Tails of Truth: The Truth about Veterinary Medicine

Tell Us What You Think

We're going there. Pet pharmacies, the topic Dr. Angie and JoJo have feelings about.

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie pulls back the curtain on something that happens behind the scenes at your vet clinic every single day: the time, cost, and liability involved every time you fill your pet's prescription at a third-party pharmacy. It's not a lecture — it's context most pet parents have never had.

JoJo shares a cautionary tale that will genuinely stop you in your tracks: a cat who received his owner's blood pressure medication, at the owner's dose, for five weeks from a human chain pharmacy. The prescription was completely wrong. The drug wasn't even used in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Angie and JoJo also break down the difference between big box online pharmacies, human chain pharmacies, and your veterinary clinic's own online pharmacy, including why vet-specific pharmacies have safety checks that human pharmacies simply don't.

This one is short, punchy, and packed with information that could literally protect your pet.

Free course code mentioned: Use code TRUTHTAILS or TRUTHTALES at https://boulderholisticvet.com/collections/courses for a free course. 

Book a consultation: https://boulderholisticvet.com/pages/video-consultations-with-dr-angie

1. Every time your vet approves a prescription from a third-party pharmacy, it costs them 15–20 minutes of unbillable time and zero revenue.
2. Filling at your vet clinic's own online pharmacy is almost always price-competitive with big-box options and often has auto-ship discounts.
3. Human chain pharmacies don't have veterinary-specific safety checks, errors can and do happen.
4. Vet-specific online pharmacies verify medications against your pet's species, weight, and chart, a layer of protection human pharmacies can't offer.
5. Small independent vet practices are under genuine financial pressure from third-party pharmacy use. Where you fill a prescription is a form of advocacy.
6. If your vet calls something into a human pharmacy, always text them a photo of the medication before giving it to your pet.

 Soundbites

"Some of the things you can buy on Chewy, they are selling it for less than we can buy it for at wholesale."   — Dr. Angie 

"When you go to a third party like Chewy because you're trying to save $2... it is gutting the small practices that are left." — JoJo 

"I'll sign off anywhere from five to ten of these per day, sometimes more. And that takes up so much time. And the amount of revenue made on that is none."  — Dr. Angie 

"The benefit of using your veterinary clinic's online pharmacy is that they are veterinary focused and only have veterinary safe drugs. — JoJo 

"We want to please everyone. We want you to get your stuff. We want you to get it for the best price possible too. It's just right now it's coming at our expense."        — Dr. Angie 

 "Help us help you." — Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

In this episode of Tails of Truth, we welcome our first guest: Dr. Kenneth Pierce, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and founder of VESPECON.

Dr. Pierce joins us to talk about a growing challenge in veterinary medicine: access to veterinary specialists.

From cardiologists to internists to ophthalmologists, specialty care is increasingly difficult to access, even in large metro areas. Dr. Pierce shares how VESPECON helps veterinarians consult directly with specialists so pets can receive expert guidance faster and closer to home.

 Dr. Pierce also gives Dr. Angie an impromptu live consult on her own cat, Fiona, who has chronic feline herpes and he helps us understand why many cats expereience chronic watery eyes and his go-to-treatment plan for cats with ocular manifestations of feline herpesvirus. 

Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a pet parent trying to advocate for your animal’s care, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how veterinary collaboration can improve outcomes for pets everywhere.

Learn more about Dr. Pierce and VESPECON:
 https://vespecon.com/

Products Recommended in this episode:

I-Drop Vet Plus Ophthalmic Solution 

Key Takeaways:

 • Access to veterinary specialists is becoming increasingly limited.
 • Veterinarians often need specialist guidance to manage complex cases.
 • VESPECON connects veterinarians with board-certified specialists across disciplines.
 • Pet parents can advocate for collaborative care with their veterinarian.
 • Feline herpes virus is a common cause of chronic tearing in cats.
 • Tear film imbalance often explains the watery eye symptoms.
 • Veterinary collaboration ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. 

