Episode 81 - CPS 2026 - The One Team Approach - Hannah, Evie, Rebecca

In this April-focused episode from Canine Arthritis Management, Hannah Capon is joined by Evie and Rebecca to introduce the upcoming Chronic Pain Symposium, with a strong emphasis on practical, real-world application, including home adaptations as a core pillar of managing chronic pain.

The episode outlines how this year’s symposium has evolved to better support professionals and caregivers in translating knowledge into action. A key shift is moving beyond theory into practical implementation where environmental changes, daily routines and interdisciplinary collaboration become central to improving outcomes for dogs living with chronic pain.

The team introduces a structured three-day format designed to balance breadth and depth. Bite Size Friday offers accessible, high-impact insights across disciplines, while Saturday introduces dual learning streams tailored to veterinary and allied professionals. Sunday then deepens selected topics, allowing attendees to truly integrate learning into practice.

A recurring theme is that chronic pain management does not sit within one profession or one intervention. Instead, it requires a collaborative, multi-layered approach where home adaptations, behaviour, enrichment and lifestyle changes are as important as clinical treatments.

Ultimately, this episode positions the symposium as more than education – it is a platform for changing how chronic pain is understood, discussed and managed in everyday environments.

Guest Bios

Evie Thurmond is part of the CAM core team, contributing across education, clinical work and content development. She is actively involved in chronic pain clinics, external lecturing and the development of Pain Vet.

Rebecca plays a key role in managing Holly’s Army, CAM’s large caregiver community. She is a hydrotherapist, physiotherapy student and runs a dog daycare, bringing hands-on experience in canine behaviour and welfare.

Key take homes

1. Chronic pain education must translate into real life

Learning is only valuable if it can be applied. Home adaptations, routines and environment are critical bridges between theory and practice.

2. Home adaptations are central, not secondary

From flooring and rest areas to feeding strategies and daily structure, environmental changes are essential for managing pain effectively.

3. Interdisciplinary collaboration is non-negotiable

Veterinary teams, therapists and caregivers must work together. Different perspectives create better outcomes.

4. Depth matters as much as breadth

Broad awareness is important, but true impact comes from deeper understanding and repeated exposure to key topics.

5. Caregiver empowerment drives success

Equipping owners with practical tools and confidence is key to long-term management and improved quality of life.

Event Details

Event: Chronic Pain Symposium by Canine Arthritis Management

Dates: 24–26 April 2026 and it‘s online so you can participate from all over the world.

Structure

Friday

Bite-sized interdisciplinary sessions from multiple professionals

Saturday

Dual streams

• Veterinary stream

• Allied professional stream

Sunday

Deep dives into key topics including

• Pain and behaviour

• Lumbosacral pain

• Frailty and ageing

Plus additional panel discussions on

• Interdisciplinary teamwork

• Rehab modalities and evidence

• Quality of life and end-of-life decisions

Masterclasses (post-event)

• Psychopharmacology with Katrin Jan

• Intra-articular therapies with Joao Alves

• Feline chronic pain with Sarah Caney

Relevant links

Tickets & info

https://caninearthritis.co.uk

CAM Member Zone

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/memberzone

CAM Online Shop

https://www.camonlineshop.com

Holly’s Army (community)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hollysarmy