Vet Times Podcast

With purebred and pedigree cats becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, Cats Protection feline welfare researcher Claire Roberts speaks about her recent welfare review of concerns associated with purebred cats with extreme features. Meanwhile, the charity’s associate director of advocacy, campaigns and external affairs, Madison Rogers, discusses Cats Protection’s campaign for cat breeding to be regulated across the UK. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Chris Simpson sits down with Michael Q Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), to discuss the issues facing veterinarians in the United States. Dr Bailey discusses rural veterinary workforce shortages and the AVMA-sponsored legislation set to tackle the issue, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, and the latest efforts to combat the re-emerging threat of New World Screwworm. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Allister Webb and James Westgate welcome a panel of industry experts to examine how the veterinary sector can move forward after the CMA investigation in a discussion recorded at SPVS Congress in Birmingham. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With the nomination deadline for the 2026 BVA Awards looming on 16 March, last year’s BVA Young Vet of the Year winner Leah Hunter joins Chris Simpson to talk about her experiences of winning the accolade and life as a mixed practice vet in Orkney. Dr Hunter, of Flett and Carmichael Veterinary Surgeons, was recognised for her “extraordinary dedication; compassion; unwavering devotion to her patients; and professionalism in all aspects of her work”. She also discusses her work with multiple charities as an Orkney Nature Festival trustee, a British Divers Marine Life Rescue medic and Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme volunteer. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With consultations on reforming veterinary legislation now finally underway, BVA president Rob Williams returns to the podcast to discuss his hopes and fears for the process with Allister Webb. The consultation (https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation/) is open for submissions until 25 March.    Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With a long-awaited consultation on veterinary legislative reform now finally underway, Allister Webb is joined by Defra’s deputy chief veterinary officer Ele Brown to discuss what change might achieve for the sector. The consultation (https://consult.defra.gov.uk/reform-of-the-veterinary-surgeons-act/consultation/) is open for submissions until 25 March.    Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Image: Defra / GOV.UK

As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine approaches, vets in the country – many of whom are fighting or serving as combat medics on the front lines as well as managing their clinics – are facing shortages of vital medicines and equipment. At the same time, rabies cases in wild and stray animals are on the rise, putting vets in further danger during the conflict. Ukrainian vet Daria Ponomarenko and ProSalus Foundation vice-president Mark Johnston, who visited the country last year, join Chris Simpson to discuss the issues facing vets as the war rages on and appeal for vital donations. Veterinary professionals can donate medicines, equipment and supplies, or make a financial donation, at the ProSalus website [https://prosalusfoundation.org/our-projects/#ukraine-section] or by emailing Dr Johnston at vice-president@prosalusfoundation.org. ProSalus is also holding a silent auction [https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/wellbeing-at-work/art-sale-aims-to-boost-ukrainian-veterinary-work] of Ukrain

Burnout, mental health issues and staff turnover are challenges that continue to affect the veterinary profession. Angela Chapman, senior veterinary nursing lecturer at Melbourne Polytechnic and graduate researcher at La Trobe University, joins Chris Simpson to discuss her new vet nurse burnout prevention survey [https://www.veterinaryburnout.com.au/workplace-survey]. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Allergic dermatitis is one of the most challenging chronic conditions we face in practice. Not just clinically, but because owners expect their dogs to return to “normal.”   In this podcast with Darren Berger, US board certified dermatologist and Elanco’s head of allergy and dermatology, we’ll look at the science behind Zenrelia, the new JAK inhibitor helping dogs get back to normal, and how it’s changing how we manage itchy dogs and their owners. Dr Berger is a American board-certified veterinary dermatologist with extensive experience in clinical practice, research and education. He is an accomplished speaker and an author and editor, having written many journal articles and his own textbook. He has special interests in clinical pharmacology and the management of allergic skin diseases and prior to joining Elanco Animal Health, he was a tenured professor at Iowa State University. Dr Berger resides in Iowa with his family, but you will often find him sharing his passion for dermatology through speaking e

SPONSORED In today’s episode, sponsored by Royal Canin, we celebrate 20 years of Royal Canin’s partnership with the University of Liverpool’s Obesity Care Clinic – the world’s first specialist weight loss clinic for cats and dogs. This pioneering collaboration has transformed obesity care, combining expert research with exceptional service for clients and referring vet practices. Join us as Georgia Woods-Lee and Professor Alex German share how the Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic is shaping the future of pet health and the vital role vets can play in tackling obesity. In 2015, Georgia Woods-Lee took the position of clinical lead for the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic (recently renamed the Royal Canin Obesity Care Clinic) at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she is now dealing exclusively with pet obesity care and nutrition. Georgia was awarded her Certificate in Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition in 2017, the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VT

For this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal practice Richard Sanderson and professional services vet for IDEXX Carole MacColl to discuss faecal antigen testing. SPONSORED Parasites pose a serious threat to pets and people. But prevention alone may not be 100% effective. Updated industry guidelines now recommend intestinal parasite testing at least once a year, regardless of deworming. Combine your preventives with Faecal Dx antigen testing, and parasites don’t stand a chance. Faecal Dx antigen testing offers early, accurate detection of the most common intestinal parasites, even in well cats and dogs. Learn more at https://www.idexx.co.uk/en-gb/veterinary/reference-laboratories/fecal-testing/fecal-dx-antigen-test/?utm_source=vet_times&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=rlb_fecaldx_2025 The views and opinions in this recorded conversation expressed by the guest interviewee are the guest interviewee's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of IDE

