About the course
Feline osteoarthritis (OA) is common, underdiagnosed, and frequently complicated by comorbidities such as obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal disorders. As part of a multimodal management strategy, nutrition and weight management are among the most impactful and modifiable interventions available to veterinary teams. This session explores the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of feline OA, the principles of multimodal management, and the critical role of nutrition as therapeutic intervention. We will review the evidence supporting targeted nutritional strategies (including caloric restriction, macronutrient balance, and omega-3 fatty acids), and develop practical approaches for selecting appropriate diets in cats with OA and concurrent diseases. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to implement nutrition-forward OA plans that support mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life while maintaining a caregiver-centered approach.
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 dog Eddie.
Dr. Ally Spitz
Dr. Ally Spitz is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. She then completed a small animal rotating internship at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Copley, Ohio. She finished her small animal clinical nutrition residency at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and is now a Scientific Communications Manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition. Her favorite nutrition cases include pet obesity and GI disease.
Curriculum
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1
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(Included in full purchase)
Food as Medicine for Feline OA
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(Included in full purchase)
Dr. Shaw's Food as Medicine Slides
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(Included in full purchase)
Dr. Spitz's Links
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(Included in full purchase)
Quiz for Credit: Food as Medicine
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(Included in full purchase)
Learn about Feline OA, Weight Management & Nutrition.
Earn 1 hour RACE approved CE!