A boarded feline specialist, Dr. St. Denis shares her wisdom in evaluating and managing cats—and clients. She reviews the individual diagnoses that comprise FLUTD, with a focus on feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) as the most common cause, and discusses current best practices in therapy, including environmental enrichment and the role of therapeutic diets.

Though rare, Dr. Latimer reviews those patients who are at greatest risk for developing intussusceptions, as well as how to diagnose them. He goes into great detail about treatment options and whether what we do has an impact on recurrence. Dr. Latimer also makes sure we all keep our terms straight: intussuscipiens vs intussusceptum.

Client compliance can be a 50/50 proposition, and Dr. Tobias explains why pet owners can have trouble giving medications. She then lays out the ways veterinary teams can help clients succeed down to the very last drop, pill, or mL. Dr. Tobias also shares yet another reason to practice evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Haeussler shares some fundamental ways to improve eye care at the general practice level, including what you need to be a better ocular photographer. He explains the advantages of going slow and encourages all of us to look at more eyes—the more you look, the more you’ll see.

Dr. Steen shares the clinical challenges she faced as a shelter veterinarian in addressing this cat’s destructive facial lesion. Dr. Pohlman, as the pathologist, dives deep into the diagnostic approach for such lesions—postmortem or antemortem. The doctors then unite for a comprehensive review of this “crypt”-ic disease.

Dr. Fan shares thorough background knowledge on the nature of hemangiosarcoma in dogs, as well as in cats and humans. He reviews how this tumor commonly presents and potential future approaches to early detection. Dr. Fan also covers current therapeutic approaches, including complementary therapies and what’s being explored in clinical trials.

Dr. Tobias details each of her top complications—including unmanaged pain, incisional swelling, and hemorrhage—and instructs us on how to avoid them. She also shares her opinions on incision size, at what age to spay/neuter, and the scrotal approach.

Taking a feline focus, Monique talks about the arduous journey that veterinary visits are for most cats and the lasting impact it can create. Harkening back to operant and classical conditioning, she shares how to help patients say “yes” and provides great tips on helping clients start the process at home.

Although some may be experiencing an excess of free time at home, many in the veterinary industry are busier than ever with new, unique practice challenges. Whether you’re isolated at home or practicing curbside medicine, your personal well-being is a concern, especially under the stresses of the current global pandemic. Listen as Dr. Ruby gives suggestions for ways to check in on your well-being, management tactics for uncertainty and fear, and how we can create positive habits to take with us when the world becomes semi-normal again.

Dr. Vogelsang explains what “telemedicine” actually means, and she details the differences between telemedicine, telehealth, teleconsult, and teletriage. She also addresses how practices should document each teleconsultation, and how the billing for consultations should be managed. Dr. Vogelsang also shares her insights on the complicated VCPR regulations and restrictions.

Dr. Weinstein addresses the guidelines (or lack thereof) for what services clinics should or should not offer, and where to find up-to-date information for your state. He also talks about how to determine if a case is emergent, as well as the clinic’s role in educating clients about nonemergent cases. He also suggests some best practices for curb-side pickup.

The world is facing a variety of unknowns as COVID-19 impacts our community. Whether you’re choosing disinfectants or struggling to navigate social distancing, the team is here to provide helpful answers to your questions.

Dr. Aufox lays out a plan for how to assess these lesions, relying on our examination and basic dermatology diagnostics. She shares the characteristics that differentiate a “hot spot” from something deeper like furunculosis, and she covers the underlying causes we need to consider. Dr. Aufox also emphasizes some of the current best practices when it comes to therapy. 

Dr. Oldenhoff breaks down the bacteria that are typically involved in these infections, the associated clinical signs, and a few of the underlying causes. He also discusses the best approaches to treating staphylococcal infections and the continuing rise of drug resistance.

Heather challenges us to reconsider which patients could benefit from rehab and physical therapy services, extending beyond just orthopedic post-op dogs. She also talks about how no fancy equipment is needed, but creativity can help. Finally, Heather explains how a practice can get started by simply offering some basic services in a 15 minute appointment slot.

Dr. Stanley talks about how the 3 phases of wound healing impact assessment and treatment, and how the 4 tenets of wound healing apply to our veterinary patients. She also reviews several beneficial adjunctive therapies, as well as the multiple factors that can negatively impact healing. But the main takeaway from Dr. Stanley is how to set major wound cases up for success.

Denise brings us all up to speed on how stress over wages contributes to employee turnover and team members leaving the profession. She shares how raises can be a tool to retain team members, improve personal well-being, and enhance patient care. And, this can all be done in a way that improves the bottom line for the entire clinic. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t!

Dr. Rosenberg explains the difference between food allergies—cutaneous adverse food reactions—and food intolerances, then offers guidance on how to tell the difference. He also contrasts food allergies with environmental allergies, offering some tips on how to get buy-in on diet trials. Finally, Dr. Rosenberg provides helpful tips for discussing hot-button pet food trends with clients.

Dr. Weinstein shares his approach, starting with the most important question: Why? He stresses that growing a veterinary practice should be about improving patient and client care, and he provides guidance on how to lead your practice’s team through an expansion. He even finishes by giving us his essential reading list—hope you like biographies!

Dr. Platt reminds us how to differentiate between central and peripheral localizations, then brings back our favorite mnemonic device to help us sort through possible causes. He also shares practical approaches for managing this condition, including how to discuss what’s going on with clients even when you don’t know exactly what’s going on. Finally, Dr. Platt leaves us with a simple take-home message: Treat what’s treatable.

Dr. Suchodolski explains how involved gut bacteria are in overall health and patient metabolic function, introducing the concept of the microbiota as another organ system. He also talks about dysbiosis as a complex and far-reaching abnormality, including the impact antibiotic prescriptions often have. With his role at the Texas A&M GI Lab, Dr. Suchodolski discusses current research, potential advancements, and uses of popular therapies like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplantation.

Dr. Sueda gives a clear definition of what classifies as a compulsive behavior, then details how to diagnose it in your patients. She provides examples of compulsive behaviors in many species, from dogs and cats to birds and polar bears. Dr. Sueda also offers tips to embrace a team approach to these cases and optimize CSRs and client involvement; after all, “it takes a village to treat these behavior problems.”

In this special episode recorded live at New York Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Lance Roasa, DVM, MS, JD, to discuss the many facets of purchasing and owning a veterinary practice. Dr. Roasa shares his own experience as an example of what not to do and explains what potential buyers should be doing instead. He delves into which skills make for the most successful practice owners and why that’s important for workplace culture. Dr. Roasa also covers the tricky topic of noncompete clauses.

In the final episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Darci Palmer, BS, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), to discuss anesthetic recovery. Darci explains why the recovery period is so critical and shares several tips on how to avoid common recovery pitfalls. She also covers why “rough” recoveries happen and closes out with her top 5 recovery best practices.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Lauren Eichstadt Forsythe, PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP, to discuss in-house compounding. Dr. Forsythe covers both the regulatory and practical aspects of compounding medications in veterinary practices. She addresses topics including which state boards might oversee the process, how to get started with in-house compounding, and the common medication modifications we make every day that are actually compounding. Dr. Forsythe also explains how in-house compounding can become a team effort in any practice.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Mary Gardner, DVM, to discuss two challenging topics: end-of-life care and career satisfaction. As an at-home euthanasia veterinarian, Dr. Gardner shares her insights with helping clients—and veterinary care providers—cope with the loss of pets. She also explains how veterinary professionals and team members can manage fatigue and toxic workplaces in the hope of finding happiness. Listen for her many take-home messages, including “It’s OK to cry,” and “If you don’t love it, you gotta go.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Rebecca Windsor, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), to discuss practical approaches to neurological cases. Dr. Windsor reviews the unique aspects of handling geriatric patients, including treatment trials and managing expectations. She also explains why a visit to the neurologist means so much more than just advanced diagnostics. Finally, Dr. Windsor shares her tips on how to handle one of the biggest challenges facing veterinary medicine: neurologic examination of the domestic cat.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Narda Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, to discuss how to incorporate integrative medicine into your practice—or make it your practice. As both a doctor of osteopathic medicine and a veterinarian, Dr. Robinson shares her background and explains her scientific, evidence-based approach to applying complementary and alternative therapies for veterinary patients. She reviews multiple therapy modalities, such as neuromodulation from acupuncture, and shares her belief that sometimes these “alternative” treatments should actually be primary. And, don’t miss her story about the constipated tortoise.

