Veterinary Ramblings

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by feline medicine specialist Dr. Petra Cerna, DVM, PhD, to explore the unique clinical, physiological and legal considerations surrounding feline health.The conversation explores the evolution of FIP treatment, including antiviral therapies and emerging insights into post-FIP complications such as myocarditis.Petra also discuss animal advocacy and law, including the ethics of cosmetic procedures, evolving animal welfare legislation and the responsibilities of veterinary organisations.The episode also takes a closer look at feline-specific diagnostics and why markers such as bilirubin, albumin and ALT can have very different clinical significance in cats compared with dogs.From feline internal medicine to veterinary ethics and animal law, this episode offers an insightful look at the complexities of feline healthcare. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dr. Marc Abraham to explore animal welfare, grassroots campaigning, legislation, and the power of education to create meaningful change.The episode dives into Marc’s work as a vet, animal advocate and author, from visiting schools and literary festivals with his children’s book to his work exposing puppy farming through the documentary "Dogspiracy". He shares insights from going undercover in Amish puppy mills in Pennsylvania and how the film helped open new educational conversations with breeders and veterinary professionals.Marc also reflects on the decade-long grassroots campaign behind Lucy’s Law, which brought an end to commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in the UK. He explains why legislation is only the beginning, creating the framework needed for enforcement, investigation and prosecution.The conversation also explores what makes political campaigning effective, the role of APDAWG in bringing grassroots voices into Parliament, and why patience, collaboration and giving policymakers practical solutions can be more powerful than confrontation.From animal welfare legislation to veterinary-client relationships, Marc also discusses the difficult conversations vets face when treating animals affected by extreme breeding, and why keeping communication open is essential to protecting the animal in front of them. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad are joined by Dr. Marc Abraham to explore animal welfare, grassroots campaigning, legislation, and the power of education to create meaningful change.The episode dives into Marc’s work as a vet, animal advocate and author, from visiting schools and literary festivals with his children’s book to his work exposing puppy farming through the documentary "Dogspiracy". He shares insights from going undercover in Amish puppy mills in Pennsylvania and how the film helped open new educational conversations with breeders and veterinary professionals.Marc also reflects on the decade-long grassroots campaign behind Lucy’s Law, which brought an end to commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in the UK. He explains why legislation is only the beginning, creating the framework needed for enforcement, investigation and prosecution.The conversation also explores what makes political campaigning effective, the role of APDAWG in bringing grassroots voices into Parliament, and why patience, collaboration and giving policymakers practical solutions can be more powerful than confrontation.From animal welfare legislation to veterinary-client relationships, Marc also discusses the difficult conversations vets face when treating animals affected by extreme breeding, and why keeping communication open is essential to protecting the animal in front of them. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This week on Veterinary Ramblings, Mike Brampton and Julian Hoad catch up on recent adventures, veterinary milestones, and a few unexpected stories along the way.The episode begins with Mike reflecting on handing over the BSAVA presidency before the conversation heads north to Finland, where the pair share highlights from a wildlife photography trip filled with brown bears, wolves, wolverines, and fascinating facts about Arctic wildlife.They also swap stories from a recent expedition around Scotland, discuss an unexpected front-row view of a major NATO military exercise, and, with their usual humour, touch on the ever-changing UK political landscape.The episode wraps up back in the veterinary world with a look at the recent BSAVA Vets Cymru conference in Aberystwyth, celebrating the value of regional events and the first graduating cohort of veterinary students from the University of Aberystwyth.As always, it's a relaxed mix of veterinary chat, wildlife stories, travel, and plenty of good conversation. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★