Ask the Vet

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!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere, Director of the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College, about new research into the behavior and cognition of domestic dogs. Listen as they discuss:The origins of Dr. Byosiere's research interestsThe interdisciplinary and translational nature of dog cognition researchThe history of dog cognition as an academic fieldThe pre-historic origins of canine domestication and breedingThe multi-species work being done at Hunter College's Animal Behavior & Conservation ProgramPractical considerations of studying dog cognitionSample research projects and resultsButton mats that allow dogs to "talk"How dogs have been "talking" to us this whole time, but we just haven't been listeningAlso on this month's show:Viral trending animals, including Murphy the bald eagle, his pet rock, and his foster baby eagleAnimal news, including Cinnamon the goat & Felix the dog; Moggie's retirement village for cats; dogs' unique "nose prints"Listener Q&AEmail AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, a veterinarian who empowers pet owners to enhance the wellbeing of their animals. Dr. Becker believes in a common sense approach to maintaining vibrant companion animals and an unconventional, integrative approach to addressing disease. Tune in as they discuss:How Dr. Becker got started  as a veterinarianThe catalyst for her book, "The Forever Dog - Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer"How genetics and environmental factors impact canine health and longevityThe D.O.G.S. strategy Planning for dog health issues based on genetic predispositionsCustomizing your dog's exercise plan for their physical and mental needsThe lifestyle factor that the oldest dogs in the world have in commonAlso on this month's show:How loyal pup Ruby saved her human's life - twice!Animal newsListener Q&AEmail AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jill Rappaport, a journalist, author, producer, and passionate animal advocate especially for senior pets, pitties, and those with special needs. Tune in as they discuss:What we can learn from our animalsThe special story of Jack & Jill: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail to TellThe joys of giving a rescue animal a new lifeHow Jill helped Christie Brinkley adopt her "fourth child"The impact of the pandemic on animal sheltersHow bully breeds are misunderstoodThe many ways that fostering is transformative for animals and peopleJill's line of pet products and how they help animalsAlso on this month's show:How a lost rescue pup used her sense of direction and technology for helpAnimal newsListener Q&AEmail AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our AMC to the Rescue Fund, which provides subsidized specialty care to rescue animals whose health is an obstacle to their adoption. This fund has helped over 600 animals, partnered with over 146 rescues, and provided over $1.6 million in donated care to help pets find forever homes. In honor of this anniversary, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Katherine Good, co-founder of The Good Life Dog Rescue in New York City. Tune in as they discuss:Why Katherine started an animal rescue groupWhat a rescue group does to help animalsWhere can people interested in adopting a pet find a rescue group?Why AMC to the Rescue was formedHow AMC to the Rescue helped Bo Casper and GusWays to volunteer for an animal rescueThe increase of relinquished dogs and the slower pace of adoptionsWhat Katherine would like people to know about rescue animalsAlso on this month's show:The Pallas's cats found living on Mount EverestAnimal newsListener Q&AEmail AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

In this episode, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Leslie Lyons, a feline geneticist and professor of comparative medicine at the Missouri University College of Veterinary Medicine. Tune in as they discuss:What inspired Leslie to become interested in geneticsLeslie's feline companionsHow Leslie pinpointed where cats first became petsWhere cats were first purposely bredThe genetic similarities between cats and peopleUsing cats as a biomedical model to better understand and treat hereditary diseasesGenes and cat coat patternsLearn more about Dr. Lyons' research at the Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory.Also on this month's show:A moose sheds his antlers in AlaskaAnimal newsListener Q&AEmail AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Kathryn Coyne, who is retiring after twelve years as AMC's President and CEO. Tune in as they discuss:Kate's backstory and how she came to AMCHow running an animal hospital compares to a human hospitalKate's first impressions as President and CEOThe biggest changes during Kate's leadershipOne of Kate's fondest memoriesWhat will Kate miss about AMC?Also on this month's show:Mahale the chimpanzee's heartwarming reunion with her newborn babyAnimal newsListener Q&ACall us toll-free and leave a message to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A: 866-993-8267Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jessica Mejia who was named Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's 2022 Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year for her exceptional care, compassion, and collaborative spirit. Tune in as they discuss:Jessica's six pets and where they came fromHow Jessica became a veterinary technicianNYC area programs for veterinary techniciansWhat has changed over the last 20 years since Jessica started working at AMCThe responsibilities of AMC techniciansWhat happens when a patient is under anesthesiaJessica's favorite animal patientsWhy Jessica loves AMC's Interventional Radiology ServiceAlso on this month's show:Larry the Cat, Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street, UK, defends his territoryAnimal newsListener Q&ACall us toll-free and leave a message to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A: 866-993-8267Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, about pet food and nutrition to help your pet live a long, healthy life. Tune in as they discuss:Dr. Weeth's lifelong love of veterinary medicine and her career path as a veterinary nutritionistThe importance of nutrition in the health of petsThe pet food manufacturing process and quality assurance measuresWhat to look for when buying pet foodWhy you should avoid vegan diets for pets, especially for catsMisconceptions about cooking for your petPrecautions to take with raw food dietsDr. Weeth's recent lecture for AMC's Usdan Institute for Animal Health EducationAlso on this month's show:The heart-warming relationship between George the lion and his caretaker, ShandorAnimal newsAMC's 5th Annual Celebration of Life: Pet Memorial EventListener Q&AUpcoming events at AMC's Usdan Institute for Animal Health EducationCall us toll-free and leave a message to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A: 866-993-8267Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Eunbee Kim, AMC's newest Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Kim's recent research project compares the performance of artificial intelligence software to a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Tune in as they discuss:What intrigued Dr. Kim about diagnostic imagingWhy radiologists like to look at x-rays in the darkHow artificial intelligence performed compared to human radiologistsWill artificial intelligence replace veterinarians?Also on this month's show:An adorable baby hippo has a new name after a worldwide contestAnimal newsListener Q&ACall us toll-free and leave a message to have your pet questions answered on next month’s Ask the Vet Listener Q&A: 866-993-8267Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!