Sound Bites: 

"Your local vet is like your main bread and butter and the first line of defense... and sometimes they need a lifeline." — Dr. Pierce

“When veterinarians can collaborate with specialists, the confidence in that case goes way up.” — Dr. Pierce

“I feel really guilty packing them up and sending them to a specialty hospital because I know it’s going to be costly.” — Dr. Angie 

“That shared knowledge that we kind of have lost… it sounds like you are building a bridge back to that.” — JoJo

“I’ve been practicing for 18 years and I’m still asking questions.” — Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

If your veterinarian has ever told you to “try a novel protein diet” or mentioned a hydrolyzed protein food, and you left wondering what that actually means this episode is for you.

In this episode of Tails of Truth, we break down how novel protein diets, limited ingredient diets, and hydrolyzed protein diets (like Royal Canin Ultamino) are used in real life for both dogs and cats.

For cats, we most often use novel protein diets when we suspect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic vomiting, diarrhea, over-grooming, or food sensitivities. We explain what “novel” really means (think rabbit, duck, pork, venison, kangaroo, and more). 

For dogs, we talk about itchy skin, ear infections, food allergies, and why hydrolyzed protein diets are often the fastest and most reliable way to run a true elimination diet trial. We also discuss when simply removing chicken or another common protein may be enough and when it’s not.

We cover:

• The difference between novel and hydrolyzed protein
• Why diet trials must be strict to be successful
• Prescription vs. over-the-counter limited ingredient diets
• Cross-contamination in pet food manufacturing
• Why ingredient labels don’t always tell the full story

If your dog is itching or your cat is vomiting and you’re overwhelmed in the pet food aisle, this episode gives you a practical roadmap so you can make a confident next step.

And if you need personalized help, you can always book a consult at boulderholisticvet.com

If you want to take a deeper dive here are some related episodes: 

Itchy Dogs: The Truth Behind the Scratching
What to Feed Your Cat: From Fancy Feast to Raw
Dog Food Trends & Risks: From Gently Cooked to Grain-Free
The Raw Dog Food Controversy
Your Cat’s Vomiting Isn’t Normal: Let’s Chat About IBD

Key Takeaways: 

• A novel protein diet uses a protein your pet has never eaten before.
• A proper elimination diet trial lasts 6–8 weeks with zero outside proteins.
• Cats with vomiting, diarrhea, or suspected IBD often benefit from novel proteins.
• Itchy dogs with suspected food allergies may require hydrolyzed protein diets like Ultamino.
• Prescription diets reduce cross-contamination risk during manufacturing.

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• Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie 
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Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

Tell Us What You Think

Anxiety in dogs is far more common than most people realize and it’s often undertreated. In fact, some recent studies suggest that up to 75% of dogs exhibit at least one anxious behavior. Yet anxiety is rarely the primary focus during routine veterinary visits.

In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo unpack what canine anxiety really looks like, from pacing, panting, barking, and noise phobias to hypervigilance, car ride stress, and reactivity. They explore why anxiety is frequently dismissed, why many pet parents feel hesitant about medications like Prozac for dogs, and how untreated anxiety can increase cortisol, inflammation, and long-term stress on the body.

You’ll hear about integrative treatment options including whole hemp extract CBD (HempRx Forte), Nutricalm with L-theanine and L-tryptophan, and when pharmaceuticals such as SSRIs, gabapentin, trazodone, or clonidine may dramatically improve quality of life.

This conversation is compassionate, practical, and grounded in the belief that mental health is health. If you’re living with an anxious dog, whether it’s mild, situational stress or more severe generalized anxiety, this episode will help you think clearly about next steps.

HempRx Forte Oil and Chews 

Nutricalm Capsules, Chews, Liquid 

Book a one-one-one consultation 

 KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Up to 75% of dogs may show at least one anxious behavior
• Anxiety increases cortisol and inflammation
• CBD works best when given twice daily, not situationally
• HempRx Forte delivers therapeutic dosing
• Nutricalm supports serotonin pathways (L-theanine, L-tryptophan)
• Prozac does not “change personality” 
• Trazodone alone is often not enough
• Combination therapy can be safe and effective
• Anxiety treatment may require trial and adjustment

 SOUND BITES

"At least half of my patients have some sort of anxiety."  ~ Dr. Angie 

“Not treating your dog’s anxiety causes them to have so much more cortisol and stress hormones.”  ~ Dr. Angie 

“Imagine being in that state of hypervigilance all the time.” ~ JoJo

 “Anxiety is undertreated.” ~ Dr. Angie 

 “We’re not going to change their personality.”  ~ Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

In this short but powerful episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo step into a hard conversation — not about politics, but about community and compassion.

Across the United States, families are being detained during immigration enforcement operations. While the human impact is immense, there’s another ripple effect that isn’t being talked about enough: the pets left behind.

Missed veterinary appointments are rising. Dogs aren’t being walked. Shelters are overwhelmed. Some animals are being found days or even weeks without their caregivers.

If you love animals, this episode invites you to care about what’s happening to them.

We discuss:

• The ripple effect of detainment on pets and veterinary care
• Why missed appointments are increasing
• How community members can step up in small, practical ways
• Organizations offering temporary foster support
• How to create a pet emergency plan during uncertain times

This conversation is about empathy. About community. And about showing up where we can.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s be in community.

Key Takeaways

•  This episode centers on community and compassion, not politics. 
•  Immigration enforcement and detainment operations are creating a ripple effect that is impacting pets and animal welfare. 
•  Dogs are not being walked, and some animals are being left without immediate care when caregivers are detained. 
•  Supporting local shelters, pet food pantries, and foster programs is a tangible way to help. 
•  Small actions — walking a neighbor’s dog, delivering food, driving someone to the vet — strengthen community resilience. 
•  If empathy feels complicated, start with the animals. Compassion is still compassion. 
•  Emergency pet planning — including backup contacts and neighbor communication — can prevent animals from being left behind. 

Sound Bites

“If I can't convince you to care about the people that are being kidnapped off the streets, I want you to at least care about their pets.”  ~ Dr. Angie 

 “We've decided the risk is worth it because it is too hard and irresponsible, in our opinion, to not name what's happening in our country.”  ~ JoJo

 “We're all beings. We have four legs, two legs, like we all are deserving of empathy, compassion, respect, care, food, shelter. Water, the basics. A walk.”       ~ JoJo

 “Go take a dog for a walk for a neighbor that can't. Go take a dog to the vet that a neighbor can't. Just show up, be in community.” ~ JoJo

"When you're hearing this information, it's just easy to forget about all those effects." ~ Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

Pet parents have questions and in this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse JoJo answer them unscripted and unfiltered.

From concerns about Cushing’s disease in dogs and whether herbal formulas like Four Marvels are enough, to navigating kidney disease in cats, picky eaters, and when to stop forcing prescription diets — this episode tackles the real-world questions pet parents are asking every day.

They also discuss:

• Whether calming medications like gabapentin and trazodone affect lab work
• What symptoms truly point to Cushing’s disease, and which diagnostics matter most
• Why senior cats lose weight even when blood work looks “normal”
• How to feed cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription food
• Fenbendazole as a trending treatment for cancer
• The emotionally charged topic of rabies vaccines, reactions, titers, and risk assessment

This is a non-shaming, deeply validating conversation that acknowledges uncertainty, honors pet parents’ instincts, and explains the why behind veterinary recommendations — without fear-mongering or dismissiveness.

If you’ve ever thought, “I just want someone to talk this through with me,” this episode is for you.

 ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Not every trending treatment has evidence 
• Cushing’s disease requires a full diagnostic picture
• Weight loss in senior cats can mean "something" even if blood work looks normal
• Fed is best for cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription diets
• Calming medications do not skew blood work, and often make vet visits safer
• Vaccine reactions aren’t always acknowledged and they deserve to be taken seriously
• Risk assessment matters when deciding on boosters, titers, or exemptions

✨ SOUND BITES 

 “Correlation and causation are not the same thing.”   – Dr. Angie 

 “At no time have I ever thought, I bet this dog or cat’s doing so much better because of the fenbendazole." – Dr. Angie

 “I already like this. I feel like you’re very quick to get to very clear answers.”  – JoJo

 “Which one feels harder? Which one can you live with?” – JoJo

 “Veterinary medicine is kind of quick to dismiss anything that’s not anaphylaxis.” – Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

Veterinary visits, especially emergency vet visits, are stressful, emotional, and expensive — and most pet parents feel like they have no choice but to say yes to everything put in front of them. In this fiery, truth-telling episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse, JoJo, pull back the curtain on what really happens in emergency veterinary medicine and how pet guardians can better advocate for their animals.

