The Underdog Vet Podcast

By Dr Judy Puddifoot MRCVS

Home of the 'Animal Advocate Interviews' with UK Veterinary Surgeon Dr Judy Puddifoot MRCVS BVetMed MSc BSc and Guests. Join me as I chat to some truly inspiring people who have dedicated their lives ... more

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FAQs about The Underdog Vet Podcast:

How many episodes does The Underdog Vet Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

The Underdog Vet Podcast episodes:

January 01, 2026 S2:E10 Katherine Clarke - Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!

In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with Katherine Clarke an internal medicine specialist at a large referral practice in Hertfordshire, England.

After graduating from Bristol vet school in 2011 Katherine started her vet career in a first opinion, small animal practice before embarking on the long journey to specializing in internal medicine.

Katherine and I had a very enjoyable chat that covered a wide variety of thought-provoking subjects including the best, the worst and the funniest parts of the job!

This is such a great episode and I’m excited for you to hear it!

Terms mentioned in this episode:
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (type of advanced imaging)
CT: Computed Tomography (type of advanced imaging)TPLO: Tibial Plataea Levelling Osteotomy (a surgical technique for addressing cranial ligament rupture injury)
Antibiotic Stewardship: An organisational or healthcare system-wide approach to promoting and monitoring judicious use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectivenessClinical Sign: Another term for a symptom seen with an illness
UPC: Urine Protein Concentration, used to measure the amount of protein in the urine
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1h 2min
September 29, 2024 S2:E9 - James Russell - Vetlife
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!
WARNING - THIS EPISODE BRIEFLY DISCUSSES THE SUBJECT OF SUICIDE, IF YOU NEED HELP WITH ANYTHING RAISED IN THE TALK, PLEASE USE THE LINKS PROVIDED IN THE EPISODE TEXT
In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with James Russell, the President of Vetlife.
Vetlife is a charity that provides independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community including vets, vet nurses, students and non-clinical staff.
James joined the charity in 2016 as a volunteer, and in 2023 became the President of the charity.

James started by telling me about the origins of the charity, why it was set up and how it’s being run today. We went on to discuss some of the unique challenges those who work within veterinary medicine face and how it can affect their mental health. We concluded our chat by talking about the importance of having a supportive workplace and recognising potential difficulties and what we can do to help both ourselves and our colleagues in
those circumstances.
Links:
Vetlife Website: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/
Vetlife Helpline: 0303 040 2551
Vetlife Impact Report 2024: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Vetlife-Impact-Report-2023-D4.pdf
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/
Sophie's Legacy: https://sophieslegacy.com/
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55min
June 28, 2024 S2:E8 - Dr Paula Boyden BVetMed MRCVS - Importing Dogs
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!
In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview I welcome back veterinary surgeon and researcher Dr Paula Boyden.
Paula first joined me on Episode 5 of Series 1 where we discussed the important work of The Links Group - you can find the link to that in this episode's details.
Paula wears a variety of hats within animal welfare, and in this episode she was chatting with me about something she's done a lot of research in - importing dogs into the UK.
Paula and I started by talking about the importing of puppies and dogs into the UK, we then moved onto the thorny subject of exotic diseases that may be introduced into the UK by dogs coming from other countries and finished by delving into the risks posed to the UK dog population by some of these diseases.
Terms used in our discussion:
Shedding: Spreading viral particles while you talk, exhale, eat etc
Vector: Any organism that functions as a carrier of an infectious agent between organisms of a different species
Sandfly: A colloquial name for any species or genus of flying, biting, blood-sucking fly
Vertical Transmission: The transfer of virus from parent to offspring
Vector borne: Diseases that are transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas
Heartworm: A parasitic roundworm, a small thread-like worm, which causes dirofilariasis in dogs.
Dirofilariasis: Infection of the heart in dogs by the parasite Dirofilaria, transmitted by certain insect bites.
Non-endemic Disease: Diseases not routinely found in a country/area.
Clinical Signs: Signs and symptoms of a disease seen in those suffering from it.
Links:
APHA: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency
DEFRA: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
The Balai Directive: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/balai-directive-registration-of-premises-to-export-animals#:~:text=The%20Balai%20Directive%20states%20that,completed%20to%20register%20a%20premises.
Association of Dogs and Cats Homes: https://adch.org.uk/
BSAVA Info for Vets on Brucella canis: https://www.bsava.com/article/brucella-canis-bsava-scientific-information-document/
Puppy Contract Info: https://puppycontract.org.uk/
Kept Animals Bill Info: https://www.bva.co.uk/take-action/kept-animals-bill/
Paula's Previous episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51iK6u5giwqDB2idTtLxrd?si=PziFymrDT6qjvgiiyywgag
Paula's Previous episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s1-e5-paula-boyden-bvetmed-mrcvs-the-links-group/id1605602533?i=1000560413671
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1h 3min
September 29, 2023 S2:E7 - Dr Meghan Vaught - Maine Veterinary Medical Centre (USA)
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!
In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with Dr Meghan Vaught a vet from the Maine Veterinary Medical Centre in Maine on the East coast of America.

