VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Podcasts

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Kate McLaughlin, CVT, VTS (IM-Cardiology), about the journey to becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Internal Medicine. Learn key application requirements, case log tips, credential maintenance, and exciting career opportunities for vet techs.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a 2025 study evaluating transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for canine myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Given the high incidence of MMVD in dogs, and the high degree of morbidity and mortality it can cause, efforts continue to focus on treatment strategies that can both delay the onset of symptomatic disease and prolong the overall survival of dogs who do develop clinical congestive heart failure (CHF). Tune in to learn more!

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we’re exploring a scenario that comes up during staging of canine liver tumors: you identify one large hepatic mass, but then you also find a few smaller ones elsewhere in the liver. What should we make of those additional lesions? To help us better understand that gray area, we’re reviewing the findings of Burkhardt et al. in a 2025 article entitled, “In dogs with primary liver tumors, additional liver masses identified on preoperative imaging or surgical exploration are most often benign.” And spoiler alert, the title gives away some pretty reassuring news, but it’s worth diving deeper.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Kelly Cronin, credentialed veterinary technician, VTS (ECC), MBA, about leveraging virtual assistants and AI to boost efficiency in veterinary practice. We explore how tools like AI transcription and remote team members can streamline workflows, address fears of job replacement, and create new remote opportunities for veterinary technicians.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Drs. Andy Moorhead and Tom Nelson from the American Heartworm Society address questions practitioners frequently pose about treating heartworm cases when following every step of the AHS-recommended diagnostic and treatment protocol isn’t possible. Whether the issue is money, a hard-to-wrangle dog or a previous caretaker who opted for an alternative approach, there are multiple reasons why compromises must sometimes be made in the treatment and care plan for a heartworm-positive dog. Sponsored By: American Heartworm Society

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Mark Cousins debunks the “indoor cat safety” myth. Indoor felines face silent parasite risks: hitchhiking fleas, shoe-borne roundworm eggs, and mosquitoes carrying fatal heartworms. Because cats lack approved heartworm treatments, year-round preventive care is vital. Vets must educate hesitant owners, reframing protection as a baseline of indoor feline wellness. Sponsored By: Boehringer Ingelheim

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we’re talking about the new veterinary sepsis definitions. Having clear definitions is crucial in making sure we’re talking about the same type and severity of disease. Until now, our veterinary sepsis definitions have been largely adapted from human medicine. But let’s be honest, our patients who have a talent for hiding illness don’t always follow the same rules as humans. Having veterinary-specific definitions gives researchers a more consistent way to compare patients and studies, while giving clinicians a stronger foundation for recognizing sepsis, assessing illness severity, and shaping both today and tomorrow’s treatment recommendations.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we focus on an often forgotten, but still vital, electrolyte in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF): chloride. Sodium and potassium tend to steal the electrolyte spotlight, while chloride is over there quietly waiting for someone to notice. But perhaps that is about to change…To help us better appreciate the importance of chloride’s role in our felines with congestive heart failure, we will be reviewing a 2025 article by Lavigne et al. entitled, “Hypochloremia is negatively associated with outcomes in cats with stable congestive heart failure.”

Thank you for visiting this VETgirl podcast page! While our veterinary podcasts are available to everyone for free, only VETgirl ELITE members can get CE credit for listening, plus access to the transcript of the podcast (where applicable). VETgirl ELITE members also receive 100+ hours of RACE-approved, online veterinary CE/year in the form of webinars (including small animal, large animal, veterinary technician, and leadership), "how to" videos and Real Life Rounds when you have time. VETgirl ELITE members also have access to our VETgirl forum where you can interact with colleagues and specialists and get clinical support and tips!

Feline urethral obstruction (FUO) is a common emergency condition seen in feline medicine. This disease is not only life-threatening, but can be painful as well. Once the acute obstruction has been relieved, the focus is often shifted to pain management to help reduce urethral spasm. In this VetGirl podcast, we evaluate the use of a new pain management technique - coccygeal epidurals - and how this easy to perform technique may benefit cats with FUO. For more information, check out our epidural video, where we walk through the steps of what you need and how to perform an epidural.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we focus on an often forgotten, but still vital, electrolyte in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF): chloride. Sodium and potassium tend to steal the electrolyte spotlight, while chloride is over there quietly waiting for someone to notice. But perhaps that is about to change…To help us better appreciate the importance of chloride’s role in our canines with congestive heart failure, we will be reviewing a 2025 article by DeProspero et al. entitled, “Moderate to severe hypochloremia is associated with shortened survival in dogs with stable congestive heart failure.”

