Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Hannah Capon from Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) to discuss osteoarthritis in dogs. They explore the challenges of managing chronic pain, the importance of communication with pet owners, and share tips for creating a comprehensive treatment plan. Hannah also shares her experiences traveling through Europe in a camper van and the inspiration behind CAM. The episode emphasises the need for a supportive veterinary community and provides valuable insights into the multimodal management of osteoarthritis.

In this episode, we explore the importance of civility in the workplace with Helen Silver-MacMahon, a registered veterinary nurse pursuing a PhD in non-technical skills for veterinary nurses. Helen shares insights on managing stress, the power of empathy, and effective communication, including how to handle incivility. She discusses her journey from veterinary nursing to her current research and offers practical advice for thriving in the veterinary profession. The episode also includes a segment on the philosophy of thriving and the importance of love and belonging in professional settings.

 Join Nicola Jarvis, a passionate veterinary surgeon from Red Wings Horse Sanctuary, as she shares her fascinating experiences in this light-hearted chat. Nicola qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1990 and after working in mixed practice in Norfolk, she became Rossdales’ first ever intern in 1993. Nicky then joined Redwings Horse Sanctuary in 1996 as a locum and loved it so much she never left!

Redwings currently cares for over 1500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at eleven sites around the UK. Nicola is responsible for overseeing the team of dedicated vets, equine veterinary nurses and equine care staff who look after their health and well-being. From quirky tales about 'flying giraffes' to more serious topics such as the impact of Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH) on elderly horses, Nicola covers it all. The episode also explores her baking escapades, her love for cars, and her work at the horse sanctuary. 

Our first interview with a Brit abroad! Our good friend Professor/Dr. Stephen Divers is a British vet living abroad in the United States of America. We discuss the difference between the two cultures and what that means for Steve's working life, Britishisms and how he translates these to his American students and his coral reef fish tank.

Steve is also an endoscopic wizard, and shares his best practices and techniques and how he teaches these to his students.

(Apologies in advance, we had technical difficulties during this episode and the audio quality is not quite up to our usual standard. We're doing all we can to improve our quality with each episode but unfortunately, tech can sometimes get the best of us!)

Jane Davidson is an experienced vet nurse, writer, blogger and educator who has been supporting vets, nurses and students through her blog #PlanetRVN.  She was nominated for UK Blogger for the Year in 2019, a finalist for Pet Blogger of the year in 2018, among many other achievements. If there's one person who proves that there are many routes to success, it's Jane! 

She talks to us about her journey from NVQ to PhD, her best teaching (and learning) techniques and introduces us to her cat Edward.

Jane has been doing some seriously awesome work and has helped many people across the world - check out more of her work on YouTube by searching Jane RVN or Planet RVN!

Most of you will be familiar with the wonderful feline expert and prolific worldwide lecturer Dr. Margie Scherk! 

We were honoured to interview her this week, where we spoke about feline behaviour, handling skills and feeding techniques (including puzzle boxes!).She also spoke to us about the causes and world problems that she is most passionate about - and how she strives to reduce, reuse and repair rather than waste & buy new.

For those of you who know Margie, you'll know that she's a globetrotting superstar in the veterinary world. She is a Canadian private practitioner who founded the first-ever cats only Veterinary Clinic in Vancouver, has authored several papers and textbooks, served on the Board of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and was 2007 President of the organization amongst many other achievements. She's got so many important things to say, so if you get the chance to hear her speak - make sure you take it!

This week we're chatting to renowned animal behaviourist Sif Traustadóttir, a.k.a. Sif the Vet! 

We talk about her Icelandic heritage, including some of the unusual traditional food and how that compares to her new home (and cuisine) in Italy! We also touch on her travels across Europe with a campervan (and canine co-pilot), and her work as a Dog behaviourist -  and explore why dogs bark in this week's 60-second CPD.

Sif initially studied in Biology at the University of Iceland and then went on to graduate from Veterinary School in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2003. A lifelong student, Sif then finished her degree in Small Animal Behaviour Counselling from the University of Southampton, UK.

This week we sat down with the extremely talented and ambitious Helen Ballantyne! Helen is qualified in Pharmacology, Veterinary Nursing and Human Medicine and currently is the Transplant Co-ordinator for the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

We discuss the differences between human and veterinary nursing (as well as the similarities in mammal physiology). Helen also tells us about the nuanced complications that go into arranging and carrying out a delicate organ transplant - such as time vs. location, matching donor to recipient, and more. She was also the first of our guests brave enough to take on the 60-second CPD challenge!

While Helen's current role is working with humans, she also trains vets through her wonderful work with the British Vet Nurse Association (BVNA)! Is there anything she can't do? Geography perhaps...

If you'd like to see more of Helen's work, check out her latest lecture by following this link and registering:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2328579120963967496

This week we were lucky enough to sit down with Alison Lambert BVSc CMRS MRCVS, She is the founder of Onswitch and an Honorary Associate Professor at University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. She was even given the AVA’s Veterinary Business Thought Leader award in 2019!

We had a great conversation about her career path and the eventual founding of Onswitch. We also discuss differences between vet practices based in Australia and practices in the UK, plus, her thoughts on how veterinary training can be improved for future generations of students!

Georgie Hollis returns to Veterinary Ramblings this week to host an episode whilst Mike is on holiday! 

We discuss Greek myth and history, as well as the uses and dangers of mushroom foraging. We also talk about natural sources to dye material that you might be able to find in your garden!

