The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Nicole Desrosiers and Madison Laycraft

FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Claire Windeyer and Dr. Carolyn Legge

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Wildfire smoke is more than an environmental concern—it’s a growing threat to cattle health and production. In this episode, we explore respiratory and systemic impacts, production losses, and practical mitigation strategies for veterinarians and producers. Learn how to protect vulnerable herds and why a One Health approach is critical in the face of increasing wildfire events.

STUDENTS: Codi Ashbacher and Ashley Sauve

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Mike Scott

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Is your horse’s back pain really “kissing spine”? In this episode, we unpack the myths and dive into evidence-based diagnostics for overriding dorsal spinous processes. Learn why radiographs alone aren’t enough, how to combine imaging with clinical exams, and why a systematic approach matters for accurate diagnosis and better outcomes.

STUDENT: Michaela Douglas

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Jackson

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Feline infectious peritonitis is no longer a death sentence. This episode explores how remdesivir and GS‑441524 have transformed survival outcomes and why veterinarians must take a more active role in monitoring and guiding treatment—especially with newly available legal formulations in Canada. We provide essential background and current evidence to support informed, responsible therapeutic decisions for FIP patients.

STUDENT: Tara Mulloy

FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Becky Valentine and Dr. Nanci Bond

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Dermatology cases can be frustrating for clients, patients, and general practitioners—especially when pruritic pets receive misdiagnoses or impractical treatment plans. This episode explores how a spectrum‑of‑care approach can simplify workups for conditions like canine atopic dermatitis. Learn how streamlined algorithms, realistic planning, and timely referral integration help GPs improve accuracy, efficiency, and client trust in everyday dermatology cases.

STUDENTS: Rebecca Vavrek, Spencer Smith, and Sukhjit Sidhu

FACULTY MENTOR(S): Drs. Soren Boysen and Julie Menard

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Left‑sided congestive heart failure is a high‑stakes emergency—but point‑of‑care ultrasound is transforming rapid diagnosis. This episode walks through stabilizing distressed patients, key POCUS lung and cardiac landmarks, and how to distinguish L‑CHF from other causes of dyspnea. We also compare POCUS with traditional diagnostics and share a practical algorithm to help clinicians confidently start life‑saving treatment sooner.

STUDENTS: Sandy Peters, Shayna Brower, and Isa Gasser

FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Betty-Jo Bradley and Dr. John Remnant

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Bovine respiratory disease remains a major challenge in dairy and feedlot operations, and traditional scoring methods often miss early cases. This episode explores how thoracic ultrasound can enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment decisions, and improve prognostication. Learn how integrating TUS into herd health programs supports better welfare, productivity, and antimicrobial stewardship while strengthening BRD management across vulnerable herds.

STUDENTS: Vanessa Boone, Linda Raduner, and Paulina Wolswinkel

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Micronutrient balance is essential for cattle health—yet many western Canadian beef herds face deficiencies in copper, selenium, and vitamin A, alongside excess molybdenum and sulfur. This episode explores how to accurately assess herd status through targeted sampling and reviews effective supplementation strategies. Learn how correcting micronutrient imbalances can boost immunity, fertility, welfare, and overall productivity.

STUDENTS: Alex Ferguson, Kaitlyn Dvorack, and Alex Hibberd

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Soren Boysen

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Feline urethral obstruction is a critical emergency—but several aspects of its management remain hotly debated. This episode examines the evidence behind decompressive cystocentesis, when it’s appropriate, and why it shouldn’t replace unblocking except in rare, financially constrained cases. We also revisit prazosin’s role in preventing recurrence and highlight how strong client communication guides the best treatment decisions.

STUDENTS: Lauren Cody and Isabella Hul

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Chronic kidney disease is widespread in aging dogs and cats—and traditional creatinine testing often misses early cases. This episode explores how symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) enhances early detection, overcomes limitations of muscle‑dependent markers, and supports more accurate staging using IRIS guidelines. Learn how combining SDMA with creatinine improves monitoring, tailoring treatment, and optimizing long‑term outcomes for CKD patients.

STUDENTS: Emma Buchanan, Kaitlyn Dornstauder, and Gabriel Godziuk

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr Doug Whiteside

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

As reptile and amphibian ownership grows, so does the need for confident general practitioners. This episode guides clinicians through safe handling, critical care, and essential diagnostics, with a focus on common dermatologic conditions. We break down infectious and non‑infectious diseases across species and highlight key husbandry insights to improve outcomes and prevent recurrence in herptile patients.