drbrunke

  • NSAIDs:  For Dogs with Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the cornerstone of pain management for dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) and other chronic pain conditions. They help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, and when used correctly, they can greatly improve a dog’s comfort and mobility. I often rely on NSAIDs as part of a multimodal… Listen ⇢

  • Gabapentin and Pregabalin: Managing Chronic Pain in Dogs

    Chronic pain is one of the most challenging problems we face in veterinary medicine. Dogs with conditions like osteoarthritis, cancer pain, or spinal disease often need more than just anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). For these cases, we sometimes turn to medications that work on the nervous system itself with two of… Listen ⇢

  • Understanding the Caregiver Placebo Effect in Feline Arthritis Treatment

    Cats are masters of hiding pain. This makes it challenging for owners and even veterinarians to recognize when arthritis is affecting their daily comfort and mobility. A recent large study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science looked at frunevetmab (Solensia®), a monoclonal antibody therapy designed to manage arthritis pain in… Listen ⇢

  • Amantadine: An Oral Pain Relief Option for Dogs and Cats!

    Managing chronic pain in dogs and cats can be challenging, especially when dealing with conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSS). While traditional medications such as NSAIDs remain first-line (for dogs), additional therapies are often needed to provide better comfort and quality of life. One medication that has… Listen ⇢

  • Librela® and Solensia®: What Pet Owners Should Know

    In recent years, two injectable therapies, Librela® for dogs and Solensia® for cats, have been introduced as new tools to help manage osteoarthritis (OA) pain in our pets. These medications are monoclonal antibodies that target nerve growth factor (NGF), a key player in transmitting chronic pain signals. For many families,… Listen ⇢

  • Degenerative Lumbosacral Disease in Dogs: From Working Heroes to Family Companions

    As a veterinarian specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation, I see degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSS) often, especially in active-duty and retired working dogs, such as military and police K9s. But DLSS can affect any dog, especially larger breeds and older pets. It is one of the most common causes of… Listen ⇢

  • Cats Need Help Too: Understanding Mobility Issues in Our Feline Friends

    While most of my patients are dogs, I also enjoy helping cats with mobility issues. Unfortunately, cats are often overlooked when it comes to arthritis and back problems. Many people assume a cat that is “just sitting around” is being lazy or simply prefers to rest, but that cat may… Listen ⇢

  • An Update on “Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Librela™ for Your Dog”

    Since my July 3 post on Librela’s emerging safety profile—including data from Farrell et al.—I’ve co-authored a formal commentary with Dr. Curtis Dewey in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (July 16, 2025). In it, we expand on these concerns, address how data handling may obscure the true safety picture and offer… Listen ⇢

  • Paws of Honor: Serving Those Who Served Us

    This year marks the 10th anniversary of Paws of Honor, a nonprofit organization that holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of countless military and law enforcement families across the country. Since its founding, Paws of Honor has been dedicated to a simple yet profound mission:… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

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