The WSAVA Podcast

Ageing Is Modifiable – and Nutrition Plays a Role!

This special stand-alone episode is supported by Royal Canin and is independent of the regular Nutrition Series. What if we could modify or even slow down the ageing process itself, shifting the veterinary conversation from managing inevitable decline to expanding a pet's vibrant health span? In this special stand-alone episode, host Dr Peter Higgins sits down with veterinary specialist physician and Royal Canin feline health specialist Dr Tanya Schoeman to unpack the rapidly evolving science of pet gerontology and proactive clinical care. First, Tanya discusses shifting the clinical narrative to early intervention, highlighting a famous long-term canine study on body weight and the critical value of building baseline health databases long before outward signs of decline appear. Then, she looks closely at our feline friends, revealing how subtle behavioural shifts mask pain or cognitive decline, sharing startling insights from a massive global pet owner survey, and offering actionable strategies to guide clients as a major wave of "pandemic pets" enters middle age and how to keep them in their prime. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines Royal Canin Academy Digital Library - Portal for downloading the Healthy Ageing Conversations Guide for veterinary practitioners. JAVMA Landmark Paper: "Aging is Modifiable" – The highly discussed geroscience study co-authored by Dr. Tanya Schoeman establishing the clinical paradigm shift toward "health span" modification. The Dog Aging Project – The massive citizen science research initiative tracking canine aging biology as a comparative model for human gerontology. Feline Osteoarthritis Nutritional Study – The clinical trial mentioned by Tanya proving the efficacy of an Omega-3, curcumin, and hydrolysed collagen-enriched diet compared to standard medical management for cats with joint disease. AAFCO – The official regulatory resource setting animal feed and pet food nutritional standards for growth, reproduction, and adult life stages. Contributors Peter Higgins BVSc, MBA, Dip Ed (tert), MRCVS, FAICD, FLS: Episode Interviewer; Veterinary Surgeon, former clinician at the School of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney, and Chair of the WSAVA Nutrition Committee. LinkedIn | ResearchGate Dr Tanya Schoeman, BVSc(Hons) MMedVet(Med) DECVIM-CA: Specialist Veterinary Physician and Royal Canin Pet and Product Science Specialist LinkedIn | Orchid This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Common Client Diet Conundrums

How can you help clients understand what is actually inside a pet food bag and safely manage home-cooked diets? Interviewer Shalom Phiri brings together Peter Higgins and Inês Carvalho to solve everyday feeding dilemmas. First, Peter Higgins explains how to decode commercial pet food labels, discussing macronutrient quality, species-specific amino and fatty acid requirements, and how to look past product moisture to calculate true dry matter protein. Then, Inês Carvalho focuses on home cooking, discussing how to spot recipe changes over time through open questioning, and explaining a simple 90/10 rule that lets busy owners cook safely for bonding. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines WSAVA Product Evaluation Questions Guide – Practical screening recommendations mentioned for helping veterinary teams and owners analyse commercial food transparency. Balance It Software – Tools for managing home-cooked formulations. ACVIM Nutrition Directory – Board-certified specialist directory mentioned for obtaining professional nutrition consultations. Contributors Shalom Phiri, BVM: Episode Interviewer; Owner and Clinician at Luderitz Veterinary Clinic, and WSAVA Education Committee member. (LinkedIn | Instagram) Peter Higgins, BVSc, MBA, Dip Ed (tert), MRCVS, FAICD, FLS: Veterinary Surgeon, former clinician at the School of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney and Chair of the WSAVA Nutrition Committee. (LinkedIn | ResearchGate) Inês Carvalho, DVM, MSc: General Practitioner Veterinarian based in Portugal with advanced training in small animal clinical nutrition and WSAVA Nutrition Committee member. (LinkedIn | Instagram) This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Supporting Clients To Navigate Nutrition

