Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at educating veterinary and nursing students on the early identification and management of osteoarthritis. The initiative will ensure all vet and nursing students are fully equipt to address osteoarthritis in the clinic, with comprehensive, evidence-based training being rolled out nationwide.
Previous studies suggest that 20% of dogs over the age of one are affected by arthritis, but recent work indicates that this is significantly underestimating the scale of the problem. Canine arthritis is a major cause of elective euthanasia of dogs in the UK and a growing welfare concern. CAM believes that educating vets and nurses of the future is imperative to changing the way we consider and approach this disease. When students graduate, arthritis management is one of the most common conditions they will encounter. CAM believes that equipping them with advanced understanding and capabilities ensures they are best placed to treat pets and improve the comfort and welfare of their patients.
Vetz Petz, distributors of Antinol, a leading joint health supplement for cats and dogs, are supporting the initiative in partnership with CAM.
Vetz Petz UK Partnerships Manager and RVN Chloe White says, “We are so proud and excited to be working with CAM to deliver learning and support on canine osteoarthritis to the next generation of vets and nurses via the UK and ROI's prestigious vet schools. Not only will this training support CAM's vital work, but it will instil confidence in new graduates to diagnose and support owners and dogs with mobility problems.”
Dr Hannah Capon, founder and director of CAM, has created lecture material for students that gives a comprehensive understanding of best, but realistic management practices. From early identification and the process of diagnosis, to creating and adapting a constantly evolving management plan.
Dr Capon says, “Conversation and communication is a major component of vet work, and this course aims to repeatedly refer back to real-life scenarios, supporting students to face these challenging client conversations and sail through them.”
The initiative will also establish a Student CAM Ambassador in every education centre—an arthritis champion. That student will receive free CAM membership, training, merchandise and lots more. CAM Ambassadors will promote CAM within their learning centre and fly the flag for the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
If veterinary education centres or students would like to know more about this initiative, they can visit https://caninearthritis.co.uk/ or email Evie Tummon evie@caninearthritis.co.uk.
If you would like to learn more about Vetz Petz and pet joint health supplement, Antinol, you can visit www.antinol.co.uk for further details.
