Ask the Vet

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. This organization is dedicated to supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets, preserving the human-animal bond during challenging times. Tune in as they discuss:What is the mission of PAWS NY?Rachel's inspiration to establish this organizationHow PAWS NY helps New Yorkers having difficulty caring for their pets due to illness, disability, mobility limitations, and finances, among other issuesThe poignant story of a man and his dog that PAWS NY helped for over ten yearsHow individuals, veterinarians, and other organizations can partner with and support PAWS NYWhat does the future look like for PAWS NY?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month about how heroic firefighters saved a dog that fell through ice on a river in OttawaAnimal news, including updates about bird flu and tips for protecting your petPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Monica Murphy, a veterinarian and co-author of "Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals" — a fascinating book that looks at how America’s attitudes toward animals were transformed in the late 19th century. Tune in as they discuss:Why Dr. Murphy found this particular time period intriguingThe effectiveness of Henry Bergh, founder of the ASPCA, in advocating for animalsThe impact the book "Black Beauty" had on animal welfareWhy an outbreak of horse flu in 1872 highlighted the need for veterinary careThe role of veterinarians advocating for animal welfareHow the cruel transport of sea turtles destined for New York dinner tables inspired Henry Bergh to advocate for the welfare of wildlifeWhy PT Barnum was a lightning rod for reformers Does the physical and emotional distance humans have from certain species impact animal welfare?Dr. Murphy's ideas for a new bookAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring the couple who used their wedding fund to rescue and treat a dog who had been injured in a hit-and-runAnimal news, including the discovery in Siberia of a 37,000-year-old saber-toothed kitten with its fur, flesh, and tiny whisker tufts intactPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Scott Weese, a leading expert in veterinary infectious diseases and creator of the must-read Worms & Germs blog. Tune in as they discuss:Insights into the 2023 “mystery” canine respiratory diseaseThe impact of social media and lifestyle trends on the perception of pet healthHow the social network of dogs influences the spread of diseaseThe tragic situations that can arise if pets don’t receive vaccinations on time or at allEmerging challenges and threats that will impact the future of veterinary medicine, including climate change and antibiotic resistanceAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring the raccoons who invited close to 100 guests to a Washington woman’s garden buffetAnimal news, including the contagious smile of dolphinsPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian who provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness through his nonprofit, Project Street Vet. Dr. Stewart was named CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year for his outstanding efforts. Tune in as they discuss:What inspired Dr. Kwane Stewart to become a veterinarianThe origin of Project Street Vet and how the organization has evolvedCommon health problems of dogs living on the streets in CaliforniaThe rewards of doing this workHow being named CNN's Hero of the Year has affected his missionThe diverse ways veterinarians can utilize their professional skills and expertiseWhat are some misconceptions about people experiencing homelessness?How companion animals can be a lifeline to their humansAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring Rainbow, the siamese cat who travelled more than 800 miles in search of his family after going missing in Yellowstone National ParkAnimal news, including a groundbreaking new surgery: the first-ever c-section on a North American porcupinePet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jamie Cohen, LCSW, AMC's new Veterinary Social Worker. Jamie brings more than a decade of experience in supporting trauma survivors and helping individuals and families navigate grief. At AMC, Jamie leads our Pet Loss Support Program and our Caregiver Support Group, offering both practical and emotional support to pet owners facing the loss or illness of their beloved animal companions.Tune in as they discuss:How Jamie came to work at the Schwarzman Animal Medical CenterJamie's biggest adjustment to working at an animal hospitalHelping clients when they are making decisions about treatmentsThe influence of Jamie's dogs on her workHow the Pet Loss Support Programs and Caregiver Support Group at AMC help pet parentsHow the loss of a pet compares to, and differs from, the loss of a humanJamie's suggestions for people coping with the death of an animal companionHow friends and family can support someone who has experienced pet lossAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring Sphen, one half of the famous “gay penguin power