VetZone Podcasting: Recent Episodes
VetZone: Drs. Wells and Lee
VetZone: Where passion for animals, science and medicine lives... Podcasts by veterinary specialists for veterinarians, technicians, pet owners and those that love science.
Learn the three types of scientific bias, how to recognize them, why they impact your perception, and, most importantly, what this all has to do with oysters!
What are the genetic mechanisms of a pandemic? Let's recap 2020, influenza, and our current pandemic virus.
Where do you like your drugs? Learn about how topical location affects absorption - whether skin cream, handling substances, or inadvertent pesticide exposure. Learn how this ties into Bicycle Day and whether you should celebrate it or not!
Thanksgiving is a great time of year but if foodborne illness is present, it is not fun at all! Learn the safe and easy tips to stay safe this year!
This short podcast reviews Odds versus Probability and Odds Ratios versus Relative Risk. Learn why you should care!
In some parts of the country, fall has arrived. Unfortunately, in South Texas, we never really make the transition to fall colors, pumpkin spice, or crisp sunrises. What we settle for instead, is cooling weather and decreasing hordes of blood thirsty mosquitoes. These aerial vampires not only cause intense irritation and itching from bites, they also transmit many serious diseases.
In our last podcast, we introduced our listeners to the basics of farmed Pacific white shrimp. First reported this year, IHHNV was not the first shrimp FAD to occur in the US.
When we discuss foreign animal diseases, we usually think of mammals, with the occasional bird outbreak. But, in the field of veterinary medicine, we treat all species.
Let's take a quick look into what p-values are and most importantly, what they can and cannot tell us. P-values help guide us on the path, make sure it truly the path you wish to go down. A must-listen for anyone reading scientific journals.
Vacation season draws to a close. School will soon start back. Many people enjoyed a relaxing getaway, and perhaps stayed in a nice hotel. In the recent outbreak of pneumonia in Atlanta, Georgia, we are reminded that occasionally people come home from vacation with more than a tan and some great memories.
After this podcast, you will want all of your DNA served with a light crop dusting as well! Learn about one of nature's ingenious safety mechanisms regarding DNA. It is fun and no fart sounds, we promise. ;)
As one of Batman's enemies, Poison Ivy portrays an educational analogy on Cell Mediated Immunity (CMI), hapten toxins, and Type IV Hypersensitivity. Learn where Batman fits into this picture and much, much more.
Algae live everywhere and are often harmless. However, some cause severe disease in unsuspecting swimmers, anglers, and pescatarians.
Most horse owners know to check their hay for quality, but do you also know to check for little striped, beetles?
Every civilization depends on clean drinking water. Do you know the steps required for treating drinking water and wastewater?
Imagine a beautiful summer evening. You are sitting in your chair, listening to the birds and watching deer move in. Such a peaceful, serene, relaxing evening. Now, imagine the same idyllic scene with no deer.
There are hundreds of species of malaria. How many infect people? How many will it kill? How can Nietzsche help us? Learn all of this and more in the third installment of malaria vaccines!
The US is currently battling another foreign animal disease outbreak. Last week, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) was identified in two horses in south Texas and one in New Mexico.
In this second part to the new malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, we dive into some intricacies of the vaccine and review some common vaccine terms along the way. We even dispell a common veterinary vaccine myth. Fun stuff!
We are going to step back from the normal informational post and test your foreign animal disease (FAD) knowledge. This post’s onus stems from my recent trip to Plum Island Animal Disease Center. I was struck by each disease’s clinical signs, and how easily I would have inadvertently mis-diagnosed a FAD in practice.
What is a Go Bag? Can you and your pets leave your house in a disaster in 30 minutes or less? Why would you need to? Learn how to easily, quickly and inexpensively make you and your pet's Go Bag today!
Lengthening days and warmer weather bring spring storms. With tornado season upon us, now is the time to go through your Go Bag, update medications, swap out for warm weather clothing, and update documents.
Why did it take more than 50 years to make a vaccine against malaria? It kills hundreds of thousands of children every year, but solutions have been slow to manifest. In this quick intro, we will cover the lifecycle that makes vaccine generation a challenge.
How to do you save the human race by vaccinating a species who can't make antibodies? Sound crazy? Two doctors from Finland have figured a way.
Ever wonder about how clean a public pool or water park is? Even a nice looking one? Learn more here and while we're at it we will talk about Cryptosporidium.
Sand fleas and beach fleas, jigger or chigger?
Red bugs or bed bugs. Who do you figure?
Can ya tell ‘em apart just by who’s bigger?
Not so easy, not so fast. To learn all about them, listen to our podcast!
