Hannah Capon delivers a comprehensive recap of the 2024 Chronic Pain Symposium, a four-day event organized by Canine Arthritis Management (CAM). She explains its objectives, the interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain in animals, and the inclusion of various topics such as osteoarthritis, visceral, dental, and dermatological pain. Hannah discusses the planning, team efforts, guest speakers, session highlights, and the resources available for continued learning via CAM’s LearnWorlds platform.

Key Takeaways

1. Interdisciplinary Approach: Chronic pain management requires a collaborative effort across veterinary professionals, behaviorists, caregivers, and more. This event emphasized breaking down professional silos.
2. Massive Undertaking: The symposium took over 6 months of planning and involved a wide global network, offering 4 days of content, including Bite Size Friday with 30–40 mini lectures.
3. Accessibility Matters: Live attendance was free, ensuring inclusivity. Recordings and additional materials are available through VIP access on CAM’s LearnWorlds platform.
4. Content Variety: Lectures covered topics from osteoarthritis and palliative care to behavioral science and ethics. Expert sessions featured in-depth exploration of pharmaceutical, surgical, and integrative modalities.
5. Global Impact & Ongoing Access: Content will be translated into 12 languages and remains accessible post-event. The entire package (lectures + notes + CE credits + CAM Member Zone) is available for £125.

Unlock Even More with the CAM Member Zone!
Join the CAM Member Zone today and gain instant access to hundreds of expert interviews, downloadable resources, caregiver courses, clinical tools, and ongoing CPD content. Whether you’re a vet, nurse, therapist, or trainer—this is your chronic pain management toolkit, all in one place.
👉 Become a Member Now - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/cam-membership/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this inspiring VNAM special, CAM’s Hannah Capon speaks with Emily Ashdown, a veterinary nurse whose impressive career path has spanned clinic work, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, global education, and industry leadership. They discuss the evolving role of veterinary nurses in managing osteoarthritis (OA), how to build sustainable arthritis services in clinic, and the importance of caregiver communication. Emily shares practical advice from her multifaceted experience, including time-saving tips, how to manage client expectations, and ways to bring meaningful change to OA care. Their honest conversation also touches on sensitive topics like euthanasia and caregiver guilt, showing how deep empathy and good communication can reshape veterinary practice.

Brief Bio

Emily Ashdown is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, qualified animal physiotherapist, and industry educator. With over 13 years of experience, she has worked in mixed and charity practice, out-of-hours care, rehabilitation, and laser therapy. She now works globally in veterinary education, delivering training and clinical support, particularly around laser therapy. Emily also runs an academy for veterinary laser education and is currently pursuing a business degree, teaching qualifications, and assessor certification.

Key Takeaways

1. Reframe arthritis clinics into arthritis care teams. Successful OA support should span weight, rehab, bloodwork, and medication follow-ups—led by coordinated, passionate vet nurses.
2. Understand what quality of life means to each pet. Success begins by identifying what matters most to each animal and caregiver, then building a plan toward that goal.
3. Laser therapy needs precision. Devices must be used with correct dosing and anatomical understanding. Caregivers deserve maximum benefit from the time and money they invest.
4. Regular, proactive check-ins matter. Even short follow-up calls or WhatsApp messages can boost owner confidence, reveal pain progression early, and increase long-term clinic loyalty.
5. Don’t delay hard conversations. Talking about euthanasia earlier with caregivers reduces stress, guilt, and rushed decisions. Advanced planning—even payment—can be empowering.

Relevant Links

Holly’s Army Facebook Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2161091580843717

Good Day / Bad Day Diary - A helpful tool for tracking your dog’s daily wellbeing to assist in managing arthritis. https://caninearthritis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CAM-good-day-bad-day-v1.pdf

“It’s My Home Too” Tool - A home assessment checklist to help identify hazards or stressors in the dog’s living space.
View via CAM Tools: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/tools/

Accessible to CAM Member Zone subscribers
• Vet Nurse Flip Chart
• Prescription Pad
• Kennel Cards
• Acute Flare Kit (Professional and Owner Versions)

Access these tools by joining the CAM Member Zone:https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/tools/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.

In this inspiring episode for Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month (VNAM), Hannah Capon is joined by Helen Silver-McMahon, a veterinary nurse turned human factors and patient safety specialist. Helen shares how her early interest in veterinary nursing led to a career focused on improving communication, teamwork, and wellbeing in veterinary settings. Together, they explore the essential role of effective communication in chronic pain management and how it impacts client satisfaction, team dynamics, and patient outcomes. With relatable stories and practical insights, the conversation encourages professionals to rethink the value of soft skills, explore new directions, and find joy in their veterinary careers.

Brief Bio

Helen is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with a background in surgical nursing and a passion for communication and human factors. After completing a master’s degree in Human Factors and Patient Safety, she co-founded Being Human, a training company focused on communication, team performance, and wellbeing in veterinary practice. Helen continues to consult on patient safety and champions a culture of empathy and open communication within vet teams.

Key Takeaways

1. Communication is a clinical skill – Helen emphasizes that communication directly affects patient outcomes, client compliance, and team morale.
2. Human factors influence everything – Veterinary teams must understand how environment, stress, and fatigue affect performance and safety.
3. Empathy leads to better care – Creating psychological safety for clients and colleagues strengthens trust, collaboration, and results.
4. Personal coping strategies matter – From emotional resets between consults to leaving mental “baggage” at the door, small habits can improve wellbeing.
5. Vet nursing opens doors – Helen’s journey proves that vet nurses can diversify into new roles, from education and coaching to systems change and consulting.

Relevant Links

Being Human – Helen’s training initiative - https://being-human.org.uk
Messy Communication Paper by Ellie Russell (referenced) - https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.1068

Learn more about CAM:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.