veterinary thought exchange vtx:podcast

Episode 75 - My Veterinary Voice

We’re so thrilled to have Robyn Lowe join us on this episode of the podcast. Robyn is a powerhouse of compassion, communication, and clinical excellence; a Registered Veterinary Nurse with advanced diplomas in surgery, medicine, and anaesthesia, and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and wellbeing in the veterinary profession.

In this episode, we talk about the many hats Robyn wears, from advanced clinical nursing to writing, advocacy, and mental health leadership. She shares her journey from the wards to the wider world of veterinary communication, including her work with Veterinary Voices UK, the Veterinary Voices Public Page, and as the first RVN ever to sit on the Board of Trustees at Vetlife.

It’s a thoughtful, funny, and deeply human conversation, touching on mentorship, moral courage, social media, and the power of speaking up with kindness. Robyn reflects on how she balances her passion for patient care with her commitment to supporting the people who provide it, and why she believes every voice in the profession matters.

Robyn Lowe BSc (Hons), Dip AVN (Surgery, Medicine, Anaesthesia), Dip HE CVN, RVN is a Registered Advanced Veterinary Nurse, writer, educator, and advocate based in the UK. She’s a Director of Veterinary Voices UK, contributor to Canine Arthritis Management, and a trustee at Vetlife, where she continues to champion wellbeing, inclusion, and compassionate professionalism across the veterinary field.

For more CPD and educational content, visit: https://www.vtx-cpd.com

Episode 74 - Just a Thought... Should we feed raw?

For today's clinical discussion, we’re joined once again by Dr. Sean McCormack, veterinarian, conservationist, media presenter, and passionate advocate for both animal health and environmental sustainability.

 

This time, we turn our attention to a topic that sparks a lot of debate in the veterinary world: raw feeding. Is it better for pets? What are the risks? And how should clinicians approach these conversations with curious or committed clients?

 

Sean brings both clinical insight and open-minded pragmatism to the discussion. We explore the potential benefits that owners report, the common concerns around safety and nutritional balance, and how vets can help clients navigate the evidence, even when opinions are strong on both sides. Sean shares his thoughts on how to maintain trust, stay science-informed, and communicate without judgment when discussing feeding choices.

 

Whether you’re firmly in the cooked camp, a cautious supporter of raw, or just trying to find your footing in these sometimes-tricky conversations, this episode offers thoughtful, balanced perspective on a hot topic in veterinary nutrition.

 

Dr. Sean McCormack is also the host of the Sean’s Wildlife Podcast and founder of the Ealing Wildlife Group. You can hear more about his incredible career journey in Episode 73: Opening the Windows.

 

For more CPD and educational content, visit:

 

https://www.vtx-cpd.com

Episode 73 - Opening the Windows

We’re so thrilled to have Dr. Sean McCormack join us on this episode of the podcast. We talk about his amazing career, from working in windowless rooms to finally “opening that window” as his path evolved from zoo vet to garden designer.

 

Sean shares stories about roses, rainbows, flora and fauna, David Attenborough, and everything in between. It’s a warm, engaging chat that shows his passion for wildlife, conservation, and storytelling in veterinary work.

 

Dr. Sean McCormack is a veterinarian, conservationist, and media presenter. He studied Animal Science before vet school at University College Dublin with a focus on zoo and wildlife medicine. After six years in clinical practice treating wildlife, domestic, and exotic species, he moved into pet nutrition consultancy. He founded the Ealing Wildlife Group in West London and leads the Ealing Beaver Project, returning Eurasian Beavers to urban London for the first time in over 400 years.

 

Sean is also an ambassador for the Beaver Trust, host of Sean’s Wild Life podcast, and a regular on TV and radio including BBC Springwatch, BBC The One Show, and ITV This Morning.

 

Don’t forget Sean will also join us for our next clinical episode to chat about some of the pros and cons of raw feeding. We’d love to have you listen in for that too.

 

For more CPD and educational content, visit:

https://www.vtx-cpd.com”

Episode 72 - Just a Thought... Does honey heal wounds?

In this week’s clinical segment, we’re joined once again by Amelia Sherwood RVN, a highly experienced veterinary nurse and educator with a special interest in wound management. Together, we explore the evidence behind one of the most interesting treatments in both human and veterinary medicine: honey.