What are the risks of petting zoos? Should you go and bring your children, or not? Let's explore the realistic risks and solutions regarding petting zoos.
Wondering how to evaluate vaccine efficacy? This is a MUST LISTEN! Learn about what preventive fraction is and why it is so important, helpful, and indeed flawed.
Beyond CDT and Rabies, there are so many to choose from? Which do I need? Any? Let's cover these optional and largely situational vaccines.
In our fourth and final installment of prion diseases, we will discuss probably the most familiar of the TSEs: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Most cases occur in the United Kingdom, but the disease has been found in Japan, Canada, the US, and across Europe.
In our third installment of prion diseases, we will discuss the oldest of the TSEs: scrapie. First described in Great Britain in the 1750s, scrapie can now be found worldwide, expect for Australia and New Zealand. Scrapie affects sheep, goats, and their close relatives. Scrapie received its name from the intense pruritis that affected animals exhibit.
White tail season closed last week. Hopefully, the season was successful for those who endured endless hours of scouting, fine tuning scopes and bows, and freezing in blinds. Many families rely on this meat through the winter. Proper food handling practices make this a good source of protein. However, in some areas of the US, there is a potentially zoonotic disease lurking in the deer population.
Is vaccinating your backyard goats in the US today a waste of time and money? What exactly are the risks to rabies in the US? Let's jump into the VetZone and explore this important topic!
A family of diseases caused by a little known agent is making a steady march across the US. One form of this disease is centuries old in Europe, while another is only a few decades old here in the US. Only mammals are affected, which includes humans. The disease can neither be treated or vaccinated against.
This podcasts conclude the review on the core vaccine of goats known as CDT. Learn about tetanus and the vaccine used to protect us.
It has been raining here for almost 36 hours. This has been one of the wettest fall/winter seasons in recent years. While good news for pasture regrowth, any livestock in confinement are at risk of foot rot. Similar to thrush or white line disease in horses, foot rot in ruminants results from a wet environment contaminated with manure.
Hopefully after Dr. Lee’s series of Goatcasts, you are seriously entertaining the thought of adding goats to your operation. There are many benefits to having goats, ranging from pasture management to home-raised milk. However, there is a particular zoonotic disease to remember.
What happens when equine feet are neglected, or environmental conditions are less than ideal? The hoof is under constant assault from arid conditions, wet conditions, bacteria, fungi, and physical trauma. We will continue to address common hoof diseases here.
An overeating vaccine? Sound too good to be true? Well, if you are interested in a way to reach your personal weight goal, it is too good to be true - this isn't for you. This vaccine can save your goat's life though - so for them and their producers, it is amazing. Learn about the "C and D" in the CDT vaccine.
Can you really use St. John's Wort to tan your goats? Yes, but you shouldn't try it. Learn about this peculiar type of toxin and let's finish up on goat toxins with some miscellanous risks.
What do mouse brains and hamster kidneys have to do with vaccines? Let's look take a look back at history as well as peak into the present day methods of vaccine production.
Can I give my goat a sheep vaccine? Isn't it for sheep? Let's explore this common question as to why some vaccines can be 1) labeled for several species at once, 2) can be used in some species that aren't on the label, and 3) why you can use sheep vaccines in a goat but NOT a human.
A horse is only as good as the feet he has to travel upon. Proper hoof care remains the foundation of soundness in any horse, no matter his occupation. What happens when feet are neglected, or environmental conditions are less than ideal? The hoof is under constant assault from arid conditions, wet conditions, bacteria, and physical trauma. We will cover some of the basics of hoof disease in this series.
Few people have been affected first hand by disaster like the residents of California right now. Because of the extremely rapid movement of the fires, not everyone was able to evacuate with their animals to safety. Many pets, both large and small, have been rescued and treated for injuries and burns. Some have been reunited with their owners. Some still wait.
Would you believe that there is a cheap, one-time insurance currently available to prevent this? What is this small miracle?
In the last segment, we introduced ICS. In this post, we will cover the day-to-day workings of the ICP. This is the facility where the Command and General Staff work.
No one wants to experience a disaster. But, disasters happen every day. A successful response aids the victims, while keeping the safety of the responders at the forefront. None of this is possible without an organizational structure in place. This structure is the Incident Command System (ICS).
In part two of goat toxins, we look at alkaloids and their peculilar position in history and medicine: both poison and antidote. You probably ate a plant from this group of plants this week, but no fear - there are some edible portions to some of these plants. Learn more here.
Sea lions in California are once again battling a debilitating and fatal disease. This disease affects multiple species, including humans. It may sound like the next zombie apocalypse heading our way, but in truth, it’s a very old disease.
