Supporting Long‑Term Joint Health – and Perioperative Pain Management – at VOACON 2026
Animalcare is delighted to continue its long‑standing partnership with the Veterinary Osteoarthritis Alliance (VOA) as Gold Partner of VOACON 2026, taking place on 20–21 May at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough.
VOACON brings together veterinary professionals from across the sector who share a common goal: improving the diagnosis, treatment and long‑term management of osteoarthritis (OA) in companion animals. With its strong focus on practical, evidence‑based approaches and multimodal care, the congress provides a valuable opportunity to explore how clinical strategies can evolve to better support both patients and owners.
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A multimodal mindset – from diagnosis to surgery and beyond
Osteoarthritis is a complex, progressive condition that often affects dogs for many years. There is no single intervention that can address all aspects of the disease, which is why a multimodal, individualised approach remains central to best practice. Many of the tools required to support this approach – from weight management and physiotherapy to pharmacological pain control – are reflected throughout the VOACON programme.
This year’s event also recognises the growing importance of perioperative pain management within the wider context of long‑term welfare. Surgical interventions, whether orthopaedic or otherwise, are key moments in an OA patient’s journey and require careful planning to ensure continuity of analgesia before, during and after the procedure.
Daxocox®: weekly NSAID therapy, now with perioperative authorisation
At VOACON 2026, Animalcare will be highlighting the role that non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can play not only in the long‑term management of osteoarthritis, but also around the time of surgery.
Daxocox® (enflicoxib) is the first and only weekly oral NSAID licensed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. More recently, Daxocox® has been granted a perioperative licence in the UK, extending its authorised use to include the management of pain associated with surgical procedures, in line with the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
For veterinary surgeons, this development supports a more proactive approach to analgesic planning. When administered pre‑operatively in appropriate cases, a weekly NSAID means that postoperative pain relief is already established, allowing the veterinary team to retain control over analgesia during not just surgery but also the critical early recovery period as part of a multimodal perioperative protocol.
Meet the team at VOACON
Delegates are warmly invited to visit the Animalcare stand during VOACON 2026, where Senior Veterinary Manager Colin Capner, alongside Territory Managers Jane Hadley, Sarah Cowan and Laura Robson, will be available to discuss:
- Long‑term NSAID use in canine OA
- The role of sustained analgesia in multimodal pain management
- How weekly dosing may support treatment planning and owner compliance
- The implications of the new perioperative licence for Daxocox® in clinical practice
Animalcare will also be contributing to the scientific and educational content of the meeting, reinforcing the importance of evidence‑based NSAID use as part of a holistic approach to osteoarthritis management.
Driving better outcomes for dogs with OA
As understanding of osteoarthritis continues to evolve, so too must the strategies used to manage it – from first diagnosis through surgery and ongoing care. Events such as VOACON play a vital role in supporting this progression, encouraging collaboration, discussion and the sharing of clinical experience.
Animalcare looks forward to welcoming delegates to VOACON 2026 and to continuing the conversation around how innovative, well‑planned pain‑management strategies can help safeguard the long‑term welfare of dogs living with osteoarthritis.
Daxocox® – Active substance: Enflicoxib UK POM-V, Legal category: POM-V, 15mg UK Vm 32742/5001, NI EU/2/21/270/001-007, 30mg UK Vm 32742/5002, NI EU/2/21/270/008-014, 45mg UK Vm 32742/5003, NI EU/2/21/270/015-021, 70mg UK Vm 32742/5004, NI EU/2/21/270/022-028, 100mg UK Vm 32742/5005, NI EU2/21/270/029-035. Daxocox® is indicated for the reduction of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs and contains Enflicoxib.
Please refer to the SPC or package leaflet for full product information including side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications before use. Prescription decisions are for the person issuing the prescription alone
USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY.
Daxocox® is a registered trademark of Animalcare Group Plc
