Ask the Vet

Guide dogs offer independence, confidence, and unwavering companionship, helping people navigate the world with greater freedom. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Rebekah Cross, Vice President of Philanthropy at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and a member of a guide dog team herself. Rebekah shares her personal experience with guide dogs and discusses the important work of Guiding Eyes, as well as the time, training, and dedication that go into creating successful gui...

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine. Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy. Topics include: Why Dr. Sy...

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support. Topics include: What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic settingWhat Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to beWhat palliative c...

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets. Topics include: Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illnessThe warni...

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances. Topics include: What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bondResources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and educationHow RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic ...

Proper exercise and conditioning can support our dogs as they age. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Service Head of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine at AMC, to discuss exercise, mobility, and how we can keep dogs strong and active throughout their lives. Topics include: What a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation doesThe changes in strength, mobility, and function you may see in your dog as they ageDiffe...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Renee Schmid, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, to discuss poisonings and toxin exposures in pets. Topics include: What veterinary toxicologists doHow Pet Poison Helpline works — and when you should callTrending toxin exposures and emerging concernsRed-flag symptoms pet owners should never ignoreHow new toxin alerts are prepared and shared with veterinarians and pet ownersPr...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her colleague Dr. Erin Achilles, Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Cardiology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they discuss how veterinary cardiologists play a critical role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Topics include: What veterinary cardiologists do and when your pet should see oneCommon types of acquired heart disease in dogs and catsHow to monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Victoria Schade, a professional dog trainer, author, and longtime lead puppy trainer/wrangler for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. With decades of experience helping dogs and their families thrive, Victoria shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of television’s most beloved animal events — and offers practical advice pet parents can use every day. Topics include: What goes on behind the scenes to keep Puppy Bowl puppies safe, comfortab...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Donald Sturz, President and Show Chairman of the Westminster Kennel Club, as they celebrate a historic milestone: the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With decades of experience as a handler, judge, and leader in the dog show world, Dr. Sturz offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic events in American sporting history. Topics include: Why the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is historically signif...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her longtime colleague Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt, Department Head of Ophthalmology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they explore how veterinary ophthalmologists help keep pets’ eyes healthy — from everyday eye issues to advanced surgery. Topics include: What veterinary ophthalmologists do and when your pet should see oneCommon eye problems in pets, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and c...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Dr. Dennis Slade, Department Head of Internal Medicine at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, about what veterinary internal medicine really means, and how specialists like him help pets with complicated or chronic health issues. Topics include: · What veterinary internal medicine treats · How AMC’s collaborative care model improves patient outcomes · The surprising things pets swallow and how endoscopy helps get them out · How...

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Philipp Schott, veterinarian, bestselling author, and storyteller, to discuss his new book Heal the Beast: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Together, they explore surprising and quirky stories of animal healers across cultures and centuries, while reflecting on what these traditions teach us about the bond between humans and animals. Topics include: Why caring for animals has been universal throughout ...

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Rachel McPherson, Founder and President of The Good Dog Foundation, about the transformative role of therapy dogs. For more than 25 years, Rachel has been a trailblazer in the movement to bring trained therapy dogs into the lives of people experiencing illness, trauma, or hardship. Topics include: Rachel’s path from Academy Award–nominated film producer to therapy dog advocateThe story of Fidel, her first therapy dog who worked a...

In this episode of "Ask the Vet" Dr. Ann Hohenhaus talks with Dr. Andrea Looney, Senior Veterinarian at AMC and board-certified specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia, about how anesthesia is safely administered to pets. They discuss why the idea of anesthesia can make pet owners feel uneasy -- especially because general anesthesia involves a loss of consciousness -- and what goes on behind the scenes to keep animals safe and comfortable during procedures. Topics include: Dr. Looney’s childho...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Daniel Spector for an informative conversation about minimally invasive surgery in pets. Dr. Spector has led AMC’s minimally invasive surgery program since its launch in 2024, and he brings nearly two decades of experience to the operating room. Together, they discuss: His perspective as a pet owner whose dog needed multiple surgeriesThe difference between minimally invasive surgery vs. traditional surgical p...

