Dr Megan Kelly qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2001 and gained post graduate qualifications in the field of veterinary rehabilitation.  Megan studied Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee  and Western Scientific Acupuncture through the British Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Megan has a special interest in pain management, prosthetics, orthotics and mobility devices. In 2010 Megan developed her own range of products called Holisticpet and continues to develop new innovative products to assist handicapped pets in Cape Town, South Africa.

Megan has developed a series of on-line pet health  webinars to educate veterinary rehabilitation specialists.  She also offers courses for pet owners as well as free tips, advice and videos on looking after arthritic, ageing and handicapped pets.

Megan kindly agreed to answer some questions from us on managing canine arthritis.

What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?

I feel that it’s very swayed to managing the symptoms and mainly the pain component of the condition. Although managing these pets’ pain is extremely important, there are other things we can do for these pets that will indirectly decrease the amount of pain they are experiencing.

As a veterinarian what do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?

We need to approach these patients with a multi pronged approach. All area need to be addressed to treat these patients effectively. These areas involve pain control, environmental changes, supplements and diets, veterinary rehabilitation, assistive devices and the correct exercise and strengthening for these pets.

How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?

Veterinary rehabilitation is one of the fastest growing veterinary fields and there is a great deal of research into treatment modalities and how best to treat pets suffering from musculoskeletal conditions. I am sure there will be great advances in our treatment options.

If you could had the opportunity to give one tip/ piece of advice to an owner with a dog suffering from arthritis what would it be?

My recommendation would be to see a veterinary rehab therapist. Even if its just for one consultation. They will be able to give the pet owner all the advice and direction they need to manage their pets condition effectively.

Dr Megan Kelly
onlinepethealth.com