The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Natalya Ratcliff and Amy Peters FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Brielle Rosa PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can CBD help dogs with arthritis or seizures? This episode dives into the latest evidence on efficacy, safety, and drug interactions, plus practical tips for veterinarians navigating client questions. Learn what current research says—and what gaps remain—before considering CBD in your treatment plans.

STUDENT: Cathy Dewaal FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Tessa Baker PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feral cats and free-roaming dogs challenge animal welfare and public health across Canada. This episode dives into non-surgical sterilization—from deslorelin implants to calcium chloride injections—and explores cutting-edge research on gene therapy and immunocontraceptives. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next in population control strategies for veterinarians on the front lines.

STUDENTS: Muskaan Tiwari and Jacqui Gironella FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Juan Hernandez-Medrano and Dr. Betty-Jo Bradley PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can mastitis affect more than milk yield? In this episode, we explore its hidden impact on dairy cow fertility through an immuno-fertility lens. Learn how inflammation, cytokines, and endotoxins disrupt reproduction—and what this means for herd health, economics, and veterinary practice. Practical insights for managing mastitis and improving fertility await!

STUDENTS: Mariana Flynn and Matthew Tornopolski FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Søren Boysen and Dr. Julie Menard PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Discover how point-of-care ultrasound can help general practitioners detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats before it becomes life-threatening. We cover practical screening techniques, key ultrasound markers, and the benefits of early diagnosis for patient care and client communication. Tune in to explore how POCUS could reshape feline cardiology in general practice.

STUDENT: Sierra Lusson FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Patrick Whelan PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Veterinary burnout is at an all-time high—but AI might offer relief. In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is transforming practice through diagnostic support, telemedicine, record automation, and financial tools. Discover the benefits, risks, and practical applications of AI to reduce stress and improve efficiency in veterinary medicine.

STUDENTS: Caith Cameron, Hannah Stark, and Brian Birkenhagen FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. John Remnant PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can bovine appeasing substances reduce stress and improve cattle health? This episode explores the latest research on BAS in dairy, cow-calf, and feedlot systems—covering growth, welfare, and disease management. Learn where BAS show promise, where evidence is mixed, and what veterinarians should know before recommending these emerging tools.

STUDENTS: Abigail Brett and Morgan Hughes FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Brielle Rosa and Dr. Nanci Bond PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION How safe are opioids for pediatric dogs? This episode dives into the benefits, risks, and best practices for using opioids as premedication in puppies undergoing anesthesia. Learn about dosing strategies, monitoring essentials, and practical tips to ensure smooth inductions and safe recoveries for your youngest patients.

STUDENT: Alana Boukall FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Rebecca Jackson and Dr. Imogen Palmer PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Explore the latest strategies for managing feline diabetes, from insulin choices and low-carb diets to cutting-edge glucose monitoring and new oral therapies. Learn how tailored treatment plans and proactive monitoring can improve outcomes and even achieve remission in diabetic cats. Practical insights for veterinarians aiming to optimize care and client compliance.

STUDENTS: Caitlin Kohrs, Caitlin Sweet and Jasmine Tharagan FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Archer PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can oral SGLT2 inhibitors replace insulin in diabetic cats? This episode dives into velagliflozin (Senvelgo)—its mechanism, clinical evidence, and practical considerations for transitioning insulin-treated patients. Learn how this once-daily option could reshape feline diabetes care, improve quality of life, and expand treatment accessibility while managing risks like DKA.

STUDENTS: Amber Cliffe, Courtney Hewitt, and Jessie Kennedy FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Explore the overlooked challenge of lameness in beef cattle on pasture. This episode covers risk factors, common lesions, diagnostics, and treatment strategies, plus practical prevention tips. Learn how early detection and producer education can improve welfare and profitability in extensive cow–calf systems. Essential insights for veterinarians working with beef herds.

STUDENTS: Reagan Clark, Keeley Haight, and Kamryn Henderson FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Søren Boysen and Dr. Julie Menard PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Is long-term antibiotic therapy still the gold standard for aspiration pneumonia in dogs? This episode dives into new evidence on diagnosis, treatment duration, and antimicrobial stewardship. Learn when antibiotics may not be needed, how biomarkers and ultrasound guide decisions, and what shorter courses mean for your patients and practice.