May seem like a weird question but the answer is fascinanting. Learn about the goat toxin that links Nazis, van Gogh, cherry leaves, and Frankenstein!
We have discussed many aspects of agriculture and food safety. There remains one species of food producing animals who rarely get the credit they deserve. This group forms the backbone of many sectors of agriculture, and often go unnoticed. While they do give their lives to provide subsistence for humans, we do not eat them. A highly infectious disease is sweeping across multiple continents, threatening the very existence of these animals.
Bloat is a common, deadly disease that many times can be avoided. Learn about what bloat is and how to avoid it in your goat! This podcast could literally save your goat's life!
The US is currently battling another foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak. Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) made its way into southern California and continues to spread.
Can't you feed goats everything? Surprisingly, no. While goats have a wide dietary range, they also have a specific needs. Learn the three main options to feed your goat along with some tips to keep them healthy!
The weather around the globe continues its unpredictable pattern. Many areas of the US are experiencing unusual flooding for this time of year. With flood waters, come hordes of tiny vectors, harboring many infectious diseases.
It has been a very active summer for emerging disease outbreaks across the globe. The US has had two outbreaks thus far and is bracing for a third. Currently, African Swine Fever is sweeping across China and moving into western Europe.
How do you turn simple leaves in a goat? The amazing ruminant system! In seven and a half minutes, we cover how this complex system works! And you learn some fun other facts along the way.
The world of goats, like every other passion, has its own set of terms. Learn twenty common goat terms in this short fun podcast.
If you have spent any time with goats, you probably love them. Goats are awesome! In this brief intro, we will cover the value of goats and why they might have been the first livestock species to be domesticated.
In the previous post, we introduced the Old World (OWS) and New World (NWS) screwworms. Both species have many common characteristics. Here, we discuss lifecycles and methods of eradication.
Maggots are gross. No two ways about it. Tiny little creatures with a voracious appetite consuming flesh. But, did you know that there are different types of maggots?
Weaning will be upon us sooner than expected. Are your calves ready? Are they protected from blackleg?
Ever have a misperception about something that didn't seem that bad? Let's talk about the common misperception of antibodies! If you are just an average mammal getting by in this world, you are good to go. If you work or are interested in science and the medical field, then this podcast is a must.
Incidence and Prevalence? Want a quick, 3 minute explanation? Want to know why it is so important to know the difference? Listen here!!!
Learn about a parasites that can live decades inside you or our pet. What about a 43-year-old spider? Listen about life expectancies and why I dumpe
How long do parasistes and creepy crawlies live? Learn about life expectancies and some practical tips for practice! When do you pull your heartworm test? Did you know that there is a best time of day? Also, learn about how a twenty-minute meeting with a dog lead to me breaking up with a girlfriend!
After our own evolution and better understanding of our equipment, I am updating a few podcasts.
Cholera, isn’t this what my great-grandfathers’ dad had to worry about? Nope, millions of people become afflicted with cholera every year. Learn here about how to protect yourself and your pets.
If you thought that Gram Staining doesn't apply to your real world, THINK AGAIN! Gram Staining the best. And it highlights how some bacteria have completely different tactics. Did you know that one gram type is responsible for providing us many antibiotics? Listen and learn more!!!
On August 13, 2018, a State of Emergency was declared in Florida due to the devastation caused by Red Tide. Learn about the Harmful Algal Bloom made by Karenia brevis and how you can protect yourself and your pets from this toxicity.
What are the risks of pet saliva? The news has recently reported on people dying from being licked by pets. Want to know the truth and learn about the bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus in a fun podcast? Listen here! In this humorous podcast, we will tackle this scary pathogen.
Adult livestock tend to resist the effects of mineral deficiency better than young animals. Increased demands from growth and decreased body reserves put young animals at risk.
So far, we have covered reproduction and lactation. Now we move on to growing and weaning stages.
Nutrition remains a complex and fluid subject for most producers. Keeping livestock at peak production means providing the best nutrition possible. For ease of discussion, we will address nutrient requirements of each production phase.
In the last post, we introduced the components of a livestock ration. Here, we delve a little deeper into what happens when the diet is deficient in one or more of these nutrients.
You are what you eat. The same goes for your livestock. If they are to perform to their greatest potential, you must provide them with the essential building blocks of life. We will cover both macro- and micro-nutrients in this series.
Good husbandry practices continue to eliminate many diseases that have plagued livestock owners for many generations. Equine infectious anemia remains in small geographic regions of the US and is reportable.
Drug resistance affects all species, across the spectrum of all drug classes. Antibiotic resistance appears in the news frequently. Less popular, but just as concerning, is resistance to common antiparasitics.
