We made it to 60 episodes! In this milestone finale of season 1, we celebrate a season packed with groundbreaking discoveries, spicy myth-busting, and a whole lot of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine). From the GI myths in rabbits and the mystery of guinea pig spleens, to CPR updates and controversial hot takes (yes, we’re looking at you, metoclopramide), season 1 has been a wild, educational ride through the wonderfully weird world of ZooMed!
Dr. Laila Proença reflects on the journey so far, thanks the amazing VETAHEADERS who tuned in each week, and hints at what’s to come in Season 2 (spoiler: it’s gonna be even more epic). So whether you’re a vet, tech, student, or someone just obsessed with axolotl pain perception and Amazon parrot pharmacokinetics, this finale is for YOU. Stay tuned. No species left behind. Ever.
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In this special #TBT on Friday edition of The Honest Podcast, we rewind to pre COVID-19 quarantine. Please keep in mind the date these episodes were recorded, as the topics discussed are related to the events and circumstances of that time. Enjoy this nostalgic journey with us!
Dr. Laila Proença™ sits down with Christina Lopes, CEO and co-founder of The One Health Company and a Young Global Leader recognized by the World Economic Forum.
Christina shares her powerful journey—from her beginnings in Brazil to her work in women's health, social justice, and innovation in veterinary medicine. Through her warmth and brilliance, she shows us that true leadership is about creating opportunities, lifting others, and leading with heart.
Tune in for a conversation about resilience, equality, entrepreneurship, and the courage to build bridges where others see walls.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's dive into a surprisingly neglected topic that affects the safety ofevery anesthetized patient—yes, even your ZooMed (exotics)! Are your endotracheal tube cleaning protocols backed by science or just a mishmash of tradition and guesswork?
Based on a real-world study using anesthetized dogs, we explore four popular cleaning protocols—water, detergent, chlorhexidine, and bleach—and the unexpected results that might just blow your mind (spoiler: water held its ground!). From bacterial growth to practical takeaways for everyday clinical settings, this episode is packed with valuable insights that could reshape how your team approaches tube hygiene. If you’ve ever reused an endotracheal tube or debated how to clean your V-gels, this one’s for you.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. In this firecracker of an episode, Dr. Laila Proença digs deep into the controversial conversation shaking up the world of rabbit medicine — do metoclopramide and cisapride actually help, or are we clinging to outdated practices? With new data reaffirming what female-led research has already shown for nearly a decade, it’s time we ask: is this “breaking news” or just patriarchy in action?
Get ready for science-backed sass, some serious myth-busting, and a conversation on gender bias in veterinary science you didn’t know you needed. Tune in as we revisit the evidence and reframe how we approach GI care in rabbits—with facts, fairness, and a healthy dose of feminism. Evidence-based medicine meets critical thinking meets change. Are you in?
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In this special #TBT on Friday edition of The Honest Podcast, we rewind to pre COVID-19 quarantine. Please keep in mind the date these episodes were recorded, as the topics discussed are related to the events and circumstances of that time. Enjoy this nostalgic journey with us!
Dr. Laila Proença sits down with the multi-talented Jenny Januszewski—actress, writer, director, photographer, and devoted hamster mom—to explore the deep bonds that tie us to both humans and animals. Jenny shares her journey as an adoptee and an adoptive mom, reflecting on the profound love that transcends biology. From the tiny paws of her beloved hamsters to the immense heart of motherhood, Jenny’s story is a testament to the power of connection. As she beautifully puts it, “My hamster is the exact same size as my heart.” Join us for an intimate, inspiring conversation about love, family, and the magic of the bonds we create.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Euthanasia is never easy — especially in reptiles, where vascular access can turn into a challenge and distressing scenes are the last thing you want during such a delicate moment. Today, le'ts dive into a new study testing transmucosal administration of pentobarbital and phenytoin as a potential alternative for bearded dragons.
Sounds great in theory, right? Less invasive, less stressful… except it turns out the road to a peaceful goodbye isn’t that simple. Between delayed cardiac arrest, distress behaviors, and some very questionable absorption, this method may not be the smooth solution we hoped for.
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens when you try this route or debated the best way to approach reptile euthanasia in front of an owner — this episode’s for you. Grab your coffee, and let’s unpack what works, what doesn’t, and why good intentions sometimes need a backup plan.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's put portable glucometers to the test — literally. A new study takes on the challenge of figuring out whether those quick glucose readings in bearded dragons are actually reliable or just giving us false confidence. Turns out, things get messy fast. From wild overestimations to numbers that completely miss the mark, these devices might be leading us down the wrong diagnostic path.
