Tails of Truth: The Truth about Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Angie Krause, DVM CVA CCRT
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Tails of Truth – the podcast where holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and vet nurse JoJo pull back the curtain on the world of veterinary medicine. Whether you’re a cat lover or dog devotee this show will empower you to become a confident medical advocate for your four legged bestie. From common diseases and holistic treatments to hot topics, tough truths, and the emotional journey of pet parenting—nothing is off-limits. Expect real talk, expert insights, and zero judgment. Tune in for eye-opening conversations, compassionate guidance, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to care for your pets.

  1. 4D AGO

    When Families Are Detained: What Happens to Their Pets?

    Tell Us What You Think In this short but powerful episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and JoJo step into a hard conversation — not about politics, but about community and compassion. Across the United States, families are being detained during immigration enforcement operations. While the human impact is immense, there’s another ripple effect that isn’t being talked about enough: the pets left behind. Missed veterinary appointments are rising. Dogs aren’t being walked. Shelters are overwhelmed. Some animals are being found days or even weeks without their caregivers. If you love animals, this episode invites you to care about what’s happening to them. We discuss: The ripple effect of detainment on pets and veterinary careWhy missed appointments are increasingHow community members can step up in small, practical waysOrganizations offering temporary foster supportHow to create a pet emergency plan during uncertain timesThis conversation is about empathy. About community. And about showing up where we can. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s be in community. Key Takeaways  This episode centers on community and compassion, not politics.  Immigration enforcement and detainment operations are creating a ripple effect that is impacting pets and animal welfare.  Dogs are not being walked, and some animals are being left without immediate care when caregivers are detained.  Supporting local shelters, pet food pantries, and foster programs is a tangible way to help.  Small actions — walking a neighbor’s dog, delivering food, driving someone to the vet — strengthen community resilience.  If empathy feels complicated, start with the animals. Compassion is still compassion.  Emergency pet planning — including backup contacts and neighbor communication — can prevent animals from being left behind. Sound Bites “If I can't convince you to care about the people that are being kidnapped off the streets, I want you to at least care about their pets.”  ~ Dr. Angie   “We've decided the risk is worth it because it is too hard and irresponsible, in our opinion, to not name what's happening in our country.”  ~ JoJo  “We're all beings. We have four legs, two legs, like we all are deserving of empathy, compassion, respect, care, food, shelter. Water, the basics. A walk.”       ~ JoJo  “Go take a dog for a walk for a neighbor that can't. Go take a dog to the vet that a neighbor can't. Just show up, be in community.” ~ JoJo "When you're hearing this information, it's just easy to forget about all those effects." ~ Dr. Angie  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    12 min

  2. FEB 6

    Questions From Pet Parents Answered by a Holistic Vet

    Tell Us What You Think Pet parents have questions and in this episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse JoJo answer them unscripted and unfiltered. From concerns about Cushing’s disease in dogs and whether herbal formulas like Four Marvels are enough, to navigating kidney disease in cats, picky eaters, and when to stop forcing prescription diets — this episode tackles the real-world questions pet parents are asking every day. They also discuss: Whether calming medications like gabapentin and trazodone affect lab workWhat symptoms truly point to Cushing’s disease, and which diagnostics matter mostWhy senior cats lose weight even when blood work looks “normal”How to feed cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription foodFenbendazole as a trending treatment for cancerThe emotionally charged topic of rabies vaccines, reactions, titers, and risk assessmentThis is a non-shaming, deeply validating conversation that acknowledges uncertainty, honors pet parents’ instincts, and explains the why behind veterinary recommendations — without fear-mongering or dismissiveness. If you’ve ever thought, “I just want someone to talk this through with me,” this episode is for you.  ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS  Not every trending treatment has evidence Cushing’s disease requires a full diagnostic pictureWeight loss in senior cats can mean "something" even if blood work looks normalFed is best for cats with kidney disease who refuse prescription dietsCalming medications do not skew blood work, and often make vet visits saferVaccine reactions aren’t always acknowledged and they deserve to be taken seriouslyRisk assessment matters when deciding on boosters, titers, or exemptions✨ SOUND BITES   “Correlation and causation are not the same thing.”   – Dr. Angie   “At no time have I ever thought, I bet this dog or cat’s doing so much better because of the fenbendazole." – Dr. Angie  “I already like this. I feel like you’re very quick to get to very clear answers.”  – JoJo  “Which one feels harder? Which one can you live with?” – JoJo  “Veterinary medicine is kind of quick to dismiss anything that’s not anaphylaxis.” – Dr. Angie  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    24 min

