Clinician's Brief: The Podcast

Forty years ago, trying to make a diagnosis in veterinary medicine could mean a trip to the darkroom and playing a guessing game; today, it can mean diagnostics that flag disease before clinical signs even appear. In this milestone Partner Podcast episode marking VCA's 40th anniversary, Dr. Beth sits down with VCA’s chief medical officer Dr. Julia Georgesen to chronicle the most groundbreaking advances in veterinary medicine over the last 40 years, from pain management and digital imaging to team-based care, AI-assisted documentation, and the rise of predictive medicine.Sponsored by VCAContact us:Po...

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! Join Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, as they discuss pressing issues impacting the veterinary profession. What happens when an animal is caught in a car crash, disaster, or other emergency? In this episode, they explore a new effort to put trained veterinarians alongside first responders and whether this is a role the profession is ready to embrace. Brought to you by ZoetisResources:https://www.frvn.org/https://www.frvn.org/contact-ushttps://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/first-responders-veterinary-network-enlists-veterinarians-to-help-save-lives/<p...

Sometimes hyperthyroidism is straightforward, and other times… management takes the long and winding road. In this Partner Podcast episode, Dr. Audrey Cook joins Dr. Beth to discuss the unmasking of chronic kidney disease following treatment of feline hyperthyroidism and review strategies for the monitoring and long-term management of cats with both conditions. Tune in for a practical framework for methimazole trials, the role of an FDA-approved oral methimazole solution, and treatment decisions in complex patients.Sponsored by VirbacContact us:Podcast@instinct.vet Where to find us:Website: CliniciansBrief.com/Pod...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, is joined by Amelia G. White, DVM, MS, DACVD to talk about her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Lick Granulomas.” Dr. White uses a case-based approach to explain how identifying and controlling the underlying trigger, rather than just managing the lesion itself, is central to lasting resolution. Topics include culture and biopsy methodology, antimicrobial management, barrier protection, fluorescent light therapy, and the role of behavioral medications in treatment planning.Brought to you by ZoetisResources:https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/lick-granuloma-dogshttps://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/care-is-your-calling/Contac...

A newly ausculted heart murmur is a common encounter in general practice, but navigating what comes next isn’t always straightforward. In this episode of the Partner Podcast, Dr. Lance Visser, board-certified veterinary cardiologist, breaks down the essentials of myxomatous mitral valve disease, including staging and diagnostic criteria, the landmark EPIC trial data, and what the recent approval of VETMEDIN® (pimobendan) by the FDA for the preclinical B2 dogs means for clinical practice.Sponsored by Boehringer IngelheimThis podcast is RACE-approved for 1 hour of CE credit through August 5, 2028. Earn your CE credit here.Con...

What does the world look like from a cat’s perspective? Listen in to this episode of the Partner Podcast as veterinary behaviorist Christopher Pachel joins to share his practical insights into feline environmental stress, the 5 pillars of a healthy environment, and what general practitioners can do to help cats thrive at home. Sponsored Fan of felines? What about prizes? Compete against other clinics in this 12-week feline education challenge featuring interactive quizzes, polls, and shareable content—all for a chance to win big while improving feline care! Join the challenge here (August 3, 2026 - Oc...

The headlines have moved on from H5N1, but the virus hasn't, and small animal veterinarians have good reason to stay informed. In this episode of the Partner Podcast, Dr. Scott Weese, one of veterinary medicine's most trusted voices in infectious disease, covers the current clinical realities of H5N1, including which patients should raise your index of suspicion, what personal protective equipment precautions actually matter, and how to counsel clients about raw food diets and exposure risk. Sponsored Fan of felines? What about prizes? Compete against other clinics in this 12-week feline education challenge...

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! In this episode, Alyssa Watson, DVM, sits down with special guest Ashley Smith-Miller, DVM, to share the how and why behind her decision to make her Pennsylvania clinic the first veterinary practice in the United States to earn the certified autism center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Tune in as they discuss what the certification process actually involves, what changed for Dr. Ashley's team and clients, and what every veterinary practice can learn from her experience. Brought to you by Zoetis Resources: ...

How many of your vomiting cat cases warrant a full diagnostic investigation? In this episode of the Partner Podcast, Dr. Beth sits down with Adam Rudinsky, board-certified veterinary internist, to discuss a practical approach to the vomiting cat, including when symptomatic management is appropriate, how to prioritize diagnostics when budgets are limited, and how to navigate referral conversations with clients. Sponsored Fan of felines? What about prizes? Compete against other clinics in this 12-week feline education challenge featuring interactive quizzes, polls, and shareable content—all for a chance to win big while improving feline care!...

