Your Vet Wants You to Know

Latest Episodes:

081 Ceruminous Cystadenomas: Little Blueberries All Over Your Cat's Ears Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Ceruminous cystadenomatosis may sound like a rare and complicated diagnosis, but for veterinary dermatologists, these purple "blueberry-like" cysts in the ear canal are a frustratingly common challenge for breeds like Persian cats or Cocker Spaniels. While the condition is technically benign, it can cause significant pain, chronic infections, and quality-of-life issues for pets. In this episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti and Dr. Austin Richman explain what ceruminous cystadenomatosis is, why it happens, how allergies may play a role and how modern treatments like CO₂ laser therapy and video otoscopy can bring relief.

Resources & Links:

Episode page with pictures and video: Ceruminous Cystadenomas
Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here
Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for: 1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners, 2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team, 3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and 4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians. Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

One Health Heroes, Sept 1, 2025: Public Health Under Fire Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined again by Dr. Mandy Sorenson, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV), to discuss the latest developments affecting science, public health, and One Health initiatives.

Key Points for Listeners

Supreme Court Ruling on NIH Grants
- A temporary emergency stay from the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked reinstatement of $800 million in canceled NIH grants, many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and health equity research.
mRNA Vaccine Contracts Canceled
- Following cancellation of Moderna's avian influenza (H5N1) mRNA vaccine contract, a total of 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts have now been terminated.
Screwworm Threat at the U.S. Border
- A recent travel-associated case of screwworm was reported in Maryland, while outbreaks continue spreading north from Central America.
- USDA is scaling up surveillance with sterile fly releases, tick riders, and the Beagle Brigade.
Violence Against Public Health Workers
- On August 8th, an armed individual motivated by COVID-19 vaccine misinformation opened fire at the CDC campus in Atlanta, killing Officer David Rose.
- Hundreds of current and former HHS employees have since signed a letter condemning leadership rhetoric that undermines trust in science.
- Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has released a powerful statement.
One Health Clinic Model
- Highlighted as this episode's Scratching the Itch: The One Health Clinic in Seattle provides coordinated healthcare for underserved communities and their pets.
Get Involved & Stay Informed
- Veterinarians are all One Health veterinarians. Stay updated with policy, research, and public health developments through AAFSPHV.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

080 Inflammatory Polyps Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the ears, throat, or middle ear of cats and dogs, most often affecting young cats and French Bulldogs. While benign, these growths can cause chronic ear infections, noisy breathing, head tilt, or even neurologic signs if left untreated. In this episode, listeners will learn how CT scans and video otoscopy performed by veterinary dermatology specialists help accurately diagnose and safely remove inflammatory polyps, why steroids are an important part of treatment, and what recovery looks like for pets.

Resources:

One Health Heroes: Dr. Joseph Annelli on Ethics, Avian Influenza, and Federal Preparedness Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know – One Health Heroes, Dr. Joseph Annelli, a distinguished public health veterinarian and former USDA leader, provides deep insight into the ethical foundations of public health decision-making, the risks posed by avian influenza, and the impact of recent federal policy changes on One Health preparedness. With over three decades of experience in animal health, biosecurity, and pandemic planning, Dr. Annelli offers an unflinching look at where the U.S. stands—and where it desperately needs to go.

Highlights Include:

Ethics in One Health Decision-Making: Effective public health policy must balance the impacts on people, animals, and the environment.
- Learn more about the One Health approach: CDC One Health
Avian Influenza Risks and mRNA Vaccine Preparedness: The decision to cancel federal contracts for H5N1 mRNA vaccine production is a short-sighted move that could cripple rapid response in a pandemic scenario.
- Background on current H5N1 status: CDC Avian Influenza Current Situation Summary
Federal Vaccine Policy Shifts: The recent restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) raises concerns about a more opinion-based approach instead of a scientific-based approach to vaccines.
- Information on ACIP's role: CDC ACIP Overview
Workforce Reductions and Biosecurity Threats: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has lost 15–20% of its veterinary workforce, threatening the ability to respond to ongoing outbreaks such as H5N1, African swine fever, and screw worm.
- Learn more about APHIS programs: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
Legislative Path Forward - The One Health Security Act: Dr. Annelli urges Congress to reintroduce and pass the One Health Security Act to centralize pandemic preparedness funding and coordination.
- Learn more about the One Heath Security Act.

