On-Demand

Six Steps to Success: How to Manage Feline OA Pain

Nearly 40% of all cats show signs of osteoarthritis pain; however, it remains a highly under-diagnosed disease. Active screening and early identification can increase the number of cats treated and improve the quality of life of cats suffering from pain and reduced mobility associated with OA. Join us as we explore why unmanaged pain can be life-threatening, how to screen proactively, and strategies for developing a comprehensive management plan.

  • Instructor: Kristin Kirkby Shaw

  • Resources: 1 Hour RACE CE
  • Sponsor: Zoetis

A few more words about this course

This course will equip you with a practical, real-world approach to identifying and managing osteoarthritis (OA) in cats—one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of chronic pain. You’ll learn how to proactively screen for OA, recognize subtle clinical signs, and build a comprehensive, multimodal management plan to improve patient comfort and quality of life. Designed for veterinary professionals seeking to enhance early detection and long-term care strategies, this course focuses on actionable insights you can immediately apply in practice. You will learn:

  • Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, including peripheral and central sensitization
  • Why OA pain can be life-threatening and often goes unrecognized in cats
  • How to screen proactively and identify early signs through observation and structured checklists
  • Practical techniques for early detection of OA in feline patients
  • Strategies for developing a comprehensive, multimodal OA management plan
  • Real-world case examples to guide clinical decision-making
  • Principles of tri-care: pain management, nutrition, and lifestyle modification
  • How to engage and educate the veterinary team and pet owners for better outcomes
Meet Your Presenter

Kristin Kirkby Shaw

DVM, MS, PHD, DACVS, DACVSMR

 Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw is a board-certified small animal surgeon and rehabilitation specialist with a clinical and research focus on orthopedic surgery and osteoarthritis management. She earned her DVM, MS, and PhD from the University of Florida, where she also completed a residency in small animal surgery. Following her training, she served as a clinical instructor at the University of Florida for two years, then spent nine years in specialty referral practice in Seattle.