STUDENTS: Lissette Gervais, Hope Krawchuk, and Morgan McLean FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Doug Whiteside PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Struggling with avian emergencies? This episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies for stabilizing exotic birds in urgent care. Learn triage tips, handling techniques, oxygen and fluid therapy, pain control, and management of common crises like egg binding and cloacal prolapse. A must-listen for veterinarians seeking confidence in avian ER care.

STUDENTS: Tasha Zinke and Angelina Ta FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Nanci Bond and Dr. Rebecca Archer PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION How can stress reduction curb upper respiratory infections in shelter cats? This episode explores evidence-based strategies—from environmental enrichment to gentling techniques—that improve welfare and reduce disease risk. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to manage high-risk populations effectively in busy shelter environments.

STUDENTS: Gabrielle Jensen and Adam Roth FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Julie Menard and Dr. Søren Boysen PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Persistent hypotension in septic dogs? CIRCI might be the culprit. Join us as we unpack the latest on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this elusive syndrome. From hydrocortisone protocols to the role of fludrocortisone, learn practical insights and where veterinary medicine stands compared to human evidence.

STUDENTS: Deanna Minken and Sophia Kontou FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Archer PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feline urethral obstruction is an emergency—but does every case require gold-standard care? Join us as we unpack spectrum of care for FUO, exploring practical treatment options, communication strategies, and ethical considerations. Learn how to balance evidence-based medicine with client realities to deliver compassionate, individualized care.

STUDENT: Jana Benade FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Archer PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Is telemedicine the future of small animal practice—or just a passing trend? In this episode, we unpack the evidence, benefits, and limitations of remote consultations. Learn when telemedicine works best, what clients think, and why critical judgment is key. Perfect for veterinarians navigating this evolving tool.

STUDENT: Etienne de Jongh FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Jackson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Skipping meals and hydration isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a hidden threat to veterinary performance and health. In this episode, we uncover the science behind breaks, explore the risks of malnutrition and dehydration, and share practical strategies to protect your well-being without sacrificing efficiency. Tune in to make breaks a professional necessity, not an afterthought.

STUDENT: Danielle Barry FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Alex Ellis, Dr. Liz Ruelle, and Dr. Rebecca Jackson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Managing feline diabetes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we explore practical, evidence-based strategies to make treatment more affordable and flexible, improve owner compliance, and enhance quality of life for cats and caregivers. Learn about monitoring options, communication tips, and why remission should be a bonus—not the goal.

STUDENTS: Melanie Demetrick, Paulina Louwe and Rebecca Wassmuth FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can CBD improve pain, anxiety, and seizure control in pets? This episode dives into the latest evidence on cannabidiol use in dogs and cats—covering safety, dosing, and clinical applications for osteoarthritis, epilepsy, and oral inflammation. Learn what veterinarians need to know about monitoring, efficacy, and navigating client questions in an unregulated market.

STUDENT: Kaitlyn Busson FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Renaud Léguillette and Dr. Alfredo Romero PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can nasal strips help prevent exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses? Join us as we explore the science behind this controversial tool, review current evidence, and discuss practical recommendations for veterinarians. Learn what the research says—and what remains unknown—about managing EIPH in equine athletes.

STUDENTS: Nicole Desrosiers and Madison Laycraft FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Claire Windeyer and Dr. Carolyn Legge PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Wildfire smoke is more than an environmental concern—it’s a growing threat to cattle health and production. In this episode, we explore respiratory and systemic impacts, production losses, and practical mitigation strategies for veterinarians and producers. Learn how to protect vulnerable herds and why a One Health approach is critical in the face of increasing wildfire events.

STUDENTS: Codi Ashbacher and Ashley Sauve FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Mike Scott PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Is your horse’s back pain really “kissing spine”? In this episode, we unpack the myths and dive into evidence-based diagnostics for overriding dorsal spinous processes. Learn why radiographs alone aren’t enough, how to combine imaging with clinical exams, and why a systematic approach matters for accurate diagnosis and better outcomes.

STUDENT: Michaela Douglas FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Rebecca Jackson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feline infectious peritonitis is no longer a death sentence. This episode explores how remdesivir and GS‑441524 have transformed survival outcomes and why veterinarians must take a more active role in monitoring and guiding treatment—especially with newly available legal formulations in Canada. We provide essential background and current evidence to support informed, responsible therapeutic decisions for FIP patients.

STUDENT: Tara Mulloy FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Becky Valentine and Dr. Nanci Bond PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Dermatology cases can be frustrating for clients, patients, and general practitioners—especially when pruritic pets receive misdiagnoses or impractical treatment plans. This episode explores how a spectrum‑of‑care approach can simplify workups for conditions like canine atopic dermatitis. Learn how streamlined algorithms, realistic planning, and timely referral integration help GPs improve accuracy, efficiency, and client trust in everyday dermatology cases.

STUDENTS: Rebecca Vavrek, Spencer Smith, and Sukhjit Sidhu FACULTY MENTOR(S): Drs. Soren Boysen and Julie Menard PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Left‑sided congestive heart failure is a high‑stakes emergency—but point‑of‑care ultrasound is transforming rapid diagnosis. This episode walks through stabilizing distressed patients, key POCUS lung and cardiac landmarks, and how to distinguish L‑CHF from other causes of dyspnea. We also compare POCUS with traditional diagnostics and share a practical algorithm to help clinicians confidently start life‑saving treatment sooner.

STUDENTS: Sandy Peters, Shayna Brower, and Isa Gasser FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Betty-Jo Bradley and Dr. John Remnant PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Bovine respiratory disease remains a major challenge in dairy and feedlot operations, and traditional scoring methods often miss early cases. This episode explores how thoracic ultrasound can enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment decisions, and improve prognostication. Learn how integrating TUS into herd health programs supports better welfare, productivity, and antimicrobial stewardship while strengthening BRD management across vulnerable herds.

STUDENTS: Vanessa Boone, Linda Raduner, and Paulina Wolswinkel FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Micronutrient balance is essential for cattle health—yet many western Canadian beef herds face deficiencies in copper, selenium, and vitamin A, alongside excess molybdenum and sulfur. This episode explores how to accurately assess herd status through targeted sampling and reviews effective supplementation strategies. Learn how correcting micronutrient imbalances can boost immunity, fertility, welfare, and overall productivity.

STUDENTS: Alex Ferguson, Kaitlyn Dvorack, and Alex Hibberd FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Soren Boysen PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feline urethral obstruction is a critical emergency—but several aspects of its management remain hotly debated. This episode examines the evidence behind decompressive cystocentesis, when it’s appropriate, and why it shouldn’t replace unblocking except in rare, financially constrained cases. We also revisit prazosin’s role in preventing recurrence and highlight how strong client communication guides the best treatment decisions.

STUDENTS: Lauren Cody and Isabella Hul FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Chronic kidney disease is widespread in aging dogs and cats—and traditional creatinine testing often misses early cases. This episode explores how symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) enhances early detection, overcomes limitations of muscle‑dependent markers, and supports more accurate staging using IRIS guidelines. Learn how combining SDMA with creatinine improves monitoring, tailoring treatment, and optimizing long‑term outcomes for CKD patients.

STUDENTS: Emma Buchanan, Kaitlyn Dornstauder, and Gabriel Godziuk FACULTY MENTOR: Dr Doug Whiteside PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION As reptile and amphibian ownership grows, so does the need for confident general practitioners. This episode guides clinicians through safe handling, critical care, and essential diagnostics, with a focus on common dermatologic conditions. We break down infectious and non‑infectious diseases across species and highlight key husbandry insights to improve outcomes and prevent recurrence in herptile patients.

STUDENT: Katherine Fleury FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Patrick Whelan PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding in veterinary medicine—from radiograph interpretation and digital pathology to pain assessment, automated dictation, and generative tools. This episode offers a clear overview of emerging technologies while addressing critical questions about data ownership, model training, oversight, and liability. Learn how clinicians can prepare for an AI‑integrated future that enhances efficiency without compromising responsibility.

STUDENTS: Eva Hamm, Mikayla Newbold, Taylor Ward FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Brielle Rosa PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Equine gastric ulcers are common—and choosing the right therapy matters. This episode compares traditional oral omeprazole with the emerging injectable formulation, exploring efficacy, ulcer type, ease of administration, and owner compliance. We also highlight essential management strategies that improve healing and reduce recurrence, helping veterinarians and horse owners make confident, individualized treatment decisions for better long‑term outcomes.

STUDENTS: Kylee Dunfield, Grace-Anne Weisgerber FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Mike Scott PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Objective gait analysis is evolving fast—and kinetic technology may be its next big leap. This episode explores how measuring forces, rather than just motion, could transform lameness diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and clinical decision‑making in equine practice. We discuss current limitations, emerging tools like the dynamometric horseshoe, and what clinicians need to know as kinetic analysis moves toward real‑world application.

STUDENTS: Alex Burk and Safira Teja FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Serge Chalhoub and Dr. Tessa Baker PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Access to affordable veterinary care shapes the wellbeing of pets, owners, and veterinary professionals alike. This episode explores how financial limitations, social determinants, and systemic barriers contribute to moral stress, shelter strain, and care inequities—especially for marginalized communities. We highlight practical, culturally competent strategies, from spectrum‑of‑care models to telemedicine and community partnerships, to help bridge this widening gap.

STUDENTS: Kyle Mitchell and Vladimir Tadic FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Explore the science and best practices behind bovine castration across four key production ages. We break down pain‑mitigation strategies, technique selection, and why earlier is better for calf welfare. Learn how veterinarians can guide producers with evidence‑based protocols—from newborns to yearlings—to reduce complications, meet Code of Practice requirements, and support healthier herds.

STUDENTS: Nicole McClure and Jaimie Warren FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Nigel Caulkett PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Airway management is essential for safe anesthesia, but achieving a secure airway isn’t always straightforward—especially in field conditions, oropharyngeal procedures, or species with challenging anatomy. This episode compares endotracheal intubation with masks, supraglottic devices, and other alternatives, outlining their pros, cons, and practical applications across diverse species to help clinicians choose the safest, most effective approach.

STUDENTS: Nyomi Brobbel and Faith Jensen FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Gordon Atkins PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Flotation therapy can be a valuable tool for treating downer cows with secondary recumbency, but success depends on careful case selection. This episode explores key prognostic indicators—from physical exam findings to muscle enzymes and bloodwork—and outlines essential inclusion criteria. Learn how a structured, welfare‑focused approach can improve outcomes and ensure effective, responsible use of flotation therapy.

STUDENTS: Jamie Cole and Rayne-Joy Dack FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Marina McConkey PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Can omega‑3 fatty acids improve life for dogs with osteoarthritis? This episode reviews current evidence on O3FAs as part of multimodal OA management, exploring their analgesic effects, impact on mobility, and role in reducing NSAID use. We also examine study limitations and what future research must address to better guide clinicians using nutraceuticals in canine pain management.

STUDENT: Caroline Beninger FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Nigel Caulkett PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Routine pre‑anesthetic screening bloodwork is common—but does it actually improve outcomes? This episode breaks down current human and veterinary evidence showing why broad screening rarely finds hidden disease, changes management, or predicts complications. We explore when targeted testing does add value, why PCV/TS stands out, and how clinicians can navigate cost, risk tolerance, and client communication in healthy patients.

STUDENTS: Madeleine Browne and Kianna Vandergraaf FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Marina McConkey and Ning Cheng PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Cranial cruciate ligament disease is the top cause of stifle lameness in dogs, and rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery—whether or not surgery is an option. This episode explores evidence‑based rehab principles, individualized treatment planning, and how general practitioners can integrate practical rehab strategies into daily practice, including guiding clients on when referral to certified professionals is beneficial.

STUDENTS: Justine Telawsky and Sydney Warchola FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Serge Chalhoub PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Feline urethral obstruction is a common emergency, often driven by feline idiopathic cystitis and other components of FLUTD. This episode reviews rapid, evidence‑based stabilization—from diagnostics to fluids, analgesia, and catheterization—while highlighting new research on catheter size, duration, and medications like meloxicam and prazosin. Gain clear, updated guidance for managing this high‑stakes condition in general or emergency practice.

