Expert Advice

Our leading canine health experts provide professional advice on how best to identify and manage your dog's osteoarthritis.

Meet our experts here and click through to their pages where you will find advice on easy, effective ways to care for a dog with osteoarthritis including weight control, exercise control and long-term pain relief.

Here you will also find the Controlled Care Programme, a bespoke programme for dog owners, providing tips and advice on the long-term management of canine osteoarthritis.

Sarah Heath, Veterinary Surgeon and Animal Behavioural Specialist

Sarah Heath qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Bristol University and is a Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine. Nearly two decades ago, she set up the Chester based veterinary practice, the Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice. Sarah's expertise in pet behaviour and special interest in canine osteoarthritis means she can help advise pet owners by providing key tips and advice on managing the health of dogs with osteoarthritis.

"If your dog is showing signs of canine osteoarthritis, it is very helpful if dog owners know which physical and behavioural signs to look out for. By talking to your vet about your dog's symptoms and finding out about the most appropriate treatment for your dog's pain, the management of canine OA can really be a walk in the park."

Marge Chandler, Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition

Dr. Marge Chandler is an expert in Small Animal Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland. She is Head of the Pet Nutrition Service, and specialises in clinical nutrition and small animal internal medicine. Marge's expertise as a nutritionist means that she can help advise pet owners by providing key tips and advice on managing your dog's diet and weight; one of the ways to help manage canine osteoarthritis.

"If your dog is affected by osteoarthritis, a healthy diet and weight control are important to your dog’s overall wellbeing. By talking to your veterinarian about an integrated approach to canine health, nutrition and weight management being key parts, the management of canine osteoarthritis can be a walk in the park."

David Prydie BVMS, CertSAO, CCRT, MRCVS

David graduated from Glasgow veterinary school in 1981 and obtained his certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedics in 1991. In 2009 David obtained his Certificate in Canine Rehabilitation from The Canine Rehabilitation Institute, an affiliate faculty to Colorado Veterinary School. He currently runs a dedicated referral physiotherapy practice in Cheshire and is secretary of The British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association, an organisation that aims to promote and regulate animal physiotherapy. David’s particular interests in canine sports medicine and the management of canine osteoarthritis means that he can help advise pet owners on exercise and rehabilitation.

"Exercise is important in any age of dog and that includes the older patient or dog with arthritis. A regular controlled exercise program helps keep muscles strong and joints mobile. Used in conjunction with other therapies the effects of arthritis can be reduced, keeping life in the old dog yet."

Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for advice from a vet. Always ask your vet or veterinary nurse for professional advice before treating your pet.