The Collaborative Vet Podcast - Michael Dr.T Tokiwa

Where is senior pet medicine headed?

In this final segment, Dr. Stephen shares her vision for the future:
 • Senior pet education courses for pet parents
 • Arthritis and dementia advocacy
 • Teaching pet owners how to understand diagnostics
 • Hospice and palliative care
 • Eastern-integrated therapies and herbal medicine
 • Rehab certification

The goal isn’t just lifespan. It’s healthspan.

Senior care is evolving — and this is just the beginning.

#PetHospice #PalliativeCarePets #SeniorPetAdvocacy #CollaborativeVet

Is work-life balance even real?

Dr. Amanda Stephen shares how she balances motherhood, veterinary medicine, and building a senior-focused business. Instead of balance, she calls it a carousel — seasons of intensity supported by strong boundaries and purpose.

We discuss:
 • Working with intention
 • Setting family boundaries
 • Support systems at home
 • Modeling ambition for your children

When you love what you do, it becomes alignment — not sacrifice.

#WomenInVeterinaryMedicine #VetMom #EntrepreneurVet #LeadershipInVetMed

Is it “just aging” — or something more?

We dive into cognitive dysfunction (pet dementia), arthritis evaluation, and what a true senior workup should include:
 • Bloodwork
 • Radiographs
 • Blood pressure
 • Dementia screening checklists
 • Gut microbiome considerations
 • MCT oil and supportive therapies
 • Even the impact of something as simple as a nightlight

Small adjustments can significantly improve quality of life.

This is senior medicine done thoughtfully.

#DogDementia #PetCognitiveDysfunction #SeniorDogHealth #VeterinaryPodcast

Longevity is built on fundamentals.

In this segment, we break down the first practical steps in senior wellness:
 • Ideal body weight
 • Dental disease detection
 • Fish oil and nutritional support
 • The importance of protein
 • Muscle wasting and its link to mortality

We also discuss why anesthesia for a senior dental procedure can actually extend quality of life — not shorten it.

Proactive care adds healthspan, not just years.

#SeniorWellness #PetNutrition #VeterinaryAdvice #HealthyPets

What changes a veterinarian’s entire approach to medicine?In this segment, Dr. Amanda Stephen shares the story of her soul dog, Floyd — battling a brain tumor, dementia, and arthritis. Feeling alone and questioning conventional approaches, she realized how different outcomes might look with earlier detection and broader options.

We discuss:
 • Emotional isolation pet parents feel
 • Conventional vs integrative care
 • Why early senior screening matters
 • How one dog reshaped a medical philosophy

Senior care begins long before crisis.

Subscribe for more conversations on proactive veterinary medicine.

#SeniorPets #VeterinaryMedici...

Are vaccines still important in older pets?

In this segment, we address one of the most misunderstood topics in senior care. Senior pets are often immunocompromised — not immune.

We discuss:
• Vaccine recommendations for older pets
• Duration of immunity
• Titers vs boosters
• Real cases of parvo in senior dogs
• Why rabies is still a real concern

Informed decisions require informed conversations.

#SeniorPetVaccines #RabiesVaccine #ParvoPrevention #VeterinaryEducation

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Terrell shares the unconventional path that led her into veterinary medicine — from growing up in a hunting family to discovering that being a veterinarian is, at its core, detective work. We talk about sports, discipline, self-discovery, and how early life experiences shape the kind of doctor you become. This is a powerful reminder that not everyone follows a straight line into vet med — and that’s often where the magic happens.

At VMX, I had the chance to sit down with veterinarians who are not only incredible clinicians, but real humans navigating ownership, family, social media, and the future of our profession.
Today’s conversation with Dr. Whitney Terrell is honest, funny, and deeply relatable — the kind of discussion vet school never really prepared us for.
Let’s get into it.

To make vet visits easier for cats, consider choosing a feline-friendly certified vet, as they specialize in gentle handling and environments that suit a cat’s needs, like quieter waiting rooms and cat-specific techniques. Stay calm, as your cat senses your energy, so relax before the visit with calming music or breathing exercises. Practice short car rides to reduce stress and break the association of car trips with vet visits. Use pheromone sprays like Feliway to soothe your cat, and bring a familiar item, like a blanket, for comfort. Keep the carrier cozy and familiar by leaving it out at...

"Empowering new graduates in veterinary medicine begins with embracing mentorship, where the guidance of experienced veterinarians provides the essential tools and emotional support to navigate the complexities of referrals. Clear communication is critical for building client trust; by explaining the referral process in simple terms, new graduates can ease client concerns and foster confidence in their recommendations. Developing strong relationships with specialists through professional respect and collaboration ensures patients receive the best care, enhancing the reputation and capability of the practice. Showing empathy and understanding toward clients, especially when they feel uncertain, transforms a potentially anxious experience into one...

"Pets bring joy to our lives, but they can also carry zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can spread from animals to humans. Common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, leptospirosis, and ringworm can affect both pets and people. Pets often pick up these parasites from contaminated soil, water, or other animals, and once infected, they can pass them to us, especially through contact with their stool or skin. Children under 5 are at a higher risk because they’re still building their immune systems and may not follow strict hygiene practices. But with routine vet visits, regular deworming, and basic hygiene habits—like h...

