In this episode, Hannah speaks with orthopaedic surgeon and rehabilitation expert Dr David Dycus to examine the real challenges of early arthritis detection. Together, they explore why early identification is often missed, what responsibilities both caregivers and professionals share, and which interventions truly shift the trajectory of osteoarthritis.

Aligned with CAM’s January prevention theme, this conversation highlights how critical early lifestyle decisions are for long-term joint health. Many of the most effective interventions are neither invasive nor expensive: bodyweight control, activity optimisation, home adaptation, and proactive monitoring form the foundation. Hannah also taps into Dr Dycus’s extensive orthopaedic and rehabilitation experience, asking how he approaches cases where pain is the only visible sign and what he recommends for both early and moderate disease.

The LIVE concludes with CAM’s signature segment: Ten Top Tips for managing your arthritic dog (from 1:02:00 in the original video).

Guest Bio

Dr David Dycus obtained his veterinary degree at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, completed a small-animal rotating internship at Auburn University, and returned to Mississippi State for a combined surgical residency and Master’s degree. He sits on the research committee of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and has a strong clinical and research interest in arthritis, joint disease, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery.

Dr Dycus is trained in arthroscopy, minimally invasive fracture repair, and advanced procedures for cruciate ligament injury. He gained stem-cell certification in 2010 and became a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2015. He is co-founder and co-director of the Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute (VSMRI), an online rehabilitation education platform, and is the founder and CEO of Dycus Veterinary Consulting.

https://www.vsmri.com/

Key Takeaways

1. Early identification of arthritis is a shared responsibility between caregivers and veterinary professionals.

2. Many impactful interventions are lifestyle-based, low-cost, and can be implemented long before medication is needed.

3. Pain as the sole clinical sign is easy to miss; subtle changes matter and should prompt assessment.

4. Early and moderate OA require different strategies, but both benefit from proactive monitoring and joint-friendly routines.

5. No intervention works alone; multimodal management started early has the greatest protective effect on long-term mobility.

Relevant Links

Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Institute (VSMRI):

https://www.vsmri.com/

CAM Member Zone:

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

Young Dog Joint Care Course (January Prevention Theme):

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

January Prevention Theme – Young Dog Joint Care

Healthy joints start young. Learn how to reduce risk, support growth and spot early trouble signs with our Young Dog Joint Care Course.

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

CAM Member Zone

Get deeper guidance, tools and downloads including the Good Day/Bad Day Diary, early-detection resources, and full LIVE recordings inside the Member Zone.

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.