(Please note, this episode was filmed a few weeks back - Mike didn't take a holiday during a national lockdown).

Tune in on Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast directory. 

Join us this week for a very special episode where we go deep on animal welfare and environmental issues that we feel particularly passionate about - Badger culls vs vaccinations, shark fins and legal loopholes, mycoremediation and recycling anaesthetic gases from surgery!

 We get pretty heated in this episode - there are some issues close to our hearts and we'd love to hear your opinion - so please feel free to join our Facebook Discussion group using the link below or searching for it on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2799487283659193/?source_id=110340490722072

This week we sit down with Dr Carl Gorman. We talk about our shared interest in skiing, cycling and walking whilst also discussing all aspects of euthanasia.

Carl has a fascinating background and a keen interest in many aspects of veterinary care, including in orthopaedic & laser surgery. He is an editor of a veterinary journal and has written books (The Aged Dog, Clients and Pets and Vets) as well as contributing articles to various journals. 

This week we spoke to Nick Saunders! If you've ever wondered what it's like operating under a microscope, or in full-spacesuit-PPE then give this episode a listen! Nick is a Surgeon specialising in ear, nose and throat operations - he talks us through some of the fiddliest procedures he's accomplished. We also discuss his recent experience with COVID and his teaching techniques - namely the "feedback sandwich" (or baguette)!

 Please consider donating to our Kickstarter - we've only got a few days left! and thank you to all of you who have already contributed - it means a lot.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/veterinaryramblings/veterinary-ramblings-podcast-fundraiser

 Enjoy the show!

In this episode, we delve into the heartwarming world of dog rescue and advocacy with the incredible Tracey Turnbull. Introduced to us by former guest Louise Buckley, Tracey enlightens us on the latest challenges facing dog charities, focusing on the complexities surrounding Brucella Canis, overseas rescues, and the financial aspects involved.

Beginning with the intricacies of adoption fees, Tracey walks us through the process, shedding light on what it means to rescue special needs dogs. Through her personal adoption story, she passionately advocates for these dogs, sharing the impactful life lessons they've brought to her family and the broader community.

Tracey's journey takes an unexpected turn as she recounts an accident that altered her life's trajectory and inspired her to become a nurse. We explore her career progression, gaining insights into her day-to-day responsibilities and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment in the UK, especially in children.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn towards biomedical ethics, as Tracey shares her interest and expertise. Amidst a discussion on asking difficult questions, our hosts, Mike and Julian, humorously slip in one of their regular tricky queries – this time about Tracey's favourite bread. The segue leads us into a sensitive conversation about pet euthanasia, guiding listeners on how to approach this difficult decision and the emotional complexities it entails.

As we navigate the poignant subject of loss, Tracey emphasizes the joy and love that any dog, especially those with special needs, can bring into one's life. Both hosts share their personal experiences with special needs pets, offering valuable insights. The episode wraps up with Tracey's 60-second CPD, titled "The Joy And Excitement Special Dogs Bring To Your Life," leaving listeners with a heartfelt appreciation for the unique bonds formed with our four-legged friends. Tune in for a touching exploration of compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of our furry companions.

Join us this week when we sit down with Dr Neil Forbes, an exotic animal specialist who is passionate about the welfare of vultures. Neil does lots of voluntary work to provide them with safety and security for their future. 

In this episode, we discuss Neils work with Vultures and the general welfare of caged birds. For more information on how you can support the fantastic work Neil Forbes does, please visit: 

http://vulturealliance.org/

https://vulpro.com/

https://www.icbp.org/

Don't forget, if you enjoy the show please head over to www.kickstarter.com/projects/veterinaryramblings/veterinary-ramblings-podcast-fundraiser to show your support and see our fantastic new merch!

This week we're speaking to Andrew Langdown, an Orthopaedic Hip & Knee Surgeon who also works as a Visiting Professor in Dubai. He's also a medal-winning competitive cyclist, currently cycling for Full Gas Racing Team.

Andy is recognised as one of the UK’s leading Hip Arthroscopy surgeons and is passionate about joint preservation surgery and the use of minimally invasive techniques. We discuss the similarities and differences across veterinary and human medicine, cycling and time trials and some funny stories from the operating room (accompanied with the usual ramblings)!

Don't forget the Video version of Veterinary Ramblings is also available on our Facebook Page! We've also launched a Kickstarter project with lots of rewards available if you are able to further support the show, check it out by searching for 'Veterinary Ramblings Podcast Fundraiser' on www.kickstarter.com, we'd really appreciate it! 

In this episode, we cover female representation, rock climbing, cycling, how to edit and produce a podcast with our Producer/Editor Alicia Jordan from Tesseract Media Services!

We sat down to review Season 1 and go over some of the best moments of our first few episodes - and it turned into our first-ever special episode!

We've had such a blast filming this first season, and hope that you've enjoyed watching (and drinking along)! If you'd like to support us further, don't forget we're launching a Kickstarter and will have lots of great merchandise for sale very soon! 

Join us for our final episode for Season 1 of Veterinary Ramblings! 

This week we speak to Dr Anthony Chadwick who is also known as The Webinar Vet. The Webinar Vet is the largest online provider of veterinary CPD in Europe!

 We discuss the benefits of digitizing your practice and working with technology, as well as Anthony's love for his hometown of Liverpool and how playing guitar has helped him cope with the lockdown.

Don't forget we'll also be streaming the video version of Veterinary Ramblings on our Facebook page! Please check it out and give it a like! 

In this episode we speak to Fraser Yule who is an expert in ultrasound, CT and MRI equipment! 

 Having been involved with diagnostic imaging all of his working life, we discuss how to get the best out of your veterinary equipment. We also talk about Frasers passion for vintage motorcycles, photography and Babe (the horse).

 Don't forget we'll also be streaming the video version of Veterinary Ramblings on our Facebook page! Please check it out and give it a like!

In this episode, we interview Georgie Hollis - a good friend of ours and the founder of The Veterinary Wound Library (among many other exciting projects)! We discuss many of the ways which Georgie has worked with animals - be it rearing rams or making prosthetics for donkeys to name a few! 

Support the show

In this episode, we speak to Matt Rendle RVN - one of the top exotic animals nurses in the UK.

 Matt is the Nursing Manager & Exotic Referral Specialist at Holly House Vets and regularly lectures to veterinary nursing and veterinary surgeon undergraduates at the RVC.  He's also the chair and co-founder of the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses (AZEVN)  and has had a phenomenal amount of experience with many species across the world.

We talk to Matt about the Queen's Ravens (Who both Mike and Matt have had the pleasure of working with), Columbian Tapirs and care of exotic pets!

In this episode, we speak to Dr Philip Lhermette - former president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and founder of Elands Veterinary Clinic.

We discuss the correlation of diabetes in cats and humans, awkwardly hilarious social mishaps with clients and, of course, Gin!

In this episode, Mike & Julian interview Dr Graeme Eckford  BVSc MRCVS. 

In this episode, we switch the gin for whiskey as Graeme talks us through a professional tasting session while explaining how COVID has been affecting his practice and team.

Graeme is the Director of Clinical Standards at Inglis Veterinary Centres and has spent his career working with small animals in the U.K. He's also a whiskey connoisseur and an avid cyclist, and was kind enough to be our first ever guest on Veterinary Ramblings!

We are also pleased to announce that you'll be able to download your very own 'highly professional' CPD cerificate from this episode - visit our Facebook page for more information!

In this episode, Julian and Mike introduce the show and interview each other (before we decide to submit our guests to the same torture)! Join us for a Gin, some jokes and CPD under the influence!

Veterinary Ramblings is a brand new podcast where Veterinary Surgeon Dr Julian Hoad and Anaesthetic Expert Mike Brampton split hairs over hot topics in the Veterinary Industry, all while getting extremely drunk. Join us for our first special guest next Friday!

To celebrate the festive season, Julian Hoad interviews Mike Brampton who provides a compelling account of his life as an Arctic explorer, guide and wildlife photographer.

From learning to drive powerboats to navigating the unpredictable waters and ice flows of the Arctic in search of polar bears, Mike shares captivating tales about his journey, his responsibilities, and the mesmerising natural phenomena he encounters. He delves into the challenges of balancing his duties towards guests, wildlife, and nature; the specifics of his routine in Arctic expeditions; and the future of ecotourism amid changing Arctic landscapes due to climate change. The discussion concludes with Mike’s future plans, which potentially include an expedition to Antarctica.

To see Mike's stunning photos, head over to his instagram @mikebrampton

Mike will be guiding from next year, and if you would like to join him, you can sign up to his email list for updates on upcoming expeditions here: https://form.jotform.com/233603596118054 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Shannon Emmons, a practice owner, Education Committee Co-Chair and a member of the Board of Directors for the veterinary mental health organization, Not One More Vet, Inc. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation about the realities of veterinary life and the importance of mental health awareness! 

We kick off the conversation by getting to know Shannon better, exploring the challenges she faced as a new vet and business owner amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shannon candidly shares her personal journey with mental health challenges and how it spurred her involvement with 'Not One More Vet,' a non-profit offering support to vets facing similar struggles. She also discusses the prevalent issues in the profession, like cyber harassment and communication breakdowns, underscoring the need for open conversations about mental health.

Delving into her interest in veterinary behaviour, Shannon highlights the connection between physical and mental health and shares her vision for improving well-being within the industry. The episode wraps up with a practical 60-second CPD challenge and a thought-provoking question from Shannon, aiming to spark positive change in the veterinary field.

Join us as we delve into the world of cancer research with the incredible Doug Thamm. We kick things off by exploring Doug's groundbreaking study on utilizing salmonella to target cancer cells and discuss the evolution of this innovative approach.

Moving through the episode, we get an inside look at the cancer service at Colorado State University, where Doug contributes to the 'One Cure' mission, revolutionizing cancer treatment in veterinary medicine.

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a veterinary researcher looks like? We've got you covered! Doug gives us insights into his role at Colorado State University, including whether the iconic lab coat is still a part of his daily attire.

In a touching segment, Doug shares his personal connection to cancer and how it led him to a fulfilling career in veterinary oncology. But it's not all about work! Discover Doug's life outside the lab, from his passion for speed skating to his lifelong love of making music.

As an educator, Doug reflects on his teaching experiences and leaves us with a 60-Second CPD titled "YOU can successfully treat most mast cell tumors!" To cap it off, Doug leaves us with a reflection question that will have you pondering long after the episode ends. 

Don't miss this captivating conversation that seamlessly weaves science, personal stories, and thought-provoking insights.

Join us on this episode of "Veterinary Ramblings" as we welcome Periwinkle Kaur, the Director of ESU Medical Solutions. With a unique blend of medical expertise and business acumen, Periwinkle is on a mission to transform both the veterinary and private healthcare industries.

