Clinician’s Brief spotlights multimodal OA pain management

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Clinician’s Brief has published a sponsored podcast episode, “Practical Advice on Managing Osteoarthritis Pain With Dr. Downing,” featuring veterinary pain specialist Robin Downing, DVM, and host Beth Molleson, DVM. The episode frames osteoarthritis management as a multimodal, long-term clinical challenge, not just a question of picking a single analgesic. That message aligns with broader veterinary guidance from AAHA, which recommends individualized, team-based pain management plans that combine pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, including weight management, rehabilitation, environmental modification, and regular reassessment. Clinician’s Brief has reinforced that same theme in related mobility coverage, including a separate sponsored podcast with rehabilitation specialist Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, which focused on practical strategies beyond medications and supplements and highlighted mobility as a major quality-of-life marker for both dogs and cats. (cliniciansbrief.com)

Why it matters: Osteoarthritis remains one of the most common chronic pain problems seen in small animal practice, and the treatment landscape has become more crowded, with NSAIDs, adjunctive analgesics, diets, supplements, rehabilitation, and anti-NGF biologics all part of the conversation. For veterinary professionals, the practical challenge is no longer whether options exist, but how to build a safe, evidence-based plan for each patient and communicate realistic expectations to the pet parent. That’s especially relevant as newer therapies such as bedinvetmab have expanded options for canine OA pain control, while also drawing closer FDA scrutiny through safety-related labeling updates and client information requirements. Brunke’s discussion also adds an important reminder that mobility problems are not limited to dogs: cats are often overlooked despite high obesity rates, longer lifespans, and common primary osteoarthritis that can quietly erode daily function indoors. (cliniciansbrief.com)

What to watch: Expect continued attention on multimodal OA protocols, monitoring standards, and how clinics balance newer biologics with established NSAID-centered care pathways. Also watch for more education that broadens the conversation from pain control alone to mobility support, especially around rehab, weight management, and species-specific OA recognition in cats as well as dogs. (news.zoetis.com)