Paws and Effect

What really happens behind the scenes in the world of emergency vet care?

In this episode, emergency veterinarian and educator Dr Brianna Tobin joins us to share the highs and lows of working on the front lines of animal medicine.

Our conversation centred on the adrenaline-fuelled shifts, the camaraderie and critical importance of teamwork, and how trust and communication can make or break a high-performing ER team.

Brianna opened up about the emotional challenges, from heartbreaking patient cases to delivering difficult news to pet owners, as well as the unique pressures emergency vets face, the power of resilience, and practical strategies for managing stress and supporting both colleagues and clients.

In this episode, we are giving you honest insights on the costs of emergency treatment, why teamwork matters more than ever, what makes a strong leader in the ER, and why insurance can be a lifesaver.

Whether you’re a veterinary professional considering an emergency speciality, pet owner, or just curious about animal emergency care, this episode offers a candid look at the realities, rewards, and challenges of a career in veterinary emergency medicine.

Don’t miss Brianna’s advice on recognising emergencies, supporting your team, and building a sustainable and fulfilling veterinary career.

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Brianna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencypetvet/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation with Dr. Caitlin Venniker, veterinarian and author of the much-celebrated memoir “Unleashed.”

In this episode, Caity and I spoke about the realities behind the veterinary profession, balancing heartache, hope, and we shared plenty of laughs!

Caity shares the story behind writing her book, her journey through vet school, the emotional highs and lows of clinical work, and the challenges of motherhood and identity while living abroad.

Discover what truly happens behind the scenes in a vet’s world: the cases that haunt you, the clients who challenge you, and the sheer vulnerability of practicing medicine on creatures who can’t speak for themselves.

From candid insights into the mental health crisis facing vets, to hilarious and touching stories from practice, to the process of bringing a deeply personal book into the world, this episode is an unmissable window into the profession everyone thinks they know, but few truly understand.

Whether you’re an animal lover, future vet, or just curious about the extraordinary lives of those who care for our pets, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and see the world of veterinary medicine in a whole new light.

Read, watch, and buy Caity’s book, then let us know what you think of “Unleashed”!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://www.justforpets.co.za/collections/ultra-dog-full-range/products/ud-premium-sm-adult-dogs

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Caitlin Venniker:
Substack: http://caitygunthorpvenniker.substack.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caityvenniker/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected], and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

What does it truly take to rescue and care for endangered elephants?

In this heartfelt episode, I was joined by Nigel Mason, founder of Mason Elephant Park in Bali, for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of elephant conservation and ethical wildlife tourism.

Discover the incredible story behind the park’s creation, from battling deforestation and government apathy to a daring cross-island rescue mission.

Nigel shares the daily challenges of keeping elephants healthy, handling criticism from animal activists, and adapting to Indonesia’s ban on elephant rides, all while staying fiercely committed to the welfare of these majestic creatures.

Hear firsthand what it means to run a sanctuary, how elephant welfare is monitored, and why the survival of the Sumatran elephant hangs in the balance.

If you care about the future of wildlife and want to understand the complex world of ethical conservation, this episode is a must-listen.

Watch for an honest discussion about hope, heartbreak, and the relentless drive to protect one of nature’s most phenomenal animals.

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet
Check out Ultra Pets’ new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Nigel Mason:
Website: https://masonelephantpark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elephantsbali/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Worried about birds of prey threatening your pets or backyard chickens?

This episode of Paws and Effect is all about the facts (and myths!) about raptors like crowned eagles, black sparrowhawks, and owls living alongside our pets.

Join me as I chat with Tammy Caine of FreeMe Wildlife about:
Which birds of prey really pose a risk to pets and chickens (hint: it’s not as many as you think!)
Why these birds aren’t “targeting” your pets, but are just trying to survive
Practical, humane solutions for keeping your pets and livestock safe, including catios, companion animals, and smarter chicken coop management
The dangers of common “quick fixes” like poison, lethal traps, and relocation, and why they do more harm than good
The value of living in a biodiverse area, embracing nature, and finding real solutions to coexist with wildlife
How rodenticides impact not just pests, but our precious owl population (and your pets!)
What to do if you find an injured bird of prey
Ways to support and get involved with wildlife rescue efforts

This episode is packed with expert advice, real-life stories, and practical tips for anyone who loves their pets and cares about local wildlife. Whether you’re a pet owner, chicken keeper, or just fascinated by raptors, you’ll learn how to protect your animals while also protecting the ecosystem.

Tune in, get the facts, and become part of the solution!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet

Check out Ultra Pets new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Tammy:
Website: https://freemewildlife.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCFFmIMd2ND0FMZ7I9TnD6A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freemewildlife/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

Join us for a refreshing and practical conversation with holistic veterinarian Dr. Emily Roth!

In this episode, Dr. Roth and I discuss the world of integrative veterinary medicine, sharing how treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, Chinese herbs, and nutrition can revolutionise pet health, mobility, and comfort.

Discover how Dr. Roth blends Eastern and Western therapies for large and small animals, busts myths about “natural” treatments, and explains why “holistic” doesn’t mean anti-medicine or anti-vaccine.

Learn the science behind acupuncture, the real role of spinal adjustments, and why nail trims and weight management are game-changers for your pets. Dr. Roth shares her honest advice on quality of life, end-of-life care, and how pet owners can create happier, healthier lives for their animals.

If you’re searching for ways to improve your pet’s comfort, get practical tips, or just want a fresh perspective on modern veterinary medicine, this episode is a must-listen!

SPONSOR: Ultra Pet
Check out Ultra Pets new range here:
https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-adult/
https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/optimal-balance-adult/

Connect with Dr Carra:
Website: https://drcarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/

Connect with Dr Emily:
Website: https://www.healingtrailsholisticvet.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dremily_honestvettalk/

Podcast Production:

This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.
Kythe Creative: https://kythecreative.co.za/

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet:
This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.za

Just For Pets:
Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/

FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.

Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.

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00:00 The Secret to Spinal Care: Nail Length
00:37 Unpacking Holistic and Integrative Vet Med
01:57 Balancing Large and Small Animal Care
05:06 How Veterinary Acupuncture Actually Works
08:09 The Benefits of Electroacupuncture
11:21 Defining True Holistic Veterinary Care
14:15 Extreme Perceptions vs. Evidence-Based Remedies
17:01 When to Recommend Acupuncture for Pain
20:08 The Limits of Acupuncture Treatment
23:08 The Clinical Science Behind Acupuncture Points
27:42 Spinal Adjustments and Chiropractic Care for Pets
29:31 Species Differences in Animal Chiropractic
32:52 Understanding the Chiropractic "Pop" Sound
35:14 Managing Uncooperative and Difficult Patients
38:45 Diagnosing Stiffness in Active Agility Dogs
43:33 At-Home Tips for Spinal Comfort and Mobility
49:54 The Importance of Early Nail Care and Desensitisation
56:02 How Outdoor Mobility, Sunlight, and Cold Plunges Shape Care
01:03:08 Assessing Quality of Life with Pet Owners
01:06:28 Common Regrets During a Pet's Final Phase
01:07:51 Re-framing Euthanasia as an Act of Love
01:09:00 The Future of Integrative Veterinary Medicine
01:11:00 One Crucial Message Before Your Next Vet Visit