We kick off the show, true to our "veterinary ramblings" style, by delving into the whimsical topic of Periwinkle's favourite type of bread. But don't be fooled, our conversation quickly takes a serious turn as we explore the exciting realm of AI and chatbots like ChatGPT, discussing their potential applications in veterinary healthcare.

As we navigate through our conversation, we learn about ESU Medical Solutions and uncover the surprising similarities between human and veterinary medical equipment. Periwinkle's unique background in dentistry provides a valuable perspective on medical innovation that spans across disciplines.

Digging deeper, we touch on the deeply personal subject of religion and Periwinkle's thoughts on spirituality, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of our remarkable guest.

In a global context, we explore the differences between the UK's veterinary industry and other parts of the world, along with changing attitudes towards animals and pets.

Towards the end of the episode, we present our "60-Second CPD" segment, where we discover the concept of unlearning. This leads to an in-depth discussion on how unlearning can be applied both professionally and personally.

We conclude our insightful conversation with a thought-provoking reflection question that will leave you pondering long after the episode ends.

In this episode of Veterinary Ramblings, we are thrilled to welcome the distinguished Sarah Heath from Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice. 

As Julian recalls his first encounter with Sarah during her tenure as a lecturer at the RVC, they embark on a journey through Sarah's career and evolving attitudes towards companion animals.

Sarah's passion for animal behavior and veterinary medicine unfolds, from farm holidays as a child to a pivotal lecture that changed the course of her life as a student. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to veterinary medicine takes centre stage, along with safeguarding considerations for behavioural referrals.

Aspiring to help listeners make informed choices, Sarah provides valuable advice on finding reputable animal behaviourists and navigating the legal aspects when referring clients to non-veterinary experts. They tackle the pressing issue of online content that promotes animal mistreatment for humour, discussing ways to counteract such trends.

Sarah sheds light on the mission and focus of Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice and emphasizes the one-health approach that considers the interconnectedness of human and animal health. The conversation dives into the complexities of the Dangerous Dogs Act, highlighting its impact irrespective of dog breed.

For feline enthusiasts, Sarah unravels the intricacies of feline behaviour and emotional tendencies, sharing her insightful 'W' questions to decode the reasons behind certain animal behaviours.

Don't miss Sarah's enlightening 60-second CPD segment, where she explores "What is comprehensive veterinary care?" This sparks a discussion on the various ways animals express joy, adding depth to our understanding of animal welfare.

To conclude this captivating episode, Sarah opens up about her annual participation in the Race For Life and her profound love for Africa, offering opportunities for listeners to engage in meaningful conservation work.

This week we're delighted to be joined by Dr Andy Moores,  an internationally-recognised expert in small animal orthopaedics!

Andy has had an interesting journey from almost not getting into veterinary school to being a double-boarded specialist. We start this week's episode by discussing Andy's time at Bristol University and the importance of finding your passion to be able to succeed and find joy in learning.  His clear passion for veterinary orthopaedics really shines through as we discuss the intricacies of elbow replacements in dogs.

Andy shares his experience of opening up a new, independent practice - The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic!  This leads us to discuss the difference between corporate and independent veterinary practices and how this may be affecting new veterinary graduates. 

We chat about Andy's involvement in the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association (BVOA), the different events they run and the need for more women in the orthopaedic discipline.  We discuss how the industry has changed over the years and how this has impacted work-life balance, residencies and personal development.

Speaking of personal development, Andy delivers a fantastic 60-second CPD about diagnosing 'Early Cruciate Disease' and he explains some of the medical terminology we've used in layman's terms.  We finish off this week's episode by discussing Andy's experience of hosting a Ukrainian refugee family in his home and Julian presents this week's CPD Certificate. 

We're delighted to be joined by award-winning writer and former BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey. 

Join us as we delve into the pivotal moments that shaped Ian's career and explore the evolving landscape of veterinary education and practice.

The episode commences with Ian recounting his early passion for veterinary science, sparked by a biology homework assignment. We learn how this childhood fascination paved the way for his decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and ultimately shape the next generation of aspiring veterinarians.

He divulges how a transformative case report led him on an unexpected path towards academia, where he discovered his true calling as a professor. We also gain insights into his award-winning paper on TSH, a significant milestone in his academic journey.

Ian shares his thoughts on why everyone tends to experience bouts of boredom with their job, the profound impact of the pandemic on career perceptions and how it has created ripples of change for the upcoming generation of veterinarians.

Our conversation then delves into the realm of education, where Ian sheds light on how universities stay ahead of the curve in teaching methods to ensure students receive the best education possible. We discuss the merits of different formats such as live and pre-recorded sessions, considering their effects on attention spans and overall learning outcomes.

In our 60-Second CPD, we delve into the intriguing topic of fever, exploring the distinctions between hyperthermia and pyrexia. Ian raises thought-provoking questions about whether veterinarians should continue to treat fever in patients as we traditionally do.

Lastly, we learn how Ian is fighting the battle against antimicrobial resistance and explore the significance of following protocols and guidelines, and the potential impact on patient care and outcomes.

This week we are joined by Dr Alick Simmons, a distinguished expert with a captivating career in animal welfare.

Dr. Simmons takes us on a journey through his fascinating experiences and the motivation behind writing his groundbreaking book, 'Treated Like Animals: Improving The Lives Of Animals We Own, Eat And Use.'

