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

Episode DescriptionIn 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 practiceEpisode LinksConnect with Dr. Gary Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymarshalldvm/Follow Dr. Gary Marshall: https://www.instagram.com/it.might.get.weirdMentioned in this episode:So You're a Vet, Now What? - The CourseAre you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn...