In this episode, Hannah welcomes back Dr Dan O’Neil to expand on the latest findings from VetCompass, the companion animal surveillance programme based at the Royal Veterinary College. Building on his previous CAM appearance, Dr O’Neil explains how large-scale clinical data is helping us understand which disorders affect our dogs most frequently, why they occur, and how this knowledge can improve welfare across all breeds.

As January at CAM focuses on prevention, this conversation highlights the essential role of early identification, awareness of developmental joint disease, and responsible decision-making throughout a dog’s early life. By understanding risk patterns across the wider population, caregivers and professionals can take meaningful steps to protect joint health long before clinical arthritis develops.

Originally published as a LIVE broadcast in January 2024

Guest Bio

Dr Dan O’Neil is Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College and co-lead of the VetCompass Programme. After 22 years in both small and large animal practice, he completed an MSc in epidemiology in 2009 and a PhD in 2014 focused on developing VetCompass, now a global leader in companion animal health surveillance.

He has authored over 100 scientific papers on breed health and therapeutics, co-authored the books Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats and Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic Companion Animals, and chairs the UK Brachycephalic Working Group. His work has been recognised with multiple honours including Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the BSAVA Blaine Award and the International Canine Health Award. His ethos is simple and powerful: we must understand the world better in order to make it better.

Key Takeaways

1. Developmental joint disease is a major driver of lifelong mobility problems, making prevention in young dogs essential.

2. Surveillance data challenges assumptions and provides evidence-based insight into true disease prevalence and risk.

3. Breed-related risk varies significantly and must be considered when making breeding, acquisition and lifestyle decisions.

4. Prevention is multi-layered and includes genetics, growth, body condition, environment and early monitoring.

5. Data-driven understanding empowers caregivers and professionals to intervene earlier and reduce long-term suffering.

Watch the Original LIVE - https://youtube.com/live/fJ0cE1vfztc

Relevant Links

Previous CAM episode with Dr Dan O’Neil:

https://youtu.be/NiZ47eews6c

VetCompass Programme information:

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass

January Prevention Theme – Young Dog Joint Care

Prevention starts early. Our Young Dog Joint Care Course is designed to help caregivers understand risk factors, support healthy development, and reduce the likelihood of joint disease later in life.

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/young-dog-joint-care/

CAM Member Zone

Join the CAM Member Zone for deeper education, practical tools, downloadable resources including the Good Day / Bad Day Diary, and ongoing support for preventing and managing chronic pain.

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.