Welcome to CAM's JustGiving page.

Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs living with arthritis through evidence-based education, support, and resources for owners and professionals worldwide.

Where we started

Dr Hannah Capon had been a vet for over ten years before the reality of caring for a dog with arthritis really hit home. Through a long and difficult journey caring for her own dog, Holly, she saw a need to change how dogs suffering from OA and their caregivers were being supported by the veterinary profession.

The sad truth is that "everyday arthritis" is actually a leading reason caregivers are forced to ask for elective euthanasia.

Painful arthritis rumbles "beneath the surface" for years, often leading to them suffering in silence.

Recent surveys have shown that arthritis is not a disease of the old, but in dogs often starts to reveal itself when they are young.

The ways in which dogs display pain associated with arthritis is often misinterpreted as non-painful slowing down, and is therefore overlooked till it is too late.

The prevalence, severity and duration of clinical signs have led to arthritis in dogs being reclassified as a welfare concern in 2018.

Hannah spent years studying, researching, and meeting patients outside of clinic hours at their houses, to truly understand what it means to look after a dog with arthritis. She has used her insight to build caregiver-focused, supportive resources on how to best manage arthritis and offer these dogs longer and happier lives.

Where we are now

CAM has grown into a recognised advisory service for owners and professionals across the UK and many other countries. We have fantastic caregiver communities where dog parents can learn, discuss topics, and find tools to help them on their journey.

We continue to grow in the professional space, offering training, resources, and a yearly education event, The Chronic Pain Symposium. We believe to help change the way this disease is managed, we need to support the whole team caring for the dog. The caregiver, the canine professionals, and the veterinary teams. Different people, with different roles but all striving to offer the dogs in their care a life worth living, free from pain and full of fun. We Believe in the #ONE team approach!!!!

Driving change is often slow and demoralising. But, we are witnessing huge changes in attitudes to arthritis management. Caregivers are asking for more support for their beloved companions, and canine and veterinary professionals are offering more services. It is an exciting time for chronic pain management in animals, but there is so much more to be done!

What’s next

CAM is a self-funded, independent initiative financed through course sales, donations and sponsorships of professional educational events. Our goal is to help dogs worldwide, and we need your help. Our next round of fundraising and donations will go toward building more resources, as well as translating our educational materials to ensure that our message - Arthritis is not the end of the road, but the start of a new direction - reaches a worldwide audience.

Together, we can help prevent unnecessary suffering.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.