drbrunke

  • Iliopsoas Tendinopathy in Dogs: Diagnosis, Management, and Therapeutic Options

    OverviewIliopsoas tendinopathy is a frequently under diagnosed cause of hindlimb lameness and poor performance in dogs, particularly in sporting, working, and highly active pet dogs. The iliopsoas muscle group—composed of the psoas major and iliacus—originates from the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis and inserts via a shared tendon on the lesser… Listen ⇢

  • Shoulder Tendinopathies in Dogs: Supraspinatus, Biceps, Medial Shoulder Syndrome, and Associated Osteoarthritis

    Shoulder tendinopathies are a frequent cause of forelimb lameness in active and working dogs. These injuries often result from repetitive strain or overload and can lead to chronic pain, decreased performance, and, over time, secondary osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder joint. The most affected structures include the supraspinatus tendon, biceps… Listen ⇢

  • A Brief Review of Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine

    Laser therapy, more accurately termed photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), has become a cornerstone of multimodal pain management and rehabilitation in veterinary medicine. Whether used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), tendon or ligament injuries, wounds, or neurological conditions, laser therapy can improve outcomes, speed recovery, and enhance quality of life. But not all… Listen ⇢

  • Understanding Osteoarthritis in Puppies: A New Veterinary Resource for Pet Owners

    This is a review of an article I helped write with a fantastic team of other veterinarians, to see the full article scroll to the bottom of this post. Osteoarthritis (OA) isn’t just a problem for older dogs—it can start in puppies and young dogs too. As one of the… Listen ⇢

  • Synovetin OA: Using Radioisotopes to Manage Arthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in both dogs and cats. It affects the joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Many pets suffer in silence as they age, and while traditional treatments like anti-inflammatories and joint supplements can help, they often fall short… Listen ⇢

  • Who’s Best at Judging a Dog’s Shape and Fitness?

    This was a recent study done by our research team looking at how consistently explosive detection dog handlers and veterinarians rated their dogs on two key measures: The study involved 43 working dogs, including breeds like Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds, all assessed by both handlers and three different veterinary… Listen ⇢

  • Advanced Pain Relief and Healing: Shockwave Therapy for Dogs and Cats

    Since 2017, I’ve been using extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a non-invasive, evidence-based tool to treat musculoskeletal conditions in both dogs and cats. From osteoarthritis (OA) and tendinopathies to lumbosacral (LS) disease, ESWT has become a cornerstone of my multimodal treatment approach, helping pets move more comfortably and recover more… Listen ⇢

  • Why CT Scans Are a Game-Changer for Diagnosing Mobility Issues in Dogs

    If your dog is limping, struggling to get up, or showing signs of back or joint pain, it’s natural to want answers quickly. Traditionally, X-rays (radiographs) have been the go-to diagnostic tool for evaluating orthopedic conditions in pets. While they still play a valuable role, more advanced imaging options, like… Listen ⇢

  • Developmental Orthopedic Disease and Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Synovial, Immunomodulatory Disease

    OverviewDevelopmental orthopedic diseases (DODs) are a group of musculoskeletal disorders that occur during skeletal growth in dogs. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and angular limb deformities are common examples. These developmental abnormalities frequently lead to altered joint mechanics and instability, predisposing dogs to the early… Listen ⇢

Matt Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine)

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

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