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! Join Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, as they discuss pressing issues impacting the veterinary profession. Would you want an AI agent renewing your personal prescription? How about your patient's? In this episode, Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth react to a recent JAMA article on Utah's first-of-its-kind pilot program allowing an autonomous AI agent to renew prescriptions for people—and the medical licensing board pushback that followed. Don’t miss this candid conversation about what this could mean for patients, providers, and a veterinary profession that may not be far behind. Brou...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Claire Tucker, DVM, MPH, PhD, DACVECC, and Kelly Hall, DVM, MS, DACVECC, to discuss their recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Projectile Injury in Dogs.”  Like with all trauma cases, Dr. Tucker and Dr. Hall lay out the systematic approach that is ideal for these injured pets and share some particulars for recognizing and handling projectile wounds. They also emphasize the importance and process of client communication for sudden, life-threatening problems. Resources: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/gunshot-wounds-projectile-injury-dogs https://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/care-is-your-calling/ Contact: podcast@instinct.vet <p...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes back Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS, to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Maximizing Air Flow Through Stenotic Nares via Ala Vestibuloplasty.” While many find the nasal anatomy confusing and this surgical procedure intimidating, Dr. Tobias guides us through this highly practical approach, demystifying the surgery along the way. Resources: https://cliniciansbrief.com/article/ala-vestibuloplasty-veterinary-surgical-guide https://utrf.tennessee.edu/product-category/realistic-canine-training-models/ https://www.apoquel.com Contact: podcast@instinct.vet Where To Find Us: Website: CliniciansBrief.com/Podcasts YouTube: Youtube.com/@clinicians_brief Facebo...

Ear cytology gives us information that a visual examination—or even sniff test—simply cannot, yet we too often forgo this essential diagnostic step. In this episode of the Partner Podcast, Dr. Beth talks with Liz Layne, DVM, DACVD, and Christi Belew, DVM, about the role of cytology in otitis externa management. They share practical tips for interpreting samples and explore how emerging analyzer technology is bringing a new level of consistency and accuracy to in-clinic results. Sponsored by IDEXX Resource:  https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/analyzers/invue-dx-analyzer/test-types/ear-cytology/ Contact us: ...

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! Join Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, as they discuss pressing issues impacting the veterinary profession. Corporate consolidators are offering associates equity in veterinary practices at an increasing rate, and the pitch can sound pretty compelling. But, is a minority stake actually the partnership it's made out to be? Tune in as Dr. Alyssa and Dr. Beth react to a recent VIN News Service article on the trend, consider what the fine print can mean for career mobility, and reflect on the gap between feeling like an owner and actually being one. <...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, is joined by Linda E. Luther, DVM, MVSc, DACVIM (SAIM), to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Manipulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System.” Dr. Luther delves into proteinuria, hypertension, heart disease, and the often overlooked hyperaldosteronism as conditions that feature chronic RAAS activation. She explains how each of our therapeutic options—ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), spironolactone—are best put to use. Resources: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/raas-suppression-dogs-cats https://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/care-is-your-calling/ Contact: podcast@instinct.vet Where To Find Us: Website: C...

Welcome to the Veterinary Breakroom! Join Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, as they discuss pressing issues impacting the veterinary profession. New World Screwworm is back in the headlines, and it may be closer to home than you realize. In this episode, we sit down with special guest Dr. Jim Budde, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Instinct, to break down what clinicians need to know about this flesh-eating parasite, which drugs are being used to protect pets, and how to counsel clients who are asking questions. Brought to you by Zoetis Resources: https://www...

As our understanding of canine osteoarthritis deepens and treatment options continue to expand, there's never been a better opportunity to refine how we approach this disease in practice. In this episode of the Partner Podcast, Dr. Beth invites Dr. Monica Tarantino to explore what's actually happening in the arthritic joint, why inflammation deserves its own place in the treatment conversation, and how she navigates anti-inflammatory options in her senior patients. Sponsored by Elanco Indication Galliprant controls pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.Important Safety Information For use in dogs...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Thomas K. Day, DVM, MS, DACVAA (Emeritus), DACVECC (Emeritus), CVA, Cert. IVUSS, to discuss his recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Anesthesia for Dental Surgery in a Dog With Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.”  With his broad background in anesthesia and critical care, Dr. Day shares a wealth of useful information for handling these challenging anesthetic cases. You will want to keep your notebook close to take notes on everything from drug selection to dosing to even fluid dosing. Resources: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/mmvd-dental-anesthesia-quiz https://www.apoquel.com Conta...

In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes back Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, DACVB, to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Beyond Fluoxetine: A Multimodal Approach to Anxiety, Aggression, & Fear in Cats.” Dr. Lindell uses real-life cases to explore why things like house soiling and anxious behaviors occur in our cats. She shares advice on how to ask the right questions to plan environmental and behavioral modifications and when medication should get involved. Resources: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/feline-anxiety-aggression-fluoxetine-quiz https://www.zoetisus.com/petcare/care-is-your-calling/ Contact: podcast@instinct.vet Where To Find U...

For a virus this well-known, FeLV still generates a surprising number of questions in daily practice. In this episode of the Clinician’s Brief Partner Podcast, Dr. Richard Ford joins host Dr. Beth to cut through the noise on FeLV and addresses diagnostic missteps, vaccination gaps, and prevention conversations that can still trip up even the most experienced clinicians.  Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Contact us: Podcast@instinct.vet Where to find us: Website: CliniciansBrief.com/Podcasts YouTube: Youtube.com/@clinicians_brief Facebook: Facebook.com/CliniciansBrief LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/showcase/CliniciansBrief/ X: @cli...