Veterinary professionals can sign up to become a member of the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

079 Ear Masses in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Recurring ear infections aren't always just bacteria or yeast—sometimes, there's a hidden growth deep inside the ear canal. In this episode, board-certified veterinary dermatologists Dr. Brittany Lancellotti and Dr. Austin Richman explain how ear masses are diagnosed and treated, and how advanced tools like video otoscopy and CT scans can make all the difference.

You'll hear Holly's story—a case where minimally invasive treatment saved her ear and avoided a $15,000 surgery estimate. Whether you're a pet owner facing stubborn ear problems or a veterinary professional wanting to learn more about referral cases, this discussion will give you practical insight into how ear masses can be managed for the best outcomes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The different types of ear masses in dogs and cats — and why not all are cancerous
How an ear mass can cause chronic infections
The PSPP framework for understanding ear disease
Why CT scans are a highly recommended tool before and during treatment
How video otoscopy can be used for minimally invasive mass removal and improving outcomes
Risks, recovery, and prognosis after mass removal

Resources:

One Health Heroes, August 1, 2025: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Upheaval Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

One Health Heroes returns to explore dramatic changes in federal vaccine policy, including the complete dismissal and replacement of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In this episode, we break down what the ACIP does, why the changes matter, and how the new leadership under HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is impacting access to life-saving vaccines—including the COVID-19 and flu vaccines—for Americans of all ages. We also discuss how veterinary professionals can advocate for science and public health in their communities.

Have you been personally impacted by federal changes? Share your story at info@yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com

🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

What the ACIP Is and Why It Matters Learn how the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shapes vaccine recommendations, access, and insurance coverage across the U.S. → CDC ACIP Overview
Why Experts Are Sounding the Alarm Over ACIP Changes Understand the public health consequences of dismissing the full ACIP panel and replacing them with underqualified, vaccine-skeptical members known for spreading vaccine disinformation.
How Federal Vaccine Policy Changes Are Affecting Pregnant Women Discover how RFK Jr.'s rejection of ACIP's COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women has triggered legal action. → Read about the lawsuit via Infectious Diseases Society of America
Why a Preservative Ban Could Hurt Access in Vulnerable Communities A vote to remove thimerosal from flu vaccines could make them less accessible in low-income and global communities, despite decades of safety data. → FDA: Thimerosal in Vaccines
What's Next for State-Level Vaccine Policy and Science-Based Advocacy With 600+ state laws depending on ACIP guidance, learn how states and insurers are adapting—and how you can use resources like the Vaccine Integrity Project. → Vaccine Integrity Project – University of Minnesota CIDRAP

Veterinary professionals can sign up to become a member of the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Your Vet in the Wild - Alpacas in Peru Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode of Your Vet in the Wild, join Dr. Brittany Lancellotti as she takes you on a fun and informative journey to Peru to learn all about alpacas! Questions submitted by little listeners will be answered about their unique physical traits to their important role in the Peruvian culture. This episode is filled with fascinating facts, common misconceptions, and a closer look at how alpacas are cared for in the Andes. Plus, we'll share fun tidbits that kids will love about these gentle, social animals!

📸Episode page with blog post and images

In this episode, we'll cover:

The key differences between alpacas and llamas, and how to tell them apart
Insights into alpaca husbandry and medical care, including their diet, living conditions, and common health concerns
The economic importance of alpacas in Peru, including how their wool is a key export and a source of income for rural farmers
Common misconceptions about alpacas (spoiler: they don't spit at humans as often as people think!)
Fun facts for kids about alpacas, including their unique sounds and playful behaviors.

Connect with Your Vet!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourVetWantsYoutoKnow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

One Health Heroes, July 15, 2025: NIH Cuts, State Public Health Setbacks, and Why Science Matters Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

There have been alarming cuts to public health research funding at both the federal and state levels. In this powerful episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined again by Dr. Mandy Sorenson from the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians. Together, they unpack the far-reaching consequences on scientific progress, and share what you can do to support public health professionals, veterinarians, and the scientific community.

