Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health Dr Alex Avery

😲 Are you concerned about the rising costs of vet care? You're not alone and this episode dives deep into the issues plaguing the pet health care space, affecting your pets, you, and those within the veterinary industry.

It's easy to vilify veterinary professionals as money grabbing (and many do) but the truth is very different - Did you know that in the last 12 months, 25% of veterinary staff in the UK received absolutely NO pay raise? The preconception that vets are "only in it for the money" couldn't be more misplaced!

📉 Yet this is on the back of record vet bill rises. We're facing serious global challenges in pet healthcare:

- Inflation is skyrocketing, yet vet pay isn't keeping up, making it tougher for veterinary professionals worldwide.

- Costs are on the rise, not just for pet owners but for the clinics too, due to increased prices for drugs and necessary medical equipment.

- There's a trend of corporatization where shareholder returns are driving business decisions and the staff in your clinic may have zero say in pricing and service provisions.

🧐 Importantly, we need to consider the advanced level of care provided today compared to decades ago. Practices now are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to offer the best care, which significantly drives up the costs.

But is this also part of the problem?

This episode covers so much more, and while I don't claim to have all the answers these topics are vital for you to be aware of so we can work towards a future that works for everyone.

Learn more over in the show notes at: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/broken-pet-healthcare


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

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🐾 "Elbow dysplasia in young dogs can start affecting them not just when they're old, but potentially very early in their life!" 🐶
🩺 Today on Call the Vet, we dive deep into managing chronic conditions like elbow dysplasia and arthritis:
1️⃣ Multimodal approach is key—combining dietary changes, weight management, and environmental modifications to tackle the issue comprehensively.
2️⃣ Therapeutic diets and supplements (especially omega-3 fatty acids) can significantly enhance comfort.
3️⃣ Regular, gentle exercise and use of ramps can prevent worsening of the condition.
4️⃣ Complementary therapies like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are crucial for maintaining joint mobility and muscle mass.
💡 Early intervention plays a pivotal role in managing conditions like elbow dysplasia effectively. Starting treatment when symptoms are mild can drastically improve quality of life. This proactive approach can decrease the need for continuous medication and help manage pain more effectively.

For some dogs, surgery may be an option, and this episode also covers what you need to know if you think this may be the path for you and your dog.

Check out all the info and dive into all the related topics over in the full show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-elbow-dysplasia


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Increasing age can bring increasing health complexity and in this episode, we unpack a complex listener-submitted scenario about a 14-year-old Chihuahua battling congestive heart failure and mysterious seizures.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights, from understanding heart murmurs to dissecting the causes behind seizures in older dogs, with insights for all pet parents with older animals.

🚨 Did you know? A heart murmur isn’t always an indicator of overt heart failure in dogs! 🐶

1️⃣ Dr. Alex explains that a heart murmur simply indicates turbulent blood flow, which could be due to a leaky valve but doesn't necessarily mean that heart failure is present.

2️⃣ Seizures in older dogs are rarely due to epilepsy; the causes are often much more complex, ranging from organ disease to brain lesions.

3️⃣ Monitoring a pet’s sleeping respiratory rate at home can be a simple yet effective way to gauge heart health over time.

4️⃣ Diagnostic steps include full blood testing, urine testing, X-rays, and possibly an echocardiogram or MRI to pinpoint the exact health issues.

Dive into further resources in the full show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-heart-failure-and-seizures


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😱 Don't gamble with your pet's life. When it comes to your furry friend's surgery, knowing the risks is crucial for their safety!
🩺 Surgery may not be just routine - from a tiny risk of 0.01% for neutering procedures (that's 1 death for every 10,000 surgeries) through to a 16% death rate for the sickest of patients, the risk really does vary hugely by individual.

🏥 Several measures can increase safety: from pre-surgery blood tests, weight management, to advanced monitoring equipment - these are vital!

💡 The takeaway? Proactive health management & choosing a vet with the right skills & equipment is a game-changer. It not only reduces risk but ensures peace of mind.

💬 Have you ever delayed a surgery for your pet due to fear of anesthesia risks? What could have eased your worries? Share your thoughts!

Dive into everything you need to know and more over in the show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/pet-surgery-safety


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Get ready to tackle this itchy pet mystery with Dr. Alex answering a question sent in by listener Trish that addresses some really key pet-care pearls. From narrowing down the potential causes of any problem, the importance of making a proper diagnosis, through to when to seek the input from your veterinarian. This episode has something for every pet parent!

Check out The Dog Allergy Summit here - https://ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

And the full show notes here - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/multiple-itchy-dogs


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Did you know that it used to be common for veterinarians to withhold pain relief for pets with joint injuries or wounds? The thinking was that this was needed to prevent them from overusing the injured area and causing more harm 😱

Some vets and owners still advocate for this approach.

In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into this shocking practice and why it's time for this outdated thinking to be left in the past. Join me as I discuss the impact of pain on a pet's well-being and the importance of appropriate pain management.
I highlight the negative effects of pain on healing, the body, and the human-animal bond, and why it's crucial to prioritize pain relief whenever pain is present.

While some may have reservations about using pain medication, I emphasize the various options in our arsenal for managing pain, promoting a multimodal approach for the best outcomes. My big takeaway is that we owe it to our pets to ensure they not only have a great chance of recovery but also remain comfortable throughout their healing journey.

Find out more in the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/no-pain-relief
🐶 Are you aware of the impact of pain on your pet's overall well-being? What are your thoughts on the use of pain medication for pets? Let's start a conversation and ensure our furry family members receive the care they deserve.

#PetHealth #AnimalWellbeing #VeterinaryCare #DogPainManagement #PetPainRelief


Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review