In this segment, we’ll cover tips on making sure your pet’s Halloween costume is safe and comfortable. While costumes can be adorable, it’s important to choose designs that aren’t too tight, restrictive, or made from materials that could irritate your pet’s skin. We’ll go over ways to check if a costume is truly comfortable and safe for pets, including looking for secure fastenings without loose parts that could be swallowed. Reflective elements or glow sticks are great additions to ensure your pet is visible if you’re outside during trick-or-treat hours. We’ll also share how t...

Halloween candy might be delightful for us, but it can be extremely dangerous for pets. In this segment, we’ll explain why chocolate and xylitol, a common sugar substitute in sugar-free candies, can pose severe health risks. Chocolate toxicity varies by type, with dark and baking chocolates being the most dangerous, leading to symptoms ranging from vomiting to heart complications. Xylitol, meanwhile, can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. We’ll discuss symptoms to watch for if your pet accidentally ingests these substances and what steps to take if that happ...

For many pets, Halloween can be a stressful night filled with unfamiliar sights and sounds. In this segment, we’ll explore strategies for reducing your pet’s anxiety, from managing doorbell ringing to creating a quiet “safe room” for them. Constant trick-or-treating can be overwhelming, so setting up a calm space away from the action with soothing music and familiar toys can help pets feel more secure. We’ll also discuss the importance of keeping doors secure to prevent escape, as frightened pets may try to bolt outside. Finally, we’ll suggest calming aids, like anxiety vests or pheromone sprays, that...

During the summer heat and humidity, two common issues can occur in your pets, namely Hot Spots and Ear Infections.  This episode discusses what they are, how your veterinarian treats them, and what you can do to prevent these issues. 

A brief synopsis of heatstroke signs, diagnoses treatment and Prevention

Even though pets get older, it should stop your veterinarian from recommending vaccinations if they are healthy.  In this episode we touch upon 5 things for senior pets,  ranging from nutrition to cancer screening.

In this episode we talk about tick and flea preventatives, what they are and why we recommend year round use.  

Every time I come across a pet and their pet parent, I'm given opportunities to educate.  I believe it is our responsibility to do so and by educating we can enhance patient care and improve the human animal bond. 

We discuss the benefits of pet insurance.  #CarefreeCompanions #DrMollySays #CollaborativeVet #PetInsuranceSolutions #VetCareRelief #HealthyPetsHappyHearts 

Here Dr. Brinkmann and I discuss insurance and its role in helping pet parents provide better patient care.  #TruthRevealed #VeterinaryExposed #CritiqueUnveiled #AnimalCareExposed #TruthBehindCritiques #VetTruths #UncoveringReality #ScathingExposure #TruthTalks #VetInsights #collaborativevet #mollybrinkmann 

Everyone has an origin story.  This is Molly Brinkmann's!  #CollabVetChronicles #MollySaysPodcast #VetOrigins #VetVoices #SocialVetJourney #CollabVetTales #MollyBrinkmannStory #VetCommunityChat #VetInspired #PodcastGrowth #VetPodcastConvo #CollabVetJourney #VetPassionProject #SocialMediaVet #VetInfluence #mollybrinkmann #drmollysays #collaborativevet #michaeltokiwa #originstories 

You simply have to hear how much she loves the profession to understand her passion.  Her sage advice is sound!  #VetDreams #FutureVetJourney #VetSchoolBound #VetLifeGoals #AspiringVetPath #VetStudentLife #VetMedJourney #PreVetAdventure #VetSchoolSuccess #VetCareerPath #VetProfessional #VetPassion #VetFutures #VetInspiration #VetAspirations #collaborativevet #michaeltokiwa 

Jacob Adams is the Chief Scientific Officer at Noxsano, a startup that created a product that heals wounds through producing Nitric Oxide.  Nitric Oxide has been shown throughout the last few decades as a powerful tool in healing wounds and fighting infection.  However, developing an affordable delivery system has proven difficult, until now.  Jacob and his colleagues have developed an affordable and easy to apply product that will help fight infection and heal wounds.  In this video we discuss how it works!  To learn more, visit www.noxsano.com or reach out to Jacob directly at Jacob@noxsano.com 

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Ian Spiegel is a veterinary Dermatologist and Owner of Dermforpets.com  

Here he discusses tips for general practitioners and new grads to realize that these cases are not always straightforward.  He gives pointers on making time for cases such as this, the utilization of the new allergy meds AFTER reducing the inflammation and infections that they present, as well as taking into account the compliance plays a key role in success.  

Dr. Spiegel is a Veterinary Dermatologist, and he has seen his fair share of ear infections.  In this video we get his take on medical treatment of Otitis external (ear infections), and his tips on how to clean the ears. 

A chance conversation with a veterinarian neighbor led Derrick to found and run Zoundz Music for Pets!   He took his talents as a record producer and entrepreneur and combined them with his love of animals to create unique music designed to help pets.  Here’s his origin story.  