Together, we delve into the complex concept of animal sentience and explore the intriguing ways in which various species are perceived and treated differently by society.

One of the central topics we explore is the profound impact of dietary choices on animal welfare and the planet. Dr. Simmons shares his personal approach to making ethical, informed decisions about food while acknowledging individual circumstances.

As attitudes towards animal welfare and exploitation continue to evolve, we discuss the significance of allowing animals to exhibit their natural behaviours and the strides that have been made in this direction.

Warning: This episode contains a candid conversation on animal slaughter and the contentious ventilation shutdown method. Dr. Simmons courageously addresses the complexities and decisions involved in confronting this sensitive issue.

The conversation naturally steers toward the management of diseases, including the controversial topic of badger culling to combat TB and its implications for wildlife management in the UK.

Dr. Simmons leaves us with a captivating 60-second CPD on wildlife management in the UK, prompting us to reflect on the disparities in how we treat animals and how we can extend our support to animals beyond our immediate care.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned consultant HPB and emergency surgeon Giles Bond Smith to gain deep insights into the life of a surgeon in human medicine.

We cover a range of topics, from the humorous maxim 'knife before life before wife' to exploring the essentials of surgical site infection control. Giles shares the importance of inclusive team dynamics, the challenges of surgical emergencies, and offers practical advice for reducing infection rates.

Whether you're in the medical field or simply fascinated by surgical stories, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and entertaining anecdotes. This episode is sponsored by Adaptix. To learn more about how they can revolutionise your practice head over to https://info.adaptix.com/adaptix-vet-3d-3 

In this captivating episode, our hosts Mike and Julian delve into the enchanting world of mushrooms alongside their knowledgeable guests, Dr Rob Silver and Joni Kamlet.  Join them as they unravel the remarkable symbiotic relationship mushrooms share with all living things and the potential these fungi hold for our health.

Meet Rob, a veterinarian turned educator, who embarked on a transformative journey that led him to embrace the realms of mushrooms, cannabis, and integrated medicine. Alongside him is Joni, whose personal health struggles and spiritual awakening guided her towards a new path as an integrated vet tech. Together, they share their unique backstories and shed light on the growing allure of alternative medicine.

In a thought-provoking discussion, our guests emphasize the importance of blending traditional treatment with alternative medicine, highlighting the holistic benefits it offers to clients. They emphasize that alternative medicine boasts a robust evidence base, providing a well-rounded option for those seeking comprehensive care.

Rob and Joni offer intriguing insights into how veterinarians develop an interest in alternative medicine and the profound impact it can have on their perception of their profession. Rob delves into the intricacies of his role, revealing the stringent quality control measures required for the creation of the products he helps develop. He also shares intriguing details about a recent study he conducted on mushroom cultivation, providing fascinating insights into this burgeoning field.

They then turn their attention to the controversial topic of cannabis for pets, with Rob, the author of a definitive book on the subject, dispelling common misunderstandings surrounding this unique form of medicine and exploring the potential it holds for transformative therapeutic applications.

In a rapid-fire 60-second CPD session, Rob shares his passion for cooking and how it seamlessly blends with product development, offering a glimpse into his multifaceted expertise.

Wrapping up the episode, Rob and Joni provide invaluable guidance on where veterinarians and pet owners can delve deeper into the evidence base behind mushroom medicine. They invite listeners to head over to realmushrooms.com, where comprehensive resources and information await.

In this special episode of Veterinary Ramblings, we delve into a pressing issue currently affecting the veterinary industry. Our guest, Louise Buckley, takes centre stage as she shares her unique perspective on the treatment of dogs and their owners in relation to Brucella Canis.

Louise, a former registered veterinary nurse, made the bold decision to remove herself from the Register of Veterinary Nurses held by the RCVS as a protest against the profession's approach to this matter. Driven by her unwavering commitment to animal welfare, Louise believes that she can make a more significant impact by voicing her concerns freely outside the boundaries of the professional code of conduct.

During our enlightening conversation, Louise reveals her personal journey and the factors that led her to take this unprecedented step. Together, we explore the complex nuances surrounding Brucella Canis and the challenges faced by affected dogs and their owners. It's an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue from someone who has been directly involved.

We would like to emphasize the importance of compassion and open dialogue within the veterinary community. We acknowledge the divisive nature of this topic and encourage listeners to engage in constructive conversations rather than engage in heated arguments. While Louise's views are her own and may not necessarily reflect those of the podcast, we firmly believe in providing a fair and impartial platform for individuals to share their stories.

Join us as we shed light on the Brucella Canis crisis and the passionate voices advocating for change. Together, let's foster a community that prioritizes the well-being of animals and works towards a better future in veterinary care.


To follow Louise's story,  head over to  'Brucella Canis Former RVN resigned under protest' on Facebook.

Please note: Louise has brought to our attention that a further explanation of positive predictive value (PPV) is required to clarify what this means for the dogs involved as many people will not realise what a PPV is or what it means for interpreting the test.

PPV is in relation to dogs that have tested positive already, rather than dogs that have not yet been tested. It relates to the question that veterinary professionals need to ask once they have a dog with a positive result in front of them: 

"Given that this dog has tested positive, what is the probability that this is a true positive?" 

The answer is the PPV of the test in this situation and the value of the PPV interacts with both the specificity of the disease and with the prevalence of the disease among the population of interest.

