Tasha McNerney, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), aka the original Anesthesia Nerd, joins Dr. Andy Roark to dive into the cutting edge of pain management in veterinary surgery. In this episode, Tasha discusses how to reduce opioid use while improving patient outcomes through multimodal analgesia and local anesthetic blocks. She breaks down the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, adapted from human medicine, and how it can revolutionize the way veterinary teams manage surgical pain.

Dr. Roark and Tasha explore practical strategies for implementing local blocks in a variety of procedures, from spays and neuters to advanced orthopedic surgeries, and discuss how adjunctive analgesics like ketamine and dexmedetomidine can enhance outcomes. Tasha also shares her vision for the future of veterinary surgery, emphasizing the importance of technician training, low-stress handling, and better pre-visit pharmaceutical protocols. Get ready to elevate your pain management game. Let’s get into this episode!

LINKS

Pre-order Pain Management for Vet Techs and Nurses on Amazon

Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds website

Feline Grimace Scale app

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tasha McNerney, CVT, obtained her certification in 2005 and has worked clinically in anesthesia and surgery ever since. She earned her CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner) designation in 2013 and became a Veterinary Technician Specialist (Anesthesia & Analgesia) in 2015. Tasha is a sought-after speaker on anesthesia and pain management topics, presenting at numerous international veterinary conferences. She is also the author of multiple articles and blogs dedicated to advancing knowledge in these fields.

In 2013, Tasha founded the Facebook group Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, which has grown to over 65,000 members worldwide, fostering education and the exchange of ideas among veterinary professionals.

When not in the clinic or educating others, Tasha enjoys working on her 1920s fixer-upper home in Philadelphia, inspired by endless home improvement tutorials on YouTube. She lives with her husband, son, one wonderful cat, and another who keeps life interesting with its mischievous personality.

Dr. Anna McManamey, Professor of Cardiology at Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine, joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss a common yet challenging case: a new heart murmur in a cat scheduled for a dental procedure. In this Hall of Fame episode, Dr. Mack unpacks the potential causes of heart murmurs in cats, with a focus on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other conditions that could impact anesthesia safety and long-term health. She highlights the diagnostic tools available, including the limitations of chest x-rays, the value of BNP testing as a "poor man's echocardiogram," and when to consider additional tests like blood pressure or thyroid screening.

Dr. Mack also provides practical advice on managing heart disease in cats, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures like blood thinners and the challenges of owner compliance with medications. For emergency settings, she shares tips on using SNAP BNP tests for quick assessments. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mack’s expertise shines as she equips veterinary professionals with actionable insights to confidently address feline cardiology cases. Let’s get into this episode!

In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Phil Richmond, founder of Flourishing Phoenix, to dive into the U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Mental Health in the Workplace. They discuss how veterinary practices can address psychosocial hazards, implement effective risk assessments, and foster a culture of wellbeing that supports teams without creating unnecessary stress. You’ll gain actionable insights into leadership strategies, the PERMA framework, and practical ways to enhance connection, recognition, and resilience in your practice. If you’re ready to prioritize mental health and build a thriving veterinary workplace, this episode is for you. Let’s get into this episode!

LINKS

Workplace Wellbeing Study Referenced

Dr. Phil Richmond at Flourish

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Philip Richmond is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants, LLC. As a practicing vet, he champions a positive work culture, emphasizing psychological health, safety, and wellbeing in veterinary settings. He has taken pivotal roles in both state and global initiatives to promote workplace wellbeing in veterinary medicine. Among his roles, Dr. Richmond has served as Chief Medical and Wellbeing Officer for Veterinary United and currently chairs the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Professional Wellbeing Committee. Beyond his advocacy, he contributes as a writer, speaker, and podcast guest, and has earned various certifications in positive psychology, workplace wellbeing, and suicide prevention. Dr. Richmond is a speaker and published writer, including having co-authored “Psychological Health and Safety Guidelines” from Veterinary Visionaries. He is a frequent veterinary podcast guest and holds multiple certifications in applied positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, workplace wellbeing, psychological health & safety, trauma-informed workplaces, resilience training, behavior change, and suicide prevention. He has been awarded the FVMA Gold Star, FVMA Veterinarian of the Year, Uncharted Veterinary Community Founder’s Award, Blue Buffalo Together for Pets Award, and a finalist for the US Bright Minds Veterinary Wellness Champion Award.

