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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

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/

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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)

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/

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

Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast! In this episode's Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke to veterinary surgeon and author Dr Sean Wensley. Sean is a Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the veterinary charity, the PDSA and a recent President of the British Veterinary Association here in the UK. He also chairs the Animal Welfare Working Group of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, which represents veterinary organisations from 40 European countries. Sean has contributed to animal welfare and conservation projects around the world and in 2017 received the inaugural World Veterinary Association (WVA) Global Animal Welfare Award for Europe. Sean’s first book, Through A Vet’s Eyes: How We Can All Choose a Better Life for Animals was selected as one of the Financial Times’ Best Summer Books of 2022. In the first half of our chat, Sean and I spoke about the PDSA’s 2022 PAW Report – an annual survey of British pet owners providing insights into animal welfare issues and more understanding about how people care for their pets. We then spent some time talking about Sean’s book, we spoke about animal welfare issues, how nature can be healing and how we as animal lovers and consumers can affect change for the better through our choices and using our voices. Links: PAW Report 2022: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/pdsa-animal-wellbeing-report/paw-report-2022 Sean's Book: https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk/titles/dr-sean-wensley/through-a-vet%e2%80%99s-eyes/9781856754743/ Choosing the right pet: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/choosing-a-pet Five Animal Welfare Freedoms in UK Law: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/5-welfare-needs The Links Group: https://thelinksgroup.org.uk/ The British Veterinary Association: https://www.bva.co.uk/

Welcome to the first episode of Season Two of The Underdog Vet Podcast! Kicking off this brand new season and the first Animal Advocate Interview of season two, I spoke with Dr Jade Statt a veterinary surgeon and the Clinical Director and Co-Founder of the UK charity Street Vet. Street Vet is a multi-award-winning charity that delivers free essential veterinary care and services to the pets of people experiencing homelessness across the UK. Working in combination with the critical support of a host of renowned organisations backing their team of qualified professional volunteers, Street Vet is changing the future for homeless dogs who may otherwise have to go without the care they need and deserve. Jade spoke about the steep learning curve she had when she started working with dogs of those experiencing homelessness. We also discussed the barriers that having a dog on the streets presents. And finally we chatted about how the amazing human-animal bond between a dog and their owner can be so much more profound and complex for those experiencing homelessness. Links: Street Vet Website: https://www.streetvet.co.uk/ Street Vet Accredited Hostel Scheme: https://www.streetvet.co.uk/streetvet-accredited-hostel-scheme/ Street Vet Email: [email protected] Do Something For Nothing Website: https://www.dosomethingfornothing.org/ Andy and Bailey on Channel Four News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUaEDuxAVhY Street Vet Ambassador Sabrina Cohen-Hatton: https://www.streetvet.co.uk/our-ambassadors/

Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast! Sadly, this is the last episode of Season One but worry not, Season Two is already being recorded! For the final episode of Season One I have an absolute treat for you dear listener, for this season’s last instalment of The Animal Advocate Interviews I spoke to veterinary neurologist Professor Clare Rusbridge. Clare graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1991.  After completing an Internship in America and a Residency back in the UK, she became the youngest Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 1996 and then an RCVS Specialist in 1999. Treating animals with painful and/or distressing inherited disease drives her research to find a better way of diagnosing, treating and preventing these conditions. Clare is currently a Senior Neurologist at Wear Referrals, a Professor in Veterinary Neurology at the University of Surrey, a Patron of the Cavalier Matters Charity and a Trustee of the Dog Breeding Reform Group charity. Clare and I had an interesting discussion about some common neurological conditions that certain dog breeds suffer and what can be done about them, including if it’s even possible to eradicate them from these breeds. Clare also told me about the exciting and frankly fascinating research she’s currently working on to improve dog health and welfare. Clare said A LOT of fancy words, I've explained a few here: Neotinisation: Selectively breeding dogs to retain 'cute' juvenile features in ADULT dogs, making them look more baby-like, humans find these appealing Caudal facet hypoplasia/Wobbler's Disease/Atlantoaxial subluxation: Congenital vertebral malformations (https://www.cave-vet-specialists.co.uk/veterinary-professionals/tips-from-our-experts/congenital-vertebral-malformations-in-dogs) Stop: The stop is the degree of angle change between the skull and the nasal bone near the eyes Links: Clare's website: https://veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/  Syringomyelia: https://veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/Syringomyelia/ FAQ Page of Clare's Website: https://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/page60/ Pug Myelopathy: https://veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/canine-degenerative-myelopathy/ Dishevelled Gene: https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/bulldogs-screw-tails-linked-human-genetic-disease Chondrodystrophy and Chondrodysplasia: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cddy-cdpa Intervertebral Disc Disease Information: https://www.veterinary-neurologist.co.uk/spinal_disorders/Spinal_Disorder_1/ Dog Breeding Reform Group Website: https://www.dbrg.uk/ Dr Rowena Packer research on Dachshunds: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0069650 VIDEO - Symptoms of Syringomyelia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDjxvgfUVRU

Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast! For this episode’s ‘Animal Advocate Interview’ I spoke with Shena Humbert a licensed Veterinary Technician in Texas, USA and founder of 'Not Another Vet Nurse'. Founded in 2019, Not Another Vet Nurse is an American non-profit organisation whose aim is to help those who help animals. They focus on providing financial assistance to veterinary nurses and other veterinary professionals worldwide, allowing them to access vital mental health resources such as counselling. I started by asking Shena why she felt the need to form an organisation such as hers. We discussed the current mental health crisis that the veterinary profession is experiencing globally and we then explored in more detail the unique issues that affect veterinary staff in particular and how they impact their mental health.  Links: Not Another Vet Nurse Website: https://notanothervetnurse.wixsite.com/navn Report on Puppy Jaxx and The Maine Veterinary Medical Centre: https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinary-hospital-reports-threats-over-puppy-s-emergency-case Maine Veterinary Medical Centre Statement: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1973706302821071&set=pcb.1973706416154393 UK RCVS Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP): https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/vetgdp/ VetLife Helpline Website: https://helpline.vetlife.org.uk/ VetLife Helpline Telephone (UK ONLY): 0303 040 2551 Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA ONLY): 1-800-273-8255

Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast! In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview, I spoke with Wendy Barnett DipAVN (Surgical) RVN PCQI, Founder and Clinical Director of The Pet Blood Bank UK. Launched in 2007, The Pet Blood Bank UK was set up to support vets by providing a blood service for pets in need of blood transfusions and other blood products such as plasma. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure blood is always available to pets who may need it. Wendy explained why the service was originally set up and how it works, including what makes a good donor dog, what a donating session involves and how vets can access the service should they have a canine patient that needs a blood transfusion. Wendy also spoke about how Covid-19 and the lockdowns affected the pet blood service and I asked about the ethics of taking blood from dogs when they technically can’t consent to such a procedure.  Wendy used some terms that some people may not be familiar with so I've explained them here: Colostrum - the antibody-rich first milk produced from the mother’s mammary glands during the first few days after having given birth Mucus Membrane colour - the colour of your dog's gums and inside lips should be a nice salmon pink colour, the Chow Chow has naturally pigmented or dark coloured mucus membranes PVC (Packed Cell Volume) - Percentage of cells in a blood sample used to assess for aneamia TS (Total Solids) - Used to assess for any protein loss Centrifuge - Used to spin blood samples to separate its constituent parts Links:  The Pet Blood Bank UK Website: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/ Pet Blood Bank Telephone Number: 01509 232 222 Dog Blood Types: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/pet-owners/dog-blood-donation/dog-blood-types/ Can your dog be a donor?: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/pet-owners/dog-blood-donation/can-your-dog-donate-blood/ Veterinary Profession - How To Order Blood: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/vet-professionals/i-need-blood-products/ Volunteer: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/get-involved/volunteering/ Donate: https://petbloodbankuk.enthuse.com/donate#!/ Alpaca Blood Information: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/pet-owners/alpaca-blood-processing/