Hill’s -You Are What You...LEARN
Hill’s Pet Nutrition presents a variety of topics to help enrich and lengthen the special relationship between people and their pets. Listen to experts in feline medicine, surgery and nutrition discuss a variety of topics to help improve patient care & management in our interview series called Feline Purr-spectives. If you are you wanting something more on a specific medical topic? Check out our lecture series ”Gut Check” from key thought leaders around the world discussing new advances in microbiome medicine, diagnostics & nutrition to benefit patient care.
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Episodes
Jun 9, 2025
Jun 9, 2025
14 min
Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we dive into the fascinating world of feline medicine with Dr. Lisa Restine and her esteemed guest, Dr. Susan Little, a renowned feline specialist from Canada. Together, they explore the importance of feline-specific conferences, the welcoming nature of the community, and the abundance of opportunities for veterinarians to immerse themselves in feline medicine. Whether you're a veterinary student or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with insights on networking, continuous education, and the support structures in place for those passionate about feline care.
Mar 4, 2025
Mar 4, 2025
22 min
In this episode of Feline Purr-spectives, host Dr. Lisa Restine sits down with Dr. Alexandre Daniel, a board-certified specialist from São Paulo, Brazil, known for his expertise in feline medicine. Together, they address the complex problem of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) in cats, providing vital insights for veterinary professionals and cat owners alike.
Dr. Daniel outlines the primary causes of dyspnea in cats, including heart disease, respiratory disease, neoplasia, and trauma. He emphasizes the importance of using an evidence-based approach to diagnose and treat this condition due to its potential severity. The discussion highlights how proper respiratory assessment, understanding geographical prevalence of diseases like leukemia, and application of advanced diagnostic techniques such as point-of-care thoracic ultrasound can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Listeners will learn how to observe respiratory patterns to distinguish between pleural and pulmonary diseases, why B-lines in an ultrasound can indicate various issues from pulmonary edema to neoplasia, and the importance of using butorphanol for pain management in dyspneic cats.
Dr. Daniel also discusses the necessity of tailoring guidelines to fit different regions and practices, stressing the global variation in disease prevalence. This episode provides practical advice on managing respiratory distress, recognizing early signs of heart failure, and the significant role of sedation to alleviate cat distress during examinations.
Whether you are a veterinarian seeking to refine your diagnostic skills or a cat parent aiming to understand more about your pet's health, this episode offers valuable information to help you ensure better care and effective management of dyspnea in cats.
Tune in for a detailed discussion filled with expert tips and strategies designed to enhance your knowledge and approach to feline respiratory distress.
Feb 25, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
19 min
Join Hill's host Dr. Lisa Restine as she sits down with Dr. Ashley Saffire, the president of the newly renamed Feline VMA (formerly AAFP). In this episode, they discuss the intricacies of feline gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Saffire, an ABVP feline specialist certified since 2018 and a seasoned veterinarian from Ohio State University, shares her passion and extensive knowledge about cats. Currently practicing in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Saffire brings a wealth of experience to the table.
The conversation covers the redefined term "chronic enteropathy" (CE), an umbrella term covering various GI diseases in cats characterized by persistent symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Dr. Saffire emphasizes the significance of proper history evaluation and tiered diagnostic processes, from basic fecal tests to advanced imaging and biopsy when necessary.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the role of diet in managing feline chronic enteropathies, with tips on choosing the right therapeutic diets, such as highly digestible, fiber-enriched, limited protein, and hydrolyzed diets. Dr. Saffire also stresses the importance of patient-specific diagnostic approaches and the need to avoid premature use of steroids and antibiotics like Metronidazole.
Whether you are a pet parent or a veterinary professional, this episode imparts critical knowledge on maintaining feline GI health and the latest advancements in feline medicine. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion filled with practical advice and expert perspectives.