couple” at Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, who has died at the age of 11Animal news, including Dr. Hohenhaus' concerns about Fefé, a new perfume designed for dogs by Dolce & GabbanaPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant, animal behavior scientist, and author of the new book Play With Your Cat: The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline.Tune in as they discuss:Dr. Delgado's career path in feline behavior"Catios," and indoor vs. outdoor cat recommendationsCommon feline behavior issues, including litter box avoidance and inter-cat conflictCats' sense of smell and its importance in their social interactionsCats' innate solitary nature and heightened stress responseLitter box best practices: placement, hygiene, and choice of litterThe importance of play in cats' wellbeing and the origins of Dr. Delgado's bookHow play mimics hunting, which is considered a "species-specific natural behavior" for catsPlay in kittens vs. adult catsGuidelines for feline play: make it an interactive hunting experienceDr. Delgado's 5 Golden Rules of PlayAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring a helpless baby bird saved by a warm tortillaAnimal news, including: a miniature poodle saved by NYPD, AMC, and the ASPCA; new research on dogs' response to human emotions; "cocaine sharks" off the coast of FloridaPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Florence L. Dickler, Professor and Author of “For Dog’s Sake,” a heartfelt story about Clea, an adorable dog rescued from a Moroccan village. Clea was also one of Dr. Hohenhaus' oncology patients at AMC. Tune in as they discuss:Why Florence wrote "For Dog's Sake" from the point of view of her dog CleaThe challenges of writing this bookHow Florence balanced information and facts with the emotional aspects of storytellingThe people who contributed to Clea's cancer care and recovery across countriesWhat readers can learn from this bookHow Florence met her new dogAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about Archie the cat who was rescued from a ponderosa pine tree in the Grand Canyon's South RimAnimal news, including the new antiviral drug that treats FIP, a previously fatal disease in catsPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Lisa A. Fortier, DVM, PhD, DACVS, a distinguished clinician, researcher, educator, and equine surgeon. Dr. Fortier is currently the Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Tune in as they discuss:Why Dr. Fortier became a horse specialistThe fake journal problem causing researchers to lose their work, data, and writingDr. Fortier's goals for influencing veterinary medicine through her work as Editor in ChiefThe role of peer-reviewed tutorial videos in how veterinarians learnImproving customer service at journals to better serve authors and readersWhat are good sources of online pet health information?Balancing the amount of articles between speciesThe impact of podcasts and social media in reaching peopleBeing happy with what you're doingAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about the orangutan who healed his wound with medicinal plantsAnimal news, including the longevity of different cat breedsPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Pamela Schwartz, Department Head of Surgery at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, to discuss how the new Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care is transforming patient care. Tune in as they discuss:A "virtual tour" of the new surgical institute at AMCThe cutting-edge technology now employed in the new operating roomsHow the ORs can connect with people around the worldWhy keeping dogs and cats separate helps in their recoveryPlans for clinical research and advances in patient careHow will the surgery service integrate with the new Emergency Room and Intensive Care Units?Ergonomic improvements in the new surgical suitesWhat veterinary innovations are coming next to AMC?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about the pet octopus who laid 50 eggs, transforming a home in Oklahoma into a marine nurseryAnimal news, including the cat who was accidentally shipped in an Amazon box from Utah to CaliforniaPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Maggie O'Haire, a noted researcher in the field of human-animal interactions. Dr. O'Haire's work is paving the way for understanding how service dogs can make a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Tune in as they discuss:How the Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education was namedDr. O'Haire's inspiration to study human-animal interactionsThe ways Dr. O'Haire persisted in studying a relatively new field with few opportunitiesThe difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogsWhat is cortisol and how does it relate to post-traumatic stress disorder?How having a service dog impacted veterans' stress physiology in Dr. O'Haire's studyHow Dr. O'Haire hopes her work will improve health care for veteransThe pros and cons of a national certification or registration body for service animalsDr. O'Haire's next projectIn addition to veterans, who can service dogs help?