 

We begin by asking the big question; does honey really “heal all wounds,” and is there strong veterinary evidence to support its use in clinical practice? Amelia shares her expertise on how honey functions as part of a comprehensive wound care strategy, including its antimicrobial properties, its impact on tissue healing, and the clinical scenarios where it can be most effective.

 

We also dive into the difference between medical-grade honey, such as Manuka honey, and the kind you might find in your kitchen cupboard. Amelia explains why not all honeys are created equal, how medical-grade products are prepared and regulated for safety, and what risks are associated with using non-sterile, non-clinical honeys in veterinary patients.

 

To follow more of Amelia’s wound care content, visit www.instagram.com/TissueViabilityVetNurse.

 

For more high-quality CPD, head over to www.vtx-cpd.com.

 

Episode 71 - Can we just let them?

In this special Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month (VNAM) episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Amelia Sherwood RVN, a passionate veterinary nurse, educator, and advocate for nurse progression and support. Amelia began her nursing career in 2008 and has since held a variety of roles across clinical practice, education, industry, and leadership.

 

From her early days in primary care and examining OSCEs, to supporting teams as a Regional Nursing Manager and now leading her own consultancy business, Amelia’s career is a testament to the diverse and dynamic pathways available to veterinary nurses. She is also widely known for her educational content on wound care, shared via her Instagram platform @TissueViabilityVetNurse.

 

This conversation was an absolute joy, Amelia speaks candidly about her passion for wound management and education, but also the real-life challenges she has faced, including redundancy, shifting job roles, and working through tough cultural changes within the veterinary sector.

 

We also touch on an important question: “Can we just let them?” Amelia reflects on the emotional realities of navigating major transitions and how she’s learned to advocate not only for animals but also for herself and her colleagues.

 

This is a powerful episode that celebrates the strength, adaptability, and brilliance of veterinary nurses while also acknowledging the pressures they face.

 

For more high-quality CPD and educational content, visit:

 

https://www.vtx-cpd.com

 

And don’t forget to follow Amelia on Instagram:

 

https://www.instagram.com/TissueViabilityVetNurse

Episode 70 - Just a thought... Should I use prazosin in blocked cats?

We’re switching things up in 2025 with a slightly different format. You’ll still get all the great conversations with inspiring people across the veterinary profession, but we’re also introducing shorter, standalone clinical segments to focus on key topics.

 

This week, we’re tackling a common clinical question: Should I use prazosin in my blocked cats?

 

To help us break it down, Dr. Sam Taylor, RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine and Veterinary Specialist Lead at International Cat Care, joins us to discuss the latest evidence and best practices when managing feline lower urinary tract diseases.

 

Key Takeaways:

Does prazosin prevent re-obstruction? We look at the latest studies and real-world clinical outcomes.

Multimodal management strategies—what else should be part of your blocked cat protocol?

If you’ve ever debated whether prazosin is a must-have for blocked cats, this episode is for you!

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

 

International Cat Care Guidelines on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD):

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241309176

 

Cat Carer Guide on Environmental Needs and MEMO:

https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-urinary-tract-diseases.pdf

 

For more high-quality CPD, check out www.vtx-cpd.com.

Episode 69 - Feline Fine

In this week’s episode, we are absolutely delighted to be joined by the brilliant Dr. Sam Taylor, one of the leading voices in feline medicine today.

 

From her early days at the Royal Veterinary College, through her European Diploma in Veterinary Internal Medicine, to becoming an RCVS Recognized Specialist in Feline Medicine, Sam has been at the forefront of advancing veterinary care for cats. As the International Cat Care Veterinary Specialist Lead, she has played a pivotal role in shaping clinical guidelines that have transformed how we diagnose and manage feline diseases.

 

In this conversation, Sam reflects on some of the game-changing moments in feline medicine, including the revolutionary treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a breakthrough that has changed the landscape of feline healthcare.

 

Beyond her contributions to research and education, Sam shares her personal experiences balancing clinical practice, lecturing, and writing, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in both primary care and specialist practice. Her passion for feline medicine and commitment to improving patient outcomes are truly inspiring.

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

 

ISFM International Guidelines on Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X241309176

Cat Carer Guide on Environmental Needs and MEMO: https://icatcare.org/resources/cat-carer-guide-urinary-tract-diseases.pdf

Learn more about vtx and our work in veterinary education: https://www.vtx-cpd.com

Episode 68 - Just A Thought... Diagnosing Leptospirosis

Hello everyone! We’re switching things up in 2025 with a slightly different format. You’ll still get all the great conversations with inspiring people across the veterinary profession, but we’re also introducing shorter, standalone clinical segments to focus on key topics.

 

This week, we’re taking a closer look at diagnosing leptospirosis in dogs—a zoonotic disease that requires accurate diagnosis for both public health and effective treatment. Due to the challenges of culturing leptospires, veterinarians rely on serologic tests like the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), ELISA, and PCR to confirm infection.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• MAT is the gold standard but has limitations—paired titers improve accuracy.
• ELISA & Lateral Flow Assays provide rapid results but should be used alongside other tests.
• PCR detects leptospiral DNA in blood or urine and is most reliable before antibiotics are administered.
• A combination of MAT & PCR is often needed, especially in vaccinated dogs.

 

Tune in for a deeper dive! Let’s get started. For more high quality CPD check out www.vtx-cpd.com

Episode 67 - Leave your ego on the chopping board

In this week’s episode, we’re absolutely thrilled to be joined by the legendary Jasmin Paris, MBE - a British ultrarunner, fell running champion, and all-around inspiration. Jasmin’s achievements are the stuff of legend, from smashing records in some of the world’s most grueling races to becoming the first woman ever to complete the Barkley Marathons in 2024.

 

Jasmin shares her fascinating journey, from growing up in the Peak District and discovering her love of the outdoors to becoming one of the most accomplished ultrarunners of all time.

 

Jasmin also opens up about life beyond running - balancing her career as a small-animal vet and senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh with being a mother of two. She shares how she manages the challenges of parenting while pursuing an elite athletic career, proving that resilience and passion aren’t just reserved for the trails but are woven into every aspect of her life.

 

And when all is said and done, perhaps the best prize isn’t the trophies or the records but… the wooden chopping board. (Yes, you’ll want to stick around for that story!)

Episode 66 - "The equal and opposite truth"

In this week's episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant Dr. Jess Moore-Jones, a vet with an unconventional career path and a passion for transforming veterinary practice cultures. Jess is the founder of Unleashed Coaching and Consulting, where she helps vet clinics build resilient teams and thriving workplaces. She shares her inspiring journey, from leading teams in animal shelters and zoos to becoming a business owner and consultant. Jess opens up about her mission to keep vets engaged and fulfilled, even in the face of professional challenges.

 

We dive into important topics with Jess, including imposter syndrome, how to recognize it, overcome it, and thrive in your veterinary career. Jess also discusses the concept of the equal and opposite truth, explaining how embracing the complexity of decision-making can lead to better outcomes. In a fascinating conversation, she talks about choosing your suffering, explaining how we can control how we experience difficult situations by shifting our mindset.

 

Next, we have a fantastic clinical chat with Lucy Williams (nee Hyams) and Katie Sherratt from Protexin. Lucy, a veterinary surgeon and Veterinary Technical Advisor, and Katie, an RVN, diploma holder in companion animal behaviour and training and Territory Manager, discuss how to handle behavioural concerns in small animal patients. This segment is packed with practical advice on navigating tricky conversations with clients and recognizing signs of anxiety in pets. Lucy and Katie talk about the best ways to address behavioural issues with clients, offering tips on how to approach sensitive topics like anxiety and behaviour in a way that fosters trust and collaboration. They also explain how to spot early signs of anxiety and other behavioural concerns before they escalate, and provide guidance on the tools and treatments available to support anxious pets and their owners. Check out some of the brilliant behaviour support and tools that Protexin offer:

 

https://www.protexinvet.com/behaviour

 

Dr. Jess Moore-Jones is passionate about creating positive change in veterinary practices through coaching and leadership development. You can learn more about her work at Unleashed Coaching and Consulting by visiting:

 

https://www.unleashedconsulting.com.au/

 

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