Jacques Ferreira BSc BVSc MSc MMEDVET(Anaes) DiplECVA. RCVS specialist and European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Jacques graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) in 2006, directly after which he enrolled in a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, which he completed in 2011. Jacques spent two years as a lecturer in Veterinary Anaesthesia at the University of Liverpool and in 2017 became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and analgesia. Currently, Jacques has a particular interest in peri-operative pain management, focussing on the use of local anaesthetic techniques for prevention of nociception.
Jacques kindly agreed to answer the following questions:
What are your feelings on how we currently manage this common debilitating condition in dogs?
There has never been a better time in veterinary science, to manage OA and related pain states. While still in its infancy, holistic pain management is progressing and with the expansion of dedicated pain practitioners and clinics, we will continue to refine and improve our strategies.
As a veterinary professional what do you feel is essential for managing canine arthritis effectively?
Effective management of canine osteoarthritis, requires commitment from both the owner and the veterinary surgeon. Every case is unique and will require a dedicated, dynamic and individualised management plan. A good owner – vet relationship will cultivate an atmosphere of teamwork to achieve the same goal which is a happy and functional best friend :). Furthermore, owner education is vital to achieving this working relationship and CAM is integral to this.
How do you see treatment options for arthritis progressing over the next ten years?
The advancement in translational medicine ( the use of animal clinical studies to predict outcomes in human patients) has provided a massive stimulus to development of arthritis modulating therapeutics in both veterinary and human medicine. It is clear the development of drugs which are very specific to arthritis pain is the future and which will provide us with effective drugs that are safer and can be administered for extend periods of time.
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?
Arthritis is a diagnosis, not an endpoint. Management of OA can be very rewarding and you would be surprised how close a relationship you form with your beloved dog. My second piece of advice is to immerse yourself in good literature, not ANY literature. CAM is a great place for this and I would highly recommend it.