  3. JAN 30

    Feeling Pressured at the Vet? How to Advocate for your Pet

    Tell Us What You Think Veterinary visits, especially emergency vet visits, are stressful, emotional, and expensive — and most pet parents feel like they have no choice but to say yes to everything put in front of them. In this fiery, truth-telling episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie and veterinary nurse, JoJo, pull back the curtain on what really happens in emergency veterinary medicine and how pet guardians can better advocate for their animals. Dr. Angie shares a real-world case that highlights how unnecessary and expensive diagnostics can quickly escalate costs without changing the treatment plan. She explains the difference between good medicine and overkill, why some emergency clinics present “everything at once,” and how fear, corporate protocols, inexperience, and liability concerns can drive decision-making. This episode teaches pet parents exactly what questions to ask, how to slow the process down, and how to understand which tests actually change outcomes — and which ones can safely wait. If you’ve ever left a vet visit feeling confused, pressured, or financially devastated, this conversation will help you walk in informed, confident, and empowered. KEY TAKEAWAYS  You are allowed to ask what each test will change in your pet’s care plan.More diagnostics do not always mean better outcomes.Emergency vet estimates often include everything upfront — not because it’s all required immediately.X-rays can miss foreign bodies; clean imaging doesn’t always equal answers.Critical thinking and step-by-step medicine are being lost in some emergency settings.Fear, cortisol, and emotional overload make it harder for pet parents to advocate.Transparency builds trust — pressure destroys it.Saying “not right now” does not make you a bad pet parent. SOUND BITES  “This is why people are going to stop trusting veterinarians.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “If it’s not going to change anything I do, why would I do it?” ~  Dr. Angie  “Your brain is not fully online when you’re in the ER.”  ~ JoJo “It’s never wrong medicine — but it can be wrong for people.” ~ Dr. Angie  “When you’re in the ER, you feel like you need to say yes to everything.”  ~ JoJo   “That dog needed fluids — it did not need ten million x-rays.”  ~ Dr. Angie  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    21 min

  4. JAN 23

    Caring for Spicy Cats: Reducing Fear and Stress During Vet Visits

    Tell Us What You Think In this practical, honest, and judgment-free episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo talk openly about fractious cats — lovingly known as “spicy kitties.” These are the cats who may be sweet at home but become anxious, aggressive, or terrified at the veterinary clinic. They break down the many types of fractious cats, why fear — not “bad behavior” — drives these reactions, and how stress escalates when cats feel trapped or unsafe. Dr. Angie explains why chemical restraint is often the kindest option, how gabapentin and trazodone can dramatically reduce fear responses, and why skipping pre-visit meds makes veterinary care harder for everyone — especially the cat. The conversation also covers modern low-stress handling techniques, the controversy around scruffing, carrier tips that actually help, and why avoiding vet visits altogether can quietly harm cats who still need preventative medicine, dental care, and bloodwork. This episode is for every cat guardian who’s ever been told their cat is “difficult" or who has avoided seeking veterinary care for their kitty. You’ll leave feeling reassured, empowered, and reminded: your cat isn’t bad — they’re scared, and there are better ways to help. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS 🌶️ “Fractious” doesn’t mean aggressive — it usually means terrified 🧠 Fear activates fight-or-flight, especially in veterinary settings 💊 Gabapentin and trazodone together can be game-changing for anxious cats 🐾 Chemical restraint is often the most compassionate choice 🚫 Skipping pre-visit meds increases stress and negative memory formation 🧺 Carriers that open from the top or fully detach reduce fear immediately 🩺 Avoiding vet care leads to missed dental disease, pain, and chronic illness ❤️ Holistic care includes pharmaceuticals when they protect emotional wellbeing  💬 SOUND BITES   “We never blame you if your kitty is violent or aggressive with us. And we actually don’t really blame your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie   “I have admiration for those kitties. I mean, their boundaries are so clear.”  ~ JoJo  “Chemical restraint is really the nicest thing for everybody involved, including your kitty.”  ~ Dr Angie   “All that cortisol is not good for your kitty — and it’s also not good for your kitty to not get veterinary care.”  ~ Dr Angie   “I think people are really resistant to using chemical restraint.” ~ JoJo  “Every time we try to push through care that a cat is resistant to, I feel like we’re creating a negative memory.”  ~ JoJo Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    23 min

