The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast

Latest Episodes:

318 - Lessons Learned Teaching Vets Dentistry Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Donnell Hanson joins The Cone of Shame Podcast to share her passion for helping veterinarians overcome their fear of dentistry through her unique training center, The Four Legged Tooth Fairy. In this episode, Dr. Hanson and Dr. Andy Roark explore why dentistry can be such a source of stress for veterinarians, the most common roadblocks that hold doctors back, and how a hands-on, supportive approach can transform anxiety into confidence. They discuss the role of mentorship, repetition, and small group learning in making dentistry feel more like "arts and crafts" than a high-stakes procedure. Whether you're a seasoned vet looking to refine your skills or someone who dreads dental cases, this episode offers insights into the power of training, mindset, and learning in a judgment-free environment. Tune in for a refreshing take on veterinary education and personal growth!

Four Legged Tooth Fairy

https://fourleggedtoothfairy.com/

Dr. Donnell Hansen, a Minnesota native, and a small group of friends joined together to form the Moxie Center (which was the first hospital to be now known as BluePearl) in Minnesota’s twin cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. Although her daily life is spent in specialty care, in 2011, her and her husband, also a veterinarian, opened Rice Creek Animal Hospital which provides a little balance and perspective about life in family practice. In 2019, Donnell developed Four Legged Tooth Fairy, an interactive small group conference center for the veterinary community to enhance their patient health, practice health, and mental health through veterinary dentistry. Dr. Hansen’s special interest in maxillofacial surgery, however the truth is, she loves the whole darn gig… especially when she gets to share the fun of veterinary dentistry with others!

317 - Resilience and Recovery from Patient Safety Events Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Rochelle Low joins us to discuss resilience and recovery from patient safety events. On this episode of the Cone of Shame Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Dr. Rochelle Low explore what patient safety events are and how they impact veterinary professionals. They discuss the critical role of psychological safety, strong leadership, and a culture of trust in helping teams learn, adapt, and heal when things go wrong. Dr. Low shares insights from her recent JAVMA study, breaking down the emotional and professional toll of medical errors, the importance of peer and leadership support, and how veterinary teams can create a safer, more open environment for learning from mistakes. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for veterinarians, technicians, and hospital leaders alike. Let’s get into it!

Links:

Article: Personal resilience, good leadership, and a psychologically safe culture play a mitigating role on the impact of patient safety events

Dr. Rochelle Low on Instagram

Guest Bio:

Dr. Rochelle Low, DVM, MaS, MHL, is the Global VP of Quality and Patient Safety for Mars Veterinary Health. Originally from Victoria, Canada, she earned her DVM from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and completed a residency in Emergency and Critical Care at Angel Memorial in Boston. She later pursued a Master’s of Applied Science in Quality and Patient Safety at Johns Hopkins and a Master’s of Healthcare Leadership at Brown University.

Dr. Low spent 14 years as a medical leader for VCA Inc., focusing on quality, patient safety, and patient care, where she recognized the critical impact of hospital culture and nursing empowerment on patient outcomes. Currently, she is dedicated to building a culture of safety across MVH hospitals by implementing a global patient safety event reporting system and collaborating with Johns Hopkins to integrate team training and safety programs like TeamStepps.

She now lives on a small farm in Bend, Oregon, where she enjoys hiking, surfing, and skiing with her four pitties, two horses, two alpacas, four sheep, five mini-donkeys, and plenty of chickens.

316 - Should You Still Have Torb On Your Shelf? Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Veterinary anesthesia expert Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) joins The Cone of Shame Podcast with Dr. Andy Roark to break down the role of butorphanol (Torb) in veterinary practice today. They dive into its sedative vs. analgesic properties, when it shines, and when it falls short, especially in pain management. Tasha explains opioid receptor interactions, how to think critically about using butorphanol in different cases, and why it might still deserve a spot on your clinic’s shelf. Plus, they discuss Tasha’s new book, "Pain Management for Vet Techs and Nurses," and the upcoming Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds Symposium. If you’ve ever wondered, "Do I still need Torb?" This episode is for you! Let’s get into it.

LINKS

Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds

Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Tasha McNerney, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) has been dedicated to the field of veterinary anesthesia and surgery since earning her CVT in 2005. She became a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in 2013 and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia & Analgesia in 2015, solidifying her expertise in pain management and perioperative care.

Tasha is a respected speaker on anesthesia and pain management, presenting at veterinary conferences around the world. She has authored numerous articles and blogs, sharing her knowledge to improve patient comfort and safety. In 2013, she founded Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds, a thriving online community with over 65,000 members committed to advancing anesthesia and pain management practices.

When she’s not in the clinic or on stage, Tasha enjoys tackling home renovation projects on her 1920s fixer-upper, inspired by an ever-growing collection of YouTube tutorials. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, one exceptionally well-behaved cat, and one... less cooperative feline.

315 - Oral Tumors: Aspirate, Biopsy or Just Take It Off? (HDYTT) Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Donnell Hansen joins The Cone of Shame Podcast with Dr. Andy Roark to discuss oral tumors in dog. Together they discuss how to recognize them, when to biopsy, and how to talk to pet owners about what comes next. Dr. Hansen breaks down the diagnostic process, explains when a fine needle aspirate won’t cut it, and shares best practices for pain management and treatment options. She also dives into the importance of setting client expectations and how to approach these cases with both confidence and compassion. Let’s get into this episode.

LINKS

Four Legged Tooth Fairy:

https://fourleggedtoothfairy.com/

314 - HOF: Causes and Treatments for Hypoglycemia in Dogs (HDYTT) Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Andrew Woolcock, internist at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, returns to the Cone of Shame podcast to discuss the metabolic phenomenon of hypoglycemia in dogs. In this insightful Hall of Fame episode, Dr. Woolcock and Dr. Andy Roark break down the common causes of hypoglycemia, diagnostic approaches, and effective treatment strategies for both young and older dogs. This episode also highlights emergency stabilization protocols, including when and how to administer dextrose supplementation effectively, as well as the role of nutritional management in preventing recurrent episodes. Dr. Woolcock’s expertise offers actionable insights to help veterinary teams confidently manage hypoglycemia in canine patients. Let’s get into this episode!

LINKS:

Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitor

Critical Care Textbooks for Veterinarians

Nutritional Management Resources

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Woolcock is a veterinary internist. He’s from the Midwest and did his schooling at Michigan State University, where he graduated with his DVM. After an internship at North Carolina State University, Dr. Woolcock completed a residency in small animal internal medicine at the University of Georgia. He joined the faculty at Purdue University in 2015, and is currently an Associate Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Woolcock loves the complex puzzles that internal medicine patients present, and loves working with students as they put the pieces together. He loves all-things-medicine, because physiology is so fascinating, but he especially gravitates toward immune-mediated diseases and endocrinology. Dr. Woolcock enjoys his clinical practice, but also his research in oxidative stress, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. When he’s not at work, Dr. Woolcock is likely watching old movies with his husband and their dog, Auggie (not sure of what breed he is, so they invented one for him – a Miniature Fluftoffee).

313 - Time To Use More Locals and Less Opioids Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

312 - HOF: New Heart Murmur in a Cat Scheduled for a Dental (HDYTT) Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

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!

311 - New Guidelines Aim to Improve Employee Well-Being Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

310 - Leveling Up Fear Free Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

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

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.

309 - Why Weight Can't Wait Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

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.”

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