In the case of the Dogs Trust data presented in this presentation, the answer is that if the specificity is 99% (the APHA claim this figure for their parallel testing SAT and iELISA combined approach), and the prevalence of Brucella Canis is 1% (based on the Dogs Trust data and corrected to reflect excess cases above the expected rate of false positives), roughly 1 in 2 dogs will be a true positive, and 1 in 2 dogs will be a false positive. 

This is very different to a claim that one in two UNTESTED dogs will test positive and important that listeners appreciate this.

The next guest to join us is Inge Breathnach AKA The Oncology RVN!

With quite a sensitive episode ahead of us, we start with the most difficult question we can... what is Inge's favourite bread? Slightly silly questions aside, Inge explains how she got into oncology as a veterinary nurse and shares the aspects of her work that she really enjoys.

Alongside being an oncology nurse, Inge has experience as a client with a pet who has dealt with cancer treatment and uses this insight to improve her client relationships. We discuss the difference between holistic healthcare, homoeopathy and herbalism alongside the importance of proper research to make an informed decision

Inge dispels preconceptions about her job and cancer treatment for animals whilst explaining the human side of her work. We talk about the cost of oncology veterinary care and Inge gives some top tips for approaching palliative care for our pets and her advice on how to switch off from the job and establish clear boundaries in the workplace.

Lastly, Inge delivers an insightful 60-second CPD on how to ensure the quality of life for our patients and shares her reflective question which aims the change the way we treat cancer in animals.

This week we’re joined by Jessica May MRCVS! 

Jessica has worked in mixed and equine practices, both in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Having worked in a variety of clinics, she has experience in first opinion, referral hospital and charity settings. 

We begin this week's episode by discussing Jessica’s time spent in Hong Kong as an intern at a jockey club and her love for seedy loaf bread!

We talk about Jessica’s pioneering role using TeleMedicine within the equine industry, and her work with FirstVet, an independent digital veterinary clinic.

Jessica goes on to explain how online vet services can be utilised alongside traditional appointments. She describes both the challenges and benefits of bridging the gap between veterinary clinical care and the tech world.

We talk about the increasing pressure on vet professionals, particularly new grads, and how we can leverage technology to help support workers' mental health within the industry.

Jessica delivers an insightful 60-second CPD providing 3 tips and tricks on how to get the most out of telemedicine consultations 

We then discuss Flexee, Jessica’s new business that not only helps raise awareness and understanding of flexible working but also offers solutions to implement this within a practice.

Jessica asks our listeners to reflect on the lessons learned throughout the pandemic and shares her fond memories of hiking in the British countryside. 

This week we're joined by Toby Trimble, an RCVS and ECVAA Specialist in veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia, award-winning speaker and founder of Trimble Group (previously Trimble Productions).

We begin this week's episode at the start of Toby's journey, from a child struggling with dyslexia to a teenager with no GCSEs or A-levels, overcoming adversity to enter the veterinary profession.  He explains how, despite his unconventional application, he thrived at Nottingham vet school and went on to become an Associate Professor.

We've all felt a little uninspired at webinars, so Toby offers up his advice for presenting better and how his company, Trimble Group, aims to change the CPD game. We wonder what Toby would say to his younger self, discuss the impact of neurodiversity, and the importance of embracing your differences.

As someone who has gone on to pass many difficult exams, Toby shares his tips and tricks for exam preparation and clear thinking under pressure, delivering an excellent 60-Second CPD about teaching, which leads us to reflect on the value of storytelling in regard to audience retention.

With his team, Toby has created nearly 700 CPD lessons and online CPD broadcasts and runs the Future of Education events which are attended by academics and science communications around the world. To learn more from the Trimble Group, head over to their website (https://www.trimblegroup.io/).

This week we're joined by Darragh O' Hanlon (@thetopicalvet), an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner and Veterinary Dermatologist. He enjoys all things dermatology, from ears to anal glands, with a special interest in allergies.

Darragh describes his journey from an arts degree to veterinary medicine and how his grandmother inspired him to pursue this career.

We discuss the impacts Brexit has had on Irish citizens regarding pet passports and a genuine attempt to float Ireland to sunnier shores!

Darragh explains the three different types of communication we can experience when talking with clients and shares his experiences of working in the UK (and how he discovered the word chav!)

We talk about the NHS's impact on the perception of the price of pet care, the difficulties new graduates may face due to the lack of mentorship and how the industry has changed over the years.

Darragh talks about the turning point that steered his interest in dermatology and shares some very successful dermatology cases he has worked on. 

Lastly, Darragh delivers a fantastic 60-Second CPD about acral lick dermatitis and shares his advice for new graduates in this week's reflection question.

Join us as we chat with Laura Jones RVN about her life as a veterinary nurse, her hobbies, and her passion for internal medicine.

Laura shares her journey to becoming a veterinary nurse and the importance of nurses to the veterinary team and client relations. Outside of work, Laura is an adrenaline junkie who loves to drag race and explains what this courageous hobby involves and how it helps her switch off from work.

We also delve into the impact of the pandemic on the veterinary industry and client expectations. Laura tells us about how she accidentally ventured into internal medicine and how it has become her niche. She shares her different responsibilities and how they contribute to providing quality care for pets.

We pose a difficult question to Laura: what does the quality of life mean and how does it differ between clients and their pets? Laura provides insightful answers and highlights the need for both clients and practitioners to improve their perception of veterinary nursing.

