About the course

This course empowers veterinary technicians with the knowledge and skills to improve quality of life in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic pain. Participants will learn proactive approaches to preserving mobility, reducing chronic pain, and extending a dog's healthspan through multimodal management techniques. The course covers critical topics such as weight management, tailored exercise, environmental optimization, and caregiver education. By the end, veterinary technicians will be prepared to serve as OA and Healthspan Advocates within their practice, enhancing both patient outcomes and client satisfaction.

Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw

Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw is a small animal surgeon and rehabilitation specialist dedicated to improving arthritis management in dogs by bridging these disciplines. She earned her DVM, MS, and PhD at the University of Florida, where she also completed her surgical residency and later served as a clinical instructor. After nearly a decade in specialty practice in Seattle, she spent three years at Zoetis as an osteoarthritis specialist, educating veterinary professionals nationwide. In 2019, she launched CARE to provide unbiased, evidence-based resources for veterinarians and dog owners. A respected speaker and author, Dr. Shaw has received multiple awards for her contributions to veterinary rehabilitation. Inspired by her own dogs, Bella, Bailey, and Beans, whose struggles with pain and mobility shaped her approach to care, Dr. Shaw remains dedicated to advancing veterinary education. Today, she shares her life with her husband, Aaron, and their two dogs, Arrow and Eddie.

Curriculum

8 Chapters · 16 Lessons

  1. 1

    Module 1: Introduction to The Canine Healthspan Movement

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1: Introduction to The Canine Healthspan Movement

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 1: Introduction to The Canine Healthspan Movement™

  2. 2

    Module 2: The role of the veterinary technician as a Healthspan Advocate

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 2: The role of the veterinary technician as a Healthspan Advocate

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 2: The role of the Veterinary Technician as a Healthspan Advocate

  3. 3

    Module 3: The Comprehensive OA Plan

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3: The Comprehensive OA Plan

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 3: The Comprehensive OA Plan

  4. 4

    Module 4: Oral and Injectable Analgesics

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4: Oral and Injectable Analgesics

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 4: Oral and Injectable Analgesics

  5. 5

    Module 5: Weight Management, Nutrition and Supplements

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5: Weight Management, Nutrition and Supplements

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 5: Weight Management and Nutrition

  6. 6

    Module 6: Exercise and Environmental Optimization

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 6: Exercise and Environmental Optimization

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 6: Exercise and Environmental Optimization

  7. 7

    Module 7: Additional tools in the OA tool box

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 7: Additional tools in the OA tool box

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 7: Additional tools in the OA tool box

  8. 8

    Module 8: Putting the pieces together: Actionable steps to become a Canine Healthspan Advocate in your practice

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 8: Putting the pieces together: Actionable steps to become a Canine Healthspan Advocate in your practice

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz Module 8: Putting the pieces together: Actionable steps to become a Canine Healthspan Advocate in your practice

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