VetFolio Voice

Dermatology conditions are among the most common reasons owners bring their pets into the veterinary clinic. These issues are also among the most difficult for you to treat, so it’s important to know your options. Tune into this informative VetFolio Voice podcast, as Dr. Dana Liska, a veterinary dermatologist with Zoetis, and Dr. Cassi highlight some key findings in a new study on adverse events with short-term steroid use in dogs. A few surprising findings debunk some of the myths and misperceptions about steroid side effects and have implications for pet owner communication on treatment options. Dr. Liska addresses the advantages of a chewable medication for canine allergic itch, including why pet owners prefer a chewable, how a chewable can lead to better compliance and decreased caregiver burden, and data around food allergy, speed of onset and transitioning patients onto the chewable.

In veterinary medicine, Addison’s disease – hypoadrenocorticism – has been called “the Great Imitator” because it can mimic so many other diseases. Patients often present with vague clinical signs or biochemical abnormalities, making it challenging to correctly diagnose. In fact, it’s been said that managing Addison’s is not nearly as difficult as making the diagnosis in the first place. This CE episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast discusses diagnosing Addison’s disease in veterinary patients with nebulous clinical signs or biochemical abnormalities. It also covers routine approaches to management and prognosis. Want to earn CE credit for this podcast? Log into VetFolio to take the quiz and earn your CE credit. https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/overcoming-the-great-imitator-addisons-disease-in-vet-med-podcast-quiz

Whatever she has accomplished — moving from Brazil to the U.S., transitioning into ZooMed, founding Vetahead — Dr. Lyla Proença has made a leap of faith and deep passion to pursue her dreams. In this episode of VetFolio Voice, Dr. Proença shares her journey of validating her veterinary diploma in the United States after moving from Brazil. She reveals the work, sweat and tears, and even how she considered changing career paths, which led her to ZooMed and the founding of VetAhead. Dr. Cassi and Dr. Proença discuss the core values that are the foundational support of VetAhead, the importance of access to knowledge for all veterinary professionals, and access to care for all species. They cover the importance of critical thinking when it comes to managing exotic species and the importance of recognizing and preserving the human animal bond with species beyond just dogs and cats.

In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Patty Lathan about the pathophysiology of feline diabetes mellitus and some exciting updates in the treatment of diabetes mellitus including sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. They discuss the importance for veterinary practitioners to understand how these medications work, the recommendations for monitoring these patients and the adverse side effects and complications. They also explore some important updates on insulin, including the availability of glargine at a much lower price and upcoming clinical trials for a once weekly insulin formulation. 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/advances-in-the-treatment-of-feline-diabetes-mellitus-podcast-quiz-1

Though rare, marijuana poisoning in pets is on the rise as the result of pet owners having increased legal access to marijuana and marijuana-infused products (both medicinal and recreational). Though the toxicity is typically mild, THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) — the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people high — is toxic to pets and is no laughing matter. Tune in to this informative episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast to learn about the sources of THC toxicities, the clinical signs, diagnostics, and decontamination and treatment plans, as well as how to manage the rare case when the toxicity is severe.

The clinical signs of canine pancreatitis, which can range from mild to severe, can escalate rapidly. In severe cases, extra-pancreatic inflammation can lead to multi-organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and death. Until now, the standard of care for dogs with this disease has been centered on supportive care only, including fluid therapy, pain and anti-nausea medications, and management of underlying causes, concurrent diseases and systemic complications. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, Dr. Cassi chats with Harry Cridge, an internal medicine specialist, about everything you need to know regarding pancreatitis in your patients, including the pathophysiology, diagnosis and causes of the disease. Earn CE and learn about effective treatment plans for dogs with acute pancreatitis, including a novel drug that targets neutrophilic inflammation, Panoquell®-CA1 (fuzapladib sodium for injection). Want to earn CE for this episode? Head over to VetFolio to take the quiz and earn your CE credit. https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/clinical-updates-on-pancreatitis-in-dogs-podcast-quiz

