Tails from the Lab: A Veterinary Podcast

"Drake had been so sick the last two days that the owner was actually considering having him euthanized that morning." What do you do when a seemingly routine case of hookworms doesn't respond to standard treatment and your patient is fading fast? This was the reality for the team treating Drake, a three-month-old Goldendoodle puppy until a single molecular diagnostic screening changed everything.

In this episode of Tails From the Lab, Drs. Holly Brown and Brad Ryan review the case of Drake, who was suffering from bloody diarrhea and lethargy. Despite an initial parasite screen and treatment, his condition worsened. A critical turning point was reached when a KeyScreen™ GI Parasite PCR panel revealed the true culprit: drug-resistant hookworms. Learn how this definitive diagnosis empowered the veterinarian to implement a life-saving multi-drug protocol, reassure Drake’s family, and restore hope for recovery.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The growing threat of drug-resistant hookworms and why they are no longer just a "Florida problem."
• The crucial role of molecular diagnostics in uncovering the root cause of treatment failure when traditional methods fall short.
• How a definitive diagnosis can empower veterinarians to have confident client conversations, even when facing life-or-death decisions.

Tails From the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

"Sometimes the most important finding is the absence of an expected response." What happens when a patient's lab work looks deceptively normal, even as they are getting sicker? Join us for the case of Libby, a Great Dane whose pneumonia was apparently improving on x-rays, yet she was mysteriously deteriorating, with recurrent vomiting and lethargy. The pivotal clue wasn't an abnormality on her CBC, but rather the glaring absence of one.

In this episode of Tails From the Lab, Drs. Holly Brown and Brad Ryan unravel a case where the lack of a classic stress leukogram in a critically ill dog pointed toward a hidden diagnosis. Libby’s journey from aspiration pneumonia to a life-changing discovery of atypical Addison's disease highlights how looking for what's missing can be the key to solving the most confusing medical mysteries.

Listen now to discover:

• Why the absence of an expected stress leukogram in a sick dog should be a red flag for clinicians
• How hypoadrenocorticism can be missed when it presents without classic electrolyte abnormalities
• The importance of integrating all diagnostic data, including labwork and imaging studies, for more accurate diagnoses and appropriate care

Tails From the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

In this episode of Tails From the Lab, hosts Drs. Holly Brown and Brad Ryan talk through a case study of Clementine, a nine-year-old indoor cat who came in for a routine wellness visit appearing perfectly healthy. Her owner was hesitant about the need for extensive diagnostics, but the decision to proceed uncovered a silent but significant health issue: hypercalcemia.

From exploring differential diagnoses like neoplasia and hyperparathyroidism to utilizing specialist consultations for imaging and nutrition, this case is a perfect illustration of how early detection leads to early intervention. Discover how a simple blood test created an opportunity to protect Clementine's long-term health and why "normal" results are just as valuable as abnormal ones.

Tails From the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Tails From the Lab podcast hosts Drs. Holly Brown and Brad Ryan talk with board-certified veterinary dentist and Antech RapidRead™ Dental developer Dr. Marika Constantaras (DAVDC) about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) can play in diagnosing dental disease for veterinarians across experience levels.

In this episode, Dr. Constantaras shares the more about the challenges of traditional dental radiography, the importance of quality imaging, and how a tool like RapidRead Dental (now available for dogs and cats) can be used as a support tool to improve workflow, client communication, and patient outcomes.

Tails From the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Dr. Marika Constantaras is employed by Antech and MARS Next Generation Technologies. We're sharing this so you have full transparency about the relationships involved.

In the second episode of this two-part series, Tails from the Lab cohosts Dr. Brad Ryan and Dr. Holly Brown welcome back Jason Coe (DVM, PhD), a leading expert in veterinary clinical communication and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College back to the podcast.

Preventive care diagnostics — including infectious disease screening, fecal testing, and comprehensive wellness panels like CBC, chemistry profiles, and urinalysis — are vital tools for early disease detection. But how do veterinary teams effectively communicate the value of these tests to pet owners in a way that resonates and motivates action?

The conversation about relationship-centered preventive care continues as Dr. Coe delves into the art and science of communicating preventive care diagnostics and wellness testing in veterinary practice.

Hosts: Holly Brown (DVM, PhD, DAVCP) and Brad Ryan (MSc, DVM, MPH)

This episode includes a guest appearance. Our guest was compensated for their participation.

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™️. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

In episode one of this two-part series, Tails from the Lab cohosts Dr. Brad Ryan and Dr. Holly Brown welcome Jason Coe (DVM, PhD), a leading expert in veterinary clinical communication and professor at the Ontario Veterinary College. Dr. Coe shares practical, research-based strategies on one of the most critical yet challenging aspects of veterinary practice—effective communication.

Dr. Coe dives deep into the nuances of open-ended inquiries, the importance of addressing client resistance, and how tailored communication fosters stronger client-clinician relationships.

Hosts: Holly Brown (DVM, PhD, DAVCP) and Brad Ryan (MSc, DVM, MPH)

This episode includes a guest appearance. Our guest was compensated for their participation.

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™️. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

In this episode of the Tails From the Lab podcast, co-host Dr. Brad Ryan sits down with Dr. Michelle Evason (BSc, DVM, DACVIM, MRCVS), Director of Veterinary Education & Outreach at Antech and MARS Science and Diagnostics.

Dive into the fascinating world of gastrointestinal parasites with Dr. Evason, a leading expert and educator in small animal internal medicine, infectious disease, and One Health. Discover how data from millions of fecal PCR tests are transforming veterinary clinical decision-making, revealing emerging multidrug parasite resistance, and reshaping our understanding of One Health risks that impact pets, people, and wildlife alike.

From the importance of One Health and zoonotic concern messaging to the nuances of fecal screening in cats and dogs, listen in for more about:

• The power of collaboration and data sharing in veterinary parasitology
• Landmark cases of Echinococcus multilocularis in the US and Canada
• The rise of hookworm drug resistance and what it means for treatment
• Broader trends affecting parasite prevalence, including climate change and pet travel
• Practical advice for veterinarians on fecal testing and antimicrobial stewardship
• Future directions in parasite research and diagnostics

Our guest today is Dr. Michelle Evason who is employed by Antech. We’re sharing this so you have full transparency about the relationships involved.

Tails From the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

What’s the secret to stress-free biopsy submission?

Dr. Jodie Gerdin, Director of Anatomic Pathology at Antech, shares best practices for handling, packaging, labeling, and shipping biopsy samples to ensure diagnostic accuracy and timely results. Join us as Dr. Gerdin talks about her journey from emergency vet to pathology expert and reveals common mistakes that can jeopardize biopsy submissions — and how to avoid them. Learn how to protect precious tissue samples during transit, and the power of building a strong relationship with your pathology team. Tune in to elevate your biopsy game, improve patient outcomes, and build stronger partnerships with your diagnostic partners.

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Our guest today is Jodie Gerdin, who is employed by Antech. We're sharing this so you have full transparency about the relationships involved.

How do veterinary diagnostics and education combine to advance veterinary medicine?

Tails From the Lab podcast host Dr. Holly Brown sits down to discuss clinical education, diagnostics, and more with Dr. Jimmy Barr (DVM, DACVECC), Chief Medical Officer at Antech™ and Mars Science & Diagnostics, and Dr. Michelle Evason (BSc, DVM, DACVIM, MRCVS), Director of Veterinary Education & Outreach at Antech.

Antech & VETgirl are transforming veterinary care through innovative educational programs, like the annual VETgirl certificate series, designed to empower veterinarians, technicians, nurses and teams with practical, pet-first, options-based education.

From dentistry to contextualized diagnostics and imaging to infectious diseases, this program includes timely information to advance your preventive care practice. Tune in to hear insights on the upcoming 2026 program, the importance of contextualized diagnostics, and how Antech’s initiatives are shaping the future of veterinary practice—all while making complex science accessible and actionable for those on the front lines of animal health.

Interested in the 2026 VETgirl Preventive Care Certificate? Earn this certificate for free until 12/31/26, complimentary from Antech.

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics™. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Get a first look at Antech’s VMX 2026 education program — built around the realities of clinical practice and the growing need to apply contextualized diagnostics . Join Dr. Michelle Evason (BSc, DVM, DACVIM, MRCVS), Director of Education & Outreach at Antech, and Tammi Lesser, LVT, Regional President, Mars Science & Diagnostics, North America for a behind-the-scenes preview of this year’s key themes, including preventive care, case-based learning, and what’s new in diagnostic innovation. You’ll hear how topics like GI parasite testing, vector-borne disease, and imaging are being brought to life through practical case examples. Plus, gain insight into how veterinary teams can better connect diagnostics to decision-making, communication, and everyday workflow.

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.

Just a quick note before we jump into today’s episode. Our guests today are Tammi Lesser and Michelle Evason who are employed by Antech. We’re sharing this so you have full transparency about the relationships involved.