The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Justine Telawsky and Sydney Warchola

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Feline urethral obstruction is a common emergency, often driven by feline idiopathic cystitis and other components of FLUTD. This episode reviews rapid, evidence‑based stabilization—from diagnostics to fluids, analgesia, and catheterization—while highlighting new research on catheter size, duration, and medications like meloxicam and prazosin. Gain clear, updated guidance for managing this high‑stakes condition in general or emergency practice.

STUDENTS: Emily Russ and Jessica Dixon

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Thilo Pfau

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Equine lameness can challenge even the most experienced clinicians—human eyes simply can’t detect subtle asymmetries or avoid bias. This episode explores how gait analysis technology, or the “lameness locator,” provides objective, high‑precision motion data to improve detection, localization, and assessment of lameness. Discover why this evolving tool is becoming essential in modern equine sports medicine.

STUDENTS: Brooke-Lynn Vandenberg, Carly Wilson, and Shea Wilson

FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Marina McConkey and Ning Cheng

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy—which sterilization technique is truly best for female dogs? This episode reviews decades of comparative research on peri‑ and postoperative outcomes, from hemorrhage risk to urinary incontinence and ureteral injury. Despite subtle differences, evidence shows both procedures are equally effective in healthy patients. Join us as we break down the data and why surgeon preference ultimately guides the choice.

STUDENTS: Natalia Feschuk, Mackenzie Forsythe, and Taylor Huber

FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Serge Chalhoub and Søren Boysen

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Managing a cat in respiratory distress requires fast, low‑stress assessment—and thoracic POCUS is transforming that first look. This episode reviews key ultrasound signs, how to distinguish pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and cardiac changes, and when asthma becomes the diagnosis of exclusion. Learn practical, evidence‑based steps for stabilizing patients and guiding acute treatment with steroids and bronchodilators.

STUDENTS: Halley Adams, Meaghan Nawrot, and Lynn Thiessen

FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Claire Windeyer and Jennifer Pearson

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Assisted calvings can leave newborn calves struggling with hypoxia and acidemia, making prompt, evidence‑based intervention essential. This episode introduces a practical decision tree for neonatal calf resuscitation, outlining key early‑life milestones and when to act. We also review which emerging treatments show promise—and which common practices lack support—to help practitioners and producers confidently manage compromised calves.

STUDENT: Ciara Milicevic

FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Johnathan Canton and Dr. Becky Valentine

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Environmental allergies in pets are rising—and medications alone often aren’t enough. This episode explores why symptoms recur, how household and outdoor allergens contribute, and why allergen‑specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only long‑term solution. Learn how ASIT builds tolerance, its cost–benefit over a pet’s lifetime, and why it offers fewer side effects than common allergy drugs.

STUDENTS: Emma Mandolesi-Kahanyshyn, Sarah Kulle, and Allison Kwantes

FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Brielle Rosa and Karen Liljebjelke

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Caseous lymphadenitis remains a costly, persistent challenge in small ruminant herds worldwide. This episode reviews current evidence on controlling CLA—from biosecurity and culling to vaccination—and compares open versus closed‑system abscess management. We also examine antimicrobial options like penicillin, oxytetracycline, and tulathromycin, highlighting strategies that reduce environmental contamination while improving outcomes for affected animals and producers.

STUDENTS: Kyle Mitchell and Vladimir Tadic

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Explore the science and best practices behind bovine castration across four key production ages. We break down pain‑mitigation strategies, technique selection, and why earlier is better for calf welfare. Learn how veterinarians can guide producers with evidence‑based protocols—from newborns to yearlings—to reduce complications, meet Code of Practice requirements, and support healthier herds.

STUDENTS: Brooke Whitmarsh and Megan Johnson

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Holly Sparks

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Dive into the challenges of equine synovial sepsis—one of the most serious complications of traumatic wounds. This episode unpacks current literature on diagnosis, key prognostic indicators, and effective treatment strategies. Learn how timely, aggressive intervention—even in the field—can dramatically improve outcomes, and discover practical guidance to help practitioners confidently manage septic wounds without always requiring referral.

STUDENTS: Rachael Morrison, Bailey Harper, and Heather Burnett

FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Marina McConkey and Ning Cheng

PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION

This episode tackles the ongoing debate around the ideal age to desex dogs, exploring how emerging research challenges long‑held beliefs about mammary cancer risk. We break down the latest findings on musculoskeletal disorders, breed and weight‑related factors, and other health considerations. Designed for clinicians and clients alike, this discussion offers clearer guidance on making evidence‑based desexing decisions.