Dr. Angie shares a real-world case that highlights how unnecessary and expensive diagnostics can quickly escalate costs without changing the treatment plan. She explains the difference between good medicine and overkill, why some emergency clinics present “everything at once,” and how fear, corporate protocols, inexperience, and liability concerns can drive decision-making.

This episode teaches pet parents exactly what questions to ask, how to slow the process down, and how to understand which tests actually change outcomes — and which ones can safely wait. If you’ve ever left a vet visit feeling confused, pressured, or financially devastated, this conversation will help you walk in informed, confident, and empowered.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• You are allowed to ask what each test will change in your pet’s care plan.
• More diagnostics do not always mean better outcomes.
• Emergency vet estimates often include everything upfront — not because it’s all required immediately.
• X-rays can miss foreign bodies; clean imaging doesn’t always equal answers.
• Critical thinking and step-by-step medicine are being lost in some emergency settings.
• Fear, cortisol, and emotional overload make it harder for pet parents to advocate.
• Transparency builds trust — pressure destroys it.
• Saying “not right now” does not make you a bad pet parent.

 SOUND BITES 

“This is why people are going to stop trusting veterinarians.”  ~ Dr. Angie 

“If it’s not going to change anything I do, why would I do it?” ~  Dr. Angie

 “Your brain is not fully online when you’re in the ER.”  ~ JoJo

“It’s never wrong medicine — but it can be wrong for people.” ~ Dr. Angie

 “When you’re in the ER, you feel like you need to say yes to everything.”  ~ JoJo 

 “That dog needed fluids — it did not need ten million x-rays.”  ~ Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

In this practical, honest, and judgment-free episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo talk openly about fractious cats — lovingly known as “spicy kitties.” These are the cats who may be sweet at home but become anxious, aggressive, or terrified at the veterinary clinic.

They break down the many types of fractious cats, why fear — not “bad behavior” — drives these reactions, and how stress escalates when cats feel trapped or unsafe. Dr. Angie explains why chemical restraint is often the kindest option, how gabapentin and trazodone can dramatically reduce fear responses, and why skipping pre-visit meds makes veterinary care harder for everyone — especially the cat.

The conversation also covers modern low-stress handling techniques, the controversy around scruffing, carrier tips that actually help, and why avoiding vet visits altogether can quietly harm cats who still need preventative medicine, dental care, and bloodwork.

This episode is for every cat guardian who’s ever been told their cat is “difficult" or who has avoided seeking veterinary care for their kitty. You’ll leave feeling reassured, empowered, and reminded: your cat isn’t bad — they’re scared, and there are better ways to help.

💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS

🌶️ “Fractious” doesn’t mean aggressive — it usually means terrified

🧠 Fear activates fight-or-flight, especially in veterinary settings

💊 Gabapentin and trazodone together can be game-changing for anxious cats

🐾 Chemical restraint is often the most compassionate choice

🚫 Skipping pre-visit meds increases stress and negative memory formation

🧺 Carriers that open from the top or fully detach reduce fear immediately

🩺 Avoiding vet care leads to missed dental disease, pain, and chronic illness

❤️ Holistic care includes pharmaceuticals when they protect emotional wellbeing

 💬 SOUND BITES 

 “We never blame you if your kitty is violent or aggressive with us. And we actually don’t really blame your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie 

 “I have admiration for those kitties. I mean, their boundaries are so clear.”  ~ JoJo

 “Chemical restraint is really the nicest thing for everybody involved, including your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie 

 “All that cortisol is not good for your kitty — and it’s also not good for your kitty to not get veterinary care.”  ~ Dr Angie 

 “I think people are really resistant to using chemical restraint.” ~ JoJo

 “Every time we try to push through care that a cat is resistant to, I feel like we’re creating a negative memory.”  ~ JoJo

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Tell Us What You Think

In this deeply emotional and unfiltered episode of Tails of Truth, JoJo and Dr. Angie sit with grief in real time as JoJo shares the story of losing her soul dog, Bodhi, over New Year’s.