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Renee Alsarraf for a heartfelt and informative conversation about cancer in pets. Dr. Alsarraf brings a unique perspective, not only as a board-certified veterinary oncologist, but also but also as a cancer survivor and pet parent to dogs who have faced cancer. Together, they discuss: The types of cancers commonly seen at AMCHow radiation therapy works and when it’s usedAMC’s use of linear accelerator technol...

Parasites are a year-round threat to pets, and some can pose risks to human health as well. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with veterinarian Dr. Craig Prior, former president of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), about what every pet owner should know. From tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms to giardia and ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis, they cover the most common and most concerning parasites. Tune in as they discuss: What are p...

For our special 50th episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Vanessa Spano—AMCs first-ever veterinary behaviorist and the only board-certified veterinary behaviorist in New York City. Dr. Spano’s expertise spans a wide range of behavioral challenges, including anxiety, aggression, trauma recovery, and compulsive disorders. Tune in as they discuss: The difference between veterinary behaviorists, trainers, and general veterinarians What are the most common behavior issues am...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes zoologist and best-selling author Bill Schutt to discuss the fascinating history and function of teeth. His latest book, Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans explores how teeth evolved, what they reveal about survival, and why they matter for both wild animals and our pets. Tune in as they discuss: How scientists identify extinct species by their fossilized teethWhy teeth originated in the animal kingdomHow teeth shaped the course of evolution,...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. This organization is dedicated to supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets, preserving the human-animal bond during challenging times. Tune in as they discuss: What is the mission of PAWS NY?Rachel's inspiration to establish this organizationHow PAWS NY helps New Yorkers having difficulty caring for their pets due to illness, disability, mobility limitations, and finances, among other issuesThe poig...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Monica Murphy, a veterinarian and co-author of "Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals" — a fascinating book that looks at how America’s attitudes toward animals were transformed in the late 19th century. Tune in as they discuss: Why Dr. Murphy found this particular time period intriguingThe effectiveness of Henry Bergh, founder of the ASPCA, in advocating for animalsThe impact the book "Black Beauty" had on animal welf...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Scott Weese, a leading expert in veterinary infectious diseases and creator of the must-read Worms & Germs blog. Tune in as they discuss: Insights into the 2023 “mystery” canine respiratory diseaseThe impact of social media and lifestyle trends on the perception of pet healthHow the social network of dogs influences the spread of diseaseThe tragic situations that can arise if pets don’t receive vaccinations on time or at allEmerging challenges and threats ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Kwane Stewart, a veterinarian who provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness through his nonprofit, Project Street Vet. Dr. Stewart was named CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year for his outstanding efforts. Tune in as they discuss: What inspired Dr. Kwane Stewart to become a veterinarianThe origin of Project Street Vet and how the organization has evolvedCommon health problems of dogs living on the streets in CaliforniaThe rewards of...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jamie Cohen, LCSW, AMC's new Veterinary Social Worker. Jamie brings more than a decade of experience in supporting trauma survivors and helping individuals and families navigate grief. At AMC, Jamie leads our Pet Loss Support Program and our Caregiver Support Group, offering both practical and emotional support to pet owners facing the loss or illness of their beloved animal companions. Tune in as they discuss: How Jamie came to work at the Schwarzman Animal Medi...

AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, a certified cat behavior consultant, animal behavior scientist, and author of the new book Play With Your Cat: The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline. Tune in as they discuss: Dr. Delgado's career path in feline behavior"Catios," and indoor vs. outdoor cat recommendationsCommon feline behavior issues, including litter box avoidance and inter-cat conflictCats' sense of smell and its importance in thei...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Florence L. Dickler, Professor and Author of “For Dog’s Sake,” a heartfelt story about Clea, an adorable dog rescued from a Moroccan village. Clea was also one of Dr. Hohenhaus' oncology patients at AMC. Tune in as they discuss: Why Florence wrote "For Dog's Sake" from the point of view of her dog CleaThe challenges of writing this bookHow Florence balanced information and facts with the emotional aspects of storytellingThe people who contributed to Clea's cancer ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Lisa A. Fortier, DVM, PhD, DACVS, a distinguished clinician, researcher, educator, and equine surgeon. Dr. Fortier is currently the Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and the American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR). Tune in as they discuss: Why Dr. Fortier became a horse specialistThe fake journal problem causing researchers to lose their work, data, and writingDr. Fortier's goals for influencing veterinary...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Pamela Schwartz, Department Head of Surgery at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, to discuss how the new Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care is transforming patient care. Tune in as they discuss: A "virtual tour" of the new surgical institute at AMCThe cutting-edge technology now employed in the new operating roomsHow the ORs can connect with people around the worldWhy keeping dogs and cats separate helps in their recoveryPlans for clinica...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Maggie O'Haire, a noted researcher in the field of human-animal interactions. Dr. O'Haire's work is paving the way for understanding how service dogs can make a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Tune in as they discuss: How the Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education was namedDr. O'Haire's inspiration to study human-animal interactionsThe ways Dr. O'Haire persisted in studying...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews three distinguished experts from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Sally Slavinski, Kevin Lovingood, and Caroline Bragdon to talk about the increase of the bacterial disease leptospirosis in dogs. Tune in as they discuss: The increase of leptospirosis cases in NYC dogsWhat causes leptospirosis and what species can contract it?How cases of leptospirosis are diagnosed, counted, and trackedThe health problems leptospirosis causes in dogs ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews David Brathwaite, Patient Care Manager in AMC's Diagnostic Imaging Service. Tune in as they discuss: What is Diagnostic Imaging?David's 22-year career journey at AMC from Assistant to Patient Care ManagerThe role of a Veterinary AssistantThe imaging machines that David maintainsWhat percentage of AMC patients go to radiology for imaging?How animals are x-rayed with a "hands-free" techniqueInteresting cases and animals that David has seenThe challenges and rewards ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Jonathan Losos, evolutionary biologist and author of The Cat's Meow, How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to your Sofa. Dr. Losos studies the ways humans are transforming cats and how cats in turn are transforming the world around them. Tune in as they discuss: What the ancestor of the domestic cat looked likeHow Dr. Losos became a cat loverDr. Losos' leap from studying lizards to catsWhen were cats first domesticated?How cat mummies are helping determine where c...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews veterinarian Dr. Nigel Swift, Global Head of Sustainable Agriculture and One Health at Dalan Animal Health. Dr. Swift helped in the development of the first vaccine for honey bees, which has received conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This vaccine protects bees against a fatal bacterial disease. Tune in as they discuss: Dr. Swift's inspiration to become a veterinarian and work with vaccinesThe fascinating way honey bees are vaccinatedDam...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jane Kopelman who serves as consultant to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s ‘Caring Canines’ therapy dogs. Jane is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Certified Therapy Dog Team Evaluator for pet partners. Tune in as they discuss: How Jane's interest in therapy dogs beganWhat makes a good therapy dog?How you get a therapy dog used to the hospital environmentThe importance of the therapy dog's handlerWhere else can therapy dogs work besides hospit...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's Chief Veterinary Technician, Nancy Patsos. With 20+ years of experience at AMC, Nancy plays an important role in managing the Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) workforce and related patient care services. She ensures compliance with patient safety standards and fosters the professional development of LVTs. Tune in as they discuss: What led to Nancy's career as a Veterinary TechnicianOne of Nancy's most memorable pati...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Judith Harbour, Veterinary Social Worker at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Judith provides support and counseling to AMC staff and veterinary clients. She also facilitates AMC's Pet Loss Support Group. Listen as they discuss: What people commonly experience when they lose a beloved petAdvice for people coping with the loss of a petSecondary loss and how it contributes to griefWhy pet loss groups are helpfulJudith's role in supporting the wellbeing of veter...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's new President and CEO, Helen M. Irving, RN, MBA. Tune in as they discuss: The furry members of the Irving householdHow a nurse from London, England became AMC's President and CEOLessons from human healthcare that Helen is now applying to leading a veterinary hospitalDifferences between human and veterinary hospitalsExciting and surprising things about AMCHow Helen describes AMC to her friendsAlso on this month's show:&n...