What listeners will learn:

Why NIH cut over 2,000 research grants and $10 billion in funding. Understand the scope and impact of funding being canceled—including projects on health equity, Alzheimer's, and vaccine research.
How these cuts impact veterinarians and public health Explore the concept of brain drain, the loss of generational scientific mentorship, and how state programs are losing critical disease surveillance funds.
The largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since 2000 Find out how vaccine hesitancy and the loss of public health infrastructure are contributing to the reemergence of preventable diseases.
How veterinarians can advocate for One Health Learn how you can get involved, share your story, and educate your clients about the value of public health and science-driven medicine.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) Join or subscribe to their bi-monthly newsletter
NIH will resinstate 900 grants in response to court order
Federal District Court Strikes Down NIH's Unlawful Directives That Led to the Elimination of Critical Research
The Bethesda Declaration: A Call for NIH and HHS Leadership to Deliver on Promises of Academic Freedom and Scientific Excellence
American Public Health Association Press Release: For Our Health warns the proposed HHS budget cuts put Americans at risk
Trump Administration Slashes Pledged Funding that Would Protect Illinoisans
Measles Cases and Outbreaks
Have you been affected by funding cuts or cancellation of grants/research? Send your story to info@yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com Audio and video encouraged.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

078 Travel with Dogs Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Planning to travel with dogs? Whether you're hitting the road or taking to the skies, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti shares her top tips for keeping your pet safe, calm, and comfortable during travel from professional to personal experience. From choosing the right gear to navigating hotels and airports, this episode is your go-to guide for vet-approved vacation planning.

🐾What You'll Learn:

🧳 How to decide if your pet is ready to travel or better off at home
🚘 Road trip safety essentials and potty break tips
🏨 How to be a gracious guest at pet-friendly hotels or rentals
✈️ How to safely fly with your pet without turning it into a midair meltdown (seriously, the smush-faced breeds - I'm looking at you Frenchies - get too hot!).
📋 The ultimate pet travel checklist (spoiler: bring the slobbery toy)

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:

Links to recommended affiliate products and services:

Sleepypod travel harnesses
Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier
Ruffwear harnesses and Ruffwear lifejackets
Furbo Dog Camera for safety monitoring at home and away
Trusted Housesitters if you decide to leave them home or to find petsitting opportunities while you travel

One Health Heroes, July 1, 2025: Mosquito-Borne Threats You Should Know About Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

As summer heat arrives, so do the bugs—and the dangers they carry. In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Sorenson kicks us off with breaking news on avian influenza and screwworm control, then Dr. Rothfeldt walks us through the full spectrum of mosquito-borne threats—from West Nile to emerging Oropouche virus—and shows why protecting people and pets must go hand-in-hand.

🌎 What you'll learn in this episode:

The latest updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and USDA vaccine proposals
A breakdown of the USDA's 5-pronged strategy to stop Screwworm at the border
How the sterile fly technique is being used to protect livestock and wildlife
Why West Nile virus, EEE, Cache Valley virus, and other mosquito-transmitted threats are a growing concern across the U.S.
The impact of global dengue outbreaks on local transmission risks in places like Florida, Arizona, and California
A look at the emerging Oropouche virus and its parallels to Zika
The critical importance of heartworm prevention for pets—especially in high-risk areas
Tips for protecting yourself and your pets from mosquito bites this summer

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🐛 Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) Learn about the sterile fly technique and eradication efforts: https://www.copeg.org/en/produccion/
🦟 CDC Vector-Borne Disease Overview Detailed information on mosquito-borne viruses in the U.S.: https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/index.html
💉 USDA HPAI Vaccine Strategy (coverage via Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/usda-develops-potential-plan-vaccinate-poultry-bird-flu-2025-06-20/
🧪 CAPC (Companion Animal Parasite Council) – for veterinary parasite prevention guidance: https://www.capcvet.org
🧑‍⚕️ CDC ZOHU Calls (Zoonoses & One Health Updates for Veterinarians) Free monthly CE webinars, Listserv https://www.cdc.gov/one-health/php/zohu/index.html#:~:text=Zoonoses%20%26%20One%20Health%20Updates%20(ZOHU)%20Calls%20are%20one%2D,animal%2Dhuman%2Denvironment%20interface.
🧫 American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV) Join or subscribe to their bi-monthly newsletter: https://www.aafsphv.org