How can veterinary teams talk to clients about online pet food trends and treats without making them feel judged? Interviewer Mohana Marathe leads a detailed discussion with Cat Henstridge and Rachel Lumbis to help clinics take back control of the food conversation. First, Cat Henstridge explores how social media algorithms play on owner guilt, explaining how fear-based online advertisements can dangerously delay sick animals from getting proper veterinary care. Then, Rachel Lumbis focuses on treats and snacks, detailing how to comfortably ask for permission to discuss food, limit extra calories to a strict 10% limit, and use specific goals to handle learned begging. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) – Report an Ad – The official portal mentioned for flagging and reporting misleading or non-compliant commercial pet food marketing campaigns in the UK Contributors Mohana Marathe, BVSc & AH: Episode Interviewer, Recent graduate, member of the WSAVA Education Committee, and former Cornell University Veterinary Investigator Leadership Program participant. (LinkedIn) Cat Henstridge, BVSc, MRCVS: First-opinion small animal Veterinary Surgeon, prominent clinical commentator on social media and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook) Rachel Lumbis MSc, BSc (Hons), PGCert (MedEd), CertSAN, RVN, FHEA: Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Glasgow, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (ORCID) This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Treats and Obesity

How can your entire veterinary team work together to treat pet obesity and prevent weight problems early in life? Interviewer Ernie Ward speaks with Rachel Lumbis and Georgia Woods-Lee about launching a successful, clinic-wide weight program. First, Rachel Lumbis shares how to make nutrition the fifth vital assessment in every consultation, train staff on common scenarios, and empower veterinary nurses to lead independent conversations. Then, Georgia Woods-Lee tackles the medical side of weight management, explaining why cutting regular food portions risks serious nutrient deficiencies, and how tracking evidence-based growth charts stops obesity early. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines Association for Pet Obesity Prevention – Educational data, toolkits, and clinical research dedicated to pet weight management. Waltham Puppy and Kitten Growth Charts – Free, evidence-based clinical tracking tools to monitor healthy growth patterns. Contributors Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT: Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and the World Pet Obesity Association. (Website | LinkedIn | Instagram) Rachel Lumbis MSc, BSc (Hons), PGCert (MedEd), CertSAN, RVN, FHEA: Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Glasgow, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (ORCID) Georgia Woods-Lee BSc(Hons), RVN, CertCFVHNut, VTS (Nutrition): Clinical Lead for the Obesity Care Clinic at the University of Liverpool. (LinkedIn | Instagram) This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Dermatology and the Impact of Nutrition

How much does diet truly affect chronic skin issues, and how do you run a successful food trial for an allergic pet? Interviewer Cat Henstridge sits down with veterinary dermatologists Galia Sheinberg and Meagan Painter to separate science from online myths. First, Galia Sheinberg explains that only 30% of allergic dogs react to food, notes how popular home diets can cause rare zinc and vitamin deficiencies, and looks at the limited evidence for probiotics. Then, Meagan Painter dives into atopic dermatitis management, detailing how to use prescription hydrolysed diets as strict diagnostic tools while easing owner financial and caregiving fatigue. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines AAHA Allergic Skin Diseases Guidelines – Modern, evidence-based consensus roadmap for diagnosing and managing canine atopy and allergy exclusions. Probiotics Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis – Scientific evidence evaluating the limited efficacy of probiotic strains as adjuvants for canine atopy. Contributors Cat Henstridge, BVSc, MRCVS: Episode Interviewer; First-opinion small animal Veterinary Surgeon, prominent clinical commentator on social media and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook) Galia Sheinberg, MVZ, ESP. DLACVD: Veterinary Dermatology Specialist; Director and Owner of Dermatología Especializada CVM and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (Website) Meagan Painter, DVM, DACVD: Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist and creator of The Allergic Dog™ (Website) This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Nutrition for Chronic Disease

