Vet Tales

The Dreaded Parvo Virus. Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment. | Vet Tales Episode

Welcome to an insightful episode of "Vet Tales". In this episode, Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Josiah Dame explore the common and notorious virus primarily affecting puppies - the parvovirus. Despite the prevalence of parvovirus, many pet owners are puzzled about its symptoms and preventive measures. We discuss the virus, it's symptoms, and emphasize on its preventive yet not completely avoidable nature due to factors like the dog's immunity and the virus strain. Tune in to learn all about parvovirus.
Our vets discuss personal experiences with patients they've treated, including the scare for Dr. Natalie's own dog, giving you a first-hand view of the symptoms, tests, and treatment procedures. Listen to us unpack the significant advancements in the treatments such as monoclonal antibody treatment which is effective in the fight against parvovirus. This candid discussion is intended to educate pet owners about the virus, its potential risks, testing, and treatment options.
This revealing episode of Vet Tales delves into the effects of the Parvo virus on a dog's body, how the pets recover and what veterinarians can do to alleviate the symptoms. Part of the conversation focuses on the supportive care given during the treatment, medication, and in severe cases, use of feeding tubes. Discover the unique challenges we face during treatment, reassuring owners that an extended hospitalization period is normal and necessary.
In addition, we discuss the misconceptions and realities about vaccines and parvovirus in pets, emphasizing the importance of proper handling of the vaccine, potential pitfalls of substandard manufacturers, and the crucial role of veterinarians in making sure your pet is properly vaccinated.
We also highlight the key role of pet insurance, stress the significance of regular vaccinations, and debunk the myth of cross-reactivity of Parvo tests with the vaccine. Don't miss this episode full of valuable insights for pet owners. Tune in now and remember, when it comes to vaccines and pet health, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Fleas and Ticks and Mites, Oh My!

External parasites are, well... disgusting. But they are also something that every pet owner struggles with at some point or another. Today, Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Josiah Dame discuss the bugs themselves, as well as preventions and treatments to keep your pets, your family and your environment free of these pesky creatures!

Thyroid Problems - Hyper and Hypo

Join Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Josiah Dame in a discussion of the thyroid in both dogs and cats. This episode dives into the differences between dogs with hypothyroidism versus cats with hyperthyroidism. Learn what to look for in your pet, what to avoid, and what to expect if the thyroid goes awry. 

Balancing Money and Quality Care in Pet Health

Join Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Josiah Dame in this enlightening episode of Vet Tales where they tackle the sensitive subjects of pet treatment plans and finances. Their discussion touches on the importance of pet care education and how costs can impact the care prescribed to pets. It also provides insights into leveraging pet insurance and the significance of accurate diagnostics in treatment through real-world examples.In this candid conversation, Keith and Dame intend to make listeners better equipped, empathetic, and informed pet caretakers. They explore the challenges of managing pet health, balancing quality care, diagnostic measures, and costs. Also, they narrate their experience from real-world cases that they have encountered. They discuss the constant tug-of-war between providing the best care and being mindful of financial implications.Their conversation also sheds light on routine checks, such as checking for worms in puppies, and how even routine practices need to be adjusted depending on individual cases. Furthermore, the noted veterinarians talk about the repetitious challenge of infections and viruses and why they can sometimes be frustrating for all parties involved.With personal anecdotes and clinical examples, Keith and Dame give an engaging glimpse into the medical mysteries they encounter. They passionately convey that their goal is neither wealth nor fame but the welfare of their patients. They convey a beautiful reminder that trust and maintaining open communication with clients is paramount to their profession. Tune in for this engaging episode that offers a comprehensive glimpse into the complex world of veterinary medicine.

Journey into Veterinary Orthopedics - Fracture Repairs and Healing from a Hound's Tale

Join Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Tracy Trussell in the latest episode of Vet Tales as they dissect a peculiar case of a hound mix with a gunshot-induced femur fracture. From fixing complex fractures to underscoring the significance of caregivers in recovery, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted field of veterinary medicine.
Our experts dive deep into bone callus healing and bony column alignment, stationary healing's crucial role, and fractures' impact on soft tissues. Conversations around why splints may not always be the best solution reveal essential insights for pet-owners and medical professionals alike.
This episode celebrates the resilience of animals and the invaluable role veterinary professionals play in their healing journey. It shares engaging stories, such as that of a German Shorthaired Pointer, triumphant at a field trial despite amputation and an inspiring gunshot victim dog's recovery.
With reference to the financial aspects of fracture repairs, listeners gain a thorough understanding of the cost implications between surgeries and splinting. Critical insights into why immediate fracture stabilization can lead to a faster recovery, fewer complications, and potentially less financial burden are discussed in detail.
From the urgency of treating a femur fracture to the complexities associated with infections, this enlightening episode illuminates fracture care's intricate layers. The compassionate approach of immobilization, pain management, and eventual surgery is highlighted, demonstrating the commitment to canine health and comfort.
In concluding, Vet Tales offers the uninitiated a profound understanding of fractures in dogs - from emergency to non-emergency scenarios, from femur to toe injuries. Tune into this episode for a rich exploration of veterinary orthopedics through real case studies and the experienced eyes of seasoned veterinarians.

Detecting Health Issues Early

Join Dr. Natalie Keith and Dr. Josiah Dame in this enlightening episode of Vet Tales as they delve into the key benefits of routine blood work for pets. Sharing compelling veterinary stories, they highlight how regular blood tests can reveal potential health risks before they develop into life-threatening conditions. Specifically, they explore how early detection of diseases, ranging from liver shunt to kidney disease, can provide opportunities for swift and effective treatments, saving a pet's life in some cases. By bringing light to real-life scenarios, the hosts stress the importance of consistent check-ups and voice the need for in-depth understanding of a pet's health beyond superficial appearances. They emphasize the critical importance of this practice, particularly in geriatric animals and pets on long-term medications. Moreover, the hosts share their insights on feline diabetes, a common problem in overweight cats. They provide hope through the possibilities of early detection and the potentially life-changing treatments available. Finally, emphasizing the age-old adage that prevention is better and often cheaper than cure, the hosts urge pet owners to prioritize routine blood work as an essential part of their pet's preventive care. Tune in to learn more about possible ways to improve and potentially extend the lives of your furry companions through the power of regular blood tests.

You know what stinks? Ear infections.

Ear infections are something we see here on the daily. And if you're an owner of a pet that has ear infections, you likely will experience them over an over again unless you get to the root cause. It can be SO FRUSTRATING for everyone involved. Today, Dr. Dame and I will discuss ears, their problems, and how to manage them. If nothing else, please take solace in knowing that if your pet has ear problems, you're not alone!

UFOs - Unidentified Foreign Objects

Ah, the joys of pet ownership. Everything is going just fine, and then somebody vomits. So what to do? Wait it out? Go the vet? What if that's where the 12 missing pacifiers went....? So many questions.
Let's chat with Dr. Jessica Eastep about the process of working up the case of the vomiting pet, and what happens if there is truly a foreign body stuck in your pet's digestive tract. 

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Hearts. Everybody has one. And it's kind of a big deal when things go wrong. From puppies to old dogs and cats in between, Dr. Josiah Dame and I will break down basic cardiac function, a myriad of conditions that affect the heart, and even a dabbling into diagnostics and treatment. There may have to be a Part-Two-er on this topic!

Dear Snorter Dwarfs, We Love You.

Those adorable little squishy faced dogs!! Dr. Trussell calls them snorter dwarfs, which is definitely a term of endearment. As cute as they may be, they come with their own unique set of medical needs that are worth discussing. Learn more about the beloved Snorter Dwarfs today!