  5. JAN 16

    Grief After Pet Loss: Navigating Euthanasia, Guilt, and Goodbyes

    Tell Us What You Think In this deeply emotional and unfiltered episode of Tails of Truth, JoJo and Dr. Angie sit with grief in real time as JoJo shares the story of losing her soul dog, Bodhi, over New Year’s. This conversation explores the raw truths of pet loss—anticipatory grief, guilt, anger, tenderness, and the impossible weight of deciding when it’s time to say goodbye. JoJo opens up about Bodhi’s sudden cancer diagnosis, the choice to pursue in-home euthanasia, and the heartbreak of letting go on a “good day.” Together, they talk honestly about the bargaining, self-doubt, and self-blame that so often follow euthanasia decisions—even for veterinary professionals. Dr. Angie offers grounded veterinary insight and compassionate reassurance, reminding listeners that there is no perfect moment, no “right” amount of suffering, and no way to love an animal deeply without eventually experiencing this pain. They also discuss how society minimizes pet grief, why comments like “just get another dog” can be so harmful, and how grief can ripple through families, children, and other animals in the home. This episode is not about answers—it’s about permission. Permission to grieve how you grieve. Permission to feel devastated by the loss of an animal who was your constant companion, your comforter, your witness. And permission to honor the love that made the loss hurt so much in the first place. 💛 Key Takeaways Grief after losing a pet is real, profound, and often minimized by societySaying goodbye on a “good day” can be one of the hardest decisions pet parents faceEuthanasia guilt and self-doubt are common—even among veterinarians and veterinary nursesThere is no perfect time to say goodbye, only a loving decision made with imperfect informationChildren and other pets benefit from being included in end-of-life goodbyes when possibleLoving an animal deeply means eventually grieving them—and that pain reflects the depth of that love 🎙️ Sound Bites   “It’s not so easy to say goodbye on a good day.” ~JoJo  “Your heart can’t understand a terminal diagnosis, even when your medical mind does.” ~ Dr. Angie  “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him." ~JoJo  “Grief looks however it’s going to look.”  ~ JoJo  “I feel that I lost part of myself with him, but I also loved part of myself with him.” ~JoJo  “There is no sweet spot. You wrestle with it either way.” ~ Dr. Angie  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    26 min

  6. JAN 9

    Vet Life, Unfiltered: Real Stories from Inside Veterinary Medicine

    Tell Us What You Think 📝 SUMMARY In this fun, behind-the-scenes episode of Tails of Truth, holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo step away from heavy medical topics for a lighthearted, honest look at life inside vet med. This is story time — the kind you won’t find in textbooks or exam rooms — filled with real moments from decades of experience as a holistic vet and vet tech. From relief work surprises and old-school x-ray darkrooms to long surgery days, early career mistakes, and imposter syndrome, this episode captures the very human side of veterinary medicine. Dr. Angie shares a powerful lesson about being wrong in the best possible way, while JoJo brings humor and grit from the veterinary technician perspective — reminding us just how much vet techs carry behind the scenes. This episode is intentionally light, a little cheeky, and deeply relatable for pet parents, vet professionals, and anyone curious about what really happens in veterinary clinics. It’s a reminder that great pet care doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from experience, humility, teamwork, and compassion. 🐾 We’ll be back to medicine next episode. For now, grab a coffee, laugh with us, and enjoy getting to know the people in modern veterinary medicine. ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS Veterinary medicine is full of unexpected, very human momentsEarly career mistakes can become the most meaningful lessonsImposter syndrome is common — even decades into practiceVet nurses carry immense responsibility, grit, and humorVeterinary medicine has evolved dramatically over the yearsHumor and honesty matter just as much as medical knowledgeThis podcast is about truth, not perfection🗣️ SOUND BITES  If I can bring this information to you at a middle school level, then I’m doing a really good job. ~ Dr. Angie  That was the best news I’ve ever told anyone. I was wrong and you were right.      ~ Dr. Angie  I don’t care. I peed my pants. I peed my pants. ~ JoJo  I was like, ‘I’m a climber and a veterinarian. ~ Dr. Angie   Sometimes it feels like, what am I offering?  ~ JoJo Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    25 min

  7. JAN 2

    Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats: Benign or Cancerous?