Danielle Lambert is the founded of the Snout School of Marketing and Strategy which empowers veterinary professionals to create ethical and authentic veterinary branding.  You could say that Veterinary medicine is in her DNA.  This is her origin story.

Krystina Stadler, clearly is a genius.  Who else did really well in Organic Chemistry?   She entered the Veterinary profession because she was told that it was very hard to get in.  An affinity toward black and white imagery and diagnostics led to a great Radiology mentorship and eventual specialty.  I especially lover her mantra “being a clinician first and radiologist second” and she explains why she follows this approach.  This is her origin story 

Alexandre Contreras is a family man, veterinary professional and entrepreneur.  He has spent years perfecting a new type of nail trimmer which he hopes to bring to market this year.  In this episode he discusses his entry into the veterinary profession and how his charity, The PetTrio charity is designed to give back to his community.  

Jacob Adams is not a veterinarian, nor affiliated with any veterinarians prior to co-founding the startup Noxsano.  The product they have developed came out of a need to help a friend with diabetes who suffered from infected foot blisters, common with the disease process.  An idea of a better delivery system of a compound that our bodies produce to fight infection and heal wounds was created in their garage, initially tested on their driveway, and derived from components purchased at Michael’s and Kroger’s.  This is the Noxsano wound healing product origin story.  To reach out to Jacob you can...

Danielle Lambert is a Brand and Market Strategist, and founder of Snout School, a business that empowers veterinary professionals to build ethical and authentic veterinary branding.  In this short segment, she gives 3 fantastic strategies to build your brand.  

There are many benefits of pet ownership for seniors, including companionship, physical and mental health benefits, and the importance of choosing the right pet for a senior's lifestyle and abilities. I offer tips and advice on caring for a pet as a senior, such as hiring a pet sitter or seeking help from family and friends, and highlighted resources available for seniors who need assistance with pet care.  I emphasize the positive impact pets can have on the lives of seniors and encouraged listeners to consider how a pet could enhance their own lives or the life of a s...

Imagine battling cancer, and you are literally having a dog by your side going through the same thing.  Newton, Renee’s beloved Boxer suffered lymphoma.  As she had successful treatment in the end, Newton did not.  She believes that pet’s are placed in our lives to fill a need, or show us something we didn’t know.  Although the good bye is sad, she feels that pales in the comparison of what she got to experience with her dog(s).   Finally, I asked her what she hopes this book brings to the reader.  She hopes this book can help people...

Sit Stay Heal - How Dogs can teach us about Living Well.  The author Renee Alsarraf is veterinary oncologist and a wife and mother.   She is also a cancer survivor and wrote this book to discuss her journey through diagnosis, treatment and successful remission.  Throughout this she had two teams with her.  Her work team, whom she credits for so much with pet oncology treatment as well her own, and her “home team” of her husband (also a veterinary specialist) and her son....and of course her dog.

Renee Alsarraff is a veterinary oncologist, mother, wife and now cancer survivor and author.  In her book Sit Stay Heal - what dogs can teach us about living well, she talks about her patient’s and her journey through cancer therapy.  During this time she was able to personally compare the human vs. veterinary approach toward cancer treatment.   In this episode we discuss concepts veterinarians implement that the human world of healthcare can benefit from:  like compassion, treating the whole family dynamic and being open about the odds, statistics and outcomes.  

On October 18th, you’ll be able to experience Dr. Renee Alsarraf’s book Sit Stay Heal.  Her journey through her battle with cancer, and how her patients taught her about living a better life.  

Here she touches on the concepts that Pets live in the moment.   Her cancer patients never worried about the statistics, or potential outcomes that can mentally and emotionally exhaust their human counterparts.  Instead they happily enter and leave the treatment center. 

We also discuss some of the characters (who are real life people) she has met during her tenure as an oncolo...

Renee Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist and cancer survivor.  Her book entitled, “Sit, Stay Heal.  What Dogs can teach us about living well,” will be out October 18 2022.  Like so many veterinarians I’ve interviewed, Dr. Renee Alsarraf’s desire to become a veterinarian was in her DNA.  But beyond that, an externship at the AMC (Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in NYC) was a life changing experience that made her want to be a veterinary oncologist.  As you read her book, her warmth as a person will be evident.  She is a hugger.  This warmth and compassionate approach toward her craft is also a...

Having a pet is a privilege, not a right.  There, I said it!  In this episode I express my personal views and give you facts about the true costs of owning and operating a veterinary hospital (and how it differs from your Human Doctor's office).  I give real world examples about how I find some Pet Parents make choices that negatively impact best medical outcomes for their pets.  I hope this brings some enlightenment about what your Veterinarian Team faces when dealing with the financial aspects of pet care.  

First, shout out to Lap of Love's Dr. Mary Gardner and Dr. Dani McVety for their personal guidance for understanding your pet's quality of life.   Here I give my personal views on the concept of "end of life" decisions/discussions.  Your veterinarian's role in helping make this decision requires frank discussions.