What is the best way to use nutrition when treating pets with long-term conditions like diabetes and kidney disease? Interviewer Peter Higgins speaks with Scott Campbell and Lisa Weeth to provide a clear guide to managing these complex conditions. First, Scott Campbell focuses on stabilising diabetic pets, explaining why matching identical food portions and insulin timing is vital for dogs, and why cats require strict low-carbohydrate plans to recover. Then, Lisa Weeth looks at chronic kidney disease, explaining how to manage different stages by evaluating protein quality and showing why controlling dietary phosphorus is the true key to slowing down kidney damage. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines IRIS Kidney Guidelines – Official international guidelines for staging and managing kidney disease in dogs and cats. Contributors Peter Higgins BVSc, MBA, Dip Ed (tert), MRCVS, FAICD, FLS: Episode Interviewer; Veterinary Surgeon, former clinician at the School of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (LinkedIn | ResearchGate) Scott Campbell, BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS (Small Animal Medicine), DACVIM (Nutrition): Director and Small Animal Veterinarian at Ipswich Veterinary Group, Queensland, and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. Lisa Weeth, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition): Clinical Nutritionist with Weeth Nutrition Services and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. (Website) This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Supporting Clients Feeding Non-Traditional Diets

How can veterinary teams handle the global rise of raw and homemade diets while keeping client trust intact? In the first episode of our series on nutrition, interviewer Gregg Takashima talks with Marge Chandler and Grace Lin to look closely at non-traditional feeding trends. First, Marge Chandler discusses raw food facts, explaining why a dog's starch metabolism differs from a wolf's, and how unbalanced raw meals can cause weak bones, pathogen shedding, and antibiotic resistance. Then, Grace Lin looks at homemade diets, highlighting the hidden dangers of using artificial intelligence to write recipes for sick pets and offering practical ways to assess indoor pets while communicating kindly with anxious owners. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines Balance It Formulation Service – Software mentioned for designing safe homemade recipes. University of Illinois Digestibility Study – Research mentioned regarding raw food nutrient digestibility variances. University of Liverpool Research – Study tracking antibiotic-resistant E. coli in the faeces of raw-fed pets. UK Raw Pet Food Contamination Survey – Government study tracking microbiological risks and leaky packaging in retail raw food. Contributors Gregg K. Takashima, DVM: Episode Interviewer; CEO of GKT Enterprises and retired Small Companion Animal Practitioner. (LinkedIn) Marge Chandler, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Small Animal Internal Medicine and Nutrition), MANZCVS, MRCVS: Independent Consultant in Small Animal Nutrition and Internal Medicine at Chandler Veterinary Nutrition and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. Grace (Hsiu Chia) Lin, BVSc: Founder and Veterinary Director of AVC Veterinary Hospital (Shanghai, China), and WSAVA Nutrition Committee Member. This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Treatment Strategies for Advanced Procedures

In the final episode of the WSAVA Podcast season produced with the WSAVA Dental Committee, interviewer Jon Tam speaks with two experts about advanced treatment strategies for managing complex dental disease in companion animals. First, Kevin Ng discusses periodontal and endodontic disease, focusing on why these conditions are so common and often underdiagnosed. He explores how dental disease progresses, the factors that influence whether teeth can be saved, and the role of thorough assessment and imaging in guiding treatment decisions. Kevin also reflects on how clinicians balance tooth preservation with extraction, taking into account patient health, owner expectations, and long-term outcomes. In the second conversation, Cedric Tutt examines prosthodontics and dental implants in veterinary patients. He outlines where restorative procedures such as crowns may be appropriate, and discusses the ethical and practical considerations surrounding dental implants. Cedric emphasises the importance of careful case selection, advanced diagnostics, and aligning treatment choices with animal welfare. Together, these conversations close the series by exploring how advanced dental procedures fit into modern veterinary practice, highlighting the need to balance technical possibilities with responsible, patient-centred care. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Contributors Kevin Ng, BSc BVMS MANZCVS DAVDC DEVDC – LinkedIn Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate Jonathan Tam, BVSc(Massey), MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery) - Instagram | Instagram Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Diagnostics That Transform Dentistry 

