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.