Episode 50 - Rehab in Everyday Practice - Early Identification of Canine Pain - João Alves

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon speaks with João Alves MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon with a special interest in chronic pain and osteoarthritis. Together they discuss why spotting pain early is vital, how misinterpreting behaviour can delay care, and why arthritis should be considered long before obvious lameness develops.

João shares practical advice for general practitioners on integrating chronic pain assessment into everyday consults, from history-taking to subtle movement observation. He and Hannah also explore the importance of teamwork with owners, how simple validated tools can improve accuracy, and why communication and empathy are often as powerful as prescriptions in managing canine OA.

Guest Bio:

João Alves is a highly qualified Portuguese veterinarian with significant UK presence, known for specializing in Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, chronic pain (especially osteoarthritis), and working dog welfare, holding a PhD and European Specialist qualification (DECVSMR), regularly speaking and publishing, and is registered with the RCVS as Joao Paulo do Amaral Monteiro Alves, working in North Yorkshire.

Key Takeaways:

1. ​ Chronic pain is often under-recognised. Behavioural changes such as reluctance to jump, subtle stiffness, or reduced play may be early red flags.
2. ​ Owners are key partners. Teaching them to recognise and record changes helps provide better evidence for diagnosis and management.
3. ​ Validated assessment tools reduce subjectivity and help track progress more reliably than owner memory alone.
4. ​ Pain management should begin early—waiting for overt lameness means lost time and welfare compromise.
5. ​ Empathy, continuity, and communication are central. Building trust leads to more accurate reporting and better adherence to management plans.

Relevant Links:

Join the CAM Member Zone

Access webinars, guides, case studies, and a supportive community of professionals and pet owners working to improve canine arthritis care.

Join here: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Use the Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form

Help identify dogs that may be living with hidden pain. This validated form supports early recognition and structured conversations with owners.

Download here: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspicion-of-chronic-pain/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.