Ep 229: The Vet Eye Guy: Expert Tips on Managing Ocular Conditions, with Dr. Alex Sigmund - Part 1

This week on "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes back Dr. Alex Sigmund, a.k.a The Vet Eye Guy, as they dive into expert tips for managing ocular conditions. