Veterinary Viewfinder Podcast

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common -- and challenging -- medical conditions veterinary professional confront in general practice. This week we’re joined by Board-certified veterinary surgeon and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Kristin Kirkby Shaw. Dr. Shaw joins hosts veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward and registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor, RVT to discuss her new CARE (Canine Arthritis Resources and Education) program, her thoughts on the importance of early arthritis recognition in dogs and cats, how the entire veterinary practice team can help improve OA patient care, and her amazing story (she grew up in Panama with pet monkeys! Who knew?). Viewfinder, do us a humongous favor and go give us a review on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t already. The super secret Apple algorithm uses your input to help us reach more of our veterinary colleagues. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loyally listening the last 3 years!

The veterinary and pet worlds were rocked once again by recent allegations that counterfeit heartworm preventives and fake cancer cures were being sold online as well as a high-profile animal abuse case involving a doggie daycare facility in North Carolina. This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT reveal the latest counterfeit heartworm scare, this time involving purchases made at Amazon.com. A Minnesota (!!!) dog was diagnosed with heartworm disease after it was discovered the preventive she purchased was fake. Our hosts also discuss the online company recently found guilty of selling phony cancer cures disguised as legitimate medications. Finally, what about sketchy pet care service providers? A breaking news story from North Carolina reveals the importance of veterinary professionals working with lay pet care providers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pets. Viewfinders, how are you handling these issues? What are you telling your clients about online medication purchases? How do you recommend pet care services you don’t provide to the pet parents in your community? What should our profession be doing? Thanks for listening, please share and subscribe, and leave us a review on iTunes! See you next week!

Working in a veterinary clinic can be stressful! Burnout, compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, depression, and more are a few of the consequences of an unhealthy work environment and lack of emotional support for veterinary professionals. This week, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor RVT are joined by a licensed clinical professional counselor who also happens to be a Certified Veterinary Technician! Becky Murray, CVT, MA, LCPC discusses her role as grief counselor for clients, how she helps her staff of over 300 (!!!) successfully (and healthily) deal with daily stress, and tips for handling online criticisms and negativity. The trio also cover the practical value of glitter jars (that's not a typo, and Dr. Ward is apparently a glitter-fan), why you shouldn't throw pizza or doughnuts at problems (again, not a typo), and how to avoid judging and shaming clients for their treatment choices. If you like this type of content, please subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes! Thank you Viewfinders for over 3 years of listening to our weekly podcasts!

Pet parents can order a variety of DNA tests for their pets off the internet or even in select retailers these days. This week we’ve got a special guest to help veterinary professionals decipher fact from fiction, advice from speculation, and C from G (DNA joke - stick around until the end for another of Dr. Ward’s attempts at genetic humor…) when it comes to pet DNA and genetic tests. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by their friend and colleague, Dr. Chris Menges from Basepaws. Chris shares his story of how he went from private veterinary practice to DNA-biotech startup, why he specialized in epidemiology and genomics, and how he thinks the future of veterinary genetic testing will advance over the next ten years. This is an important conversation that every veterinary professionals needs to have with their teams. More pet parents are having (or considering) these tests for their pets and we need to know how to answer their questions an address their concerns. Viewfinders, this is a good one! If you’d like to learn more about what Dr. Menges is doing, visit www.basepaws.com. What do you think about pet DNA testing? Do you recommend it? Why or why not? We want to hear from you!

On January 22, 2020, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) released its latest “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) ‘Traveling by Air with Service Animals.’” This proposal could significantly change the definitions - and mandatory allowances - of service animals and how they are allowed to travel by air in the US. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT dissect the new proposals, how to navigate the often-confusing definitions and terminology used, potential impacts (and unintended consequences) of this update. If you haven’t read the NPRM, you can check it out below. Our hosts also advise concerned veterinary professionals to comment during the 60-day comment period (link in show notes). This is a potentially big change that could directly impact veterinary professionals. Viewfinders, after listening to these proposals and our “hot takes,” what do you think? How do feel about the proposed USDOT veterinary forms? “Good health, good behavior, ability to relieve themselves” (or not)? What about the new size limitations? What about species restrictions? Will it help - or harm - air travel with service animals? We want to hear from you! Link to Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) “Traveling by Air with Service Animals”: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/resources/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/359646/traveling-air-service-animals-nprm.pdf Direct Link to USDOT Comment Form: https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=DOT-OST-2018-0068-4724

It’s that time of year when many of us have a bit of a “spending hangover” from the holidays! Credit card bills are piling up, and bank accounts are looking thin. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss whether the cost of veterinary care is a barrier for pet parents seeking our help. Dr. Ward shares some breaking January 2020 pet parent survey results along with the latest reporting from Chewy, Guggenheim, and PetIQ on the current state of the veterinary market. The talk turns to the trend in “retail veterinary services” or the growing number of veterinary “wellness clinics” appearing in Walmart, Tractor Supply, and elsewhere. Dr. Ward and Beckie tackle the “talent attraction” dilemma and how generational shifts are causing significant change in both veterinary practice organization, professional culture, and the type of pet care services offered. This is a wide-ranging conversation that touches on many urgent and important challenges the veterinary profession is facing. Viewfinders, what do you think about these trends? Is the price of our services and products actually part of the problem? Are only 33-40% of pet parents visiting their veterinarian each year, as some of the shared data suggests? Would a large number of pet parents really prefer a "retail vet?" We want to hear from you!

Most of you of heard - and seen - the massive bush fires engulfing Australia over the past four months. The environmental devastation on this scale is historically unprecedented. This week's guest is a veterinary professor, animal ethicist (and part-time philosopher) from the University of Sydney, Dr. Anne Fawcett. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss the latest on the Australian fires, the environmental impact she's witnessing, the damage to both animal life and ecosystems, and the role veterinarians should play in this tragedy. Dr. Fawcett shares her thoughts on why she believes veterinarians should take a more active role in discussing climate change and animal welfare, and offers advice for veterinary professionals who want to help. Viewfinders, this is an incredible story that impacts every living organism on our fragile planet. Please listen and share this podcast with other animal advocates. From Dr. Fawcett and us to the Viewfinders: If you'd like to donate: For donations for wildlife bushfire victims in Australia: https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund [NB this is just in NSW] RSPCA:  Victoria: https://rspcavic.org/giving/donate Queensland: https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/donate/koalas South Australia: https://rspcasa.secure.force.com/donate?utm_source=web_traffic&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=main_donation_page_top_righthand_corner_button New South Wales: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/bushfire-appeal/ Vets Beyond Borders are coordinating a veterinary response: https://www.vetsbeyondborders.org/ The Australian Veterinary Association Benevolent Fund is helping affected veterinarians and their families in the wake of the fires: https://www.ava.com.au/library-resources/other-resources/bush-fire-resources/ Engage: Climate Vets: https://www.climatevets.net/ Vet Sustain: https://www.vetsustain.org/ The Climate Council: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/  The Guardian Newspaper climate change articles: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-change Climate Emergency Declaration: https://climateemergencydeclaration.org/ The World Scientists Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice, can be read here. A number of veterinarians have signed this: https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/article/67/12/1026/4605229

Skin allergies season in dogs (and cats) never seems to end these days. This week we're thrilled to be joined again with Dr. Dana Liska, Dermatology Specialist at Zoetis to talk about the benefits of a dermatology work up and how veterinary teams should (and can) work together to ensure derm and itching appointments are as efficient - and effective - as possible.Hosts Beckie Mossor, RVT and Dr. Ernie Ward review who and how to take a thorough dermatological history, the basics of diagnosing seasonal skin allergies, and the latest the treatment options. We're so grateful for the support of Zoetis in bringing this special episode to the Viewfinders. We're also appreciative of the efforts of Dr. Liska and Zoetis at providing highly efficacious and safe treatments for these challenging clinical conditions. We LOVE and recommend the pet owner's CYTOPOINT Itch Tracker you can download at www.CYTOPOINT4Dogs.com - Beckie and Dr. Ward's favorite client education tool of 2019! You can also access more information on the veterinary team approach to dermatology care at www.ScienceofStrongerBonds.com

We'll be honest, we secretly dream of working with lions, tigers, bears, and all sorts of wildlife! If you share this dream of working as a veterinary professional in a zoo or exotic locale, you're going to love this week's podcast! This weeks hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by the Oklahoma City Zoo's Mark Romanoski, CVT. Mark shares how he got started in zoo medicine, offers advice for aspiring exotic animal professionals, and indulges us with some pretty amazing tales of treating wildlife. The trio discuss conservation and breeding programs, the dangers of improper "animal sanctuaries" and unlicensed individuals keeping exotic animals in their homes, and why feces is an important tool for research (you can blame Dr. Ward for that little tangent...). Mark reveals his "daily grind" and his favorite species to work with (all of them, of course!).

here’s an old saying in medicine that, “Death and Illness Follow the Seasons.” Give this podcast a listen if you agree! In this week’s conversation, hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT discuss how veterinary professionals can cope with seasonal surges in pet euthanasia and loss. The pair share stories from their practice lives, offer advice on shifting from “Silly Sweater Mode” to “Terminal Illness Expert,” and how to help colleagues struggling with the strains and stress of euthanasia during the holidays. We believe the veterinary profession needs more authentic conversations like this on tough topics we all confront. Viewfinders, please forgive Dr. Ernie’s audio today; he was in a busy airport terminal making his way home! And while you’re in the holiday spirit, PLEASE leave us an iTunes review! That’s all we’re asking for! Thank you, Viewfinder Family!!

Once again, we tackle the tough topic of what, if any, holiday gifts we should give our veterinary coworkers. Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT explore whether structured gift-giving within a business team is appropriate, establishing (and adhering to) gifting boundaries, and examples of some of their favorite veterinary team gifts. The pair also share what they’re giving their personal pets and some of their all-time favorite dog and cat toys and accessories. Beckie announces a special project celebrating her upcoming tenth wedding anniversary (congratulations!) and Dr. Ward reveals the special gift he and his wife are giving each other (hint: it involves surfing). Viewfinders, what do you think about holiday gifts for your practice team? What are your favorite pet gifts? What are you giving yourself this year? All we ask from you is a review on iTunes! As silly (and simple) as that is, that’s how we know you like this podcast and it helps other colleagues find us. Thank you and happy holidays!

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Whatever you celebrate this time of year! This week our hosts, Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the topics of what we should say to clients and coworkers this holiday season, how should we celebrate, and what about spouses and significant others at work parties? Learn about Dr. Ward’s dreaded (and celebrated) annual team caroling, why having assigned tasks and an agenda for a party helps “keep it moving,” and what you should do about alcohol during office parties. The pair also debate whether or not holiday parties make sense for veterinary clinics these days. This week’s podcast is a raw and candid discussion about these potentially controversial seasonal topics that our profession needs to discuss more openly. Our words - and the spirit with which we deliver them - affect everyone around us, and our hosts offer some insight into what works, and doesn’t, in veterinary clinics. Viewfinders, help us end the year on a high note by leaving us an iTunes review and sharing this podcast with a friend! Mele Kalikimaka!

Recently Microsoft revealed that it found workers who worked a four-day work week were more productive and happier. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mosser, RVT contemplate whether we’re working ourselves to poor patient outcomes and burnout. Dr. Ward explains why he’s concerned we’re creating a “Generation Burnout” of veterinary professionals and how to improve inefficiencies in the veterinary clinic. Beckie shares her stories from clinics who reduced the days worked and why she’s convinced it can work in any clinic. Viewfinders, what do you think about this? Do you think “Generation Burnout” accurately describes our current professional challenges? What steps are you taking to increase productivity and improve staff wellness in your clinic? What do you think about working four 8 to 10-hour days? Don’t forget to leave us a review in iTunes! Thank you, VIEWFINDERS!

Pet food recalls, climate change, animal welfare, and longevity are all directly related to the foods we feed our pets. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT are joined by one of Dr. Ward’s co-authors, Alice Oven, MA, to discuss their important new book, “The Clean Pet Food Revolution: How Better Pet Food Will Change the World” (2019 Lantern Books). The trio discuss why pet food is such a hot - and often controversial - topic for veterinary professionals and pet parents, what the plant-based diet shift means for dogs (and cats), the coming cellular agriculture meat revolution, and why they felt this book needed to be written now. Regardless of you own personal food philosophies, this conversation - and book - will help you better understand the rapidly changing pet food environment an dhow to answer your client’s toughest questions. The “Pet Food Revolution” is well underway, and this book (and, hopefully, this podcast) will help you stay informed. And Dr. Ward explains why “he can’t write a paragraph without a scientific citation” and why the authors CITED 27 PAGES OF REFERENCES. (That’s as many as Dr. Ward’s classic pet obesity book, “Chow Hounds” -2010 HCI Publishing. Yeah, he's like that...) We can't wait to bring you the final co-author, super biotech CEO, Ryan Bethencourt! Thank you, Viewfinders FOR THREE YEARS!! That’s right, this week marks 3 YEARS OF WEEKLY PODCASTS FOR VETERINARY PROFESSIONALS! We love you! You’re the best!

If you live in North America or the UK, chances are you’ve encountered political debates on the treatment floor of your veterinary clinic over the past couple of years. This week hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their experiences, Dr. Ward recounts his political campaign and how it impacted his veterinary staff and clients, and the two offer advice on how to successfully handle these potentially heated conversations in the clinic. This podcast isn’t about our political beliefs, but about how you can create best practices and boundaries to avoid hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and workplace tension. With the 2020 US political campaigns heating up, this is an excellent time to begin creating your plan for dealing with political debate within your veterinary practice. Viewfinders, what do you think? How do you handle politics in your practice? Have you witnessed or experienced arguments or altercations over politics, BREXIT, or other hot political topics in your workplace? Share your thoughts on our social media!