Chronic enteropathy in dogs is a term that encompasses all complex gastrointestinal (GI) disorders with an unknown origin and is characterized by clinical signs lasting 3 weeks or longer. Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast episode to hear about two different cases, Mongo and Pax, who present with different types of chronic enteropathy. Learn how to differentiate small and large bowel diarrhea, discover techniques that are available for initial evaluation, and understand the nutritional considerations you should keep in mind. 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/chronic-enteropathies-meet-mongo-and-pax-podcast-quiz

This is a compelling VetFolio Voice episode that examines the importance of using a “spectrum of care” approach in providing a range of viable options to clients seeking parasite protection for their pets. Because almost all pets are at risk for significant pathology caused by the major categories of parasites, year-round, broad-spectrum parasiticides are necessary for our veterinary patients. Indeed, recommending parasiticides is one of the cornerstones of the care we veterinarians provide to our patients. However, there are many pet owners who may not be able to afford many of the commonly recommended options. In this VetFolio Voice episode, Dr. Cassi hosts Dr. Kendall Houlihan in an illuminating discussion about the importance of open communication with clients to bring awareness about the different options available for parasiticides in order to provide the best possible parasite prevention plan for each unique pet and client. An important component of this approach is to support clients who are doing their best, even if it is not the “gold standard” we associate with parasite preventative measures. Dr. Cassi and Dr. Houlihan discuss the importance of supporting one another as colleagues when we make these plans. Listen in as Dr. Cassi and Dr. Houlihan discuss the broader aspects related to spectrum of care in the context of parasite protection for pets.

Case reports are invaluable to the veterinary community — they identify new diseases, detail new diagnoses, explore novel treatments, or, in the case of a Labrador retriever named Sammy, they illustrate how teamwork can lead to a better clinical outcome for the patient. In this fascinating case-based VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Jessica Wilson-Hess, a veterinary technician specialist, and Dr. Holly Brown, a veterinary clinical pathologist, to discuss the case of Sammy, who is a survivor of Lyme nephritis but became acutely ill after a recent stem cell treatment. Jessica and Holly discuss his labwork, the nuances of his CBC, and the ancillary diagnostics performed to figure things out and get Sammy back to feeling his best. In discussing the case, the working relationship (and friendship) between this veterinarian and veterinary technician is highlighted, maximizing their impact in diagnostic testing and case management. At the end of the episode, they hope to leave you a little smarter, a little brighter, and feeling more empowered in the lab.

Paige Allen, RVT, has had a multifaceted and noteworthy career in VetMed. Her passion for lifelong learning and for the veterinary profession is infectious and inspiring. Join Dr. Cassi and Paige in this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast as Paige reflects on her career after recently retiring. You'll hear about the different roles she's undertaken, some of the challenges she faced, the lessons she has learned, the numerous opportunities available to someone with a degree in veterinary technology, and her hopes, expectations and uncertainties for the future of the profession.

In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Matt Panasevich and Dr. Tiffany Bierer from Mars Petcare about the science-based approach to the traditional GREENIES Dental Treats and Pill Pockets™ products, and how it applies to the nutrition philosophy of their newest launches of GREENIES SMART ESSENTIALS™ dry dog food and SMART TOPPER meal complement for adult dogs. They delve into the ingredients and nutrition philosophy of these diets, the health benefits they focus on, and what makes them unique for pet owners to consider as a viable option for their adult dogs.

Join Dr. Cassi and Dr. Andy Roark in this inspirational VetFolio Voice episode as they have a wide-ranging discussion about effective leadership and how it impacts employee retention and satisfaction, the skills veterinary technicians need to move into a management role, and how to share your vision for the future of your practice. Tune in to learn how you can adopt strategies for developing effective leadership skills, achieve personal growth and excel in a management role!

Are you confident in making diagnoses and treatment plans for your patients based on your in-house cytology interpretation? If it’s a struggle for you, you’re not alone. With digital cytology, you can have 24/7, same-day access to veterinary clinical pathologists who can assist with diagnostic evaluation of your patients. In this VetFolio Voice episode, Dr. Cassi and Dr. Kate Baker dive into the practical use of telecytology. They discuss its role in expanding care options and assisting vets with in-house cytology cases, as well as share tips for improving cytology sample collection.

How do you cope with absurd pet-owner requests, client noncompliance, and the I-barely-have-time-to-shower stress of being a veterinarian, wife and mother? Tune in to this fun episode of VetFolio Voice, and hear Dr. Cassi and her BFF for life, Dr. Toffy Blaber, as they delve into grumbles of pugs, internal monologues and their newly coined term “swamp wives.” Discover how they use humor — and their friendship — to help them accept and find joy, even in the most ludicrous of VetMed encounters.

In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi and Dr. Tannetje Crocker delve into the difficulties and rewards of their multifaceted veterinary medicine careers during a candid and wide-ranging conversation. You won't want to miss this sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant episode that touches on everything today's veterinarians face, from owning a business to podcasting to pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors to learning how to support employees and coworkers as individuals to the balancing act that working mothers struggle to achieve. Tune in to hear about their individual experiences, lessons they have learned along the way, and the one passion that unites us all in our VetMed journey — the love for animals.

Are you looking for a financial solution in order to start, expand or acquire a new practice? Join VetFolio Voice host Dr. Cassi and Dr. Schwanda Flowers, an expert in loans for small business owners, in this informative podcast episode. They explore how to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of veterinary practice loans. They discuss the application process, outline various loan types, and delve into the unique role of government guarantees in SBA loans. Stay ahead with a comprehensive discussion on recent changes in SBA lending, how these changes impact borrowers, and the creative solutions available. 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/strategies-for-success-unraveling-veterinary-practice-loans-in-the-modern-landscape-podcast-quiz

Communication with clients is fundamental to the success of a veterinary practice and is an important skill for every member of the team. From sharing a treatment plan to providing patient care updates to scheduling appointments to comforting concerned pet owners, effective communication is essential. Yet “real world” client communication — learning to talk to, listen to and communicate with pet owners — differs from what veterinary professionals are taught and what they experience in school. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Taylor McCormick as they address the importance of ensuring pet owners feel heard and understood. They delve into ways to help make sure clients are listening and understanding, as well as discuss challenging communication situations and how to navigate them. Tune in and discover how to become more effective at client communication while having fun interacting with clients and pets.

The Client Service Representative, or CSR, is often the first contact clients (and their pets) have with the veterinary team, and they can make the difference between a thriving practice and one that struggles to be successful. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi hosts Robin Brogdon, president of VetPartners, who addresses the challenges facing team members in this critical role. They delve into how the CSR can nurture client relationships to make those interactions positive ones, which in turn will lead to increased job satisfaction and enjoyment.

Despite being routinely diagnosed, chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats can be challenging to manage, and CKD is a common cause of mortality in middle-aged and geriatric cats. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Mark Acierno about appropriate diets for these patients, including a discussion on some of the research that points to the importance of feeding the appropriate diet. They delve into uremic toxins and how changes within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in patients with CKD increase the production of uremic toxins, along with their opportunity to further damage the kidneys. You’ll get tips on how to reduce uremic toxins, including supporting the microbiome and moving ingesta through the gut faster. One product that veterinarians will want to add to their toolbox, Dr. Acierno says, is AST-120 (Porus One), an oral adsorbent, which reduces GI uptake of key uremic toxins. 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/beyond-fluids-a-new-endpoint-for-managing-chronic-kidney-disease-podcast-quiz

When veterinary technicians achieve certification from an approved academy, they earn the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) or Veterinary Nurse Specialist (VNS) designation in a specific specialty area of certification. This certification gives them the tools to bring advanced expertise to their practices, clinics or hospitals. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi hosts Amanda Eick Schwarzwalder, who explains what it takes to earn a VTS designation in Veterinary Behavior. She also provides useful tips for keeping cats calm and comfortable, addresses common owner concerns, and offers insights for how general practitioners can talk to owners about inter-dog or human-directed aggression from dogs. Tune in for an overview of what's involved in becoming an expert in behavior and get practical tips you can use in your everyday practice.