Dr. Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Catherine Ruggiero, a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, and Manager of Scientific Communications at Hills Pet Nutrition. Tune in as they discuss: Why Dr. Ruggiero wanted to become a veterinarian and focus on nutritionTips on what to feed your petReliable sources for pet food nutrition informationCommon problems with homemade diets for petsWhat terms like "natural" and "limited ingredients" mean on pet food labelsWhy it's good to keep the original pet ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with her colleague, Dr. Kelly Muller, intern and future resident at AMC. Veterinary interns are fully-licensed veterinarians who have chosen to complete advanced training, often in preparation for a residency and board certification. Listen as they discuss: When Dr. Muller knew she wanted to become a veterinarianHow Dr. Muller’s internship year is helping her become a specialist in neurologyWhat makes an internship at AMC especially valuableDr. Muller’s goals for her ...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere, Director of the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College, about new research into the behavior and cognition of domestic dogs. Listen as they discuss: The origins of Dr. Byosiere's research interestsThe interdisciplinary and translational nature of dog cognition researchThe history of dog cognition as an academic fieldThe pre-historic origins of canine domestication and breedingThe multi-species work being done at Hunter College's Animal...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, a veterinarian who empowers pet owners to enhance the wellbeing of their animals. Dr. Becker believes in a common sense approach to maintaining vibrant companion animals and an unconventional, integrative approach to addressing disease. Tune in as they discuss: How Dr. Becker got started as a veterinarianThe catalyst for her book, "The Forever Dog - Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer"How gene...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jill Rappaport, a journalist, author, producer, and passionate animal advocate especially for senior pets, pitties, and those with special needs. Tune in as they discuss: What we can learn from our animalsThe special story of Jack & Jill: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail to TellThe joys of giving a rescue animal a new lifeHow Jill helped Christie Brinkley adopt her "fourth child"The impact of the pandemic on animal sheltersHow bully breeds are misunderstoodTh...

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is celebrating the 10th Anniversary of our AMC to the Rescue Fund, which provides subsidized specialty care to rescue animals whose health is an obstacle to their adoption. This fund has helped over 600 animals, partnered with over 146 rescues, and provided over $1.6 million in donated care to help pets find forever homes. In honor of this anniversary, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Katherine Good, co-founder of The Good Life Dog Rescue in New York City. Tun...

In this episode, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Leslie Lyons, a feline geneticist and professor of comparative medicine at the Missouri University College of Veterinary Medicine. Tune in as they discuss: What inspired Leslie to become interested in geneticsLeslie's feline companionsHow Leslie pinpointed where cats first became petsWhere cats were first purposely bredThe genetic similarities between cats and peopleUsing cats as a biomedical model to better understand and treat hereditary dis...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Kathryn Coyne, who is retiring after twelve years as AMC's President and CEO. Tune in as they discuss: Kate's backstory and how she came to AMCHow running an animal hospital compares to a human hospitalKate's first impressions as President and CEOThe biggest changes during Kate's leadershipOne of Kate's fondest memoriesWhat will Kate miss about AMC?Also on this month's show: Mahale the chimpanzee's heartwarming reunion with her newborn babyAnimal newsListener Q&am...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Jessica Mejia who was named Schwarzman Animal Medical Center's 2022 Licensed Veterinary Technician of the Year for her exceptional care, compassion, and collaborative spirit. Tune in as they discuss: Jessica's six pets and where they came fromHow Jessica became a veterinary technicianNYC area programs for veterinary techniciansWhat has changed over the last 20 years since Jessica started working at AMCThe responsibilities of AMC techniciansWhat happens when a pati...

AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Lisa Weeth, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, about pet food and nutrition to help your pet live a long, healthy life. Tune in as they discuss: Dr. Weeth's lifelong love of veterinary medicine and her career path as a veterinary nutritionistThe importance of nutrition in the health of petsThe pet food manufacturing process and quality assurance measuresWhat to look for when buying pet foodWhy you should avoid vegan diets for pets, especially for...

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Eunbee Kim, AMC's newest Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Diagnostic Imaging. Dr. Kim's recent research project compares the performance of artificial intelligence software to a board-certified veterinary radiologist. Tune in as they discuss: What intrigued Dr. Kim about diagnostic imagingWhy radiologists like to look at x-rays in the darkHow artificial intelligence performed compared to human radiologistsWill artificial intelligence replace veterinarians...

AMC's Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews David Fitzpatrick, one of the foremost handlers and presenters of the Pekingese breed. In 2021, David was presented with the prestigious American Kennel Club ‘Breeder of the Year’ award for his Pequest Pekingese. Tune in as they discuss: Why David became involved with the Pekingese breedHow life in the palace affected the Pekingese personalityWhat dog show judges are looking for when they examine a dogIs there a school for aspiring handlers?Also on thi...