In this special episode recorded live at New York Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Elaine Blythe, PharmD, to discuss the impact that the new regulation USP 800 can have on veterinarians. On December 1, USP 800 will go into effect to introduce new standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs. Dr. Blythe covers what you need to know and who may be affected, including some unforeseen details. She also discusses who will enforce these new regulations and what the potential repercussions could be for noncompliance. Now, where to start?

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Gary Goldstein, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, to discuss how to provide good veterinary dental care in general practice. Dr. Goldstein outlines the types of urgent dental cases that each hospital should be ready for, and he details the tell-tale signs of oral pain. He also covers the essentials of veterinary dental practice, including dental radiography tips, maximizing the veterinary technician’s skills, and how to improve client compliance. To close, Dr. Goldstein shares his recommendations for chew toys and what to avoid.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Courtney Waxman, CVT, VTS (ECC), to discuss her session “Minutes Count: TBI.” Courtney talks about what the priority is for assessing head trauma in cases that present with multiple traumatic injuries. She shares tips for stabilizing a patient that needs to be referred, including what you shouldn’t be doing. And, she gives her top 5 do’s and don’ts for when TBI is presented.

In this special episode recorded live at Wild West Vet 2019, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, sits down with Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, to discuss managing fear-related aggression and stress in dogs and cats during veterinary visits. Dr. Sung talks about the physical and mental impact severe stress can have on our patients and why the “let’s just get it done” mentality needs to change. She also shares some good tips that every practice can implement to start making low-stress veterinary visits a reality. Bring your squeeze-cheese for this one!

Dr. Pierce dives into the essentials for a thorough cardiology examination and what the most important points are to focus on when taking a patient’s history. She also addresses when to turn to an ECG and how to confidently diagnose and treat arrhythmias. Also, find out which one diagnostic tool Dr. Pierce would save from an alien invasion.

Dr. Davis reviews how Yersinia pestis cycles in wildlife populations and where it is most commonly found in the United States. He also gives concrete answers on when plague should be on the differential list—and when to contact the state health department. Responses for exposed healthcare personnel and other household pets are also discussed.

Dr. Bellows details what signs should have you suspicious of oral ulcers, and he outlines the appropriate steps to take to assess these possible cases. He also shares specialist-grade information to characterize oral ulcers, preferred treatment, and when to consider referring. Also, find out which dog breeds tend to have the worst mouths.

Dr. Clode talks about how assessing and treating elevated intraocular pressure can quickly impact a patient’s vision prognosis, her do’s and don’ts, and how to overcome common challenges, including patient restraint and identifying the correct IOP data-point. She also shares recommendations for pricing and packaging ophthalmic examinations. 

Dr. Corti talks about 6 key factors that should influence the treatment plan, and why pet owner expectations may be the most important factor. She shares helpful tips on feline rehabilitation, at-home treatments that enhance the human–animal bond, and how to communicate costs to clients. Enhance your practice’s rehabilitation recommendations and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.

Not tech savvy? Not a problem. Dr. Vallone makes it easy by first defining technical terms; then, he delivers quick tips for great ophthalmic images captured with a smartphone. He discusses indications for using a direct or indirect fundoscopy technique, whether there are instances in which the fundus should not or cannot be photographed, and when to reserve smartphone imaging for the fundic examination or if other portions of the examination can benefit from this technical tactic. He also addresses how to record these images in patient records.