    Tell Us What You Think  🎧 SUMMARY  Finding a lump on your dog or cat can be scary, but it doesn’t always mean cancer. Lumps and bumps are one of the most common and anxiety-provoking reasons pet parents visit the veterinarian. In this episode of Tails of Truth, Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo break down what those lumps actually mean, how to monitor them, and when it’s time to take action. You’ll learn the key differences between dermal vs subcutaneous masses, why cats are not supposed to be lumpy, and why Dr. Angie follows the rule, “If you see something, do something.” The conversation covers common and concerning diagnoses including lipomas (fatty tumors), mast cell tumors, melanoma, oral tumors, mammary gland tumors, aural hematomas, squamous cell carcinoma, and vaccine- or injection-site sarcomas in cats. Dr. Angie explains how fine needle aspirates work, why eyes and hands alone aren’t enough to diagnose cancer, and how changes in size, texture, or behavior should never be ignored. They also discuss breed predispositions (including boxers), age-related considerations, and how quality of life plays into decision-making. This episode is a compassionate, practical guide to helping pet parents feel empowered — not panicked — when they find something new on their dog or cat. 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS Not all lumps are cancer, but you can’t diagnose by touch aloneCats are not supposed to be lumpy — any mass deserves attentionMast cell tumors are one of the most common dermal cancers in dogsLipomas are usually benignFine needle aspirates are a low-risk, high-value diagnostic toolOral tumors are commonly missedInjection-site sarcomas are rare but serious in catsYour eyes are not microscopes — cells matterQuality of life should guide decision-makingPet parents are essential medical advocates 💬 SOUND BITES “Anytime I see a bump on a cat, I do something about it.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “Tumor is a scary word" ~ JoJo  “Your eyes are not microscopes.”  ~ Dr. Angie “Most of the time, fatty tumors that feel like fatty tumors really are fatty tumors.”  ~ Dr. Angie  “Don’t be embarrassed — this happens all the time.”  ~JoJo “Oral tumors are easy to miss.”  ~ Dr. Angie  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    25 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    Why We Started Tails of Truth and Are Excited to Continue

    Tell Us What You Think In this special year-end episode of Tails of Truth, integrative veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and veterinary nurse JoJo reflect on everything that made 2025 such a meaningful year—for the podcast, for their work in veterinary medicine, and for the pet parents who tune in each week. What started as casual, honest conversations between two veterinary professionals quickly became a trusted space for real talk about pet health, holistic care, and the realities of modern veterinary medicine. In this episode, Angie and JoJo pull back the curtain on what it takes to build a podcast from scratch—without a production team, without a script, and without an agenda beyond sharing useful, compassionate information. They discuss consistency, vulnerability, growth, burnout, learning new skills, launching a new website, navigating change in veterinary careers, and why unscripted conversations matter so much in an industry that often feels rushed. Most importantly, they reaffirm their mission: to empower pet parents, support veterinarians, and make people feel more confident and informed about caring for their animals. This episode is an invitation—to listen, to learn, to subscribe, and to join a growing community that values honesty, curiosity, and better conversations around pet health and veterinary medicine. To close out the year, Dr. Angie and JoJo also share two special gifts for listeners: 10% off a veterinary consultation and free access to any pre-recorded course, as a thank-you for being part of the Tails of Truth community. Listen for your discount codes to be used at www.boulderholisticvet.com ✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS 🐾 Tails of Truth was created to share honest, unscripted conversations about veterinary medicine and pet health 🐾 Consistency—not perfection—is what builds trust and community 🐾 Pet parents deserve clear, empowering information—not rushed explanations 🐾 Veterinary medicine is evolving, and thoughtful conversations matter more than ever 🐾 You don’t need a big production team to create meaningful educational content 🐾 Holistic and integrative care thrives when curiosity, compassion, and context are honored 🐾 2026 will bring guest experts, deeper conversations, and continued growth 🎙️ SOUND BITES   “We do all this because we want it to reach you.” ~ Dr. Angie   “I got up like really happy this morning that it’s Monday because I like my job.”  ~JoJo  “Angie worked her tush off this year.”  ~ Dr. Angie   “Those are my two favorite things. This podcast and the consultations.”  ~ JoJo  “It was the first project I had that wasn’t trying to build anything other than I just wanted to do it with you.”  ~ Dr. Angie   “People want to hear what you’re talking about. And it turns out that’s true. And sometimes I’m still surprised by that.”  ~ Dr. Angie   “People do feel really empowered.” ~JoJo Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Schedule your personalized one-on-one consultation with Dr. Angie Shop my favorite CBD. Please subscribe and review! xoxo Dr. Angie & JoJo

    22 min
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About

Welcome to Tails of Truth – the podcast where holistic veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause and vet nurse JoJo pull back the curtain on the world of veterinary medicine. Whether you’re a cat lover or dog devotee this show will empower you to become a confident medical advocate for your four legged bestie. From common diseases and holistic treatments to hot topics, tough truths, and the emotional journey of pet parenting—nothing is off-limits. Expect real talk, expert insights, and zero judgment. Tune in for eye-opening conversations, compassionate guidance, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to care for your pets.

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