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Izzie Tsai speaks with two experienced clinicians about why accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective dental care, and how much disease can be missed when diagnostics are underused. First, Ana Nemec discusses the role of dental radiography in everyday practice. She explains why visual examination alone can underestimate pathology, and reflects on the importance of image quality, technique, and appropriate case selection when incorporating radiographs into clinical decision-making. In the second conversation, Jan Bellows focuses on early detection and routine oral examination. He explores why dental disease is frequently overlooked, the value of consistently examining the oral cavity, and how simple diagnostic tools can improve communication and patient outcomes. Together, these conversations reinforce a clear message: careful examination and appropriate imaging are central to responsible, evidence-based dental care. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources Evaluation of extraction sites for evidence of retained tooth roots and periapical pathology Contributors Ana Nemec, DVM, PhD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC, Assist. prof. – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP (Canine & Feline Practice) Izzie Yi-Chin Tsai, DVM, MVM – Facebook | Blog | Instagram This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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The Technician/Nurse: Improve Your Practice Dentistry

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, the focus turns to the vital role of veterinary nurses and technicians in strengthening dental care in everyday practice. Two conversations explore how the wider veterinary team can improve outcomes through better instrumentation, workflow, client communication, and home care support. First, Maggie Burley speaks with Mary Berg about building a practical dental toolkit and using instruments safely and effectively. Mary highlights core tools for periodontal assessment and cleaning, including probing, subgingival instrumentation, and the importance of visibility. She also discusses sterilisation, sharpening, and instrument care, emphasising that consistent standards and good ergonomics support both patient safety and long-term team performance. In the second conversation, Marcela Perez-de-Tudela is joined by Stephanie Johnson to discuss how technicians can help clients succeed with dental home care. Stephanie shares step-by-step strategies for introducing toothbrushing, keeping experiences positive, and recognising early warning signs that warrant veterinary assessment. She also discusses how to guide owners toward validated dental products and why regular oral exams, imaging, and tailored plans remain important even when home care is excellent. Together, these conversations highlight how strong dental programmes are built by the whole team, combining practical skills in-clinic with effective support for owners at home. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Contributors Mary L Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dent) – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Maggie Burley, RVN, Dip VN (Dental), VTS (Dentistry), TAE - LinkedIn | Instagram Stephanie Johnson, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), (Dentistry) – TikTok Marcela Perez-de-Tudela MV, MSc - LinkedIn | Instagram Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Paediatric and Senior Pet Dentistry

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Cedric Tutt explores dental care at both ends of a patient’s life, from early intervention in puppies to the challenges and opportunities of dentistry in senior pets. First, John Lewis discusses paediatric dental problems that benefit from early action, including fractured deciduous teeth and persistent deciduous teeth. He explains why fractured deciduous teeth can matter even when puppies appear comfortable, and why infection risk and impact on developing adult teeth should not be underestimated. Later in the episode, Heidi Lobprise turns to dentistry in older cats and dogs. She discusses why age alone should not rule out dental treatment, and how careful assessment, monitoring, and planning can reduce anaesthetic risk while improving quality of life. She also explores common senior presentations, including severe periodontal disease, chronic oral inflammation, and conditions such as “rubber jaw,” as well as the importance of home care across the lifespan. Together, these conversations highlight how dental decision-making changes with age, and why proactive care can make a meaningful difference in both young and senior patients. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources A removable orthodontic device for the treatment of lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth in young dogs (Verhaert, 1999) Contributors John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, FF-OMFS – LinkedIn Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC – LinkedIn Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Anaesthesia and Analgesia

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Gottfried Morgenegg-Wegmüller speaks with two experts about what safe, effective dentistry really requires, and why pain management cannot be an afterthought. First, Dr Brook A. Niemiec unpacks why “anaesthesia-free dentistry” is not dentistry at all. He explains what gets missed when you cannot probe, scale subgingivally, or take diagnostic dental radiographs, and why cosmetic cleaning can create a false sense of security while disease, pain, and infection continue beneath the gumline. In the second conversation, Dr Eva Eberspächer-Schweda focuses on practical approaches to safe anaesthesia and analgesia in dental patients. She explores how preparation, monitoring, and thoughtful pain control support better outcomes, and how teams can speak with confidence about risk, welfare, and the benefits of appropriate dental care. Together, these conversations reinforce a simple principle: good dentistry depends on good anaesthesia. With the right protocols and communication, veterinary teams can protect patient welfare while delivering the care that dental disease demands. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources Evaluating the validity and reliability of a visual dental scale for detection of periodontal disease in non-anesthetized dogs Anesthesia-free dentistry does not provide any demonstrable medical benefit for the control of periodontal disease in dogs Contributors Dr Brook A. Niemiec DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC – Website | Instagram | VDS Pets PD Dr. Eva Eberspächer-Schweda, FTA, Dipl. ACVAA – LinkedIn | Website | Instagram Gottfried Morgenegg-Wegmüller – Website Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Oral and Systemic Health