STUDENTS: Emily Russ and Jessica Dixon FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Thilo Pfau PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Equine lameness can challenge even the most experienced clinicians—human eyes simply can’t detect subtle asymmetries or avoid bias. This episode explores how gait analysis technology, or the “lameness locator,” provides objective, high‑precision motion data to improve detection, localization, and assessment of lameness. Discover why this evolving tool is becoming essential in modern equine sports medicine.

STUDENTS: Brooke-Lynn Vandenberg, Carly Wilson, and Shea Wilson FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Marina McConkey and Ning Cheng PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy—which sterilization technique is truly best for female dogs? This episode reviews decades of comparative research on peri‑ and postoperative outcomes, from hemorrhage risk to urinary incontinence and ureteral injury. Despite subtle differences, evidence shows both procedures are equally effective in healthy patients. Join us as we break down the data and why surgeon preference ultimately guides the choice.

STUDENTS: Natalia Feschuk, Mackenzie Forsythe, and Taylor Huber FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Serge Chalhoub and Søren Boysen PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Managing a cat in respiratory distress requires fast, low‑stress assessment—and thoracic POCUS is transforming that first look. This episode reviews key ultrasound signs, how to distinguish pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, and cardiac changes, and when asthma becomes the diagnosis of exclusion. Learn practical, evidence‑based steps for stabilizing patients and guiding acute treatment with steroids and bronchodilators.

STUDENTS: Halley Adams, Meaghan Nawrot, and Lynn Thiessen FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Claire Windeyer and Jennifer Pearson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Assisted calvings can leave newborn calves struggling with hypoxia and acidemia, making prompt, evidence‑based intervention essential. This episode introduces a practical decision tree for neonatal calf resuscitation, outlining key early‑life milestones and when to act. We also review which emerging treatments show promise—and which common practices lack support—to help practitioners and producers confidently manage compromised calves.

STUDENT: Ciara Milicevic FACULTY MENTORS: Dr. Johnathan Canton and Dr. Becky Valentine PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Environmental allergies in pets are rising—and medications alone often aren’t enough. This episode explores why symptoms recur, how household and outdoor allergens contribute, and why allergen‑specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only long‑term solution. Learn how ASIT builds tolerance, its cost–benefit over a pet’s lifetime, and why it offers fewer side effects than common allergy drugs.

STUDENTS: Emma Mandolesi-Kahanyshyn, Sarah Kulle, and Allison Kwantes FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Brielle Rosa and Karen Liljebjelke PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Caseous lymphadenitis remains a costly, persistent challenge in small ruminant herds worldwide. This episode reviews current evidence on controlling CLA—from biosecurity and culling to vaccination—and compares open versus closed‑system abscess management. We also examine antimicrobial options like penicillin, oxytetracycline, and tulathromycin, highlighting strategies that reduce environmental contamination while improving outcomes for affected animals and producers.

STUDENTS: Kyle Mitchell and Vladimir Tadic FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Jennifer Pearson PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Explore the science and best practices behind bovine castration across four key production ages. We break down pain‑mitigation strategies, technique selection, and why earlier is better for calf welfare. Learn how veterinarians can guide producers with evidence‑based protocols—from newborns to yearlings—to reduce complications, meet Code of Practice requirements, and support healthier herds.

STUDENTS: Brooke Whitmarsh and Megan Johnson FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Holly Sparks PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION Dive into the challenges of equine synovial sepsis—one of the most serious complications of traumatic wounds. This episode unpacks current literature on diagnosis, key prognostic indicators, and effective treatment strategies. Learn how timely, aggressive intervention—even in the field—can dramatically improve outcomes, and discover practical guidance to help practitioners confidently manage septic wounds without always requiring referral.

STUDENTS: Rachael Morrison, Bailey Harper, and Heather Burnett FACULTY MENTORS: Drs. Marina McConkey and Ning Cheng PODCAST EPISODE DESCRIPTION This episode tackles the ongoing debate around the ideal age to desex dogs, exploring how emerging research challenges long‑held beliefs about mammary cancer risk. We break down the latest findings on musculoskeletal disorders, breed and weight‑related factors, and other health considerations. Designed for clinicians and clients alike, this discussion offers clearer guidance on making evidence‑based desexing decisions.