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we speak with two veterinary technicians about pet insurance: Tina T. Kapeyama, RVT, Veterinary Sales Representative with ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd., part of the Independence Pet Group ® Family and Jaclyn Carrington, CVT, Senior Product Underwriting Specialist with Independence American Insurance Company. Discover how veterinary teams can discuss coverage options with clients, overcome financial barriers, and leverage pet insurance to deliver optimal veterinary care. Tune in to hear more about this unique veterinary technician career path and learn how it can help more pets!

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Richard Ford, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM about the updates to pet vaccination guidelines. We’ll explore the changing vaccine landscape, from leptospirosis becoming core to mitigating risks like feline fibrosarcoma. Learn how to confidently address owner concerns and build trust. Sponsored By: Boehringer Ingelheim

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a zero-blood-waste push-pull blood sampling technique using peripheral IV catheters in hospitalized dogs. Based on a 2025 study, we discuss whether this needle-free, patient-friendly method offers accurate CBC and biochemistry results to ease repeat venipunctures without compromising clinical decision-making.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Dr. Scott Weese, DipACVIM about New World screw worm prevention and treatment options in dogs and cats. Learn how to recognize the clinical signs of this invasive, flesh-eating parasite, understand its spread into Texas, and discover critical wound management and approved veterinary drug protocols.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we are chatting with Kali Marsh, RVT, compliance manager and Mark Harrison, MS.Ed., founder and president, both with Certified Safety Training (CST) about the role of veterinary technicians, assistants and CSRs on safety training. Learn what you should know regarding federal and state requirements, the impact of OSHA, SDS (formerly MSDS) and the role you have in maintaining a safe working environment for yourself, colleagues, the animals we serve and their people. Sponsored By:

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Drs. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC and Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT discuss her upcoming retirement from VETgirl, effective July 2, 2026. Join us as we reminisce on the start of the small business back in 2012, the creation of content over the years (from all emergency critical care in 2013 to over 150+ hours a year in just about every topic), to our favorite memories over the decade plus. Rest assured, VETgirl will continue its mission to provide clinically relevant content and grow, as Garret continues to manage the amazing VETgirl team!

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Sonya Gordon, DVSc, DACVIM (Cardiology) about practical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) staging without echocardiography. Learn about the critical stage B1-B2 transition, insights from the EPIC study on pimobendan, home monitoring with resting respiratory rates, and emerging innovations in technology for confident preclinical disease management. Sponsored By: Boehringer Ingelheim

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Dr. Marisa Ames, DACVIM (Cardiology), who is president of the American Heartworm Society (AHS). Here she shares findings from the latest AHS heartworm incidence survey–including factors behind the spread of heartworm disease–and discusses how veterinarians can utilize the AHS map and protect patients from this serious but preventable disease. Sponsored By: American Heartworm Society

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Ernie Ward discusses integrating CT scanners into general practice. Dr. Ward explains how this move closes the gap between suspicion and certainty, transforming diagnostics. He covers implementation, financial impact, and how in-house CT improves patient outcomes, enhances team satisfaction, and builds client trust. Sponsored By: Antech

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Cathy Mann, RVT, VTS (Surgery), (Anesthesia & Analgesia) about the long road to becoming a veterinary technician specialist in surgery! Tune in to hear about how to achieve this prestigious credential, how you can help mentor someone towards this achievement, or what doors open once you acquire this credential!

In this VETgirl veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview the Forrest Gump of veterinarians, Dr. Rob Pope. Be inspired and go the distance (over 15,700 miles!) by tuning in to learn about motivation, perseverance, and devotion to pets and people!

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a study on using canine-specific parvovirus tests for feline panleukopenia. The study found near-perfect agreement between canine and feline point-of-care kits from two manufacturers, giving clinicians a reasonable screening option when a feline-specific test is unavailable.

