The 2AM Consult

The 2AM Consult

When it's 2 AM and you can't call a specialist, what do you wish you knew? The 2AM Consult is a veterinary medicine podcast created for emergency and general practice clinicians who want practical, evidence-based advice they can apply on their very next shift. Each episode features board-certified specialists and other experts breaking down common emergencies, challenging cases, diagnostic approaches, treatment decisions, and the clinical pearls they wish every veterinarian knew. From ophthalmology and dermatology to neurology, internal medicine, surgery, and beyond, the focus is on real-world medicine—not textbook lectures. Hosted by Dr. Deer (ER.DVM), The 2AM Consult feels like sitting down with the specialist you wish you could call in the middle of the night. Whether you're a new graduate looking for confidence or an experienced clinician wanting to sharpen your skills, you'll leave every episode with practical takeaways for your next case. New episodes every other week.

Episodes

  1. 1 day ago

    Practical Neurology with Dr. James Cellini

    Whether you're working an overnight ER shift or seeing neurologic cases in general practice, neurology can feel intimidating—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of 2 A.M. Consult, Dr. Deer is joined by board-certified veterinary neurologist Dr. James Cellini to break down some of the most common neurologic emergencies into practical, immediately applicable clinical pearls. Together, they discuss the approach to seizure patients, choosing anticonvulsants, managing cluster seizures, assessing deep pain in IVDD patients, and why deep pain—not withdrawal reflexes—is one of the most important prognostic indicators. They also cover vestibular disease, differentiating central versus peripheral lesions, when time can be your best diagnostic tool, and how to approach referral conversations with pet owners. Rather than focusing on complex neuroanatomy, this episode is packed with practical decision-making tips, common misconceptions, and real-world advice that emergency and general practice veterinarians can apply on their very next shift. In this episode you'll learn: • The first neurologic exam finding to assess in a comatose patient • Practical seizure management pearls and rescue medication protocols • How to differentiate withdrawal reflexes from true deep pain perception • Medical management versus surgical considerations for IVDD • How to localize vestibular disease and when to suspect central disease • Tips for discussing neurologic referrals and prognosis with clients If you've ever found yourself staring at a seizuring patient, a rolling vestibular dog, or a suddenly paraplegic Dachshund at 2 a.m. wondering what to do next, this episode is for you.

  2. 4 Aug

    Glaucoma with Dr. Sigmund TheVetEyeGuy

    Can a patient lose vision in just a few hours? With glaucoma, the answer is yes. In this episode of The 2 AM Consult, Dr. Deer sits down with board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Alex Sigmund (The Vet Eye Guy) to discuss one of the most time-sensitive ophthalmic emergencies encountered in general practice and the ER. Together they cover: What glaucoma actually is—and why it's a true emergencyPrimary vs. secondary glaucomaBreed predispositions and clinical signsTonometry tips and common diagnostic mistakesEmergency treatment protocols, including when to use dorzolamide, latanoprost, mannitol, and aqueocentesisPain management and long-term monitoringWhen to refer to ophthalmologySurgical options and when enucleation is the best choiceWhether you're a GP veterinarian, ER clinician, intern, or student, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based pearls you can apply the very next time a painful red eye walks through the door. Guest: Dr. Alex Sigmund, DVM, DACVO Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist | Co-founder of The Veterinary Eye Team | @TheVetEyeGuy CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sigmund and Episode Overview 00:36 What is Glaucoma in Veterinary Medicine? 01:30 Causes of Glaucoma: Primary and Secondary 02:32 Breed Predispositions and Screening Methods 04:13 Clinical Signs of Glaucoma in Pets 07:04 Diagnostic Approach and Criteria for Glaucoma 13:59 Medical Management and Emergency Protocols 19:59 Surgical and End-Stage Treatment Options 44:33 Key Takeaways and Final Advice from Dr. Sigmund

About

When it's 2 AM and you can't call a specialist, what do you wish you knew? The 2AM Consult is a veterinary medicine podcast created for emergency and general practice clinicians who want practical, evidence-based advice they can apply on their very next shift. Each episode features board-certified specialists and other experts breaking down common emergencies, challenging cases, diagnostic approaches, treatment decisions, and the clinical pearls they wish every veterinarian knew. From ophthalmology and dermatology to neurology, internal medicine, surgery, and beyond, the focus is on real-world medicine—not textbook lectures. Hosted by Dr. Deer (ER.DVM), The 2AM Consult feels like sitting down with the specialist you wish you could call in the middle of the night. Whether you're a new graduate looking for confidence or an experienced clinician wanting to sharpen your skills, you'll leave every episode with practical takeaways for your next case. New episodes every other week.