Louise Clark is a European and RCVS-recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Louise graduated from Glasgow in 1997. She spent three years in mixed and small animal practice before embarking upon a residency in Anaesthesia at R(D)SVS.
In 2003 Louise obtained the European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia before moving to the Animal Health Trust as an anaesthesia/ critical care clinician. Louise joined Davies Veterinary Specialists in the Autumn of 2007 to Head the Anaesthesia team.
In 2014 Louise was awarded an MSc (Distinction) in the Clinical Management of Pain from Edinburgh University – She was one of the first veterinary surgeons in the UK to complete the course. Louise is currently the Honorary Treasurer of the Pain Council at the Royal Society of Medicine, an invited examiner on the European Diploma examination and a past Treasurer of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists.
Current research interests include neuromuscular blockade and local anaesthetic techniques.
Louise kindly agreed to answer some questions:
What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?
The time pressure placed on veterinary general practitioners and possibly a lack of awareness of contemporary treatment options means that many dogs do not have their disease managed as effectively as possible.
As a vet what do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?
Open communication and an ability to objectively assess the dog’s quality of life and the benefits, if any, that our interventions are providing.
How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?
Development of further intra-articular therapies, some of which may have disease modifying qualities. There are some new systemic drugs in “the pipeline” that have different targets to those so far available.
If you could have the opportunity to give one tip/piece of advice to an owner with a dog suffering from arthritis what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask your vet for help and advice.
Lousie Clark
BVMS, CertVA, DiplECVAA, MSc (Clinical Management of Pain) MRCVS.
Head of Anaesthesia Davies Veterinary Specialists
RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia
EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia