drbrunke

  • A Common Problem in Working Dogs, With an Uncommon Cause

    Lower back problems are unfortunately common in working dogs. It is the #1 reason why a working dog is retired early. These dogs sprint, jump, climb, search, apprehend, and repeatedly push their bodies in ways that most pet dogs never have to. All of this places tremendous stress on the… Listen ⇢

  • Osteoarthritis in Dogs Can Start Earlier Than You Think

    When most people think about osteoarthritis (OA), they picture an older dog who is stiff, slow, and having trouble getting up or walking. But osteoarthritis does not suddenly appear when a dog gets old. OA is a disease that can develop and change throughout a dog’s lifetime. In some dogs,… Listen ⇢

  • 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 ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

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