In this episode, Dr. Kristin Kirkby-Shaw and Dr. Hannah Capon discuss the importance of a multimodal approach in managing osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Kristin outlines her "care quad" framework, categorizing treatment into four areas: pain management, nutrition/weight management, lifestyle/environmental modification, and rehabilitation. Kristin and Hannah emphasize that a comprehensive treatment plan requires addressing multiple areas—beyond medication alone—to ensure the dog's well-being. They also discuss the emotional impact on owners and the importance of caregiver support.

Key Takehomes:

1. Multimodal Treatment: Osteoarthritis should not be treated with just one approach. Combining pain management, lifestyle adjustments, weight control, and exercise is key.
2. Weight Management is Crucial: Maintaining a healthy weight is the most effective way to slow down OA progression.
3. Caregiver Involvement: Owners' emotions and ability to manage care directly impact a dog's treatment plan and ultimately, the success of a given plan. The plan should be developed with the owner’s input to ensure the plan is appropriate for both the dog and pet parent.
4. Communication Between Vets and Therapists: Consistent cross-talk between medical professionals is essential for a cohesive treatment plan.
5. Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-ups and tracking improvements are necessary to adjust the multimodal plan as needed.

Relevant Links:

• Join our CAM Member Zone for resources on OA, emotional support and more informations (only 35£ per year) - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/oa-support
• More on Multimodal Treatment - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/multimodal-management

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Learn more about CARE: https://caninearthritis.org

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.