drbrunke

  • Age Is Not a Disease!

    Old age is not a diagnosis One of the most common things I hear about an older dog or cat is, “They are just slowing down, they are old.” Sometimes that statement is true in the sense that aging changes the body. But it should not be the end of… Listen ⇢

  • Can Cats Get Lumbosacral Disease Too?

    Lumbosacral disease is something I talk about often in dogs. It can cause lower back pain, trouble using the back legs, difficulty jumping, and sometimes changes in tail or bathroom function. But what about cats? This has actually been on my mind a lot lately because I have been seeing… Listen ⇢

  • A New Genetic Disease Found in Doberman Pinschers

    Doberman Pinschers are known for being smart, loyal, and athletic dogs. Like many purebred dogs, they can also inherit certain genetic diseases. A new study has discovered another rare inherited condition that affects the way nerves and muscles work together. The disease is called Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS). What is… Listen ⇢

  • Hip Surgery in Cats: What Happens Years Later?

    Hip injuries can be painful for cats and make it hard for them to walk, jump, and play. When the hip joint is badly damaged, veterinarians may recommend surgery. Two common options are: Two recent studies looked at how cats do after these surgeries. The results give us a better… Listen ⇢

  • Do Balance Discs and Peanuts Really Work? New Research Says Yes

    If you’ve ever visited a canine rehabilitation clinic, you’ve probably seen dogs standing on balance equipment like K9FITbones, balance discs, or peanut-shaped inflatable platforms. These exercises are often called “core exercises” or “balance training,” but until now we have had very little scientific evidence showing exactly what they do inside… Listen ⇢

  • Arthritis Pain in Cats May Be More Complicated Than We Thought

    \We have talked before on this blog about how common arthritis is in cats. Many people think arthritis only causes sore joints. But a new study by Lefort-Holguin et al. suggests there may be more going on. The researchers looked at cats with osteoarthritis (OA) and studied something called neuro-sensitization.… Listen ⇢

  • What Is a Pivot Shift After a Torn CCL in Dogs?

    If your dog has torn their cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), you may hear your veterinarian talk about something called a “pivot shift.” It sounds complicated, but it is actually an important clue about how unstable the knee has become. The CCL in dogs is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament… Listen ⇢

  • New JAVMA Article: What Veterinarians Should Know About Emerging Safety Concerns with Librela®

    I am excited to share a newly published article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) of which I was a co-author. It was a privilege to work with an outstanding team of collaborators on this important review. Our paper looks at the growing body of information… Listen ⇢

  • Rehab After CCL Surgery

    Helping Your Dog Get Strong Again Why rehab is key Surgery fixes the joint, but rehabilitation aids the body in healing by reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness, while rebuilding muscle and coordination. A structured rehab plan gives your dog confidence to use the leg again. How rehab works — step… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

Topics on animal mobility, chronic pain, and One Health overlap

Subscribe Now