drbrunke

  • Anti-Drug Antibodies (ADAs): A Simple Explanation

    Some modern medicines are made from proteins instead of chemicals. These are called biologic drugs. Many of these drugs are monoclonal antibodies. They are used in people to treat pain, inflammation, cancer, and immune diseases. Because these drugs are made of protein, the body’s immune system may see them as… Listen ⇢

  • How Common Is Arthritis in Dogs? A Look at New Research from the Dog Aging Project

    A new study looked at the health of dogs in the Dog Aging Project, a large research program that studies how dogs age and what diseases they develop over time. The researchers compared what dog owners reported about their pets’ health with what veterinarians wrote in medical records. This helped… Listen ⇢

  • How a Medicine Called Gabapentin Helps Cats Feel Better at the Vet

    Going to the vet can be hard for many cats. Some cats get nervous, scared, or upset when they go to the clinic. They may hide, hiss, growl, or try to escape. When cats are very stressed, it is harder for the veterinary team to examine them and give them… Listen ⇢

  • Long-Term Pain Medicine for Dogs with Arthritis: Is It Safe and Helpful?

    Many dogs with arthritis need pain medicine to stay comfortable and active. One common type of pain medicine is called an NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This article by Innes et al (link at bottom of post), looked at an important question: is it safe and helpful for… Listen ⇢

  • What Happened With the Cosequin Dog Supplement Lawsuit?

    Many dog owners want to help their pets feel better, especially if they have stiff joints or arthritis. One popular supplement for this is called Cosequin. But recently, there was a big lawsuit about this product. Let’s review what happened. What Was the Problem? Some people said that Nutramax, the… Listen ⇢

  • What Vets Say About Joint Injections for Dogs With Arthritis

    Many dogs get arthritis, which means their joints become painful and they do not move as well as they used to. One way veterinarians try to help is by giving injections directly into a dog’s joint. There are many kinds of injections, and some are not steroids. Sepulveda et al.… Listen ⇢

  • LS Disease vs. Tethered Cord Syndrome in Dogs

    What the Conditions Are Lumbosacral disease, also called degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS), happens when the bottom part of a dog’s spine where the lower back meets the pelvis starts to wear down with time. The discs, bones, and ligaments around that area can thicken or shift and press on the… Listen ⇢

  • What is Tethered Cord Syndrome?

    Tethered cord syndrome is a problem that affects a dog’s spine and nervous system. It can cause pain, trouble walking, and strange behaviors that are sometimes hard to explain. Until recently, this condition was not well understood in dogs, but new research is helping veterinarians recognize and treat it better.… Listen ⇢

  • How Weight Loss Can Help Dogs with Arthritis Walk Better

    Many dogs with arthritis also carry extra weight. In a study by Marshall et al (link at bottom of post, they  looked at a simple but powerful question: Can weight loss alone help dogs with arthritis feel and move better? The answer was yes. What the Study Looked At Researchers… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

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