Here we'll discuss six fun facts about plague. Well, maybe not fun, but practical. We discuss how veterinary staff in the southwest US are at higher risk and why. Safety tips and recommendations are also included in the podcast.
Whether at an airport or in a medical setting, knowing the difference between a surgical mask and a respirator can mean life or death... literally. Learn the difference and when to use each!
What is a superfamily? Did you know you are a part of one? So are filarial worms which infect millions of people and pets worldwide. Learn more about filarials and superfamilies.
If you assumed that mosquitoes flying around with a large needle at the end of their face, think again! The flying syringe analogy couldn't be farther from the truth. Complex sensory organs, elaborate drilling mechanisms, and lightning fast blood concentrating abilities - learn more!
That is Poo with two "o's" and an "h!" While maybe not an art, it does represent an evolutionary mechanism for survival. That's right, the way fleas poop promotes their survival and can even kill dogs or cats. Learn how the ways flea poo risks the lives of your pets!
What is bothersome about ticks? What isn't? In this podcast, Leonardo da Vinci, Marcus Aurelius, and William Shakespeare weight in. Sort of... So, seriously, let's learn about tick breathing and why it might bother you.
Think you can drown a tick? Think again! How about drowning them in bleach? Think again. Learn why and learn why they may have one of the best respiration systems ever made.
How do we get better, faster, stronger? Well, sometimes we move forward by going backward. At least this is true for fleas. Did you know they used to fly and had great eyesight? Learn why they gave that all up and how that helps them feed off you and your pets!
It is dark You have a primal urge to climb, to feel the light upon your face. You find a nearby branch and begin to ascend.You are the hunter! Listen to learn about the story of the hunter extraordinaire and who they hunt. Are you at risk?
Modern science has made some tremendous breakthroughs in the last century. Diseases that used to plague livestock have now been brought under control or eradicated completely. Only two infectious diseases can be considered completely eradicated: smallpox in humans in 1980, and rinderpest in ruminants in 2011. When a disease occurs in a geographic region, animal health officials have three choices for response: eradication, elimination, or endemicity.
The ACVPM exam is over, and you decide to reward your hard work with a relaxing night out. While at supper, you are drawn into a nearby conversation with fellow ACVPM candidates discussing a recent outbreak of abortions in local sheep and goats back home in Kenya. Some sick calves have been noted in these areas as well. A couple herdsmen have mentioned having “the flu” shortly after these outbreaks began.
Not everyone poops! Feel lied to? Is this even possible? It sure it and the animals that don't poop have very good reasons for avoiding it. To make matters worse, did you know that one of these non-pooping animals probably lives inside you right now? Yep. Listen and learn more about the wonder and weirdness of life.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever no longer exists as a mysterious disease in the jungles of Africa. It has once again reared its ugly head, this time moving into more populated areas. This becomes an emerging public health threat quickly
We know that our white blood cells kill bacteria, but how exactly is that accomplished? Ever wondered? Did you know that a primary weapon of the immune system is also known as a harmful atmospheric pollutant? Learn more on this short, fun podcast!
What is S and M with ticks? It is an easy mnemonic method to quickly and easily identify any genus of hard-bodied tick in North America. Is the tick on you, your pet, your livestock an Ixodes or an Amblyomma? Why does that matter? Learn more on this fun podcast. Special thanks to parasitologist, Dr. Lindsay Starkey from Auburn University.
If you have heard of drug half-lives, do you know all of the easy things you can determine from it? Learn the Rule of Five and the Rule of Twenty and how they impact you. Half-lives are fun.
What do skinny cows, armadillos, elephants and coughing humans have in common? Turns out, they all play host to a very malicious genus of bacteria. All of these are zoonotic, chronic infections, with few effective treatment options.
First described in Missouri in 1970, Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted protozoan within the family Theileriidae. Bobcats and recovered domestic cats act as reservoir hosts for Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star tick).
Being three dimensional, most drugs and biologic molecules have mirror images of each other. Typically, one "works" in the body and one does not. Would it surprise you to know that many drugs have both active and inactive forms in your medication? That the FDA does not like this? Listen and learn why.
The kissing bug evokes thoughts of Valentine’s Day, young love, chocolate, and chagomas. The last would not be something you want to receive from your true love.
The bat lives as a small, unassuming creature. Most people fear them, and rightly so. Bats are known vectors of rabies. But, they should be thought of as protectors of humans. Bats silently guard us nightly from diseases such as West Nile, Zika, chikungunya, and dengue fever.