In the opening episode of the second series of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer David Clarke speaks with two expert clinicians about the links between oral health, systemic disease, and animal welfare in companion animals. Dr Maria Soltero-Rivera discusses how oral disease in dogs and cats is rarely limited to the mouth alone. She explores how oral lesions may be associated with a wide range of systemic conditions, and why careful oral examination and pattern recognition are essential parts of medical assessment. Dr Soltero-Rivera also reflects on the need to view dentistry as part of core medicine rather than an isolated procedure. Later in the episode, Dr Jen Mathis, focuses on oral pain and its impact on welfare. She examines why dental pain is often missed in clinical practice, how it can influence behaviour and quality of life, and the implications of delayed treatment. Dr Mathis also highlights the role of effective anaesthesia and analgesia in supporting patient welfare during dental care. Together, these conversations introduce key themes for the series and set the stage for a deeper exploration of veterinary dentistry across the full spectrum of care. Resources & Links WSAVA Global Dental Committee WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines WSAVA Educational Resources Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs Periodontal disease burden and pathological changes in organs of dogs Association of periodontal disease with systemic health indices in dogs and the systemic response to treatment of periodontal disease FECAVA factsheet : Oral health and systemic disease in companion animals Contributors Dr Maria Soltero-Rivera, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC – LinkedIn Dr Jen Mathis, DVM – LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | ResearchGate | ORCID David Clarke BVSc, DAVDC, DAVDC-ZWD, FAVD, MANZCVS, Cert IV TA – LinkedIn Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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From Genes to Traits

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Becky Murphy speaks with Dr Dan O’Neill about the evolving relationship between genetics, breed, and canine welfare, followed by Yaiza Gómez-Mejías in conversation with Dr Petra Černá on the importance of phenotypic screening in feline health. Together, these discussions explore how the traits we value today will determine the wellbeing of companion animals tomorrow. Dr Dan O’Neill begins by challenging how we define “breed” itself. Drawing on his work as Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, he traces the modern concept of breed to its human origins in the late 19th century - a time when social prestige, aesthetics, and competition overtook biology. He explains how this cultural construction has shaped today’s diversity of dogs, often fixing harmful mutations and extreme conformations into the gene pool. Yet, he argues, because breed is a human invention, it can also be reinvented to prioritise health. In conversation with Becky Murphy, Dr O’Neill explores the difference between inherited and conformational disease, ultimately suggesting that the distinction may be artificial - all disease has an inherited component, whether behavioural, physical, or environmental. He calls on veterinarians to act as educators and advocates, engaging owners in honest and empathic dialogue about the health consequences of extreme conformation. He highlights the need for long-term cultural change, beginning with small, positive shifts: promoting healthy breeds on clinic social media, modelling good choices through the dogs veterinarians own themselves, and using non-judgmental language to encourage understanding rather than defensiveness. Turning from dogs to cats, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías and Dr Petra Černá discuss the challenges of phenotypic screening in feline practice. Dr Černá explains that while genetic tests are expanding, many inherited disorders in cats still require clinical screening through radiographs, echocardiography, and careful physical evaluation. She emphasises the importance of accessible, high-quality testing and the role of general practitioners in guiding breeders toward responsible decisions even when definitive genetic information is lacking. From hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to hip dysplasia, she underlines that phenotypic screening - despite its limitations - is vital to improving welfare, reducing hereditary disease, and supporting the ethical stewardship of breeding lines. Throughout the episode, both conversations reinforce the veterinarian’s unique position as a bridge between science, ethics, and the public. Whether discussing the reshaping of dog breeds or the evaluation of feline health, the message is clear: advancing welfare requires empathy, evidence, and the courage to rethink what we value in the animals who share our lives. Resources & Links • WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee • WSAVA Educational Resources • Royal Veterinary College – Companion Animal Epidemiology • OFA – Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals • PawPeds – International Cat Health Database Contributors Dr Becky Murphy – Companion-animal veterinarian, governance leader, and business owner with a focus on genetics, theriogenology, and welfare-led breeding. President of the NZVA Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV), member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, and representative to the Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) Board. Founder and Director of TCI GlenBred, delivering evidence-based reproductive and genetic-health services to support responsible breeding. Dr Dan O’Neill MVB BSc (Hons) GPCert(SAP) GPCert(FelP) GPCert(Derm) GPCert(B&PS) PGCertVetEd FHEA MSc (VetEpi) PhD FRCVS – Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology, Royal Veterinary College. Profile Yaiza Gómez-Mejías MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) – Veterinary Community Co-ordinator, International Cat Care Veterinary Society. LinkedIn | X Dr Petra Černá PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), Dipl. ECVIM-CA, MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), CertAVP (SAM-F), MRCVS, AFHEA, AdvCertFB – Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist, Colorado State University. LinkedIn | Instagram Click here to read the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Ethical Dilemmas of Treating Patients with Extreme Conformation