Dr. Laila Proença™ breaks it all down with her usual clinical humor and critical insights — because the last thing any of us needs is a math problem during rounds. If you’ve ever second-guessed a glucose reading in a reptile, this one’s for you. Grab your coffee, and let’s talk about when these devices help… and when they absolutely don’t.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Think all blood tubes are created equal? Think again. Today, we’re diving into a study that settles one of reptile medicine’s most overlooked debates — should you be using EDTA or heparin for CBCs in your bearded dragon patients?
Turns out, heparin might be sabotaging your counts — lowering WBCs, wrecking cell morphology, and leaving you with unreadable smears (yikes). EDTA? It’s the MVP you didn’t know you needed. Join Dr. Proença for a deep dive into how one simple change can level up your diagnostics and prevent you from missing infections, inflammation, and more. Because even tiny dragons deserve accurate bloodwork. Listen now — your CBCs will thank you!
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Think heart disease is just a mammal problem? Think again! In this eye-opening episode, let's dive deep into a fascinating retrospective study on cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons — yes, those charismatic little reptiles warming laps everywhere.
With insights from 54 cases across 15 years, you'll learn why cardiac conditions in beardies are so often missed, what subtle signs to watch for, and how diagnostics like ultrasound and echo can change your approach. From aneurysms to pericardial effusions, this episode is packed with clinical pearls that will sharpen your reptile game.
Whether you treat ZooMed (exotics) or just love a good deep dive into underdiagnosed conditions, this one's a must-listen. Your future scaly patients will thank you.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's challenge everything we thought we knew about reptile diagnostics! Dr. Laila Proença™ dives into a fascinating study exploring thepostprandial effects of uric acid, bile acids, and glucose in bearded dragons—and the results might just change how you interpret bloodwork.
Turns out, feeding before sampling significantly alters biochemical values, potentially leading to misdiagnosis of renal or hepatic disease. So, should we start recommending fasting for our scaly patients? And if so, for how long? Tune in to uncover how diet influences blood parameters in reptiles and how to improve diagnostic accuracy in your clinic!
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In this special #TBT on Friday edition of The Honest Podcast, we rewind to pre COVID-19 quarantine. Please keep in mind the date these episodes were recorded, as the topics discussed are related to the events and circumstances of that time. Enjoy this nostalgic journey with us!
What happens when you bring a brutally honest, well-traveled veterinarian with a sharp wit and a heart of gold onto The Honest Podcast? Absolute chaos—mixed with deep, meaningful insights, of course. Dr. Laila Proença sits down with Dr. Oded “Odie” Marcovici, at the time a veterinary recruiter and global professional relations expert. Their conversation is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt as they dive into sibling rivalry, childhood bullying, raising kids without religious influence, and even the unexpected consequences of eating pink popcorn in Brazil.
Through sarcasm, storytelling, and plenty of laughter, Dr. Marcovici shares his journey—from growing up between Israel, Canada, and the U.S. to navigating the ever-changing veterinary profession. And despite his tough exterior, it’s clear that beneath it all, his heart is as soft as cotton candy. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions, candid confessions, and a reminder that the most valuable friendships are the ones that survive honesty at its rawest.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Think you know how rabbits handle calcium? Think again! Today, let's uncover a fascinating twist in rabbit physiology—turns out, their cecum, not the duodenum, is the MVP of calcium absorption!
What does this mean for rabbit diets? Should we still fear high-calcium foods? And what about those infamous urinary issues? Dr. Laila Proença™ dives into groundbreaking research that challenges long-held beliefs and offers practical insights for veterinary professionals treating ZooMed (exotics) pets.
Grab your stethoscope and maybe a glass of wine — this episode is packed with science, surprises, and some strong opinions!
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Rabbits recycle their own teeth for calcium? Yes, you read that right! In this mind-blowing episode, Dr. Laila Proença™ dives into a groundbreaking study that shakes up everything we thought we knew about calcium absorption and metabolism in rabbits.
This research suggests that instead of relying solely on dietary calcium, rabbits may actually reabsorb calcium from their own continuously growing teeth! What does this mean for rabbit nutrition, urinary health, and dietary recommendations? Should we rethink commercial diets? If you're a vet, technician, or just fascinated by rabbit physiology, this episode is a must-listen!
