The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Dr. Andy Roark
  • 4.9 (177)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

The Cone of Shame Podcast is the podcast all about life in Veterinary Medicine. Dr Andy Roark covers medical related topics with help from experts in the veterinary industry.

  1. 6d ago

    408 - Beyond Trazodone: When the "Chill Protocol" Isn’t Chilling

    Beyond Gabapentin and Trazodone, Smarter Pre-Visit Anxiety Meds with Dr. Chris Pachel Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a problem every clinic knows too well, stressed pets, stressed owners, and appointments that start going sideways before the car even leaves the driveway. They dig into pre-visit pharmaceuticals beyond the usual gabapentin and trazodone, including when to increase doses, when sedation is masking anxiety (not fixing it), and how options like clonidine, benzodiazepines, and even dexmedetomidine can fit the patient in front of you. Chris also shares how his new Animal Behavior Clinic space in Portland is reducing stress fast, plus practical tips for at-home trial runs, safety planning, and cautions around acepromazine and “chill protocol” variations. Gang, let’s get into this episode. Dr. Chris Pachel is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and is the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Pachel lectures extensively worldwide, teaches courses at multiple veterinary schools in the United States, and has authored numerous articles and book chapters for veterinarians and pet owners. He is a sought-after expert witness for legal cases and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for dvm360. He is also a Vice-president of Veterinary Behavior for Instinct Dog Behavior and Training, as well as co-owner of Instinct Portland, which opened in the fall of 2020.

  2. Jul 9

    407 - The Dangers of Dutch

    Dr. Andy Roark hosts Dr. Matt Salois, an economist, VMG president, and adjunct faculty at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to discuss his Today’s Veterinary Business article on the “dangers of Dutch Pets veterinary telemedicine,” using a Trojan horse metaphor. They argue that when a “no strings attached” solution promises cheaper, easier access by reducing restrictions, vets should be skeptical because removing safeguards like the VCPR and physical exams is not the same as innovation. The conversation covers how pharmacy revenue subsidizes clinic services, concerns that Dutch’s model and rhetoric may erode trust in veterinarians, and how misdiagnoses without exams can increase costs, especially for seriously ill pets. They also discuss delayed presentation, accountability, and who bears risk when medical decisions go wrong.

  3. Jul 2

    406 - HoF - Fireworks Phobia Over the Phone

    Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a timely Hall of Fame episode that every veterinary professional should revisit before fireworks season kicks into high gear. If you've ever had a client call in a panic hours before the fireworks start, this episode breaks down what you can do, what realistically helps, and how to set pets up for success when noise phobias strike. Gang, let's get into this episode!

  4. Jun 29 ·  Bonus

    405 - Redefining the DVM Career Path

    Dr. Matt Silvius, DVM, shares a career journey that challenges the idea that veterinarians only have one path to leadership. Matt shares his journey from kennel technician to practice owner and multi-site leader, exploring entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the many ways veterinarians can build fulfilling careers. If you've ever wondered what career growth, ownership, or leadership opportunities can look like in modern veterinary medicine, this episode will leave you inspired to think bigger about what's possible. This episode is brought to you ad-free by NVA General Practice!

  5. Jun 25

    404 - HDYTT: The Critical Feline Patient

    Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), tackles one of the most stressful situations in veterinary medicine: the critical feline patient crashing through the door after severe trauma. If you've ever felt the urge to rush a painful cat straight into anesthesia, this episode will help you slow down, stabilize first, and make smarter decisions about oxygen delivery, shock management, analgesia, and anesthesia protocols. You'll walk away with practical tips to improve patient outcomes and a clearer understanding of why stabilization is the first treatment. Gang, let's get into this episode!

  6. Jun 18

    403 - Improving Animal Welfare at Commercial Dog Breeding Kennels

    Dr. Tess House, DVM, MPH, dives into a topic that can spark strong opinions: commercial dog breeding kennels. If you've ever wondered what veterinarians can do to improve animal welfare in these facilities, or what standards, oversight, and welfare programs actually look like behind the scenes, this episode breaks it all down in a thoughtful and practical way. You'll learn about USDA licensing, programs of veterinary care, canine welfare assessments, and how veterinarians can help breeders and pet owners make better decisions for dogs. Gang, let's get into this episode! Resources MentionedUSDA Animal Care Search Tool Sample APHIS Forms APHIS Form 7002: Program of CareAPHIS Form 7013: Exercise Plan for Dogs Canine Welfare Canine Care Certified (Purdue University) AVMA Resources 2025 Pet Ownership & Demographic SourcebookAttending Veterinarians & Commercial Dog BreedersPreserving Antimicrobial Effectiveness

  7. Jun 15 ·  Bonus

    402 - A New Vet Guide to Working with Senior Paraprofessionals

    Vicky Ograin, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), MBA tackles a challenge every new veterinarian faces: how do you earn trust, build confidence, and collaborate effectively when the technicians around you have far more real-world experience than you do? Dr. Andy Roark and Vicky share practical advice for creating strong doctor-technician partnerships, giving and receiving feedback, and building a team culture that benefits patients, clients, and the entire veterinary team. This episode is brought to you by Hill's Pet Nutrition!

  8. Jun 11

    401 - Three Super-Judgy Things Vets Should Stop Saying (Maybe)

    Dr. Kate Boatwright, DVM, joins Dr. Andy Roark for a thoughtful (and surprisingly spicy) conversation about three phrases veterinarians say all the time: "If you can't afford the vet, don't get the pet," "You can't care more than the client does," and "That's below the standard of care." Together, they unpack the nuance behind these statements, explore judgment in veterinary medicine, discuss spectrum of care, client financial limitations, veterinary burnout, and what compassionate, contextualized care really looks like. If you've ever wrestled with balancing patient advocacy, client realities, and your own emotional wellbeing, this episode will leave you thinking long after it's over. Gang, let's get into this episode!

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4.9
out of 5
177 Ratings

About

The Cone of Shame Podcast is the podcast all about life in Veterinary Medicine. Dr Andy Roark covers medical related topics with help from experts in the veterinary industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Andy Roark
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    408
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

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