Degenerative or myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is a common canine cardiac disease. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, we discuss the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in order to slow the progression of this disease. Listen in as we chat about MMVD, from diagnosis through the preclinical stages of the disease. We review diagnostics that can be helpful in assessing this disease, such as thoracic radiographs and echocardiography, and what information can be obtained f...
Dec 12, 2024•47 min
Therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiome offer veterinarians promising interventions for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Tune in to this informative VetFolio Voice podcast episode to earn CE while learning about the important role of the gut-kidney axis in managing feline CKD. We address gut dysbiosis and its link to the accumulation of gut-derived uremic toxins in feline CKD patients, as well as options for caregivers that are unable to feed a renal therapeutic diet. E...
Dec 04, 2024•47 min
We’ve all encountered them in practice: The myths surrounding reptile husbandry and medicine. The myths run the gamut, from believing carrot juice baths will help a reptile with a Vitamin A deficiency, reptiles don’t need water, and snakes need help shedding their skin. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, we set the record straight: Soaking reptiles in carrot juice does nothing for their health and only results in an orange, sticky lizard and even desert reptiles need water, and reptiles do ...
Nov 26, 2024•51 min
Globally, thousands of people die every year from the canine variant of rabies. In the United States, a 2023 federal ban on dogs entering the U.S. from countries with a high risk of canine rabies was implemented in order to reduce the infection risk in the country. Tune in to this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast as Dr. Cassi explores the global rise of canine-variant rabies virus, the increasing number of human deaths from rabies, and the impact this has on veterinarians practicing in the ...
Nov 21, 2024•49 min
How knowledgeable are you about the gastrointestinal microbiome? This complex and crucial community of microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses and fungi—live within an animal's body and is essential for digestion, immune system regulation, energy metabolism and more. Tune in to this insightful VetFolio Voice podcast episode and learn about the role of the gut microbiome on body systems, GI disease and weight management, plus find out how nutrition, nutritional support and fecal microbiota tra...
Nov 14, 2024•46 min
Veterinary practitioners know that a host of diseases and medical issues, including osteoarthritis or polyphagia, might be the cause of behavioral changes in feline patients, but is there a surefire way to determine whether a cat’s behavior is due to a medical or behavioral cause? There isn’t, but starting with client communication and asking the right questions about the patient’s behavioral history can help you understand what our enigmatic feline patients are trying to tell us. in this VetFol...
Nov 06, 2024•45 min
Lunchbox items—such as grapes, caffeine, chocolate and peanut butter (xylitol)—as well as seasonal hazards—Halloween candy, Thanksgiving food and Christmas decorations (such as salt dough ornaments and old school bubble lights)—can poison pets or be hazardous to them. In this important VetFolio Voice podcast episode, we focus on the common culprits found in our everyday lives that can harm our pets and our patients. We also delve into plant and pasture toxins, such as lilies for cats, sago palm ...
Oct 31, 2024•45 min
The best imaging modality for veterinary patients depends on the issue being evaluated and the patient’s needs. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, we delve into the types of imaging modalities available to veterinary patients, such as radiographs, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While radiographs and ultrasound tend to be more common and accessible in private practice, CT is becoming more readily available. We explore sampling, including ult...
Oct 24, 2024•48 min
The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree (VIGT) is a 2024 NAVC Gives award recipient for its work in uplifting veterinary professionals experiencing financial distress. This year, VIGT says it will prioritize families or individuals in western North Carolina and other areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Tune in to this touching VetFolio Voice podcast episode to learn how VIGT will help members of the veterinary profession during the winter holidays!
Oct 17, 2024•43 min
Treating pets injured in car accidents can be traumatic for your team. But just like human passengers, pets are at risk of serious injury—or worse, death—by collision or when an airbag deploys. In this episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, a critical care clinician, about the types of injuries Dr. Mazzaferro has seen from unrestrained animals in cars, as well as the risk that is posed to human safety. Riding with pets not safely restrained in the car p...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min
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.
Oct 03, 2024•44 min
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...
Sep 26, 2024•43 min
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 c...
Sep 19, 2024•44 min
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 becom...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 stra...
Sep 05, 2024•43 min
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 dur...
Aug 29, 2024•43 min
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.
Aug 22, 2024•46 min
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, source...
Aug 15, 2024•45 min
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...
