on chronic pain/OA. In CAM’s tele service he helps owners and vets build robust, basics-first plans—weight, lifestyle, analgesia—and use validated tracking so everyone can see what’s working.

Key Takeaways:

1. Telehealth complements, it doesn’t replace. Remote sessions remove time pressure, reduce the “frozen in the consult room” effect, and let clinicians tailor plans to the caregiver’s reality—then loop back to the primary vet for exams and prescribing.

2. Framework over “fix.” OA management isn’t a one-step recipe; start with weight, daily life changes, and clear priorities, then add/adjust analgesia and adjuncts based on response.

3. Measure what matters. Pair an owner’s unique pain indicators with a validated tool like the Canine Brief Pain Inventory to track severity, interference with activities, and quality of life over time. Expect scores to spark useful conversations, not just produce a “number.”

4. Lower the stress to raise the care. For reactive or anxious dogs, remote guidance can be a lifeline; it builds caregiver confidence and plans for low-stress vet visits (timing, ramps, car setups) before the next in-person appointment.

5. Plan for flares and continuity. Set expectations that flare-ups happen, agree an analgesic “flare plan” in advance, and keep the same clinician(s) involved so owners feel heard and supported across visits.

Relevant Links:

Get Support Through Teleguidance

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with options or just want a clear, step-by-step plan for your dog’s osteoarthritis care, our teleguidance team is here to help. You’ll receive personalised advice you can take straight back to your own vet—without leaving home.

Find out more: https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk

Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed the live event? Watch all lectures anytime through the Education Centre and level up your OA toolkit.

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

Join the CAM Member Zone

Get ongoing support, templates, webinars, and Q&As to manage canine OA more confidently.

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.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with Ben Cormack, an international educator and musculoskeletal therapist with over 20 years of experience, about the relevance of the biopsychosocial (BPS) model in veterinary care.

Ben explains the history and philosophy behind the BPS model, why it should be seen as a framework rather than a fixed treatment method, and how it can enhance communication, trust, and treatment outcomes. Together, they explore the parallels between human and veterinary medicine, highlighting how lifestyle, environment, psychology, and social factors can influence recovery as much as the physical diagnosis itself.

They also discuss the pitfalls of over-relying on polypharmacy, the importance of prognosis over diagnosis, and why taking time to truly listen to clients and patients can be transformative. Ben shares personal stories, including how he applied these principles to his own dog, Teddy, and how small environmental or emotional adjustments can make a big difference in an animal’s comfort and quality of life.

Guest Bio:

Ben Cormack is a musculoskeletal therapist, international presenter, writer, and educator with a patient-centred approach to rehabilitation. He owns Core Kinetic and co-owns The Better Clinician Project, offering evidence-based education to health professionals. Ben specialises in movement and exercise-based rehab, integrating the biopsychosocial framework into his work. He lectures globally, contributes to academic publications, and still works clinically to stay connected to real-world patient needs.

Key Takeaways:

The biopsychosocial model is a philosophy of care, not a fixed checklist, and should enhance rather than replace biomedical precision.

Listening to the patient (or client) is fundamental—understanding context and personal circumstances often guides better treatment decisions.

The source of pain is not always the cause; genetics, environment, behaviour, and emotional factors often play major roles.

Over-reliance on medications can overlook lifestyle and environmental changes that may have a bigger long-term impact.

Veterinary care can benefit from adopting strategies from human healthcare, such as focusing on prognosis, social factors, and patient-centred communication.

Relevant Links:

Core Kinetic: https://www.core-kinetic.com/

The Better Clinician Project: https://www.betterclinicianproject.com/

Chronic Pain Symposium On-Demand

Missed the live event? You can still access every lecture from the Chronic Pain Symposium through our Education Centre. Learn from leading experts in pain management and rehabilitation at your own pace.

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

⸻

Join the CAM Member Zone

Get ongoing support, resources, and exclusive content designed to help you manage canine arthritis more effectively. The CAM Member Zone offers webinars, guides, Q&As, and a community of like-minded professionals and pet owners.

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.

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, host Hannah Capon speaks with Dr. Laurie McCauley, a leading voice in veterinary rehabilitation. Together, they explore how movement, touch, and integrative therapies can transform the lives of dogs living with osteoarthritis.

Dr. McCauley shares practical strategies for at-home care, discusses the power of isometric exercises, and explains how tools like lasers and tuning forks can play a supportive role in reducing pain and improving mobility. The conversation also highlights common missteps by both caregivers and clinicians and emphasizes low-cost, high-impact interventions that anyone can implement.

Whether you’re a vet, physio, or pet parent, this episode offers grounded advice and inspiration for helping dogs move and feel better—no matter their age or condition.