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, Dr Ernie Ward speaks with Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs and Dr Becky Murphy about the welfare, ethical, and clinical challenges created by extreme conformation in companion animals. Together, they examine how veterinarians can support individual patients while influencing the wider culture of responsible breeding. Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs begins by exploring the growing burden of hereditary orthopaedic disease in cats - from hip dysplasia in Maine Coons to osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Folds and limb deformities emerging in designer crosses. She explains how pattern recognition, radiographic screening, and genetic testing can help differentiate inherited from acquired conditions. Drawing parallels with canine orthopaedics, she stresses the need for clearer breed standards, better breeder engagement, and open conversations about neutering and quality of life - particularly for brachycephalic breeds such as the Persian, where respiratory and ocular disease are now widespread. Dr Becky Murphy then shifts focus to dogs, describing how clinicians can ethically navigate breeding requests involving extreme conformation. She outlines the value of objective testing, including the Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for brachycephalic dogs, and how to use both DNA and phenotypic screening data to guide breeding decisions. She discusses the practical differences between preservation and indiscriminate breeders, emphasises collaborative but firm communication, and advocates for a global shift toward prevention-focused, positive messaging that rewards function over form. Together, these conversations call for veterinarians to act as both clinicians and advocates - treating the individual while championing healthier standards for the next generation. Resources & Links WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee WSAVA Educational Resources PawPeds - Breed Specific International Cat Care - Persian Cats and Brachycephaly The Kennel Club (UK) – Health Testing & Screening Guidance Cambridge BOAS Respiratory Function Grading Scheme Contributors Dr Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT – Veterinarian, author, speaker and media personality; Co-founder & Chief Veterinary Officer, VerticalVet; Chair of the WSAVA Strategic Advisory Committee; Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA). LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Website Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs – Professor of Feline Orthopaedics, Bristol Veterinary School; clinician and researcher specialising in feline musculoskeletal disease; co-editor of textbooks on feline orthopaedic and surgical disease; international speaker and educator. LinkedIn | ORCID Dr Becky Murphy – Companion-animal veterinarian, governance leader and business owner specialising in genetics, theriogenology and welfare-led breeding. President of the NZVA Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV); member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee; founder and director of TCI GlenBred; former Dogs NZ Canine Health & Welfare Officer. Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Inherited Aspects of Common Diseases

