In this episode, physiotherapist and researcher Nicole Bausch joins Hannah Capon to explore the overlooked concept of acute flares in canine osteoarthritis. Drawing from her background in the human health sector, Nicole explains how flares have only recently been formally defined even in people, and why this definition is essential for improving communication, treatment decisions, and outcomes in dogs. Hannah shares real-world challenges from clinical practice and personal experience, highlighting the risks of overmedication, caregiver distress, and missed welfare concerns when flares are not recognised or understood.
Key Takeaways
1. Acute flares are common but under-recognised. Until recently, even the human sector lacked a clear definition of OA flares.
2. Flare-ups can resolve spontaneously. Without awareness, vets may escalate medications unnecessarily or prematurely consider euthanasia.
3. Flares affect quality of life. They can cause days or weeks of discomfort, disrupting sleep, mood, and daily activity.
4. Imaging often doesn’t reflect pain. Radiographs or scans may not match what the dog is showing behaviourally.
5. Triggers matter. Nicole and Hannah discuss how physical and emotional triggers like overactivity or stress can initiate flares.
6. Better communication prevents problems. Hannah suggests that clearer explanations could reduce inappropriate spending and treatment.
7. Real-life insight: Nicole describes flare patterns in her own 16-year-old Jack Russell and how understanding them changed her approach.
8. Hannah on definition scope: “That’s all of OA until you cut it out, really isn’t it?”
Don’t let flares catch you off guard.
The CAM Acute Flare Kit is designed to help caregivers and professionals recognise, track, and respond to flare-ups quickly and confidently—reducing suffering and avoiding unnecessary treatment changes.
Packed with practical tools, guidance, and templates, it supports you in managing discomfort as it happens and helps you spot patterns before they escalate.
Access the Acute Flare Kit now in the CAM Member Zone
Join the CAM Member Zone
For just £35 per year, get access to CAM’s full library of caregiver tools, printouts, and support materials. - https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/
External Tools / Concepts Discussed:
1. FLARE-OA16 Questionnaire (human OA flare measurement – currently in development)
2. James Lind Alliance Research Priorities – https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk
3. OMERACT Working Group Flare Definition – https://omeract.org
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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.