Meghan is a Critical Care Specialist and one of the medical directors at the hospital. She was the lead vet on a particularly upsetting case back in June 2022.

Meghan and I discussed the details of the case, its coverage in local media and the subsequent repercussions of that coverage.

We then moved on to talk more generally about the impacts on vet staff, team morale and the importance of teamwork. And finally we spoke about how pet owners can be best prepared for unexpected veterinary bills!
Some terms mentioned in the podcast that not every listener might be familiar with:
Free fluid/pleural effusion: Fluid seen in spaces within the body where it shouldn't normally be seen
Double cavity: Meaning more than one body cavity is affected eg the chest and the abdomen
Core Credit: Financial services company
Wells Fargo: Financial services company
Links:
Dr Meghan Vaught's Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mvaughtdacvecc/
Maine Veterinary Medical Center Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rarebreedvets/
Not One More Vet: https://www.nomv.org/
Vetlife: https://www.vetlife.org.uk/
Maine Veterinary Medical Centre Statement: https://www.instagram.com/p/CetDa8JNSbo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theunderdog

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54min
July 28, 2023 S2:E6 - Jemima Harrison - 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed'
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!
In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with Jemima Harrison, a TV producer, dog rescuer
and all-round animal welfare campaigner who also runs a small gundog rescue.

She’s probably best known for having produced the ground breaking investigative documentary Pedigree Dogs
Exposed.
It aired on BBC One back in 2008 and exposed a multitude of welfare issues within the pedigree dog
breeding and showing industries.

Jemima and I discussed the heart breaking issues raised in her documentary, whether she feels things have
improved since then and what her latest projects are.
Definitions:
Coefficient Of Inbreeding: Inbreeding is a measure of how closely related your dog’s parents were. The higher the inbreeding coefficient, the more closely related the parents. In general, higher inbreeding coefficients are associated with increased incidence of genetically inherited conditions, reduced fecundity, and reduced life span
IVDD: Intervertebral Disk Disease (https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/intervertebral-disc-herniation-or-slipped-disc-fact-sheet/)
DCM: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/dilated-cardiomyopathy/)
F1/F2/F3 Cross: F1 crosses in animals can be between two inbred lines or between two closely related species or subspecies.
DM: Degenerative Myelopathy (https://veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/canine-degenerative-myelopathy/)
Links:
Pedigree Dogs Exposed: https://documentaryheaven.com/bbc-pedigree-dogs-exposed/
Pedigree Dogs Exposed Blog: ⁠http://pedigreedogsexposed.blogspot.com/
Coefficient Of Inbreeding information from BSAVA: https://www.bsava.com/position-statement/inherited-diseases-and-exaggerated-characteristics/
Brachycephalic Working Group: http://www.ukbwg.org.uk/
CRUFFA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cruffa/?locale=en_GB
Anti epilepsy Drug that can cause birth defects: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/sodium-valproate/#:~:text=The%20risks%20of%20valproate%20during%20pregnancy&text=It%20can%20harm%20the%20baby,as%20the%20child%20grows%20up.
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1h 3min
June 23, 2023 Paws For Thought Episode 1 - Top Five Tips for a Great Relationship with Your Pets' Vet!
Paws For Thought - where I chat about my life as a veterinary surgeon.
In this very first episode of the segment I give you five top tips to have the best relationship with your pets' vet! Please do get in touch with any areas or subjects you'd like me to cover in future segments. Email [email protected]
Enjoy!
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17min
May 26, 2023 S2:E5 Bonus Segment - Dr Karen Perry discussing Cranial Cruciate Ligament Surgical Repair Techniques
Hello!
This bit is probably only of interest to vets and vet nurses or those with a particular interest in cranial cruciate ligament surgery techniques.
There are a handful of different surgical techniques to repair a ruptured cruciate ligament, which is a pretty good indication that there's no one perfect method!
Each vet will choose which technique is best on a case by case basis. I asked Karen which was her favourite.
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5min
May 26, 2023 S2: E5 - Karen Perry - Veterinary Orthopaedic Surgeon
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!

