Making medical decisions for your pet isn’t always straightforward—especially when budgets, emotions, and complex treatment options all collide.

In this episode, Dr. Alex breaks down how to think clearly and confidently about recommended blood tests, long-term medications, and the tough choices that come with chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and more.

You’ll learn how vets use monitoring tests, when they genuinely influence treatment decisions, and when it might be reasonable to delay or decline certain diagnostics.

We explore risk tolerance, affordability, and how to prioritise what’s essential for your pet’s wellbeing without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.

Most importantly, you’ll gain practical questions to ask your vet so you can make fully informed decisions that work for your pet, your situation, and your budget.

If you’re struggling with a difficult care decision or just want a clearer framework to follow, be sure to check out the Treatment Decision Toolkit. It includes step-by-step guidance, videos, and an interactive pet-health decision wizard to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident.

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What happens when your beloved pet gets diagnosed with cancer? In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex sits down with board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Nicole Leibman for a candid, myth-busting conversation about cancer in our furry family members.

From the most common warning signs and why early detection matters, to breakthroughs in treatment (including cutting-edge immunotherapies!), Dr. Nicole shares insider expertise and heartwarming stories from her work in New York City.

Whether you’re worried about a lump on your pet, curious about chemotherapy side effects in animals (hint: it’s not like in humans!), or just want to understand how specialists and general vets work together, this episode is packed with practical insights and empathy.

Plus, you'll hear about a revolutionary in-home nursing service that's changing the way pet care is delivered.

If you love your pets and want the best for them—don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening chat!

Dive deeper into the topic over in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/pet-cancer

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😮 Just because we can do more tests or treatments for our pets, doesn’t mean we should—sometimes doing everything isn’t the best choice for their quality of life!

🐾 Recently, my own cat Molly faced a life-threatening illness, forcing me to ask the same tough questions I ask clients every day: • Diagnose first! Without accurate diagnosis, you risk the wrong treatment and a poor prognosis. • Ask if additional tests will really change your treatment plan—or simply add expense and stress. • Weigh every treatment option from “gold standard” to practical compromises, considering outcomes, costs, and the impact on daily life. • Always balance the risks and benefits, including the stress of medications, procedures, and hospital visits. • Remember: what’s right for one family or pet may not be right for another—your gut feeling matters, too!

💡 The real takeaway? Making decisions for your sick pet isn’t just about medicine—it’s about honestly weighing options, understanding what will improve (or hinder) their quality of life, and recognizing when doing less might actually be the kinder choice.

Check out the decision making toolkit here

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🚨 Did you know there’s NO national blood bank for pets? When a dog or cat needs a life-saving transfusion, it’s down to local donor animals—often the pets of clinic staff or friends—to save the day!

1️⃣ The most common reason pets need transfusions is rat bait poisoning, stopping blood from clotting and causing deadly internal bleeding.

2️⃣ Severe anemia from immune disease or parasites is another top cause requiring urgent intervention.

3️⃣ Trauma from accidents or fights can lead to catastrophic blood loss, making rapid transfusions essential.

4️⃣ Most vet clinics rely on a “call list” of animal donors—meaning if you have a healthy, calm dog between 1-8 years old and over 25kg, your pet could literally save lives!

5️⃣ Unlike humans, dogs can safely receive a single unmatched transfusion, while cats need a perfect blood type match—making donations even more precious.

💡 The biggest takeaway? Every donor counts. In an emergency, having pet blood available can mean the difference between life and death. Talking to your local clinic about joining their donor list might be the most important thing you ever do for a pet in need.

💭 Would you consider having your dog or cat become a blood donor?

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Can you believe that one common dog disease is misdiagnosed 50% of the time! So then, how can we trust the accuracy of a diagnosis if our beloved pets are suffering?

1️⃣ Sensitivity and specificity are crucial in diagnostic tests but often involve a trade-off. A highly sensitive test reduces false negatives, while a highly specific one cuts down false positives.

2️⃣ Misdiagnosis can result from running inappropriate tests, lack of funds, incorrect history interpretation, and limited vet knowledge.

3️⃣ Skin allergies, heart failure, mild lameness, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed in dogs, often leading to unnecessary treatments.

4️⃣ The case of hypothyroidism reveals up to fifty-nine percent of dogs diagnosed might not actually need treatment according to recent studies.

💡Understanding the complexities of diagnostic accuracy and the factors contributing to misdiagnosis can save you thousands and spare your pet unnecessary discomfort. Knowing the challenges can ensure you ask the right questions and give your pet the information and tools they need to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Dive into more details in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-misdiagnosis

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🛑 Is Your Pet's Pain Relief Doing More Harm Than Good?

🧑‍⚕️In this compelling episode of the Call the Vet podcast, veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery uncovers the painkiller side effect that no one is talking about— and it’s not what you’d expect! 🤯 From busting myths about medication risks to highlighting the dangers of inaction, this episode is a must-listen for every pet parent.

Join us as we explore:

• The real risks vs. perceived dangers of pet painkillers 🐾
• The hidden consequences of untreated arthritis and chronic pain 😿
• Why anecdotal internet stories might be misleading you 🌐
• A veterinarian’s candid insights after 18 years in practice 🩺

Hit play to ensure you’re making the best, informed decisions for your furry family members. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow the Call the Vet podcast for more expert advice on optimizing your pet’s health and happiness! 🐶❤️🐱

Tune in now—your pet’s well-being might just depend on it! 🎧✨

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😡 The cost of a new veterinary drug for hypertension in cats is skyrocketing by 1200%, and it's not even a new active ingredient!

1️⃣ Amlodipine, a drug we've used safely and effectively for years, is now also available in a veterinary-specific version—but at what cost?
2️⃣ The new version costs $94 a month for a standard-sized cat, whereas the human equivalent only costs $27 for a four-month supply.
3️⃣ Veterinary professionals are legally bound to use these more expensive animal versions due to prescribing regulations, without considering cost.
4️⃣ This isn't a lone example; similar price hikes exist for other drugs like furosemide and clomipramine, increasing costs by 400% or more.
5️⃣ The lack of affordable options could price many pet parents out of the ability to treat their pets' chronic conditions, which is simply unacceptable.

💡 Understanding these industry practices can help you navigate your pet's healthcare choices more informedly. It's crucial that we, as pet parents, advocate for fair pricing and transparency in the medications our pets need 🐱

Find out more in the show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/new-pet-drugs Jump into episode #162 to find out the other ways the pet healthcare industry is broken

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This is one of the most common diseases to affect middle-aged and elderly cats.

Is your furry friend losing weight despite a ravenous appetite? Are they jittery, with a coat that's lost its shine? They might be battling hyperthyroidism!

And because untreated hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to severe consequences like sudden blindness or heart failure, recognizing the early signs is crucial.

In this episode you'll learn how early detection and proper care can make all the difference. We'll unravel the 4 main options available when it comes to treating this disease, and how monitoring post treatment plays an important role.

💡Recognizing and treating hyperthyroidism early can ensure your feline friend enjoys a long, healthy life. By knowing the symptoms and treatment options, you can make informed decisions that best suit your cat’s needs 🐱

Find out more over in the full show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/hyperthyroid-cat

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