In this CAM Live episode, Dr. Brennen McKenzie (known as the SkeptVet) joins Hannah Capon to discuss why evidence-based medicine is essential in protecting animals and caregivers from ineffective or harmful treatments. They explore common arthritis-related therapies and highlight the importance of rigorous scientific testing. Topics include the use of NSAIDs, turmeric, CBD, glucosamine, PEMF, LED/laser therapy, essential fatty acids, and zoopharmacognosy.
Published December 2020 – https://youtu.be/9l2PrUvQjW0

Brief Bio

Brennen McKenzie is a small animal veterinarian, writer, and lecturer with a background in biology, physiology, and epidemiology. He holds a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He is the author of the book Placebos for Pets and founder of the SkeptVet blog, where he advocates for science-based veterinary care. He has served as President of the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association and continues to publish and lecture on veterinary decision-making and critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

1. Evidence-based medicine helps prevent physical, emotional, and financial harm to both pets and owners.
2. Many commonly used supplements and treatments lack strong scientific support for their effectiveness.
3. NSAIDs remain one of the most well-researched and effective treatments for managing arthritis pain in dogs.
4. Caregivers should understand how scientific evidence is built through rigorous testing, not anecdote.
5. Evaluating claims critically helps caregivers make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary interventions.

Relevant Links
SkeptVet Blog – http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

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.

In this episode, Dr. James Elliott joins Hannah Capon to explore the use of radiotherapy in treating osteoarthritis-related pain in dogs. Known primarily as a cancer treatment, radiotherapy is now being examined for its potential in managing chronic pain when conventional treatments are not enough. James shares clinical insights, including the case of his own dog, and discusses the promise and challenges of this emerging approach.

Brief Bio

Dr. James Elliott is a veterinary oncologist at Southfields Veterinary Specialists. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh and completed a residency in medical oncology at the University of Liverpool. He later trained in radiation oncology in the United States. His current work includes using advanced radiotherapy techniques to manage both malignant and non-malignant conditions in animals, including osteoarthritis.

Key Takeaways

1. Radiotherapy is being explored as a novel option for managing arthritis pain, particularly in dogs that cannot tolerate standard treatments.
2. Modern radiation techniques allow short, targeted sessions, reducing stress and side effects.
3. Not all dogs benefit equally; success may depend on the stage of the disease and location of pain.
4. There is a low but present risk of radiation-induced side effects, including secondary cancer in younger animals.
5. More research is needed, but early clinical results suggest radiotherapy could become a valuable tool in multimodal pain management.

Relevant Links

Podcast episode – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaA
Southfields Veterinary Specialists – https://www.southfields.co.uk

CAM Teleguidance service – https://caninearthritisteleguidance.co.uk
CAM Member Zone – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-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.

In this CAM Live episode, Emma Milne joins Hannah Capon to discuss the impact of breed-related disease on dogs, the veterinary profession, and society. The conversation covers the ethical, economic, and welfare consequences of breeding for appearance, particularly in brachycephalic breeds. Emma shares her insights from years of animal welfare advocacy and challenges the industry to take stronger action to protect canine health.
Published November 2023 – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaA

Brief Bio

Emma Milne graduated from Bristol University in 1996 and worked in general practice before becoming a clinical nutrition advisor. She has been a trustee for the Animal Welfare Foundation and the Dog Breeding Reform Group and has worked with multiple charities. Emma is the founder of Vets Against Brachycephalism and has written nine books on animal welfare. In 2021, she was awarded a Fellowship by the RCVS for her contributions to the profession in the field of welfare. She now lives in France, continuing her welfare work and writing.

Key Takeaways

1. Breed-related diseases, especially in flat-faced dogs, are preventable but continue due to outdated breeding standards.
2. The veterinary profession needs to lead by example and stop enabling harmful breeding practices.
3. Economic and ecological consequences are tied to these breeds through increased medical care and reduced animal wellbeing.
4. Public perception of pedigree breeds needs to shift—purebred does not mean healthy.
5. Greater unity and action are required from all professionals to create lasting change in animal welfare.

Relevant Links

Vets Against Brachycephalism - Emma’s campaign to highlight the cruelty of extreme dog breeding – https://www.vetsagainstbrachycephalism.com
Functional Dog Collaborative – A movement supporting healthy, temperamentally sound mixed-breed breeding - https://www.functionalbreeding.org
Valley Vets - A practice refusing artificial fertility support for brachy breeds – https://www.valleyvets.net
RVC VetCompass – A new framework to judge canine health by features, not breed name - https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
CAM Member Zone - £25/year for access to 450+ hours of education and tools – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-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.