Ep 218: From Diagnosis to Management: Handling Feline Chronic Kidney Disease, with Dr. Gary Marshall

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

Episode Description

In this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by the esteemed Dr. Gary Marshall, a specialist in feline-only medicine and one of the masterminds behind the famous cat class during COVID. As a new grad, one of the significant challenges isn't just knowing the medicine, but effectively communicating that knowledge to clients. Dr. Marshall shares invaluable insights on how to diagnose and manage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in feline patients and confidently convey this information to pet owners. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you thrive in practice and strengthen the bond between you, your patients, and their families. Join us for an enlightening discussion that will enhance your veterinary communication skills and improve the quality of life for your feline patients.

By simplifying medical jargon and using relatable analogies, veterinarians can improve client understanding and engagement, leading to better outcomes for their patients. Effective communication is not just about conveying information; it's about building a partnership with clients to ensure the best possible care for their pets.

Both Dr. McCauley and Dr. Marshall stress the importance of a holistic approach to managing CKD. This involves not just treating the kidney disease but also considering the overall quality of life of the cat. By showing clients that they care deeply about their cat's well-being and by providing practical, manageable steps, veterinarians can foster a strong bond with both the cat and the owner. This bond is essential for ensuring compliance with treatment plans and for making the owner feel supported and understood.

Building a strong bond with clients by showing genuine care for their pets and addressing their concerns can lead to better compliance and long-term management of chronic conditions. By using effective communication, setting realistic expectations, and providing multiple touchpoints for information, veterinarians can foster a trusting relationship that benefits both the pet and the owner.

Episode Outline

[00:01:27] Feline-only medicine.

[00:05:26] How to communicate kidney disease.

[00:08:18] Client comfort with treatments.

[00:11:04] Prescription canned food transition tips.

[00:15:25] Treating the whole cat

[00:17:09] Autopilot in practice

Episode Links

Connect with Dr. Gary Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymarshalldvm/

Follow Dr. Gary Marshall: https://www.instagram.com/it.might.get.weird

Mentioned in this episode:

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