Canine Arthritis Matters

Can orthotic braces help dogs with osteoarthritis live more comfortably and stay active? In this episode, Hannah is joined by veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist Lizzie Oselton to explore the growing role of canine orthotics in arthritis management. Lizzie explains how modern custom-made braces are designed to improve joint stability, support functional movement and reduce abnormal loading, rather than simply immobilising joints. Together, they discuss which dogs are most likely to benefit, how braces are fitted, common misconceptions, and why orthotics should always form part of a wider management plan alongside weight control, pain relief, physiotherapy and environmental adaptations. They also explore the current evidence, the importance of realistic expectations, and why personalised treatment is essential. Packed with practical advice for both veterinary professionals and dedicated caregivers, this episode offers an accessible introduction to an exciting area of rehabilitation medicine that aims to keep arthritic dogs moving safely for longer.
Guest Bio:
Lizzie Oselton, BSc (Hons) Equine Management, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy,, is a veterinary physiotherapist based on the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Lincolnshire borders. She runs Meadowside Vet Physio, providing mobile veterinary physiotherapy for horses and dogs alongside a veterinary physiotherapy clinic within a small-animal veterinary practice in Wisbech. 
Lizzie also holds a Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Her interest in canine orthotics developed through treating dogs with osteoarthritis, where maintaining movement is central to long-term management. She sees orthotic support as another tool to help appropriate patients remain active, comfortable and engaged in rehabilitation as part of a multimodal treatment approach.

Referenced links:
Visit Lizzie’s Facebook page here Meadowside Vet Physio
Learn more about Wimba
Download the Wimba free case consult app on GooglePlay or Apple
Read Bernie’s detailed case study here

5 Key Take Home Points
Orthotics support movement and joint stability—they don't cure arthritis or replace pain relief.

The best outcomes come when braces are combined with physiotherapy, weight management and veterinary care.

Every brace should be custom-fitted and prescribed for the individual dog.

Protecting function is just as important as managing pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Small changes at home and tailored exercise can make a big difference to long-term mobility and quality of life.

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 more on complimentary therapies!

Communication is one of the most important tools in successful OA management. In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah is joined by registered veterinary nurse and veterinary education specialist Jessica Woolrich from VetLed to explore how better communication can strengthen relationships between caregivers, veterinary professionals and allied teams.
Together, they discuss why communication is about far more than simply sharing information. From listening and building trust to navigating difficult conversations, Jess shares practical tips for creating genuine partnerships that improve long-term care for dogs living with chronic pain.
Using real-life scenarios from practice, the conversation explores what happens when caregivers leave consultations feeling overwhelmed, why second conversations matter, and how curiosity can help overcome barriers to understanding. Whether you're a caregiver or a veterinary professional, this episode offers simple, practical insights into communicating with confidence and compassion to achieve the best outcomes for dogs with osteoarthritis.
Visit the VetLed website: Vetled
Or contact Jess on jess@vetled.co.uk

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 complementary therapies series!

In the last episode of the “Diet & Nutrition” series, we are joined by Lianne O'Boyle, Head of Clinical at Nutravet. We discuss the vital role veterinary nurses play in osteoarthritis management, the growing use of laser therapy in practice, and whether veterinary education adequately prepares clinicians for managing chronic conditions such as OA. Lianne also shares insights from her transition into the supplement industry, offering a balanced perspective on evidence, regulation, client expectations, and the role of ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and boswellia in joint health support.
Packed with practical advice for both veterinary professionals and pet caregivers, this episode explores how a collaborative, multimodal approach can help improve the lives of dogs and cats living with osteoarthritis.
NutraVet
Guest Bio
Lianne O’Boyle is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, teaching, leadership and business. Early in her career, she discovered a passion for developing others, moving into training and education to support the next generation of veterinary nurses. She later stepped into entrepreneurship, running her own successful veterinary sector business for a decade, before transitioning into senior leadership roles within industry. Today, Lianne is Head of Clinical at a leading pet nutraceutical company, where she combines her clinical background with commercial strategy to drive innovation and animal health. With a career that spans practice, education, business ownership and industry leadership, Lianne is a passionate advocate for the role of veterinary nurses beyond traditional practice. She now shares her insights as a speaker, championing leadership, career growth and the expanding opportunities for nurses in the veterinary industry.
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 new series “Complimentary Therapies”

This week, we’re joined by Dr Conny Moseley, veterinary pain specialist and cannabinoid medicine expert, to explore the role of CBD in managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis in dogs.
We discuss the science behind CBD, how it differs from traditional pain medications, what the current evidence tells us, and the practical challenges vets and caregivers face when choosing and using CBD products.
A balanced, evidence-based conversation packed with insights on chronic pain management, canine osteoarthritis, and where CBD may fit into modern veterinary practice.

Referenced links:
Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine

Does oral cannabidoil oil in adjust to pain medications help reduce pain & improve locomotion in dogs with osteoarthritis?

Guest bio
Dr. Conny Mosley is a board-certified anesthesiologist and currently the Veterinary Consultant for Pain & Internal Medicine for Elanco Canada. Conny has held faculty positions at North Carolina State University, Oregon State University and Ontario Veterinary College and has been an anesthesiologist in a private specialty practice, where she also ran an Integrative Veterinary Pain Clinic. She continues to consult on pain cases. Conny is certified in acupuncture, served on the WSAVA Global Pain Council and is the founding director of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine. Conny is a passionate advocate for ethical and practical veterinary care and pain management. Her contributions to the field include publications, lectures, and a deep commitment to both teaching and learning.

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 final instalment in the “Diet & Nutrition” series!

Internal medicine and nutrition specialist, Isuru Gajanayake, joins CAM’s Esme Howells to discuss the nutritional needs of dogs with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. All dogs need a balanced diet and their requirements differ depending on their age but also on their medical issues and body score. Isuru talks us through protein and energy requirements at different life stages and provides guidance on how to choose the right food from the huge range available.
Guest bio
Isuru Gajanayake is an American, European and RCVS specialist in small animal internal medicine, and an American specialist in small animal nutrition. He works at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service in Solihull, seeing referral cases in both internal medicine and clinical nutrition https://willows.uk.net/
Referenced links
WSAVA Nutritional Guidelines https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/
WSAVA Nutritional Toolkit https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit-English.pdf

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
Stay tuned to learn more about nutrition with Dr Conny Mosely next week!