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Think UVB lamps are the best way to boost vitamin D in rabbits? Think again! This episode explores a groundbreaking study that tested UVB exposure vs. UVB-irradiated hay to see which method truly increases serum vitamin D levels in rabbits. Spoiler alert: the results may change how we think about dietary supplementation!Dr. Laila Proença™ breaks down the findings, challenges common assumptions, and discusses whether rabbits regulate calcium metabolism differently than other species. Should we be recommending sun-dried hay over UVB lamps? Does vitamin D supplementation even matter for dental disease? Tune in and find out the latest evidence-based insights that could reshape your approach to rabbit nutrition and husbandry!
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In this special #TBT on Friday edition of The Honest Podcast, we rewind to pre COVID-19 quarantine. Please keep in mind the date these episodes were recorded, as the topics discussed are related to the events and circumstances of that time. Enjoy this nostalgic journey with us!
In this heartwarming episode, Dr. Laila Proença™ sits down with Dr. Christine Molter, a veterinarian diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine, for a conversation that feels straight out of a romantic comedy—light, warm, and full of laughter.
Dr. Christine Molter shares her unique perspective on life, from the power of community and the struggle with impostor syndrome to unexpected de-stressing techniques (yes, even bathroom breaks count!). They also dive into the realities of navigating a demanding career while balancing love, relationships, and even pregnancy—especially while working in a zoo!
At the time of recording, Dr. Christine Molter was expecting her baby boy, and since then, little Benjamin Thomas has made his grand entrance into the world, YAY! This episode is a heartfelt reminder that success isn’t just about achievements—it’s about the people who lift us up, the lessons we learn, and the moments that make us laugh along the way.
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's rethink everything we know about chameleon reproduction! Dr. Laila Proença dives into a fascinating study exploring follicular atresia in veiled chameleons—is it a normal physiological process, or a warning sign of reproductive disease?This episode unpacks key findings on follicular atresia, its role in ovarian regulation, and whether routine intervention is really necessary. Should we be jumping to surgery, or is this part of a healthy reproductive cycle? Plus, how does husbandry impact follicular development in captive reptiles?Join us for a myth-busting discussion that will change the way you approach reptile reproductive health!
Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's hop into the world of rabbit owners and their evolving perceptions of pet care and husbandry. From groundbreaking survey data to busting myths about the financial viability of treating ZooMed (exotic) pets, this episode dives deep into the growing market for rabbit medicine. Discover actionable insights for veterinary professionals and learn how shifting your mindset can open up new opportunities in ZooMed (exotics) animal care.
Ready to expand your knowledge and inspire change? Tune in and join the movement of No Species Left Behind!
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In this special #TBT on Friday edition of The Honest Podcast, we rewind to pre COVID-19 quarantine. Please keep in mind the date these episodes were recorded, as the topics discussed are related to the events and circumstances of that time. Enjoy this nostalgic journey with us!
Dr. Trina Hazzah is a trailblazing veterinary oncologist, but in this episode, we step beyond her professional accolades to explore the woman behind the expertise. In a warm and deeply personal conversation—recorded pre-pandemic—Trina invites us into her world, sharing her journey as a college student, her Egyptian heritage, and the path to parenthood with her wife through IVF.
She opens up about raising compassionate, feminist children and how cannabis is shaping conversations in veterinary medicine. From career to motherhood to breaking stigmas, this episode is a heartfelt glimpse into a life led with purpose and authenticity
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's discover the groundbreaking findings of a 2024 study that compares the effects of Ketofol paired with midazolam, fentanyl, or dexmedetomidine in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) for rabbits. Explore practical applications, anesthesia tips, and why this technique could be a game-changer for exotic animal practitioners.
Whether you're a seasoned vet or a student, this episode is your ticket to mastering TIVA and raising the bar in veterinary care. Stay curious, stay compassionate, and let's make a difference—one rabbit at a time!
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Get ahead with VETAHEAD and join Dr. Laila Proença™ on 15 minutes of ZooMed (exotic animal medicine) content. Today, let's dive into a fascinating study that explores how anticoagulants and time impact hematologic values in cockatiels. From PCV changes (spoiler: fresh is always best!) to the pros and cons of EDTA and heparin, this episode is packed with practical tips to elevate your avian diagnostic game.
Learn why timely processing and attention to detail are critical for accurate results, and discover how this study could influence the future of avian medicine. Whether you’re working with cockatiels or other feathered friends, this episode is your go-to guide for better bloodwork!
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