In addition, Laura takes on our 60-second CPD challenge and delivers a fantastic run-down of the six things you need to do during nurse clinics for chronic disease patients. She also asks us to reflect on the circumstances that could be behind difficult behaviour between colleagues and clients.

If you're interested in learning more about Laura and her work, head over to her website https://www.veterinaryinternalmedicinenursing.com/. 

This week we are joined by the fantastic Dr Russell Chandler! 

Russell graduated from the University of Bristol Veterinary School and has a self-confessed addiction to learning! He has studied various post-graduate qualifications including the RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedics, an MSc in Orthopaedic Engineering and RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics.

His current clinical interests are multimodal osteoarthritis management and regenerative medicine and he is currently studying for an MSc in stem cells and regeneration at the University of Bristol.

Russell explains why he thinks imposter syndrome is such an issue for veterinary professionals and how it works in conjunction with the scientific discipline.

As someone addicted to learning, we discuss one of Russell's degrees in orthopaedic engineering. We ask: what exactly does that mean? How did he find it as a veterinarian working with human surgeons? And how has it impacted his work?

We then discuss his work combining orthopaedic work with stem cells and regenerative medicine. Russell explains what stem cells are and how they can be used in a way that's very easy to understand and summarises all of the things you need to know about stem cell therapy in this week's 60-second CPD.  

Lastly, Russell talks about his work with the Veterinary Orthopaedic Alliance and the importance of practising gratitude in both your professional and personal life.

 Dr Mike Davies graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, in 1976. He owned his own veterinary practice for more than 11 years and has worked in academia and in the pet food and pharmaceutical industries.

Mike has postgraduate Certificates in Veterinary Radiology and Small Animal Orthopaedics and a Diploma in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. He published one of the first books on Veterinary Geriatrics and has also published numerous papers. 

Mike is an RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Clinical Nutrition and has always been a very active member of the BSAVA, attending his first Congress when he was a student in the 1970s.

We find out how Mike's upbringing influenced his decision to become a vet and how one lecture changed the trajectory of his career from zoology to nutrition. Mike obtained his fellowship for the RCVS, despite being examined by his competitors and doing a very tricky exam (not for the reasons you may think!)

As Mike has had a long career, we discuss the benefits of working in the veterinary practice, how the profession has changed over the years and the problems we're facing that affect the service we can provide to our clients. Mike offers up his solutions to the problems our industry is facing and delivers a fantastic 60 Second CPD entitled 'Lack Of Knowledge About Clinical Nutrition In  Veterinary Practice'

We then reflect on how we assess the nutrition of our pregnant pets and discuss how nutrition deficiency creates unexpected problems for our client's pets. Lastly, we discuss the guidelines for 'complete' pet food and the consequences for other animals, and humans,  when people chose a raw food diet for their pets 

In this episode, Julian and Mike have a fascinating conversation with Cath Bishop, an inspirational speaker, author, and former Olympic rower.

They discuss a range of topics including Cath's Olympic journey and her experiences speaking at the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Congress. Cath shares her insights on leadership, corporate culture, and the importance of redefining success through her book 'The Long Win.'

The episode also touches on her venture into poetry, her new podcast 'Inside Out Culture,' and her enduring love for rowing. Cath's reflections on motivation, cultural issues, and the qualitative aspects of success provide valuable lessons for both professional and personal growth.

This episode is sponsored by Adaptix. To learn more about how they can revolutionise your practice head over to https://info.adaptix.com/adaptix-vet-3d-3 

Join us as we sit down with the wonderful Caroline Murray,  an international veterinary locum and adventure traveller who is also known as The Wilderness Vet!

We begin our conversation by discussing Caroline's adventures in Mongolia and the action-packed, yet surprisingly modern lives of the nomadic people she travelled with. 

Caroline tells us which careers she considered before she decided to become a  veterinarian and how she was fortunate enough to take part in a research scholarship which developed her wanderlust.  

Caroline is such a positive person, however, things haven't always been that way. Her research into NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) changed her life after she faced a lot of adversities regarding her health and wellness.  She summarises the alternative pain management methods that can help you in this week's 60 Second CPD: Pain & The Brain. 

Lastly, Caroline tells us about her time working with chimpanzees, and the unintended (hilarious) effect that had when working with more traditional patients and we spent some time discussing one of her favourite charities: Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee.

 Laura joins us for the second time after smashing the Guinness World Record for tandem cycling, covering 18,000 miles in 180 days with her husband Stevie! On their way, they raised money for VetLife, Mind and Sustrans. You can still support them by heading over to stelatandem.com.

We catch up on her amazing, but sometimes dangerous, world trip and find out about all the wonderful places they visited in Laura's 60-second CPD.  A true challenge in every sense of the word, we hope you find her story as inspiring as we did. If you would like to learn how why she did this, and how she and Stevie prepared for an adventure of a lifetime, catch up on her first episode of Episode 75 of Veterinary Ramblings.

Merry Christmas Ramblers!

We're blown away by the year that we've had. If you follow us on social media you might have seen that we've had one of the best years on record, and we're so thrilled that our following is going strong. 

We wanted to celebrate the end of 2022 with some of our favourite stories from this year, where we revisit some of our favourite moments with guests - including some awesome life stories, some fascinating research and veterinary work, some thought-provoking conversations that changed our perspective and a few of the biggest laughs that we've had this year. 

We hope you enjoy, and we look forward to producing new content for you all next year!

