Q: Can you share with us the highlights of your career journey leading up to your role as a Clinical Professor at the Ohio State University, and now as a speaker at Wild West Vet Show 2024?

A: I think some of my biggest career highlights are teaching my students and watching them grow from starting veterinary school all the way to graduation and their professional careers. Staying in touch years later, answering their questions about cases, and seeing them continue to develop as veterinarians is incredibly rewarding. One of the most important aspects of veterinary medicine is lifelong learning, as the field is constantly evolving. I’m very proud to see my students develop into the amazing professionals they are.

Other highlights include my contributions to the field of lower urinary tract diseases. Staying updated on new drugs, treatments, and diagnostics is crucial, and watching professionals grow their knowledge is very rewarding. I’ve always felt like I’m continually learning and building my career. I feel nostalgic and proud when I realize that many of my mentors are retiring, and I’m becoming a seasoned expert myself. I primarily work on lower urinary tract disease, and it’s gratifying to see advancements in our understanding and management of these conditions.

Q: Wild West Vet Show won't be your first speaking engagement at US Vet Shows. What have you enjoyed the most about your experience at our events?

I've spoken at the New York Vet Show a couple of times, and the enthusiasm of the crowd is fantastic. I receive many thoughtful and practical questions, which shows how appreciative the audience is. My goal is to provide them with practical information they can use immediately in their practice to improve care, diagnostic efficiency, and treatment options. The support from the show's administrators has also been excellent.

Q: What recent developments in the topic of managing UTI’s do you plan to highlight during your first lecture at Wild West Vet?

A: I'll start by discussing the development of resistance and changes in how we approach bacteria in urine. There's controversy about treating dogs with bacteria in their urine but no clinical signs. Currently, it’s recommended not to treat these cases with antibiotics to avoid resistance, as seen in both human and animal studies. Treating asymptomatic bacteria can lead to resistant bugs. Additionally, we're likely treating these patients for too long, impacting their gut health. Special cases like animals with chronic kidney disease or spinal cord injuries pose challenges since they may not show clinical signs. I'll explore these issues and potential alternatives for deciding when treatment is necessary.

Q: What is the biggest challenge of treating Recurrent Feline Cystitis and how do you plan to approach the topic during your second lecture at Wild West Vet?

A: Feline interstitial cystitis is likely a stress-related issue, similar to stress-induced conditions in humans like eczema or IBS. It involves a cycle of continuous nervous system stimulation due to an abnormal stress response, often triggered by early life events. Breaking this cycle requires reducing the cat's stress, which includes environmental modifications and possibly medical therapy like gabapentin or trazodone. While clients may prefer giving their pets medicine, it's crucial to inform them the impact that creating a less stressful environment for the cat might have. Educating them on reducing stress triggers, like avoiding introducing new pets that might upset the cat, is essential to managing the condition and preventing potential surrender.

Q: What are the most common mistakes you see made in assessments and treatments for protein-losing nephropathy that you’ll discuss during your third lecture?

A: The biggest mistake I see is failure to recognize protein in the urine as a problem. It's crucial to notice this early on and investigate further with additional diagnostics. Often, veterinarians overlook the importance of performing a urinalysis, which is essential for diagnosing kidney diseases. Incorporating urinalysis into routine exams is vital for early detection and proper treatment.

Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you like to give individuals that are at the start of their veterinary career?

A: Trust your instincts and never ignore abnormalities in your patients. Whether it's a slight elevation in blood work or something unusual during a physical exam, take the time to investigate. Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you're unsure. It's better to be cautious than to overlook something important.