Ep 196: Navigating the Challenges of Treating Senior Pets, With Dr. Monica Tarantino

Episode DescriptionWelcome back to another episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?" I'm your host, Dr. Moriah McCauley, and today we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Monica Tarantino, affectionately known as the Senior Dog Doc on Instagram. Our conversation was particularly insightful for new and recent veterinary graduates who may find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of treating senior pets.In this episode, we dove deep into the world of geriatric veterinary care, focusing on a hypothetical but all-too-familiar patient: Murphy, a 15-year-old Cavachon with a myriad of health issues. Dr. Tarantino shared her expertise on how to approach these challenging cases without succumbing to the anxiety that often accompanies them.Dr. Tarantino's passion for senior pet care shone through as she discussed the fulfillment that comes from developing relationships with these animals and their owners. She also highlighted resources available for vets who share her passion, including the Senior and Geriatric Dog Society, which she co-founded.Treating senior pets like Murphy can be daunting, but with the right approach and mindset, it can also be one of the most rewarding aspects of veterinary medicine. By preparing adequately, focusing on the most critical issues, and communicating effectively with pet owners, new graduates can navigate these challenges successfully.For more tips and insights, listeners can reach out to Dr. Tarantino on Instagram or explore the resources offered by the Senior and Geriatric Dog Society. And remember, my book and non-clinical skills training class, both titled "So You're a Vet, Now What?", are available for those looking for additional support in their veterinary careers.Episode Outline00:00:51 - Introducing Dr. Monica Tarantino00:02:24 - Preparing for Senior Pet Appointments00:06:30 - Tips from Experienced Vets on Handling Senior Pets00:08:53 - Managing Client Expectations and Appointment Focus00:11:35 - Avoiding New Grad Pitfalls00:12:00 - Time Management During Appointments00:13:20 - Diseases in Senior Pets and Importance of Regular Check-ups00:17:40 - Building Relationships with Senior Pet Clients00:18:17 - Resources for Senior Pet CareQuotes"I'm going to fix all the problems today. And then 30 minutes goes by, and you're just still talking. You haven't even done your physical exam yet.""One of your roles when you're in that room, is to try to focus and guide them to the things that matter most to that patient that day.""Don't be afraid to set the expectation that you're going to need more than one appointment to get to all of this."Episode LinksSpruce Pets: https://www.thesprucepets.com/monica-tarantino-dvm-4690408Dr. Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seniordogdoc/?hl=enMentioned 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...