Canine Arthritis Matters

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

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

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the few supplements that have some evidence of benefit for osteoarthritis. Nicki Bell talks to Charley Gray about omega 3s, how they work and why they are useful in the management of canine arthritis. Charley explains the different omega 3s and why it is currently EPA and DHA that we are particularly interested in for dogs. Their role in the anti-inflammatory pathway is explained with diagrams and analogies. There are different sources of omega 3s – plants, fish and algae and their pros and cons are described alongside guidance on what might be the best option for dogs. Charley also discusses dosing of omega 3s and how to work out how much your dog needs for their weight. It can be difficult to give a therapeutic dose without giving your dog too much fat in its diet or exceeding safe limits for Vitamins A and D. The session ends with a comparison of omega 3 levels in different joint supplements and other options for providing adequate levels in your dog’s diet.Charley is a vet with a special interest in nutrition. She works as a small animal vet and as a nutritionist helping to audit and formulate diets. She works with owners who want to prepare a home-cooked diet for their pets to make sure the diet is well-balanced and complete.
Veterinary Nutrition & Formulation Services:
https://www.companion-nutrition.co.uk/

5 Key Take Homes
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements with evidence for canine osteoarthritis
EPA and DHA are the most important omega-3s for dogs
Omega-3s help by influencing inflammatory pathways
Not all omega-3 sources are equally useful
Correct dosing is crucial and can be challenging

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Have questions, send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the few supplements that have some evidence of benefit for osteoarthritis. Nicki Bell talks to Charley Gray about omega 3s, how they work and why they are useful in the management of canine arthritis. Charley explains the different omega 3s and why it is currently EPA and DHA that we are particularly interested in for dogs. Their role in the anti-inflammatory pathway is explained with diagrams and analogies. There are different sources of omega 3s – plants, fish and algae and their pros and cons are described alongside guidance on what might be the best option for dogs. Charley also discusses dosing of omega 3s and how to work out how much your dog needs for their weight. It can be difficult to give a therapeutic dose without giving your dog too much fat in its diet or exceeding safe limits for Vitamins A and D. The session ends with a comparison of omega 3 levels in different joint supplements and other options for providing adequate levels in your dog’s diet.

Companion Nutrition - Veterinary Nutrition & Formulation Services
Dr Charlotte Gray MA hons VetMB MRCVS
https://www.companion-nutrition.co.uk/

Key Take Homes:

Omega-3s can help dogs with osteoarthritis
EPA and DHA are the key omega-3 fatty acids for dogs
Omega-3s come from fish, algae, and plants
Correct dosing matters
Not all joint supplements provide effective omega-3 levels

Learn more about CAM:
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Have questions send them to: podcast@caninearthritis.co.uk

In the US, two out of three dogs are obese. This exacerbates the difficulties vets face when trying to manage pain and rehabilitate arthritic dogs. Matt Brunke and Hannah Capon discuss nutrition and supplements and point out that fat doesn’t just increase loading on joints, it secretes inflammatory mediators that make arthritis worse. They then go on to discuss an imaginary case study – an overweight dog with elbow problems – and Matt outlines what he would do to reach a diagnosis and the different options for treatment, from stem cells and platelet rich plasma to the more usual pharmaceutical interventions. With all options, the aim is to get the dog as free from pain as possible so that it can complete a rehab programme aimed at restoring function.

Guest Bio:
Matt Brunke DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and practises rehabilitation, acupuncture and pain management in Maryland, US.
5 Key takeaways:
Obesity worsens arthritis
Extra fat increases joint stress and inflammation.

Pain relief comes first
Dogs need pain control before rehab can work.

Diet matters
Good nutrition and supplements can support joint health.

Treatment should be multimodal
Combining meds, rehab, weight loss, and therapies works best.

Focus on quality of life
The goal is better movement, comfort, and daily function.

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Carrie Smith joins Hannah Capon to discuss physiotherapy approaches for managing arthritis in dogs through two case studies. Sidney developed allodynia after multiple surgeries, causing normal touch to feel painful due to chronic pain and central sensitisation. His case highlights how painful dogs are often mislabelled as “difficult” and how therapies like kinesio-taping can help. The second case follows Emily, a 15-year-old malamute whose arthritis suddenly worsened despite good management. With extra rest, support, and time, Emily recovered well, demonstrating the importance of adapting care during flare-ups. Carrie also shares an acupuncture case, reflecting her continued passion for rehabilitation therapy.

5 Key Takeaways:
Pain is not always obvious

Arthritis pain can alter the nervous system, making normal touch feel painful.
Behaviour can indicate pain is present

“Difficult” behaviour in dogs may actually be a sign of hidden pain.
Treatment should be individualised

Effective arthritis care needs a tailored, multimodal approach.
Flare up are part of the arthritis journey

Arthritic dogs often experience flare-ups that require extra support and rest.
Patience matters

Patience, compassion, and creative therapies can improve quality of life.

Guest Bio:
Carrie Smith graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She holds a certificate GUNN IMS (dry needling), a certificate in Acupuncture from the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and a certificate in sports physiotherapy. Carrie was the team physiotherapist for the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team 1996-1998 including the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan and team physiotherapist for the Canadian Men’s National Rugby Team 2007-2012, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Since 2018 Carrie has been the physiotherapist for the Canadian WAO Team (World Agility Open) and she is the owner of Kemptville Physiotherapy Centre and Kemptville Canine Centre.

Learn more about CAM:
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Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk