Dr. Barnes offers an in-depth neurologic perspective on how to differentiate a fainting episode (syncope) from a proper seizure. She reviews relevant observations and examination findings. Dr. Barnes emphasizes that what happens during and after an episode is important, but the details of what happened right before the episode are most likely more useful.

Noncompete provisions have long been considered part of the package when it comes to veterinary employment contracts. But recently the Federal Trade Commission has proposed banning nearly all of these types of clauses in the United States, including those currently in effect.

Dr. Thevelein covers typical presentations, expected hematologic changes, and why calling it “HGE” is a thing of the past. She also emphasizes that fluid therapy is the most important aspect of treatment and explains why metronidazole can be considered almost entirely unnecessary.

It’s natural to have a favorite (or not-so-favorite) dog breed. But how do those stereotypes affect interactions in the examination room?

Dr. Albright reminds us that older dogs can have multiple concurrent factors that can cause interruption to their sleep, but establishing good daytime activity and a predictable nighttime routine can make a big impact. She also discusses how supplements and medications can help the whole house get some sleep.

If it seems like suddenly the timing of spaying and neutering has become a hot topic, you’re not wrong. What used to follow mostly universal recommendations has recently come into the spotlight as we continue to learn more about the benefits of individualized surgical timing. But how is a busy practitioner supposed to juggle yet another decision?

Dr. Brown shares what you should look for—and how to look for it—in these cases. He highlights some of the biggest differences between cats and dogs and why antihypertensive treatment should be initiated gradually. And, don’t miss Dr. Brown’s tips for using your smartphone to capture ocular images.

In today’s episode, Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth break down the stereotype we’ve all heard before: with how much a visit to the vet office can cost, vets must be in it for the money! They’ll speculate on where this perception comes from, what the data shows about the value of our veterinary degree, and what the research tells us about how much money we need to be happy.

Dr. White explains why viewing the condition as chronic enteropathy is gaining favor. She discusses the most practical diagnostic options, the realistic value of biopsy when it comes to diagnosing underlying causes like IBD or small cell lymphoma, and treatment options, including the usefulness, or lack thereof, of novel protein diets and the dilemma of whether or not to withhold steroids.

What happens when an ENFJ and an ISTP get together and host a podcast? Tune in and find out as Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth explore how Myers-Briggs personality types affect relationships in the veterinary workplace.

Hemostasis can be complicated, but Dr. Pigott helps to break it down into its 3 phases, then uses those to organize diseases and treatments. He also discusses practical details about blood products and transfusions.

The field of veterinary medicine is ever-evolving, and it seems like that progression has only accelerated since the pandemic. As 2022 draws to a close, Dr. Beth and Dr. Alyssa reflect on a few lessons they learned over the past year—professionally and personally—and make some resolutions for 2023.

Dr. Leeper highlights the significant role veterinary general practitioners play in managing pets with chronic illnesses, covering everything from vaccines to blood work to supplements. She also shares different ways we can set ourselves—and each other—up for success.

It’s easy to say “don’t get a pet if you can’t afford one.” But what does that really mean? What if you can afford to feed the stray cat, but can’t help when he breaks his leg? One thing’s for sure, it’s a topic that could be discussed for hours. Listen as we weigh in on both sides of the story.

Dr. Patterson reviews her suspicions when initially taking on this case of highly localized symptoms only affecting the left hind leg and paw with a history of multiple failed treatments and walks us through where the diagnostic process eventually took her. The destination: Blastomycosis.

When Dr. Alyssa’s beloved Dogue de Bordeaux, Luna, needed a digit amputation for a tumor, she had to decide if she was going to be Luna’s mom or Luna’s doctor. Join us in the breakroom as Dr. Beth and Dr. Alyssa discuss which situations they feel comfortable treating their own animals and which they prefer to have a trusted colleague step in.

Dr. Veytsman explains the common presenting signs that this very uncommon problem shares with other acute abdominal conditions. He also reviews the difference between torsion and volvulus. Later, he discusses pneumocolograms, tissue vitality after derotation, and the several ways to perform a colopexy. Keep this emergency on your radar!

Veterinarians and pharmacists work together almost every day to make sure our patients get the medications they need, yet so much of what goes on behind the pharmacy counter is a mystery to veterinary professionals. Listen in as Dr. Chloe gives us a glimpse of the “other side” and all the tips we need to build a successful veterinary–pharmacist relationship.

Dr. Boston explains why tissue biopsy is definitively better than aspiration of oral tumors and shares some good tips for how to get the most out of your samples. She also discusses how to set the specialist up for success when you’re planning on referring and reminds us about what else we could be doing at the time of biopsy.

Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth discuss the pros and cons of universal licensing and how license portability might improve access to care by making it easier for veterinarians to move or practice in multiple states, especially during the current veterinary shortage.

Dr. Estrada reviews exactly what the vertebral heart scale is, how to measure one, and what constitutes normal in cats. She also discusses the limitations and how to get the most out of your feline VHS efforts.

It’s no secret that veterinary technicians are crucial in the veterinary clinic, but we want to know: what do vet techs wish they could say to their vets? And how can we show our appreciation? Join us in the breakroom as Dr. Beth and Dr. Alyssa chat about the vet techs in their lives and what the data tells us about current vet tech job satisfaction.

Dr. Dowling breaks down the diagnosis of bacterial cystitis—and how often it’s overdiagnosed—along with reviewing the current categories of sporadic vs. recurrent bacterial cystitis. She also provides useful details about why amoxicillin is the go-to first-choice treatment and shares some subsequent antibiotic options to choose from, if you must.

We’ve all heard the stereotypes: Millennials feel too entitled, Gen X is cynical, and don’t even get us started on Boomers. These stereotypes often make their way into our workplace relationships, and we’re curious to know: do they really hold true? Tune in as Dr. Alyssa (Gen X) and Dr. Beth (Millennial) share their viewpoints and discuss what the experts have to say about these generational differences.

Dr. Estrada reviews the 2019 consensus guidelines in sharing the history of this new measuring tool. She then explains how to use it, along with the VHS, to screen for cardiomegaly and determine which dogs should be on pimobendan and which really shouldn’t.

In the medical field, errors can have serious or even deadly consequences. The challenge becomes how to deal with those events and understand them in a way that is constructive. Join Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth as they share their personal experiences with medical mistakes, what those mistakes taught them, and how they ultimately moved forward.

Dr. Cridge and Dr. Langlois comprehensively review this condition from both referral and general practice perspectives. They navigate the confusing topic of diagnosing pancreatitis and emphasize the most important aspects of treatment, including that steroids may actually be an option in a few cases.

Now that most practices are back to in-person visits, what is the future of telemedicine in the veterinary profession? Join us in the breakroom as we discuss all the ways telemedicine can be productive and even profitable.

Dr. Cooney discusses sedation versus anesthesia protocols, commonly and less commonly used routes of administration, and how to make the event about the pet. She shares a number of helpful tips and vital details to ensure that the final care we provide for a patient is also the best care.

In today’s episode, we discuss cyberbullying: when an online accusation or review results in a targeted attack on a veterinary clinic or staff member. Listen in as we discuss recent cases of cyberbullying in veterinary medicine, how to be proactive when it comes to negative online reviews, and most importantly, what resources are out there to help if you become a victim.

The case involves a dramatic—but less common—orthopedic injury: Achilles tendon rupture. Dr. Broaddus works us through every aspect of this injury, including surgery and the role of custom braces.

Taking a vacation is shown to promote well-being, increase productivity, and improve patient care. So why is it so hard to get out of the clinic? Start daydreaming about your next trip as Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth exchange views on logistics like finding coverage, transferring cases, and managing client expectations while away.

Dr. Palma emphasizes when to suspect chronic bronchitis, how to exclude it from other relevant differentials, and which aspects of treatment are most important. He also shares some very practical tips for steroid use and reading chest radiographs.

Student loans are a particularly hot topic this summer, as the COVID-19 repayment pause is set to expire, and rumblings are being heard from Capitol Hill about potential loan forgiveness proposals. Join us in the breakroom as we discuss our own experiences with the cost of veterinary education and reflect on some of the astounding statistics about the average veterinary debt load.

Dr. Bennett shares her knowledge about using local blocks to your patient’s advantage, including when to use lidocaine versus bupivacaine (but not mixing) and how these drugs actually work. She also details the problems that can ensue from local blocks and handling the complications.

Dr. Kruse-Elliott takes what we already have in the clinic—opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine—and explains how we can get them to join forces. She also shares useful details about how she puts these drugs to work in her own cases, including dosing, timing, and how oral medications fit in.

In any high-stress career, maintaining healthy professional boundaries becomes a critical safeguard against burnout. Join us as we discuss what boundaries we have in place in our clinics, on social media…and with the friends we haven’t talked to in 20 years!

Dr. Lewin brings us all up to speed on golden retriever pigmentary uveitis, a prevalent hereditary ocular condition. He shares the most important examination findings and offers tips on practical eye examination techniques.