Ever wondered what the next level of Fear Free handling really looks like? Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Megan Bauer and Jessica Osborne of Latah Creek Animal Hospital in Spokane, Washington, to explore their transformative journey into Fear Free practice. From navigating staff and client turnover to implementing innovative low-stress handling techniques, this duo shares how they’ve created a practice where pets, clients, and team members thrive. Discover practical tips, lessons learned, and inspiration for building a Fear Free culture in any clinic. Gang, you're gonna love this episode!

LINKS

Follow Latah Creek Animal Hospital on Instagram

Fear Free Handling

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Megan Bauer, DVM, Fear Free Certified Elite

Dr. Megan Bauer, co-owner and medical director of Latah Creek Animal Hospital, graduated from Washington State University in 2015 and became Spokane’s first Fear Free Certified veterinarian. She is currently an Elite Fear Free certified professional. She is passionate about behavioral medicine and feline care but loves all her patients. Outside of work, Dr. Bauer enjoys camping, four-wheeling, and agility training with her two dogs, Remy Pierre and Oliver Elvis, and spending time with her three cats, Trixie, Chandler, and Jinkx.

Jessica Osborne, CVPM, Fear Free Trailblazer

Jessica Osborne, co-owner and hospital manager of Latah Creek Animal Hospital, has been in veterinary medicine since 2003 and earned her CVPM in 2016, becoming Spokane’s first. A Fear Free advocate, she helped get the first clinic in Eastern WA certified and most recently helped Latah Creek achieve Fear Free Practice Certification in 2021. Jessica is a thoughtful leader who values positivity and accountability. On weekends, she enjoys riding dirt bikes with her husband and kids, alongside their two dogs, Benelli and Dash, and two cats, Rocco Wilson and Gustov.

Dr. Ernie Ward joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss the challenges of discussing pet obesity with clients and practical strategies for creating urgency and motivating pet owners to take action. This episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast dives deep into the psychology of weight loss conversations, emphasizing the importance of permission, framing the discussion around quality of life, and focusing on actionable steps. Dr. Ward shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable tools for veterinary professionals to navigate these difficult conversations with compassion and achieve better outcomes for their patients. This episode is brought to you ad-free by Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Intended for Veterinary Professionals. Opinions expressed within this content are solely the speaker's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Hill's or its affiliates.

Check out the downloadable team training worksheet and follow along together! Empower your team to educate clients using the notes and discussion questions.

LINKS

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Veterinary Academy

Pet Obesity Prevention Organization

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Ernie Ward is an award-winning veterinarian, internationally known speaker, impact entrepreneur, author of several books, columnist, and media personality. A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, he was voted Speaker of the Year at both VMX and WVC conferences, the 2018 Veterinary Journalist of the Year, the recipient of the US National Veterinary Practice of Excellence Award, and has received many veterinary and civic recognitions.

Dr. Ward is involved on the Boards of many animal organizations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Morris Animal Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and Animal Welfare Advisory Board, Grey Muzzle Society, CATalyst Council, and the Southern European Veterinary Conference's Scientific Committee and Practice Management Chairperson.

Dr. Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association. He is also the editor of the forthcoming textbook titled Veterinary Clinical Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Interventions, First Edition, which Wiley will publish. He is known for improving veterinary medical standards through his clinical education programs and promoting a higher quality of life and healthier habits for pets and people.

When he’s not with family or pet patients, he can be found contemplating solutions for both the veterinary profession and the planet during endurance athletics, meditation, and on his award-winning weekly podcast, the Veterinary Viewfinder, or his regular column, “Opening Shots,” in NAVC’s “Today’s Veterinary Business.”

Ryan Leech returns once again to talk about our 2025 predictions. Ryan Leech is the creator and host of The Bird Bath Podcast, and joins Dr. Andy Roark this time on The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to explore veterinary industry trends and predictions for 2025. They discuss corporate consolidation, AI integration, emerging pet health technologies, and the potential for significant shifts in pet ownership demographics. Ryan shares insights on the future of pet care, including advancements in pain management, diagnostics, and wearable tech. Whether you're curious about industry growth areas or preparing for upcoming challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights for veterinary professionals navigating a rapidly evolving field.

LINKS:

Ryan Leech on LinkedIn: Connect with Ryan

The Bird Bath Podcast: birdbath.io

Business Consulting Services: First100.io

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/on-demand-staff-training/

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course: https://drandyroark.com/charming-the-angry-client/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ryan Leech is an experienced leader with a history of growing businesses through highly scalable sales models. With a background that spans multiple industries, Ryan led sales for startups that raised over $100MM in funding and ran his own sales consulting firm. In his role at Digitail, he is responsible for overseeing collaborations and integrations with industry leaders and innovators to drive digital transformation in veterinary medicine.

In addition to his professional experience as Director of Business Development at Galaxy Vets and Hippo Manager Software, Ryan is also the host of "The Bird Bath" podcast.

Kelsey Beth Carpenter, RVT hosts a lively episode in which we find out what to do when we feel overwhelmed by the problems in our industry. On this episode of The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast, Kelsey Beth Carpenter Dr. Andy Roark to discuss optimism and cynicism in veterinary medicine. They dive into how choosing optimism can positively shape careers, the difference between optimism and toxic positivity, and strategies for navigating negativity in the profession. This episode offers actionable insights for veterinary professionals on maintaining hope, finding balance, and embracing opportunities amidst challenges. Whether you're a vet, technician, practice manager, or part of a veterinary team, this conversation is a refreshing reminder of the good in veterinary medicine and the power of perspective.

LINKS

Dr. Andy Roark Newsletter

Dr. Know It All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Andy Roark is a practicing veterinarian, international speaker, author, and media personality. He is the founder of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference and DrAndyRoark.com. He has been an award-winning columnist for DVM360 and the magazine Today’s Veterinary Business. His social media, website, podcast and YouTube show reach millions of people every month.

Dr. Roark has received the NAVC Practice Management Speaker of the Year Award three times, the WVC Practice Management Educator of the Year Award, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Veterinarian of the Year Award from the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians. His greatest achievement however involves marrying a bad-ass scientist and raising 2 kind and wonderful daughters.

Kelsey Beth Carpenter is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience working in emergency hospitals across California. She currently works as the Social Media Manager for DrAndyRoark.com and a Content Specialist for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference. Some of Kelsey’s passions include the open hospital concept, the power of creativity and humor, the overlap of science and art, and sharing lessons learned from living life with chronic illness. Kelsey is probably most known for two of her favorite hobbies: writing and performing comedic songs about veterinary medicine and acting as a full time stage mom for her Chihuahua mix, Birdie.

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk joins Dr. Andy Roark on The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast to share her journey through burnout, mental health struggles, and recovery as a boarded critical care specialist turned wellness advocate. In this insightful episode, Dr. Holowaychuk discusses the realities of perfectionism, the martyr complex, and the challenges veterinary professionals face in balancing work, identity, and life outside the clinic. Marie opens up about her personal transformation, the pivotal role of boundaries, and strategies to prioritize mental health. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking wellness solutions, or striving for a sustainable veterinary career, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for veterinarians, practice owners, and veterinary teams.

LINKS

Marie's Website: marieholowaychuk.com

Mental Health Hub: revivingvetmed.com

Instagram: @drmarieholowaychuk

LinkedIn: Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Know It All Card Game: https://drandyroark.com/product/dr-know-it-all-card-game/

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk brings a refreshing perspective to veterinary medicine, championing the wellbeing of veterinary teams with warmth and expertise. Based in Calgary, she’s a respected emergency and critical care specialist and a familiar name in the world of veterinary wellness.

Alongside her ER work, Marie is a prolific writer, speaker, and researcher. You might catch her hosting the Reviving Vet Med podcast or sharing insights in her monthly blog and newsletter, all geared towards supporting mental health in the veterinary community.

When she's not at the clinic, Marie is a dedicated yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach. She leads workshops and retreats for vet clinics, sharing practical strategies for staying balanced in a demanding field. Plus, she works behind the scenes on revivingvetmed.com, a go-to resource hub for veterinary professionals seeking support and guidance.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Marie finds joy in spending time with her daughter and beloved Standard Poodle. She stays active with strength training and HIIT, embodying the holistic approach to wellbeing she advocates for in her work.