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about Albert, the "gentle giant" 750 pound alligator seized from a home in New York stateAnimal news, including new research showing that 25% of Labrador Retrievers carry a genetic mutation that predisposes them to obesityPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews three distinguished experts from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Sally Slavinski, Kevin Lovingood, and Caroline Bragdon to talk about the increase of the bacterial disease leptospirosis in dogs. Tune in as they discuss:The increase of leptospirosis cases in NYC dogsWhat causes leptospirosis and what species can contract it?How cases of leptospirosis are diagnosed, counted, and trackedThe health problems leptospirosis causes in dogs and how this disease is treatedThe role rat management, vaccines, and other strategies play in reducing cases of leptospirosisHow access to veterinary care can limit the ability to track leptospirosisThe impact of climate change on the dynamics of this and other diseasesCan humans contract leptospirosis from dogs? Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in February 2023, but sadly passed away after colliding with a buildingAnimal news, including the story of a stingray named Charlotte who mysteriously became pregnantPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews David Brathwaite, Patient Care Manager in AMC's Diagnostic Imaging Service. Tune in as they discuss:What is Diagnostic Imaging?David's 22-year career journey at AMC from Assistant to Patient Care ManagerThe role of a Veterinary AssistantThe imaging machines that David maintainsWhat percentage of AMC patients go to radiology for imaging?How animals are x-rayed with a "hands-free" techniqueInteresting cases and animals that David has seenThe challenges and rewards of David's roleAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about a golden retriever puppy who is Chief Dog Officer on the world's largest cruise shipAnimal news, including the girl whose best friend is a quail hatched from a supermarket eggPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Jonathan Losos, evolutionary biologist and author of The Cat's Meow, How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to your Sofa. Dr. Losos studies the ways humans are transforming cats and how cats in turn are transforming the world around them. Tune in as they discuss:What the ancestor of the domestic cat looked likeHow Dr. Losos became a cat loverDr. Losos' leap from studying lizards to catsWhen were cats first domesticated?How cat mummies are helping determine where cats were domesticatedSurprising things Dr. Losos learned in his studiesThe relationship between saber-tooth cats and domestic catsThe methods Dr. Losos uses to study catsShould cats be allowed outside?What Dr. Losos will be researching nextAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about Ricardo the bull, who was found running on the train tracks in NewarkAnimal news, including the shelter that had all their dogs adopted for the first time in 47 yearsPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews veterinarian Dr. Nigel Swift, Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture and One Health at Dalan Animal Health. Dr. Swift helped in the development of the first vaccine for honey bees, which has received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This vaccine protects bees against a fatal bacterial disease. Tune in as they discuss:Dr. Swift's inspiration to become a veterinarian and work with vaccinesThe fascinating way honey bees are vaccinatedDamaging stressors affecting beesThe bacterial disease this vaccine has been developed to preventThe bees transported around the US to pollinate cropsHow to run studies on wild beesAre there other bee diseases Dr. Swift is working on?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about the rare birth of elephant twinsAnimal news, including the dog who was rescued after two months lost in the mountainsPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jane Kopelman who serves as consultant to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s ‘Caring Canines’ therapy dogs. Jane is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Certified Therapy Dog Team Evaluator for pet partners. Tune in as they discuss:How Jane's interest in therapy dogs beganWhat makes a good therapy dog?How you get a therapy dog used to the hospital environmentThe importance of the therapy dog's handlerWhere else can therapy dogs work besides hospitalsWhy therapy dogs are so meaningful for peopleCan therapy dogs get stressed?How to participate in the Caring Canines programAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about the journey of a panda family from Washington D.C. to ChinaAnimal news, including Golden Retriever Stella's incredible survival in the Alaskan wildernessPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Watch our discussion The Cat's Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa with Dr. Jonathan B. Losos.Watch Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats with Dr. Elizabeth Appleman.