drbrunke

  • 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 ⇢

  • Custom Exoprosthetics for Dogs: Restoring Function After Limb Loss

    Losing a limb can be life-changing for a dog and emotionally overwhelming for their family. While many dogs adapt well to life on three legs, others benefit from additional support. Custom exoprosthetics are external artificial limbs designed specifically for an individual dog and are an evolving option in veterinary rehabilitation… Listen ⇢

  • Helping Pets Move Again: The Role of Wheelchairs for Dogs and Cats

    When a dog or cat loses the ability to walk normally, it can be heartbreaking for families. While surgery, medication, and rehabilitation are often the first steps, mobility devices, especially wheelchairs, can play an important role in helping some pets maintain movement, comfort, and quality of life. Wheelchairs are not… Listen ⇢

  • A New Review Article on Joint Pain in Dogs — And Why It Matters

    Joint pain from arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. It can make simple things like walking, standing up, or playing much harder. A recent review article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), of which I was a co-author, looked at a newer treatment… Listen ⇢

  • How Better Hip Testing Helped Improve the Hips of Working Dogs

    Hip dysplasia is a common problem in dogs. It means the hip joint doesn’t fit together quite right, and over time this can cause pain and arthritis. For dogs that work and train every day, such as detection dogs, healthy hips are very important. Veterinarians and breeders want ways to… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

Subscribe Now