By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Pain management has undergone a revolution in veterinary medicine. Twenty years ago, postoperative pain often meant a few opioid injections followed by "rest." Today, we understand that pain is a complex biological process involving peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, the brain, inflammation, and even emotions. Effective pain control isn't just about making pets more comfortable—it improves recovery, reduces complications, speeds return to normal f

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS For decades, veterinarians explained cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease as a simple mechanical problem. A dog runs.A ligament tears.Surgery fixes it. Today, we know the story is much more complicated. A growing body of evidence suggests that most cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is not the result of a single traumatic injury, but rather a chronic inflammatory disease of the entire stifle (knee) joint that gradually weakens the ligament

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Many dogs with pain affecting a front leg won't simply hold it up in the air, like in the picture above. Instead, they will limp when walking or running. One of the most confusing gait abnormalities for dog owners—and even veterinary students—is something called “down on sound.” At first glance, it seems backward. Why would a dog lower its head when the healthy leg touches the ground? Shouldn’t the head drop when the painful leg lands? The answer l

"It's not enough to help dogs live longer—we want them to live better." by Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Over the last several years, longevity medicine has transformed the way we think about aging. Much of that conversation has been driven by physician Peter Attia, who describes the "Four Horsemen"—the four chronic diseases responsible for most disability, declining health, and death in humans: Cardiovascular disease Cancer Neurodegenerative disease Metabolic disease These diseas

by Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS For years, when veterinarians discussed Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), the conversation almost always centered on three breeds: French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Pugs. But a major 2026 study from researchers at the University of Cambridge has expanded our understanding dramatically. After evaluating nearly 900 dogs across 14 additional brachycephalic breeds, the authors found that breathing abnormalities are far more widespread tha

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Have you ever noticed that your dog races across the yard but suddenly hesitates at the bottom of the stairs? Many owners assume their dog is simply "getting older." Others think their pet is being stubborn or cautious. In reality, your dog may be telling you something much more important. From a biomechanical standpoint, stairs are one of the most physically demanding obstacles dogs encounter every day. While healthy young dogs can usually navigat

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS As veterinarians, one of the most important parts of every physical examination isn't found in a blood test or an X-ray—it's evaluating your dog's Body Condition Score (BCS) and Muscle Condition Score (MCS). Most pet owners focus on one question: "Is my dog overweight?" But there's another question that's just as important: "Is my dog losing muscle?" These are two completely different measurements, and together they provide a much more complete pic

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS For decades, omega-3 fatty acids have been recommended for dogs with osteoarthritis, skin disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and cognitive dysfunction. Most veterinarians—and certainly most pet owners—understand that fish oil is "anti-inflammatory." But that's only part of the story. The real biology is far more fascinating. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) don't simply reduce inflammation. They influence how cells be

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS When most people think of a dog in pain, they picture obvious signs like crying, limping, or refusing to walk. But here's something that surprises many pet owners: Most dogs don't show pain that way. Dogs evolved from wild ancestors that survived by hiding weakness. An injured animal was more likely to become prey or lose its place in the social hierarchy. Although our pets sleep on couches instead of hunting for food, that instinct remains deeply

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Over the past few years, you've probably heard celebrities, athletes, and biohackers talking about peptides as the next frontier in health and longevity. But these small proteins aren't just attracting attention in human medicine—they're beginning to spark interest in veterinary medicine as well. Can peptides help dogs live longer? Recover faster? Build muscle? Strengthen the immune system? The answer is both exciting and complicated. Some peptides

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS As a veterinarian, I’ve spent years helping families make difficult medical decisions for their pets. But something unexpected happened when I started creating videos on TikTok: millions of people began asking the same questions I hear every day in the exam room. The videos that perform the best aren’t usually about the newest medication or the latest surgical technique. They’re about the things pet owners worry about every single day. Here are the

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Veterinary education is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, changes in animal care practices, and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field. As we move through 2023, several key trends are shaping the way veterinary professionals are trained and educated. This blog post explores these trends, providing insights into how they are transforming veterinary education and what they mean for future veterinarians. The

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS In today's digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for various industries, including veterinary services. With millions of users engaging on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, veterinarians have a unique opportunity to connect with pet owners, share valuable information, and promote their services. This blog post explores how social media impacts veterinary outreach, the benefits it offers, and practical strategies for ve

By Steve Mehler, DVM, DACVS Pet ownership is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles pet owners face is effective communication, whether with their pets, other pet owners, or professionals in the pet care industry. Understanding how to communicate effectively can enhance the bond between pets and their owners, improve training outcomes, and foster a supportive community. In this blog post, we will explore practi