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan, Pet Behaviorist at Purina, discusses how veterinarians and pet owners can use at-home pet tech like activity trackers and litter box analytics to detect early signs of diseases such as CKD and arthritis. She highlights real examples, client engagement strategies, realistic device expectations, and the promising future of smart pet technology in veterinary care. Sponsored By: Purina

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Dr. Thomas P. Lewis, DACVD shares expert guidance on managing chronic dermatology diseases in pets. He highlights common mistakes, such as overuse of antihistamines, stresses the importance of food trials and proper diagnostics, and offers tips for improving client communication and antimicrobial stewardship. Enhance your dermatology case management today! Sponsored By: Blue Buffalo

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview interview Dr. Douglas Cifranick, owner and veterinarian of the Woof Doctor on Wheels, a unique high-tech mobile veterinary care model and Jessica Lee, LVT about how their unique model for maximizing veterinary technician utilization. Tune in to learn how this team serves a larger population of pets by empowering the use of technology and ambulatory services!

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review new 2025 data on insulin-induced hypoglycemic seizures in dogs and ask whether seizures at presentation translate into poor long-term neurologic outcomes and need for continued antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. Tune in for a practical look at insulin-induced hypoglycemic seizures, who benefited from antiepileptic drugs, and how this study can help guide stabilization, monitoring, and discharge decisions in these dogs.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Drs. Andy Moorhead, Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences at North Carolina State University and Uri Donnett, Chief Veterinarian, Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wisconsin discuss the why, when and how of activity restriction during heartworm treatment. There’s more to canine heartworm treatment than administering medications to eliminate adult heartworms. Activity restriction of patients during treatment is a factor that’s critical to treatment success, BUT facilitating this kind of lifestyle change—even though temporary—can be challenging for both veterinarians and clients. Sponsored By: American Heartworm Society

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Drs. Chris Adolph, MS, ACVM and Cindy Culpepper debunk common heartworm myths, addressing client misconceptions on prevention, treatment, and risks for dogs and cats. In an age of digital and social media, pet owners today can become both informed AND misinformed about heartworm disease. This can present significant challenges when practitioners need to explain this complex disease —and how pets should be screened, protected, and treated. Listen now to enhance your heartworm discussions! Sponsored By: American Heartworm Society

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Dr. Diccon Westworth, BVSc, DACVIM (Neurology) from VCA Animal Care Center (ACC) of Sonoma County on what we can do to practice more sustainably when it comes to our veterinary clinics. Dr. Westworth leads the Sustainability “Green” Team at ACC and is on the board of directors at the not-for-profit Veterinary Sustainability Alliance. Tune in to learn if, when and how we should appropriately use non-sterile (nitrile) gloves in the veterinary clinic, and what we need to know about hand hygiene and hand health!

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with Dr. Rochelle Low, MaS, MHL, Global VP of Quality and Patient Safety for Mars Veterinary Health about the importance of medical error reporting. Tune in to learn about near misses, how to implement a medical error reporting system, and how to empower the veterinary care team towards solutions to reduce harmful accidents from happening to pets!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Randy Hall, a leadership coach, founder and CEO of VetLead, a veterinary hospital leadership consulting business, about proven strategies to create more happy days in veterinary medicine. Discover how veterinary professionals can boost workplace happiness, improve team culture, and drive positive change for lasting career fulfillment. Tune in to this final podcast episode of the series to learn actionable tips for a happier, more rewarding veterinary career! Sponsored By:

In today's VETgirl online veterinary CE podcast, we talk to Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, DACVD who shares a dermatologist’s perspective on common GI food allergy mistakes in pets. She discusses often-missed diagnostic steps in chronic pruritus with GI signs, pitfalls in diet selection, key factors in diet compliance, expected outcomes, and her top three non-negotiables for managing chronic dermatology cases in general practice. Veterinary professionals—listen now to improve your food allergy diagnostic and management skills! Sponsored By: Blue Buffalo

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a recent paper by Lo et al. entitled “Dual therapy with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban in cats with thromboembolic disease.” If you hate seeing cats present to you screaming from saddle thrombus, you’ll want to pay attention. This newest evidence of dual vs. monotherapy therapy with antithrombotic agents may change how you treat these emergent, painful feline patients!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review new 2025 data on mechanical ventilation in dogs and explore whether outcomes for patients undergoing positive pressure ventilation are improving. Tune in for a practical look at survival data and what it means for everyday ICU decision-making and conversations with pet owners.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review new 2025 data on hyperkalemia management in blocked cats and whether insulin-dextrose, bicarbonate, or beta2-agonists outperform IV fluids in reducing serum potassium and creatinine 4 hours post-treatment. Tune in for a quick breakdown of what these findings mean for your real-world blocked cat-protocols.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Kelly Foltz, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC), co-author of Perceptions and Experiences of Veterinary Assistants, Veterinary Technicians/Nurses, and Veterinary Technician Specialists, discusses key predictive factors influencing burnout, job fulfillment, and long-term career interest of non-DVM veterinary professionals. Dive into insights on workplace environment, respect, and contributing to animal well-being as drivers of career satisfaction. Tune in now to learn practical solutions for improving veterinary team wellbeing and retention!!