In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with Dr Karen Perry a Tenured Associate Professor in Small Animal Orthopaedics and Chief of Small Animal Surgery at Michigan State University in America.

After graduating from Edinburgh vet school in 2005 Karen also completed a residency there in 2010. She then spent 4 years lecturing in orthopaedics at The Royal Veterinary College in London before making the move to Michigan State University.

Karen is passionate about improving veterinary education and mentoring her students. Her clinical interests include feline orthopaedics and trauma.

Karen and I spoke about being an orthopaedic surgeon, mentoring the next generation of vets and protecting your mental health as a vet.

Links:
Osteoarthritis: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/osteoarthritis/
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO): https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/tibial-plateau-levelling-osteotomy-or-tplo-fact-sheet/
Elbow Dysplasia: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/fact-sheets-post/elbow-dysplasia-fact-sheet/
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/osteochondritis-dissecans-or-ocd-in-dogs
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cruciate-ligament-rupture-in-dogs
Medial humeral epicondylitis: https://cvm.msu.edu/annualreport/2016/a-feline-focus-detecting-and-treating-mhe
Primary hyperparathyroidism: A condition in which a tumour in the parathyroid gland produces excessive levels of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
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56min
April 28, 2023 S2: E4 - Laura Ward - Dog Behaviourist
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!
In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview I spoke with Laura Ward a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, who specialises in dog aggression.

Laura set up Minds Alike Animal Behaviour after working as a veterinary nurse for 10years. She has always had a passion for how animals think and feel
and now dedicates her time to helping owners solve their dog’s behavioural issues. Laura firmly believes in using only positive approaches and that having
an understanding of how your dog is feeling means you can then appreciate why they are behaving in the ways they are.

Laura and I spoke about the importance of using a qualified dog behaviourist, the difference between a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer and why
it is vital dog owners understand some dog psychology!
Laura used some words that some listeners may not be familiar with, here's some explanations:
Desensitisation: Desensitisation means very gradual exposure to the scary thing, starting at a very low level and building up very slowly, at every step on the way, you dog should be happy and comfortable.
Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training means training with rewards, such as a treat, praise or a toy. You give your dog something they want when they’re behaving in a way that you like (more info here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/training/techniques/positive-reinforcement-training-with-rewards).
Socialisation: The process of getting a puppy/dog comfortable and familiar with everyday things.
Positive Punishment: The addition or application of something unpleasant to the dog or it's environment eg using a prong or electric collar or hitting the dog.
Threshold: The point at which a dog will be triggered by something.
Links:
Minds ALike Website: https://www.mindsalikeanimaltraining.com/
Grain free diet info: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
Ladder of Aggression/Communication: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/canine-ladder-of-communication
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (UK): https://abtc.org.uk/
Find an accredited practitioner in your area (UK): https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners/

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1h 2min
March 31, 2023 S2: E3 - Dermot Murphy - RSPCA Inspectorate Commissioner
Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast!

In this episode’s ‘Animal Advocate Interview’, I chatted with Dermot Murphy the Inspectorate Commissioner of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA is the UK’s largest animal welfare charity. Their work involves raising awareness through their campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation of animals through their network of veterinary hospitals and animal rehoming centres and fighting animal abuse through investigations and prosecutions.

Dermot has worked for the RSPCA for nearly 30 years, starting as an ambulance driver he progressed through the ranks to become the Chief Inspector in 2015 where he had responsibility for all Inspectorate operations across England and Wales. He recently become Inspectorate Commissioner with the responsibility of the transition of the charity’s prosecution work to the Crown Prosecution Service and seeking statutory powers for RSPCA Inspectors.

Dermot and I spoke about the work of an RSPCA Inspector and the very real challenges they face, how the pandemic has impacted animal welfare and the charity’s very bold ambitions in their Strategy To 2030 initiative!
Links:
RSPCA: https://www.rspca.org.uk/home
RSPCA Advice Hub - Cost of Living: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving
RSPCA Animal Adoption Page: https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
Information on transferring prosecutions to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS): https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/strategy/prosecution
Strategy 2030: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/strategy/ambitions
The Links Group: https://thelinksgroup.org.uk/
Pet Cost Calculator: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving/petcalculator
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1h 4min

FAQs about The Underdog Vet Podcast:

How many episodes does The Underdog Vet Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.