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Wolfgang Dohne brings us two in-depth conversations that reveal how hidden genetic factors shape common clinical problems in cats and dogs. He first speaks with veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Ursula Dietrich, who explores the genetic and conformational influences behind feline ocular disease. Later, he is joined by veterinary dermatologist Dr. Patrick Hensel to discuss hereditary contributions to canine atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. Dr. Ursula Dietrich shares her expertise on the challenges posed by brachycephalic cat breeds, where exaggerated conformation can lead to chronic corneal ulcerations, impaired tear film quality, and painful conditions such as corneal sequestrum and entropion. She highlights how some ocular diseases, once considered rare, are now emerging in clusters within popular breeds, including Maine Coons. Dr. Dietrich explains how responsible breeding practices and vigilant clinical monitoring can help reduce suffering, while also reflecting on genetic retinal degenerations and cataracts where tests now exist—or are under development—to guide breeding choices and early diagnosis. In the second half, Dr. Patrick Hensel turns the spotlight to canine skin disease, particularly atopic dermatitis. Drawing from decades of clinical and research experience, he explains the multifactorial genetic and environmental interactions that drive allergic skin disease in dogs. From skin barrier defects to immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, Dr. Hensel outlines the pathophysiology that makes management so complex. He also provides a practical framework for diagnosis and treatment, stressing the importance of ruling out parasites and infections, conducting elimination diets, and integrating modern therapeutics with immunotherapy for long-term control. He discusses breed predispositions, the lack of definitive genetic tests, and the ongoing international research efforts to establish biomarkers that may one day guide breeding and therapy. Together, these conversations underscore the responsibility veterinarians share in recognising genetic patterns, guiding breeders, and supporting clients with realistic advice on lifelong management. By examining the genetic backdrop of both ocular and dermatological disease, this episode encourages practitioners to think more critically about hereditary influences in everyday cases. Resources & Links WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee WSAVA Educational Resources The London Cat Clinic – Feline Ophthalmology Services Tierdermatologie Basel International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA) Contributors: Wolfgang Dohne DrMedVet MRCVS — Former President of FECAVA, international veterinary educator, and author of Blue Vet Diary Dr. Ursula Dietrich Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ACVO, Dipl. ECVO, MRCVS, FHEA — Independent Consultant in Veterinary Ophthalmology The London Cat Clinic Dr. Patrick Hensel Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ECVD, Dipl. ACVD — Veterinary Dermatologist and Founder, Tierdermatologie Basel LinkedIn Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Creating Healthy Dog and Cat Breeds

What does it really mean to create healthy dog and cat breeds in the 21st century? In this episode, host Yaiza Gomez Mejias speaks with two leading voices working at the frontlines of breeding, welfare, and behaviour: Helle Friis Proschowsky, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, and Lucy Hoile, feline behaviourist and author. Together, they explore the challenges of pedigree breeding, hybrid cats, and the shifting role of veterinarians in shaping the future of animal welfare. Helle Friis Proschowsky opens the discussion with insights from her recent horizon topic paper “A new future for dog breeding”, co-authored with international colleagues including Dan O’Neill, James Serpell, and Brenda Bonnett. She explains how modern dog breeding practices evolved, the problems of exaggerated conformation and inherited disease, and how Denmark’s newly implemented legislation seeks to raise health standards across all breeders—not just kennel clubs or commercial operations. Proschowsky emphasises the need for veterinarians to become confident breeding counsellors, with continuing education in genetics and welfare assessment, while also acknowledging the importance of sensitive communication with breeders. In the second half, Lucy Hoile brings the conversation into the world of cats—particularly hybrid breeds such as Bengals and Savannahs. Drawing on her work as a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, she highlights the ethical concerns around early-generation hybrid breeding, including the welfare of domestic cats paired with wild species. Lucy describes the behavioural challenges hybrids may pose in the home—from territorial aggression to chronic stress—and outlines how physical and social environments must be adapted if these cats are to thrive. She argues that hybrids demand dedicated, knowledgeable guardianship and raises the question of whether such breeding should continue at all. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a powerful call: breeding choices carry profound welfare implications, and veterinary professionals, policymakers, and owners alike share responsibility for ensuring the next generations of dogs and cats live healthier, happier lives. Resources & Links WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee WSAVA Educational Resources Proschowsky HF, Arendt ML, Bonnett BN, Bruun CS, Czycholl I, Fredholm M, O’Neill D, Serpell JA, Sandøe P (2025). A new future for dog breeding. Animal Welfare 34: e1. Read the paper BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) functional testing – University of Cambridge International Cat Care – behaviour and choosing the right cat Contributors: Yaiza Gomez Mejias MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) — Veterinary Community Co-ordinator, International Cat Care Veterinary Society LinkedIn | X Helle Friis Proschowsky DVM, PhD — Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen; Member, WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee LinkedIn | ORCID Lucy Hoile MSc CCAB — Feline Behaviourist; Author of The Book Your Cat Wishes You Would Read Website | LinkedIn | X | Instagram Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Genetic Testing for the Practicing Veterinarian

In this episode, host Dr Julian Hoad BSc(Hons) BVetMed Hon MBVNA MRCVS, President of the BSAVA, interviews two leading voices in veterinary genetics to explore what genetic testing means for everyday practice. Dr Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, Gilbreath McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine at the University of Missouri, has identified over 40 inherited DNA variants in cats and published more than 200 peer-reviewed studies. A long-standing leader in feline genetics, she discusses the role of genetic testing in both pedigree and non-pedigree cats, the importance of wellness-related variants such as blood type and coagulation factors, and the potential of whole-genome sequencing to bring precision medicine into the consulting room. Later, Dr Catherine Mellersh, Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and Head of the Canine Genetics Centre, shares her pioneering work in canine inherited diseases. With a research career spanning three decades and multiple international awards, she explains how DNA testing is helping breeders make informed decisions, the realities of complex conditions such as hip dysplasia, and the responsibilities of both breeders and puppy buyers in reducing inherited disease. This episode brings genetics into the real world of general practice, offering clear insights into when and how testing can guide clinicians, breeders, and owners alike. Resources & Links: Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) – Led by Dr Catherine Mellersh, developing DNA tests to improve the health and welfare of future generations of dogs. Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT) – The commercial arm of the CGC, offering a wide range of tests, with all profits reinvested in research. University of Missouri – Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Lab – Dr Leslie Lyons’ lab, providing detailed information on breed-related genetic tests. OMIA – Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals – Comprehensive catalogue of inherited disorders and genes in animals. PawPeds – Information resource for feline genetics, breeding, and health. DogWellNet – International Partnership for Dogs knowledge base. Guest & Host Profiles: Dr Leslie A. Lyons – ORCID Dr Catherine Mellersh – Canine Genetics Centre Dr Julian Hoad – LinkedIn Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Genetic Testing in Small Animal Medicine

In this opening episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Dr Petra Černá speaks with two internationally recognised experts about how genetic testing is reshaping small animal practice. Dr Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Adjunct Professor of Clinical Genetics at Tufts University and Chair of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, explains the different types of genetic tests, from direct DNA to marker-based approaches. He highlights examples of dominant and recessive traits in cats and dogs, and shares practical advice on how veterinarians can responsibly interpret results in practice. Later in the episode, Dr Joshua A. Stern, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology), Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at NC State CVM, explores hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. He discusses the value and limitations of current genetic testing in breeds such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, introduces promising therapies including rapamycin, and reflects on the rapid progress in feline genetics. Together, these conversations provide practical insights for veterinarians seeking to use genetic tools more effectively in clinical decision-making. Resources & Links: WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee WSAVA Educational Resources DogWellNet PawPeds Genetic Testing: Practical Dos and Don’ts for Cats (JFMS) University of Missouri Feline Genetics Langford Vets Cat Genetic Testing Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals UFAW: Welfare and Inherited Disorders in Cats Guest & Host Profiles: Dr Jerold S. Bell, DVM – ResearchGate Dr Petra Černá – LinkedIn | Instagram Dr Joshua Stern – LinkedIn | Stern Lab | Twitter | Instagram Click here for the full transcript This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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Coming Soon: The WSAVA Podcast

Veterinary medicine is more than a profession, it’s a global story. On the WSAVA Podcast, you’ll hear veterinarians from across the world share their experiences, insights, and solutions in animal health. Our first series, created with the Hereditary Disease Committee, explores hereditary disease in dogs and cats - from understanding complex genetic conditions to creating healthier breeds for the future. Make sure to follow and subscribe in your favourite podcast player app to get notified when new episodes drop. These are conversations for every veterinary professional - transforming care, one episode at a time.