In today’s VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we chat with William Doxey about everything veterinarians need to know about the DEA’s requirements regarding reverse distribution for controlled drugs. Ensure you are meeting DEA requirements when handling expired controlled drugs or drugs that need to be returned.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, MSc, PhD, DECAR who discusses the importance of Apgar scoring for newborn puppies and kittens. He highlights its role in early detection of neonatal distress, improving survival rates, and promoting structured teamwork during C-sections and neonatal care.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we’re talking about feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)! In the last few years, antivirals have completely flipped the script on what used to be a largely fatal disease - reported response rates are climbing! As we scramble to give these cats a fighting chance with evolving antiviral protocols, clinicians around the world are sharing what’s working - and what isn’t - and that collective experience is sharpening both our diagnostic workups and our treatment plans. Tune in to hear what we have learned about FIP diagnostics as we head into 2026.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, Drs. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC and Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT discuss exciting innovations in veterinary medicine for 2026, including AI integration, personalized care, urgent care growth, and advanced diagnostics. They highlight how technology is enhancing patient outcomes, workflow efficiency, and client communication in veterinary practice.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), owner of VetNerd Dentistry Training, who describes the journey to becoming a VTS (Dentistry), the role of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, career opportunities, and the importance of veterinary technicians in dentistry and professional associations. To gain insights and be inspired to advance your career—tune in to learn more!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a recent paper by Kurogochi et al entitled “Long-Term Outcomes of Mitral Valve Repair with Artificial Chordae and Annuloplasty for Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs”, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2025. Now, you’re unlikely to be doing heart surgery on your myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) patients, but this study is important for you to know about! After all, there ARE surgical options out there!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the latest evidence on managing blunt trauma pneumothorax in dogs, based on a recent study out of JVECC. Tune in to learn when thoracocentesis, thoracostomy tubes, or conservative observation may be appropriate, and refresh your approach to pneumothorax management in trauma patients.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we explore how multiple-site gastrointestinal biopsies compare to traditional jejunal biopsies in the ability to differentiate between lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) and low-grade intestinal T-cell lymphoma (LGITL) in cats.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we are joined by Theresa Cosper-Roberts, RVT, CVPM, ACVE (DE), Senior Consultant – Practice Management for National Veterinary Solutions, LLC, and Simone Conwell, RVT, VTS (ECC) to discuss the importance of standardizing patient transfers and rounds. Whether you're a general practitioner referring a patient, the receiving referral hospital, intra-hospital departmental patient transfers, or simple patient rounding for shift change, we will cover all the important details for optimizing patient care and minimizing mistakes regarding patient handoffs.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Randy Hall, a leadership coach, founder and CEO of VetLead, a veterinary hospital leadership consulting business, discuss ways we can responsibly and respectfully have more influence on upper management. Tune in to learn how to create space for optimized listening, ensure expectations are aligned between your role and leaders on what should happen in the workplace, and be respectfully proactive in the practice's growth. Sponsored By:

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we discuss the latest on antiviral therapy for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) with ocular involvement, based on a recent JVIM paper. Tune in to learn how antivirals may be reshaping treatment for ocular FIP, hear practical pearls to guide your management, set clear expectations with pet owners, and refresh how you approach FIP-related eye disease in everyday practice.

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review the first reported case of colonic stricture formation linked to rectal Foley catheter use in a dog treated for acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. Be aware of the potential risks of an often-overlooked supportive practice used during nursing care. Tune in to learn how this information can guide safer management of rectal Foley catheters in dogs to improve in-patient hygiene and comfort!

In today's VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we review a recent paper out of France by Robin et al entitled “A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence of complications after tracheal stenting in dogs”. You’re probably asking – what’s a meta-analysis study, and is this podcast going to be boring and just about statistics? Well, first, a meta-analysis is an article that combines and analyzes multiple independent studies, then statistically critically reviews them to draw a more comprehensive conclusion. As there aren’t very big studies in veterinary medicine looking at tracheal collapse in dogs, this one is important!