Production-based compensation (commonly called the ProSal method) for associate veterinarians is often billed as a win-win for all involved. But implementation of the ProSal model varies significantly across practices.

Dr. Tobias explains why—and how—we should be taking an individualized approach to gonadectomy that focuses on musculoskeletal maturity and accounts for breed-related risks, behavioral factors, and client concerns.

We hear it all the time: euthanasia MUST be the hardest part of the job. But is it? How does euthanasia affect us as veterinarians and support staff?

Dr. Fox-Alvarez covers everything from the major to minor points of handling GDV cases, with an evidence-based yet practical approach. From diagnosis to recovery, you can find the answers here.

“I became a veterinarian because I just love charting,” said literally no one ever. And yet, generating complete, accurate medical records is a vital part of a veterinarian’s job. Dr. Beth and Dr. Alyssa share how they manage their charts and what resources are available to avoid falling behind.

Dr. Fox-Alvarez thoroughly details some of the most notable paraneoplastic syndromes you may come across in practice—hypercalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, myasthenia gravis, and hyperestrogenism—and the cancers that lurk behind them.

How does it feel to know you’re being judged on your appearance? What do these results mean for veterinary teams?

Dr. Barstow shares the key physical examination finding that prepared her for the major twist in this case.

From the early days of uncertainty surrounding PPE shortages and who was considered essential to the now-routine masking and curbside care, things have changed significantly since the early days of 2020.

Dr. Aisa breaks down his approach to this case of a young dog who presented with recurring swelling on the dorsal nasal midline at the junction of the nasal planum. He shares the keys that led him to diagnose this rare condition and how he solved this dog’s problem.

Dr. Moses shares strategies for how to communicate with clients in emotionally challenging situations, with a focus on goals of care and client and patient comfort.

Programs aimed at matriculating veterinary paraprofessionals are already popping up at accredited CVMs. Would this position help alleviate the current crunch in the profession—or just add more stress and debt? Join us in the veterinary breakroom as we wade into the middle of the midlevel veterinary professional debate.

Dr. Lane explains what exactly causes the problems in these pets and how to assess them with a focus on respiratory injury and toxins like carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide. She also shares the best therapeutic approaches for these dynamic cases.

Today in the breakroom, Alyssa Watson, DVM, introduces the newest member of the Clinician’s Brief podcast team, Beth Molleson, DVM. Listen as Dr. Beth discusses her Ohio roots and her career path as a small animal practitioner over the last ten years.

Dr. Court reviews which breeds have a history of adverse effects, what the effects are, and which drugs are responsible. He covers the common examples—collies and greyhounds—as well as several that you may not already know.

Dr. Kuo and Dr. Gerken work through the entire process, starting with indications for—and against—inducing emesis, the timing of induction, patient risk factors, and which emetics to use.

This unique medication—once touted as a “miracle drug” and studied for treating atopy—has solidified its place in managing vasculitis and related conditions. Dr. Kennis reviews its many virtues, its minor baggage, and how he (and we) should use it.

Dr. Pike sorts feline aggression cases into two categories: human-directed and feline-related. And while the triggers for each category may be different, Dr. Pike teaches us how to help all of these frustrated felines by applying the same three-step approach.

When Peloton denied one veterinarian a “healthcare worker” discount, their response stirred up a conversation we’re continuing: Do companies have a responsibility to recognize people who work in veterinary medicine as healthcare professionals?

Dr. Barnes reviews some available resources on managing seizures in dogs and the necessary difficulty of extrapolating those to cats. She then dives into the discussion about phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam, and zonisamide.

Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to create a personal brand, but what does that mean exactly? Join us in the breakroom while we mull over the answer.

Dr. Pohlman talks about her diagnostic process when determining the cause of this cat’s diarrhea, with an emphasis on differentiating between Giardia spp and Tritrichomonas foetus. After determining a diagnosis of T. foetus, Dr. Pohlman then discusses treatment, patient monitoring, follow-up, and how to prevent spread.

Dr. Pike reviews the foundations of aggression in dogs discussing both the medical and behavioral factors associated with aggression. She shares great everyday tips for how to manage these cases—even through telemedicine.

In this episode, Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Katie discuss everything from time-off requests to parties and food to the very real and serious topic of the moral distress that can accompany increased euthanasia appointments during the holidays.

Find out the unexpected conclusion to Dr. Katie’s PU work-up in a cat and what led to Dr. Alyssa extricating a racquetball from the mouth of a goat.

Dr. Pohlman explains why we sometimes don’t get the answers we expect and how to get the most out of our fine-needle samples. She shares great practical details about the “woodpecker” technique, optimal needle size, and avoiding formalin fume contamination.

As the pandemic stretches well into its second year, Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Katie discuss their CE plans for the rest of 2021 as well as what mitigation strategies would make them feel comfortable attending in-person conferences in the future.

Dr. Costa shares why rough recoveries happen and a list of the most relevant differential diagnoses, including how to assess and manage them.

In this episode, we talk about how we can make our veterinary technicians—aka multi-talented nurses/anesthetists/gentle restrainers/picky client handlers/finders of lost pens and stethoscopes, we could go on and on—feel extra special for Veterinary Technician Week.

Dr. Gordon-Evans explains why evaluating for musculoskeletal pain in cats is different, challenging, but so important. She shares great basic examination tips, some nuances about history taking, and encourages us all to rethink what a sore cat looks like.

Young pets tend to chew on many things they shouldn’t, such as this puppy who decided to snack on an electrical cord before presenting with cardiovascular shock. Dr. Good highlights all the big decisions that these cases entail.

It seems astounding to think that less than two years ago, most of us wouldn’t even have known what “curbside care” meant, but it continues to be a daily reality for many of us as we head into the second winter of COVID life as we know it. Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Katie chat about the realities of working curbside, what they think they might want to keep around even in safer times, and what they’d rather… kick to the curb.

Dr. Dear leads us through the ins and outs of this common condition, including the array of pathogens involved, which diagnostics to use and when, and empirical antibiotic selection. He also emphasizes the importance of communicating the nuances of this complex disease with clients.

This week Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Katie weigh in on a recent article from the VIN News Service which suggested that we are all so busy right now not because of a pandemic pet boom, but because of backlogged appointments, less efficient COVID protocols, and staff shortages. Dr. Katie and Dr. Alyssa talk about some of the proposed solutions to these issues from the article and discuss how their own experiences in the clinic during COVID affect their reactions to these ideas. Grab a beverage and join us in the breakroom!

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! In the breakroom, Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Katie Berlin, DVM, will be discussing the important, relevant topics affecting veterinarians today. This week Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Katie examine the recent pentobarbital shortage and how it affected them in clinical practice. They also share their preferred euthanasia protocols for both in-clinic and at-home settings. Grab your favorite beverage and join us in the breakroom for this engaging chat between colleagues.

Dr. Grubb details each of her top 5 therapies for feline surgical pain, including the tricky topic of NSAIDs. She goes in-depth on how each one helps and how they should be used, including uses outside of the surgical suite.

After briefly giving an overview on hygromas, Dr. Tobias discusses her technique of using a pool noodle to craft a pad that can be strapped onto a dog’s antebrachium to help hygromas heal. Dr. Watson also shares her experience creating one of these noodle devices for her own dog, Luna. Listen as they discuss the reasoning behind why these devices are so easy and helpful, as well as alternative materials that can be used.

Dr. Mama compares and contrasts the risks that each species presents, including respiratory fatigue, tracheal tears, and cortical blindness. She also explains why risk increases during induction and recovery for both species. And though they say cats are not small dogs, listen to Dr. Mama’s perspective on how similar the species actually are to one another.

Dr. Odunayo discusses the history, process, and reason for xenotransfusion and why it tends to be canine donors for feline recipients. She also shares some of her experiences with the procedure, including one involving a private plane. Don’t miss this conversation about a fascinating topic.

Dr. Kornya gives a concise yet comprehensive overview of FIP. He covers pathogenesis, presentations, his preferred diagnostic approach—spoiler alert, it’s the Rivalta test—and the therapeutic challenges associated with FIP, including “gray market” treatments. And, don’t miss his answer for how many legs cat pants would have!

We’re back! Clinician’s Brief: The Podcast is back and introducing our new host, Dr. Alyssa Watson! Listen as Dr. Alyssa shares her background and talks about how her career has taken unexpected turns over her 18 years in practice, as well as sharing her clinical interests. Subscribe today so you are notified when there are new episodes of Clinician's Brief: The Podcast!

Dr. Schermerhorn explains why no one product is best for all. He then shares with us how to make good initial insulin selections, how to use tests like A1c or fructosamine and interstitial monitors to assess insulin response, and when to consider switching insulins.

Dr. Schermerhorn discusses how hypoglycemia can be a sign of underlying diseases. He also talks about diabetes and the clinical challenge of hypoglycemia related to insulin use.

Dr. Moriello covers all angles of dermatophytosis—exposure, diagnostics, species, therapies, and disinfection. She’s dropping knowledge like M. canis drops spores.

Dr. Schermerhorn delves into persistent hyperglycemia as it relates to diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus, including comorbidities. He also discusses hyperglycemia in acute settings—often secondary to more urgent problems. Finally, Dr. Schermerhorn touches on many of the finer points about managing long-term diabetics.

Dr. Lindell reviews the timing of behavioral stages in kittens and how that impacts socialization. She explains how we can help our clients achieve healthy human–cat bonds, starting with the essentials that should be covered at every kitten visit. Cats are experts at observing the world around them, even as kittens, and Dr. Lindell shares how much we can learn by observing them.

Dr. Lindell discusses the 4 stages of puppy behavior, including how clients and veterinary care providers can meet the needs of each stage. She covers socialization, bottle-raised puppies, and considering the individual behavioral needs of each puppy. Dr. Lindell also talks about how we underestimate the influence we have on puppies and our ability to model them into the companions we want.

With dermatologic conditions being the most common reason for patient visits, dermatology is a hot topic that veterinary professionals should always stay well-versed in. Dr. Dan Carey shares his expertise on the matter in this first episode of a 3-part series. Dr. Carey discusses the ever-changing best practices in dermatology and how to set patients with these conditions—and their owners—up for success, including managing client expectations and encouraging good compliance.

Let's talk about empathy. Heather discusses how we should try to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes to understand their veterinary experience and how doing so can make us better. She also shares the key question to maintaining empathy toward our clients and their decisions: why.

Dr. Rosenberg lays out the specialist’s perspective on initial work-up and takes us through to the eventual diagnosis of the crusty husky from his article. He also covers the bread-and-butter clinical tools of veterinary dermatologists. Finally, Dr. Rosenberg shares his insights and experiences with the ever-growing practice of telehealth and how it translates in dermatology.

COVID-19 has presented challenges—and opportunities—for our industry. With her background in practice management and human resources, Heather explains how veterinary clinics have adapted by embracing technology and telehealth. She also delves into new roles, ways to utilize team members, and why top-notch customer service is now more important than ever.

Dr. Cook challenges how tolerant we collectively are of hyporexia and anorexia, and she explains why intervening to improve appetite should be done earlier and more often. Listen as Dr. Cook shares her top 5, or actually make that 7, indications for appetite stimulation.

Dr. Boston shares her game plan for how to get successful outcomes with things like oral squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Because many tumors are found during routine dentals, she gives very practical instructions on how those situations should—and shouldn’t—be handled. Finally, Dr. Boston shares the importance of providing client support through aggressive orofacial surgery cases.

Though not a common presentation, Dr. Miller reviews the situations that are typically associated with jaw fractures. He also explains why jaw fractures are challenging for clients to notice and for veterinarians to diagnose. Rounding it out, Dr. Miller discusses treatment and postoperative care.

Often a hot topic filled with strong opinions, Dr. Linder shares her approach when speaking with clients about what to feed their pets. She discusses putting an emphasis on evidence when answering frequently asked pet food questions, but remaining flexible because evidence can change. Dr. Linder also talks about how to strike a balance between educating the clients who want to be told exactly what to do and the ones who want to know how to figure it out for themselves.

Dr. Linklater talks about what he learned from Marcus’ case—the dog featured in his article. He also gives in-depth reviews for both (yes, there was more than one) of the complicated conditions Marcus was diagnosed with and reminds us that starting with even the most basic tests can be a good way to start.

Boarded feline specialist, Dr. Colleran discusses the growing prevalence of feline osteoarthritis (OA), including treating and managing OA-associated pain. Cats are never themselves when in the clinic, which can complicate obtaining an accurate pain assessment. Dr. Colleran also shares expert tips and tools for conducting pain assessments, obtaining a thorough patient history, and getting pet owners to maintain good follow-up and compliance.

Dr. Odunayo shares her knowledge covering all aspects of this procedure—from why to when to how. She talks about potential complications and overall safety. Dr. Odunayo also discusses specific scenarios, including decompressive cystocentesis in cases of urethral obstruction.

Dr. Haeussler starts with the general conditions that lead to epiphora, contrasting those that should be fixed with those that can be lived with. He then moves to the diagnostic process, emphasizing that we all should be doing more tear testing. Dr. Haeussler also gives some tips for flushing nasolacrimal ducts and shares his 3 main ocular symptoms clients need to keep an eye out for.

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.