Guest Bio

Dr. Laurie McCauley has dedicated her career to keeping pets happy, healthy, and mobile. A graduate of Colorado State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she spent six years in general practice before pioneering the field of veterinary rehabilitation. She designed the first underwater treadmill for dogs and opened one of the first dedicated rehab clinics.

Board-certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. McCauley is also certified in acupuncture and chiropractic therapy. She served on the faculty of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute for 14 years, lectures internationally, and contributes to leading veterinary journals and textbooks.

She currently runs Red Tail Rehab, a mobile rehab clinic based in North Carolina, and is the founder of Optimum Pet Vitality—an online education platform offering courses for both professionals and pet parents.

Courses include laser therapy, myofascial work, and her widely popular tuning fork therapy program. Her mission is to teach people how to help their pets live longer, stronger lives through hands-on care, education, and empowerment.

Key Takeaways

1. Use isometric exercises

Rhythmic stabilization and three-legged stands are low-risk exercises that build strength safely. They are especially valuable for geriatric or fragile dogs and can be done at home with minimal equipment.

2. Touch is therapy

Gentle, intentional touch can reduce cortisol, improve circulation, and support pain relief. It’s not just emotional—it’s physiological. Don’t underestimate the power of your hands.

3. Walk your dog daily

Even dogs with arthritis benefit from daily walks. Movement maintains joint health and stamina. Frequency, not distance, is what matters.

4. Exercise must be tailored

Activities like ball play can be risky if done without thought. Understanding the dog’s physical condition is critical to choosing appropriate, safe exercises.

5. Therapies like PEMF and tuning forks work—but require knowledge

Modalities such as lasers, tuning forks, and PEMF devices can reduce pain and support healing—but they’re most effective (and safest) when used by someone trained.

Relevant Links:

• Optimum Pet Vitality online learning hub: https://www.optimumpetvitality.com/

• Tuning Fork Therapy Course: https://courses.optimumpetvitality.com/tuning-into-your-dog

This episode is supported by Accord Animal Health, makers of PerNic® Cox—a palatable joint support paste for dogs, formulated with cold-pressed Green Lipped Mussel oil. It’s delivered in an easy-to-use syringe for precise dosing, ideal for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Learn more about PerNic® Cox and the full range of natural supplements at:

https://accord-animalhealth.com

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.

Hannah Capon speaks with PhD researcher Georgia Wells about functional mobility in dogs—what it really means, how it differs from lameness, and why current tools like CBPI and LOAD only scratch the surface. Georgia shares the path from dog grooming to academia, her current research on developing a functional mobility scale for caregivers to use at home, and why assessing everyday activities like toileting, eating, and play could be key to detecting problems earlier. A must-listen for anyone invested in chronic pain, early OA detection, or environmental modification.

Georgia Wells is a PhD candidate with Scotland’s Rural College and the University of Edinburgh, researching functional mobility in dogs. Her background spans zoology, locomotion studies (including pangolins!), and hands-on grooming experience. This blend of academic and real-world insight informs her work on developing a functional mobility scale that empowers caregivers to notice and act on subtle movement changes in dogs. Georgia is passionate about improving welfare through better owner-led assessment and early detection of compromised mobility.

Key Takeaways

1. ​Functional mobility = more than gait—it’s about how dogs do daily tasks like toileting, eating, and moving between spaces.
2. ​Caregivers are uniquely positioned to notice changes, but they need the right tools and guidance.
3. ​Georgia’s scale is designed to be practical, accessible, and usable at home—unlike current vet-only tools.
4. ​Environmental factors (stairs, flooring, access) often go unnoticed but drastically impact function and comfort.
5. ​Functional changes may signal disease earlier than clinical signs—making this scale a future game-changer.

Useful CAM Tools Mentioned (All in Member Zone):

• ​Chronic Pain Indicator Chart
• ​Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form
• ​Good Day – Bad Day Diary
• ​It’s My Home Too – Environmental Checklist (Home FAST adaptation)

Join the CAM Member Zone

For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials.

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

Get Involved – Participate in Georgia’s Study

Georgia is currently recruiting dogs (healthy and mobility-compromised) to validate her functional mobility scale.

Register your interest: https://static.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/static/common/html/maintenance.html

Or email: georgia.wells@sruc.ac.uk

Read her paper here - https://pure.sruc.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/89957113/1-s2.0-S1090023324000625-main.pdf

Sponsor Acknowledgement

This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis

We’re proud to acknowledge Zoetis for supporting the education of veterinary and allied professionals, including through their sponsorship of the Chronic Pain Symposium (CPS).

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.