Bring on 2023 - may your dog go with you!

Last week, we released part one of our episode with Helen MacDonald, giving you the chance to get the know the person behind the scandal surrounding Geronimo the alpaca. If you haven’t tuned in already, we highly recommend listening to part one before you listen to this week's episode which will focus on Geronimo's story.

Geronimo was born on Waitangi Day (6th of February) in 2013 at New Zealand's largest alpaca farm. In 2017, Geronimo was sold to Helen, who at that time had been breeding alpacas at her farm for more than 15 years.

She imported him to the United Kingdom in August after he had four skin tests for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) which returned negative results. Once he arrived in the UK, Geronimo was kept in quarantine and tested positive in two voluntary blood tests.

As a result of the positive tests, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) ordered that Geronimo had to be euthanised. After years of court battles, protests and celebrity interventions, Geronimo, the UK’s most divisive alpaca, was put down by government officials on 31 August 2021. We sat down with Helen just over a year after Geronimo's death to hear her side of the story. 

Helen explains why she brought geronimo to the UK, the biosecurity measures her farm has in place and reveals why she thinks there is insufficient evidence as to the accuracy of DEFRA's testing process.  

She believes that she and Geronimo received exceptional treatment during the horrific events that took place between 2017 and 2021 and that Geronimo experienced unnecessary distress and animal cruelty when he was taken away from her farm to be euthanised. We also discuss why Geronimos post-mortem results are seen as inconclusive.

However, this is not the end of the story...

Helen explains how a campaign group came together to fight for Geronimo's Law, which aims to refine TB policy, biosecurity and animal welfare in the UK and shares how you can get involved. Lastly, Helen reflects on the silver linings that have come about as a result of this experience - as well as her hopes for the future.

We know that this is a very divisive topic, and we want to remind everyone that above all, we need to show compassion and kindness to each other.  In our industry, we need to stop having arguments and start having conversations. The views expressed by our guests may not necessarily represent our views, but we do believe that everyone deserves a fair and impartial platform to be able to share their stories. 

You may know Helen MacDonald as the owner of Geronimo the alpaca - however, there is so much more to her story! As such we have decided to release Helen's episode in two parts.  In Part One, we get to know the fascinating person behind the scandal.

We begin this week's episode discussing Helen's time spent in Australia as a child and the difference in culture and education that she experienced when she moved back to the UK. 

Formerly a keen diver, Helen and Julian discuss the wonderful places they have explored under the sea and we learn how one summer changed everything about Helen's career path, beginning her love of Veterinary Nursing. 

With 32 years experience in the industry, Helen has worn many hats. From Head Nurse to Teacher, Locum to Assessor - even hitting the road in 2010 to work in the commercial veterinary sector in sales and practice support.

Her fascination for alpacas led to her buying her first 3 breeding females in 2002. 20 years later, she now has a quality breeding herd of over 80 coloured alpacas. Her focus is on the health and welfare of alpacas with an emphasis on best practice, biosecurity, education and evidence-based science.

Following the horrific events surrounding Geronimo spanning 5 years, she is now a reluctant campaigner for evidence-based science and transparent justifiable policies for disease eradication. We will be discussing Geronimo's story in next week's episode, which will be released on Thursday the 24th of November.

This week we're joined by the wonderful Carly Kilby!

Carly is a veterinary nurse, scout leader and mother. She grew up in South London, but discovered her love for veterinary work and the outdoors after moving to countryside in her teenage years. We discuss the difficulties of finding people who understand the intricacies of a job in the veterinary profession, and the embarrassment of accidentally recounting  disgusting work stories to non-vet friends over dinner.

After qualifying in 2006, Carly has worked within farm, equine, first opinion practice and the referral locum scene. She has gained an ISFM certificate in Feline Friendly Nursing, an ESVPS certificate in anaesthesia, an ISVPS certificate in surgical nursing and is also the BVNA Regional Representative for the South West (Somerset and Gloucestershire)! 

We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of family and the difficulties of finding balance between commitments at home and work. As veterinary professionals, it's something that we can all relate to. Carly talks about her experiences of having to put work before fun during her vet nurse training, and the pressure of being a parent alongside supporting a number of busy teams as a locum.

Carly gives us a reflective 60-second CPD on  returning to work after maternity leave and we discuss the worries, guilt and pressures that working parents can experience when trying to balance life's wants and needs.

If you are ever struggling with any of the issues we spoke about in this episode (or any episode) don't forget there's support out there -  speak up if you're struggling: we all have times when we need some care ourselves. Please reach out to Vetlife on 0303 040 2551.

Join us as we chat with the awesome Ruth Greenhill, an ECC veterinary night nurse at a busy 24hr hospital in central London.  Maintaining a good work-life balance is important to her and she has many fascinating hobbies and passions outside the veterinary world. 

Ruth talks to us about how she uses night-shift work to achieve a better work-life balance and helps her find time for all of her eclectic hobbies. Ruth is an avid snorkeller and at the time of recording was due to complete a scuba diving qualification the very next day. We discuss the differences in dead space between snorkels and anaesthetic equipment. 

Ruth is an amazing ballerina and uses dance to keep her grounded and to blow off steam both in and outside of work. Ruth recalls how she nearly became a professional ballerina - but after a work placement with a veterinary surgeon, decided that she would much rather work in veterinary medicine.

Finally, we quiz Ruth on her diving signals and she delivers an awesome 60-second CPD about how to overcome exam nerves.