Despite growing interest in preventive care, many veterinary teams face a tough reality: wellness testing isn’t always viable, and the data linking it to better patient outcomes is still emerging. Yet the logic remains compelling – earlier detection should mean earlier intervention – but should wellness testing become the norm in general practice? This episode explores the clinical value and operational realities when it comes to replacing the ‘wait and see’ with ‘track and find out.’ SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, makers of the vetscan range of AI-powered diagnostic analysers, which includes the vetscan Imagyst, vetscan Opticell and vetscan VS2. For more information on the full range, speak to your Zoetis account manager to learn more or visit the website. (zoetisdiagnostics.com/us/point-of-care/chemistry/vetscan-vs2) Rory Cowlam BVetMed, PgCert, MRCVS, is a graduate of the RVC with more than a decade’s worth of experience in companion animal veterinary care. He is a certificate hold

With many owners still struggling with the cost of caring for their pets, the crisis, together with wider economic pressures, is also having a significant impact on the charitable sector. Blue Cross director of veterinary services Paul Manktelow joins Allister Webb to discuss the issue and the radical changes his organisation is making in a bid to tackle it.   Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasite affecting dogs in the UK often with devastating consequences. Over recent years we have seen an increase in prevalence of lungworm disease. In this podcast, veterinary parasitologist and professor Eric Morgan and Jenny Helm, RCVS specialist in small animal medicine and oncology referral clinician, discuss the prevalence of A vasorum in the UK, the gaps we have in the evidence to date, routine prevention for dogs and novel options for treatment. SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, makers of Simparica Trio – the only oral moxidectin licensed to treat lungworm in dogs. Simparica Trio is licensed for the treatment of flea and tick infestations, the treatment and prevention of angiostrongylosis and the treatment of gastrointestinal roundworm and hookworm infections1. For more information on Simparica Trio, speak to your Zoetis account manager to learn more or visit the website (https://www2.zoetis.co.uk/veterinary-hub/companion-animal/dogs/products-and-solution

As the veterinary sector considers its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional remedy decisions, a new Big 6 podcast panel considers the current state of play and likely areas of ongoing debate. Joining Allister Webb are RCVS senior vice-president Linda Belton; SPVS board member Kate Higgins; BSAVA president Julian Hoad; British Veterinary Union chair Suzy Hudson-Cooke; IVC Evidensia CVO Gudrun Ravetz; and competition law academic David Reader. Credit for music: "Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

With more than 40,000 cases reported in Central America and Mexico since July 2023, the United States is preparing for a potential outbreak of the New World screwworm fly. The parasitic blowfly – whose flesh-eating larvae feed on the live tissue of warm-blooded animals – was officially eradicated from the US in 1966, but with a case in September less than 70 miles from the border, alarm bells are ringing. Texas vet Will McCauley joins Chris Simpson to discuss the role veterinarians will have to play in detecting and combating any potential outbreaks. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

New BVA President Rob Williams joins Allister Webb to discuss his first few weeks in the role and the challenges facing the UK veterinary sector right now. Rob shares his thoughts on the Competition and Markets Authority’s provisional remedy recommendations, how the professions can help to secure legislative reform and how clinicians can help to shape a brighter future in their practice. Credit for music "Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Speaking at BEVA Congress in September, vet and leading antimicrobial expert Scott Weese challenged current thinking on antibiotic course length and called for evidence to show that shortening courses can lead to the development of resistance. “How does [administering antibiotics] less cause more resistance?” he asked the packed amphitheatre (https://www.vettimes.com/news/vets/equine/vets-urged-to-treat-patients-not-lab-results-in-fight-against-amr) at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre. “It doesn’t. I’ll buy you a beer if you can give me a plausible explanation for that.” Here, Prof Weese and fellow antimicrobial expert Ian Battersby join Vet Times’ Chris Simpson to discuss the issue and the ongoing challenges surrounding antimicrobial stewardship. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Paul Imrie is joined by Stephen Maxwell, veterinary advisor from MSD Animal Health, to discuss some of the queries to MSD Animal Health’s veterinary support line. SPONSORED Caninsulin has been a trusted brand for over 30 years and is used to treat diabetic cats and dogs. In the lead up to Pet Diabetes Month, we’ll talk through some common queries from MSD Animal Health’s Veterinary support service. MSD also offer a range of free diabetes resources designed to support practices and owners, as well as free diabetes CPD courses. To access these, visit the links below or contact your MSD Account Manager. https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/ahp/caninsulin/tools https://msdchameleon.cordeo.net/ (printed materials) Stephen Maxwell is an MSD veterinary advisor and during the past year has been helping front-line veterinarians in the UK with their diabetic cases through technical product support. NOTE: All pets’ names in this broadcast have been changed to protect identities.

With an expected shortage of 24,000 companion animal veterinarians expected in the United States by 2030, the pressure is mounting on veterinary technicians to plug the gap. At the same time, vet techs are also dealing with familiar issues with retention, burnout, and underutilisation. Danielle Chesek, a certified vet tech and team lead for the vet tech programme at Penn Foster Group, joins Chris Simpson to discuss the role of veterinary technicians and the issues they’re facing. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/