It's a beautiful spring afternoon. The grass is lush and green, the cattle are contentedly grazing. Calves chase around the pasture. It was a hard winter, but spring finally has arrived. All seems right with the world. Except good ol’ 302 appears to be missing. She has a new heifer calf on the ground. You find her down and tremoring. What could be the cause?
It’s springtime again, and you should already have your mare booked to a stallion. If you have a Quarter Horse, you have the advantage of being able to utilize artificial insemination. If you choose live cover, there are a few infectious diseases you should be concerned about. One foreign animal disease (FAD) to remember is Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM).
What is the difference between infectivity, pathogenicity, and virulence? Why does it matter? Listen and learn why we need to know each of these for every pathogen.
Learn about the antimicrobial properties of certain metals like copper and how we use them in every day life to our advantage!
Brainerd condition, does that sound like something you want? Think again! It is an embarassing disease. Learn more about this disease and how naming diseases is changing to avoid creating stigmas and misdirection. Learn about this new aspect in science!
How can I infect thee? Let me count the ways and it is enumerated by the word FOVAD. Learn this helpful mnemonic and learn about Norovirus, Zika virus, Tularemia, and how far a cat can sneeze! As we often do, we sprinkle a bit of ancient history into the mix as well! Listen and enjoy.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works hard to prevent toxins from entering the American food and water supplies. We have seen this with CERCLA, radon, and the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947 (FIFRA) is no different.
All life depends on the hydrologic cycle. Life and death cycle, as does water. Today's rain will be tomorrow's groundwater.
Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) on December 11, 1980. Commonly referred to as Superfund, the Act created a tax on industry that was placed into a trust fund to be used to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
Spring Break has passed, and it’s time to hit the books again. In just 10 rapidly approaching weeks, all your hard work will be put to use.
As we looked to the heavens, it reflected concerns within our own world - lead. Learn about how meteors taught us about environmental conservation. And if you thought the ancient Romans were either ignorant or silly for using lead pipes and cups, would it surprise you that addressing lead contamination is not only recent in the US but still ongoing.
When thinking of false-positive tests, unexplained antibodies, and cross reactivity, we need to understand paratopes. Learn about how paratopes affect you and help save your life! In the process, we will also discuss the Roman emperor's love of cabbages and the origin of Dalmatian dogs. Listen, learn, and enjoy!
Ever felt confused between the definitions of Anaphylactoid and Anaphylactic reactions? Learn about the difference here, along with how to make your own homade napalm! It all connects. :)
We are in a continual battle to protect our fragile alveoli every day. Escaping into a climate controlled building can protect us from criteria air pollutants, but puts us at risk for a much more dangerous gas.
Small protein messages between cells, called cytokines, can protect us from infection, help address current infections, and on occasion, can even kill us. Learn more about a few important cytokines and their roles in vaccines, vaccine responses, infection, and something called "Cytokine Storms."
On occasion, some infectious diseases appear to strike harder at the population we least expect, the young and previously healthy individuals. Learn one of the mechanisms for this situation and how the disease that killed more people than World War 1 is still taking the lives of young adults and canines today.
Ah, spring. It is the best of times, it is the worst of mosquitoes. It is the season of light, it is the season of disease. While Dickens described the French Reign of Terror, we will discuss the mosquito Reign of Terror organizing in your backyard.
By understanding the definitions and relationships of standard error, standard deviation, confidence intervals and p-values, clinicians can better plot their trajectory through studies and towards the truth. Learn about these defintions in a fun and painless 5 min podcast. :)
In the previous two posts, we learned about the criteria air pollutants, and the harm they cause to your health and the environment. In the third and final post, we will discuss ways to reduce the impact these particles have on your life.
Protecting workers from occupational hazards is a complex process. Workplace injuries cost industry billions of dollars every year in lost production and medical expenses. To help combat this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed the Hierarchy of Control to provide a framework for implementing control measures. We will cover each control method, starting with the most effective and protective.
Trying to learn the agencies of the US government related to public health is no small task. It turns into alphabet soup rather quickly. Hopefully, we can shed some light on the topic, and clear up any confusion. There are many departments within the federal government. There is a hierarchy of organization for each department.
After the recent loss of my beloved gelding, the topic of secondary toxicosis in wildlife came to mind. Digging a grave in dry, hard ground in December is never fun. Thankfully, my neighbor was kind enough to lend me his backhoe and his dad. He did question why the hole needed to be 8-10 feet deep. It was easy for me to switch to veterinary preventive medicine mode and explain the effects of the euthanasia solution on any potential wildlife scavengers.
In the last post, we introduced the six criteria air pollutants. In this installment, we delve deeper into their malicious nature, and the damage they can do to life and property.