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's Chief Veterinary Technician, Nancy Patsos. With 20+ years of experience at AMC, Nancy plays an important role in managing the Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) workforce and related patient care services. She ensures compliance with patient safety standards and fosters the professional development of LVTs. Tune in as they discuss: What led to Nancy's career as a Veterinary TechnicianOne of Nancy's most memorable patient cases at AMCWhy Nancy has stayed at AMC for over two decadesWhat is a Veterinary Technician?The ways LVTs can advance their career and how AMC is creating more career ladders for techniciansAMC's first Vet Tech ConferenceAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about a black bear who decides to hang out on a catamaranAnimal news, including a stray dog rescued by crocodilesPet Health Listener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Judith Harbour, Veterinary Social Worker at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Judith provides support and counseling to AMC staff and veterinary clients. She also facilitates AMC's Pet Loss Support Group. Listen as they discuss:What people commonly experience when they lose a beloved petAdvice for people coping with the loss of a petSecondary loss and how it contributes to griefWhy pet loss groups are helpfulJudith's role in supporting the wellbeing of veterinary staffWays people can celebrate and honor the life of their petDr. Hohenhaus also interviews Sara Bader, author of The Book of Pet Love and Loss: Words of Comfort & Wisdom from Remarkable People. Tune in to hear: What inspired Sara to write a book about pet lossHow Sara found the quotes for her bookSara's favorite quote about pet love and lossWhat Sara learned from writing her bookDoes Sara have a new cat?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about what made a baby giraffe very uniqueAnimal news, including how stray dog Scout escaped a shelter to become a medical care nursing home residentListener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's new President and CEO, Helen M. Irving, RN, MBA. Tune in as they discuss: The furry members of the Irving householdHow a nurse from London, England became AMC's President and CEOLessons from human healthcare that Helen is now applying to leading a veterinary hospitalDifferences between human and veterinary hospitalsExciting and surprising things about AMCHow Helen describes AMC to her friendsAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about the the gathering of hundreds of Golden Retrievers in ScotlandAnimal news, including Rufus, the trained Harris hawk, who ensures the Wimbledon tennis courts are kept clear of pigeonsListener Q&A Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Catherine Ruggiero, a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, and Manager of Scientific Communications at Hills Pet Nutrition. Tune in as they discuss: Why Dr. Ruggiero wanted to become a veterinarian and focus on nutritionTips on what to feed your petReliable sources for pet food nutrition informationCommon problems with homemade diets for petsWhat terms like "natural" and "limited ingredients" mean on pet food labelsWhy it's good to keep the original pet food packaging you purchasedThe Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and their role in the pet food industryWays to help keep your dog or cat at the right weightAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story about how a cement barrier couldn't keep rescue dogs Brenda and Linda apartAnimal news, including the bond between a scuba diver and a small mouth bassListener Q&A Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with her colleague, Dr. Kelly Muller, intern and future resident at AMC. Veterinary interns are fully-licensed veterinarians who have chosen to complete advanced training, often in preparation for a residency and board certification. Listen as they discuss:When Dr. Muller knew she wanted to become a veterinarianHow Dr. Muller’s internship year is helping her become a specialist in neurologyWhat makes an internship at AMC especially valuableDr. Muller’s goals for her upcoming residencyWhat Dr. Muller would like listeners to know about veterinary internshipsDr. Hohenhaus also interviews Anne and Andrew Zeneski, volunteers with Pilots N Paws, a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to transporting rescue pets to their forever homes. Tune in to hear: How Pilots N Paws helps rescue animals Where dogs commonly fly to and from Why student pilots make great volunteers How Pilots N Paws connects with animals in need Anne’s in-flight role Spreading the word about Pilots N Paws Also on this month's show: Viral trending animals, including how Oddball and his human, Swampy Marsh, helped save Little Penguins in Australia’s Middle IslandAnimal news, including the rescue animals who had their own shining moment at the Met Gala, and the birth of a pair of the world’s rarest pigletsListener Q&A Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!