You have questions, and these experts have answers! In this new “Ask the Expert” segment to the podcast, industry experts answer your questions fielded from social media and email. This week, host Beckie Mossor, RVT, talks to Steve Ensley, DVM, PhD, and resident in the toxicology department at Kansas State University, Scott Fritz, DVM, about the current blue-green algae outbreak across the country. Drs. Ensley and Fritz share their tips for identifying risks in water sources and discuss resources to conclude whether a body of water is toxic. They discuss what conditions foster environments for toxic blooms, clinical signs, and treatment options, as well as important information to communicate to clients. 

Dr. Wilson-Robles explains how common cutaneous melanoma can be in small animals, as well as whether certain dog breeds are predisposed. She talks about how to test suspected patients, what the first steps are once melanoma has been confirmed, and the various treatment options. Dr. Wilson-Robles also provides her own pro tips on confidently staging cancer.

In addition to indications for treatment, Dr. Aufox explains how best to determine if medical or surgical management is more appropriate. She also addresses the differences of otitis in dogs and cats. Before signing off, Dr. Aufox discusses topical and/or oral steroid treatments to manage patient discomfort in stenotic ear canals.

Dr. Berger explains how diascopy can be a helpful diagnostic tool to determine whether lesions are a result of vasodilation secondary to inflammation or something that might require further investigation. Techniques for and interpretations of diascopy are also discussed. Dr. Berger explains that nonblanching skin lesions can be a result of a drug reaction, even for long-term prescriptions that have not previously resulted in any adverse effects.

Dr. Davis talks about the everyday occupational hazards of being exposed to Bartonella spp in veterinary medicine, along with ways to try to limit risks. He shares tips for educating pet owners of infected pets about risks without causing fear or panic. Dr. Davis also talks about ways pet owners can limit the risk of spreading disease between an infected pet in a house with other noninfected animals.

Dr. Taney illustrates how to identify when a tooth has become nonvital and some of the common misconceptions that general practitioners may have regarding tooth vitality. She also reviews the different treatment options for a tooth that has been established as nonvital.

To treat or not to treat? Dr. Weese shares his opinions on treatment for subclinical dogs that test positive for tick-borne illness, and he explores considerations for practitioners when deciding whether to treat these patients.

Dr. Mama speaks to the risks associated with short procedure sedation, including best practices for monitoring patients and client communication. She also offers tips for troubleshooting and adjusting sedation during a procedure when things are not going by the book.

Following a discussion on the connection between dilated cardiomyopathy and BEG (boutique, exotic-ingredient, and grain-free) diets, Dr. Pierce overviews the recent FDA announcement and the kind of research the FDA conducts when they are alerted to a possible health concern. She also shares which grain-free pet foods are not included in these concerns and whether patients diagnosed with diet-associated DCM will have life-long effects.

Dogs with fear-based aggression are common cases that all veterinarians must handle carefully. Dr. Costa discusses the “Chill Protocol,” its history, and its positive impact on these complicated cases. Potential contraindications and personalizing protocols are also addressed.

Denise talks about opportunities for improvement in veterinary practice management and the realistic, actionable steps to make these improvements. She also discusses the Well-Managed Practice Benchmark Study, an essential resource for those seeking to better their practice management habits.

Dr. Blythe talks about why it is important for veterinarians to work with community pharmacists and why it is helpful. How can information be transferred so that there are no mistakes? What are some common errors, and what impact do they have? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Dr. Selmic discusses the age of neutering and potential consequences to early-age neutering. Have we had enough time to study these effects? How much more evidence do we need to collect before we can know a best practices standard for neutering? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Dr. Guillaumin discusses common clinical signs of marijuana intoxication, as well as approaches to managing these cases effectively. How many pet owners actually know their pet is intoxicated? Has there been an increase in marijuana cases within veterinary medicine as more states legalize the sale of marijuana? And, what about cats?! Find out the answers to these questions and more.

Are cats excluded from conversations about physical activity? What benefits do cats stand to gain, in addition to weight management, from appropriate levels of activity? What techniques and tools should veterinarians suggest to pet owners to encourage movement in cats? Find out the answers to these questions and more.