Aug 08, 2024•46 min
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 st...
Aug 01, 2024•45 min
They may not be as cuddly as puppies and kittens, but reptiles and amphibians—such as leopard geckos, iguanas, Burmese pythons and frogs—are becoming more popular as pets. Fortunately, advances in husbandry, nutrition and medicine have led to better health and welfare of these animals, allowing practitioners to focus more on true medical conditions rather than concerns that are caused by poor husbandry. Join this podcast episode of VetFolio Voice to learn more about the special considerations fo...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min
It’s that time of year again – we’re happy to be outside, enjoy the nice weather, and make the most of the extra sunshine. But for many dogs, this is the time of year when their allergies really flare up and veterinarians see more cases of canine allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. What’s a busy practitioner to do? Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast to hear Dr. Jennifer Schissler and Dr. Cassi talk about the importance of using Itchy Pet Awareness Month to increase client education ar...
Jul 18, 2024•36 min
Nutritional support is crucial for animals before, during and following recovery from gastrointestinal (GI) illness or surgery. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, listeners can earn CE while learning about the importance of a systematic approach to localizing the source of the GI symptoms, as well as common diagnostics that are beneficial in most if not all cases of GI disease. Dr. Cassi hosts Shadi J. Ireifej, DVM, DACVS, as they walk through three case examples — patients with GI foreign ...
Jul 11, 2024•47 min
There are numerous challenges and roadblocks facing women — in all fields and professions — who are seeking to attain a leadership position. In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, we explore how women in veterinary medicine can overcome obstacles and create the path for their success in a male-dominated leadership world. We discuss the importance of making proactive decisions, understanding your financial landscape, and avoiding the pitfalls of simply going with the flow. Tune in to get a step-...
Jul 04, 2024•54 min
In this CE episode of the VetFolio Voice podcast, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Kathryn Reif, the Bailey-Goodwin Endowed Chair in Parasitology at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, about her research on ticks and tick-borne diseases. Ticks are spreading and can make both animals and people seriously sick, which is why considerations such as speed of kill are more important than ever when deciding on tick protection for your patients. This episode is sponsored by Credelio® (lotilaner)...
Jun 27, 2024•33 min
Siblings can provide support, love and a sense of belonging that differs from any other relationship a person has. That’s certainly true of Dr. Cassi, DVM and host of the VetFolio Voice podcast, and Dr. Lisa M. Hayes, DO, a pediatric specialist and Dr. Cassi’s sister. In this VetFolio Voice episode, the two sisters chat about the similarities between human and veterinary medicine. Tune in to this unique episode as they explore the importance of a good history and physical examination, choosing t...
Jun 20, 2024•38 min
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a chronic, lifelong and debilitating disease that adversely affects the quality of life of many popular dog breeds, such as French and English bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers. Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast episode to learn about the anatomy of brachycephalic dogs and how it contributes to airway obstruction. Dr. Cassi and Dr. Fox-Alvarez delve into the indications for surgery and what types of surgical procedures are performed to h...
Jun 13, 2024•57 min
Veterinary professionals are dedicated to providing care and treatment that allows animals to enjoy longer lives free from distress, pain and suffering. Surprisingly though, many veterinarians have not received training in recognizing, reporting and responding to incidents of animal neglect and abuse. Many also do not understand how pivotal their training and expertise is in addressing these crimes and ensuring justice for these animals. Tune in to this VetFolio Voice podcast episode as Dr. Cass...
Jun 06, 2024•48 min
For many, earning a DVM degree is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. You know the road ahead will be rewarding, but are you really prepared to practice veterinary medicine? In this VetFolio Voice podcast episode, Dr. Cassi chats with Dr. Grace Forker on the realities of a veterinary career. They compare notes about the challenges they faced as first-year veterinarians and those they had 10 years after graduating. Don’t miss their insightful conversation as they share their perspectives on what...
May 30, 2024•44 min
Are you aware of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new rules for compounded drugs for animals and how they will impact your prescribing and dispensing practices? Listen in to this VetFolio Voice podcast, earn CE, and learn about the changes impacting veterinarians as the FDA transitions to its current plan of regulating animal drugs compounded from bulk. We'll delve into the “rules” that have always been in place, and how the renewed effort to enforce those rules, while protecting pa...
May 23, 2024•46 min