This conversation explores the raw truths of pet loss—anticipatory grief, guilt, anger, tenderness, and the impossible weight of deciding when it’s time to say goodbye. JoJo opens up about Bodhi’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the choice to pursue in-home euthanasia, and the heartbreak of letting go on a “good day.” Together, they talk honestly about the bargaining, self-doubt, and self-blame that so often follow euthanasia decisions—even for veterinary professionals.

Dr. Angie offers grounded veterinary insight and compassionate reassurance, reminding listeners that there is no perfect moment, no “right” amount of suffering, and no way to love an animal deeply without eventually experiencing this pain. They also discuss how society minimizes pet grief, why comments like “just get another dog” can be so harmful, and how grief can ripple through families, children, and other animals in the home.

This episode is not about answers—it’s about permission. Permission to grieve how you grieve. Permission to feel devastated by the loss of an animal who was your constant companion, your comforter, your witness. And permission to honor the love that made the loss hurt so much in the first place.

💛 Key Takeaways

• Grief after losing a pet is real, profound, and often minimized by society
• Saying goodbye on a “good day” can be one of the hardest decisions pet parents face
• Euthanasia guilt and self-doubt are common—even among veterinarians and veterinary nurses
• There is no perfect time to say goodbye, only a loving decision made with imperfect information
• Children and other pets benefit from being included in end-of-life goodbyes when possible
• Loving an animal deeply means eventually grieving them—and that pain reflects the depth of that love

 🎙️ Sound Bites 

 “It’s not so easy to say goodbye on a good day.” ~JoJo

 “Your heart can’t understand a terminal diagnosis, even when your medical mind does.” ~ Dr. Angie

 “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him." ~JoJo

 “Grief looks however it’s going to look.”  ~ JoJo

 “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him.” ~JoJo

 “There is no sweet spot. You wrestle with it either way.” ~ Dr. Angie 

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Tell Us What You Think

📝 SUMMARY

In this fun, behind-the-scenes episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo step away from heavy medical topics for a lighthearted, honest look at life inside vet med. This is story time — the kind you won’t find in textbooks or exam rooms — filled with real moments from decades of experience as a holistic vet and vet tech.

From relief work surprises and old-school x-ray darkrooms to long surgery days, early career mistakes, and imposter syndrome, this episode captures the very human side of veterinary medicine. Dr. Angie shares a powerful lesson about being wrong in the best possible way, while JoJo brings humor and grit from the veterinary technician perspective — reminding us just how much vet techs carry behind the scenes.

This episode is intentionally light, a little cheeky, and deeply relatable for pet parents, vet professionals, and anyone curious about what really happens in veterinary clinics. It’s a reminder that great pet care doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from experience, humility, teamwork, and compassion.

🐾 We’ll be back to medicine next episode.
For now, grab a coffee, laugh with us, and enjoy getting to know the people in modern veterinary medicine.

✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Veterinary medicine is full of unexpected, very human moments
• Early career mistakes can become the most meaningful lessons
• Imposter syndrome is common — even decades into practice
• Vet nurses carry immense responsibility, grit, and humor
• Veterinary medicine has evolved dramatically over the years
• Humor and honesty matter just as much as medical knowledge
• This podcast is about truth, not perfection

🗣️ SOUND BITES 

If I can bring this information to you at a middle school level, then I’m doing a really good job. ~ Dr. Angie 

That was the best news I’ve ever told anyone. I was wrong and you were right.      ~ Dr. Angie

 I don’t care. I peed my pants. I peed my pants. ~ JoJo

 I was like, ‘I’m a climber and a veterinarian. ~ Dr. Angie 

 Sometimes it feels like, what am I offering?  ~ JoJo

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Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo