drbrunke

  • How Nerves and NGF Help Bones Heal

    When someone breaks a bone, pain is often the first thing people think about. But pain is only part of the story. New research shows that nerves inside bones help guide healing, not just signal pain. Two recent studies published in Science help explain how this works and why it… Listen ⇢

  • Anti-NGF Pain Drugs in People: What Side Effects Were Seen?

    Scientists have been studying a new type of pain medicine called anti-NGF monoclonal antibodies. These drugs were made to help people with long-lasting pain, especially from arthritis. NGF stands for nerve growth factor. It is a natural chemical in the body that helps pain signals travel from injured joints to… Listen ⇢

  • What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and Why Is NGF Important?

    As dogs get older, some of them can start to show changes in their thinking and behavior. This is a condition called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD for short. CCD is sometimes called “dog dementia” because it is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. CCD makes it harder for… Listen ⇢

  • What Alzheimer’s and “Dog Dementia” Have in Common

    As people and dogs get older, their brains can change. In people, a disease called Alzheimer’s disease causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior. In older dogs, a similar disease happens, and veterinarians call it Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD for short. CCD is sometimes called “dog dementia.” Both… Listen ⇢

  • What Happened When Anti-NGF Pain Drugs Were Studied in People And Why This Matters for Librela® and Solensia® in Pets

    Over the past 15 years, scientists have studied a group of pain medicines called anti-NGF drugs. These drugs were designed to block nerve growth factor (NGF), a chemical in the body that plays a role in pain. Anti-NGF drugs were developed to reduce pain, but their benefits and risks continue… Listen ⇢

  • What Veterinarians Are Learning About “Dog Dementia”

    As dogs get older, some of them can start to have trouble thinking, remembering, and behaving the way they used to. This condition is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CCDS for short. CCDS is a brain condition in older dogs that is like Alzheimer’s disease in people. A group… Listen ⇢

  • Braces for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears in Dogs: Why the Evidence Remains Limited

    Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Surgical stabilization is widely considered the standard of care for most medium to large dogs, while non-surgical management may be appropriate in select cases. In recent years, custom knee braces have been increasingly marketed as… Listen ⇢

  • Transparency

    I am a co-author on the two papers listed below, and overall the feedback from many veterinarians and researchers has been very positive. I welcome thoughtful discussion and questions, especially when they are based on science and concern for animal health. Some comments raised concerns about using research from different… Listen ⇢

  • Custom Orthotics for Dogs: Their Role in Rehabilitation and Recovery

    Custom orthotics are increasingly discussed in veterinary rehabilitation to support dogs with limb injuries, neurologic conditions, or chronic musculoskeletal disease. When used appropriately, orthotics can be a helpful tool. However, they are not a cure, and they are not right for every dog. Understanding what orthotics can and cannot do… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

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