Mobility care moves upstream in senior pet practice

Version 1 — Brief

dvm360 has published a sponsored podcast feature, “Mobility Matters: A Multimodal Approach to Keeping Pets Moving,” built around a conversation between Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and rehabilitation specialist Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR (Canine), CVA, CVPP, CCRT. Released May 7, 2026, during Mobility Awareness Month, the episode argues for earlier detection of mobility decline in aging pets and a more proactive care model that combines pain management, targeted nutrition, exercise, and longer-term joint support, rather than waiting for obvious lameness. Amstutz emphasizes that many pet parents don’t recognize subtle mobility changes, so veterinary teams should ask more specific functional questions, such as whether a pet now struggles with stairs, rising, furniture, or getting into the car. (dvm360.com)

Why it matters: The discussion aligns with broader veterinary guidance that mobility loss and chronic pain are often underrecognized, especially in senior dogs and cats. AAHA’s 2023 Senior Care Guidelines recommend detailed history-taking about movement and play, hands-on musculoskeletal assessment, use of screening checklists and pain scales, and even client videos from home to catch problems earlier. AAHA’s 2022 Pain Management Guidelines also support a proactive, multimodal approach that combines drug and nondrug strategies, including weight control, diet, exercise, rehabilitation, and environmental modification. For general practitioners, the practical takeaway is less about a new therapy and more about tightening screening workflows so mobility changes are identified before they become severe. (aaha.org)

What to watch: Expect more mobility-focused education and industry programming this year, especially around senior care, osteoarthritis screening, rehabilitation, and nutrition integration in everyday practice. (connect.navc.com)