VetFolio Voice

A multimodal treatment approach can help dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) by controlling the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, we explore the use of NSAIDs—specifically Metacam—for managing OA pain. While Librela is a very useful product, many patients are still uncomfortable even after being helped with Librela. Learn how NSAIDs, along with monoclonal antibodies, can be a winning combination for your patients.

Science, data and technology benefit veterinary professionals, pets and pet owners alike. Today, new developments are transforming the way veterinarians care for their patients. In this compelling episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, learn how one company — Antech Diagnostics — is driving innovation in veterinary medicine. You’ll learn about exciting developments in veterinary diagnostics, which are helping veterinary professionals to predict, diagnose and monitor wellness or disease, plus get tips for what to say to those hesitant to embrace technology.

Managing oncologic cases often requires collaboration between the referring veterinarian and specialist, but what does a successful partnership look like? A supportive collaboration between the pet owner, primary care veterinarian and oncology specialist is essential to achieve the best outcomes for these patients, but along with the major benefits that come from this joint effort are some hesitations. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi and veterinary oncologist Dr. Haley Leeper cover the options typically discussed with clients whose pets are diagnosed with cancer, from palliative care to referral to quality of life assessments and everything in between. You’ll learn what a collaborative care team looks like and how oncology can embrace providing a spectrum of care, plus explore a new conditionally approved medication that is used for the treatment of canine lymphoma — verdinexor (Laverdia).

Want to earn CE from this episode? Be sure to log into VetFolio and take the quiz to qualify for your CE credit!

https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/managing-oncology-cases-from-palliation-to-referral-and-everything-in-between-podcast-quiz

The proposed Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2024 (H.R.7380) would allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to have regulatory authority over the labeling and ingredient review process for dog and cat food and treats, and would eliminate inconsistent state interpretations and decisions impacting ingredient and pet food label approvals. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, Dr. Cassi chats with Dana Brooks and Dr. Lindsey Bullen about the process of a bill becoming law and how it differs in reality from what we learned in the “I’m Just a Bill” episode of Schoolhouse Rock! They discuss the current state of the pet food industry and why the PURR Act is important. They delve into the influence we have as constituents and how to contact congresspeople to achieve the greatest success in getting our voice heard. They also explore what the expected results are after implementation of the PURR Act. Finally, they discuss the importance of nutrition education in veterinary school and veterinary technician programs.

As the school year kicks off, so do the risks of common household toxins that can threaten our pets. In this episode, Dr. Cassi sat down with Dr. Tina Wismer, director of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, to discuss the hidden dangers that back-to-school season brings. From ADHD medications and illicit drugs like marijuana to everyday foods like grapes and chocolates, they explore the toxicities that are more common during this time of year. They also dove into effective communication strategies with clients to identify potential exposures and outline diagnostic and treatment approaches for both known and unknown toxins. Tune in for vital insights to help protect your patients from these seasonal hazards.

Launched in 2022, the founder of Family Paws saw a need for resources and information to support new and expecting families with dogs. Family Paws provides specialized programs and support for these parents and aims to increase safety in homes with young children and family dogs. Tune in to this special episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast to learn how Family Paws is beneficial for the veterinary team and their clients. You’ll explore canine body language, common questions you may encounter during an appointment with a client on how to manage their dog around their children, and get resources for your team and clients.

As you go through your day-to-day tasks in veterinary medicine, you will see that there are constant barriers to your well-being when they are left unnoticed. Tiny little stressors can turn into trauma when left unnurtured. These traumas lead to burnout, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue. We will discuss how your body responds to this trauma and how to start managing it. Knowing how your body responds gives you the power to build resilience and peace of mind.

Cats and dogs suffering from acute or chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and other gastrointestinal disorders are commonly encountered in the clinic. Learn why therapies that have been used in the past are no longer recommended in this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, plus explore the newer recommendations for management of enteropathies, including dietary therapy and fecal transplants. Join Dr. Cassi and Dr. Jenessa Winston as they discuss the role of fiber in managing enteropathies, sources of fiber (including prescription diets and over-the-counter supplementation), and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) — when to perform this procedure, how to perform it and the new FMT guidelines that are slated to be published soon.

Want to earn CE from this episode? Be sure to log into VetFolio and take the quiz to qualify for your CE credit!

https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/microbiome-medicine-for-acute-colitis-and-chronic-enteropathies-podcast-quiz

Are you thinking about transitioning from general practice to emergency medicine? It’s a whole different world — different flow, different cases, different drugs, different diagnostics, nontraditional hours — and the learning curve will absolutely challenge you. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, host Dr. Cassi talks to Dr. Ishita Shah, who entered general practice immediately following graduation from vet school. Dr. Shah explains the parts of her GP experience that gave her the confidence to make the leap from general practice to emergency medicine. Their conversation spans a number of challenges that came along with the transition, including the importance of working as a team in VetMed in general, but especially in ER. Dr. Shah also offers insight into her decision to enter practice and not pursue a residency and to go into GP prior to ER, as well as the impact of those decisions on her career. And of course, two veterinarians cannot have a conversation without discussing their favorite and least favorite cases.

Wellbeing, burnout and work/life balance are trendy buzzwords in VetMed. But these are more than mere hot-button topics in our profession, not to mention that they can mean different things to different people. Tune in to this relevant and important VetFolio Voice podcast episode with Dr. Cassi and Alyssa Mages, CVT, to learn how you can make a difference in your life or a colleague’s. Discover the importance of showing up for and listening to one another, as well as how to navigate what is a stressful—but totally rewarding—career path.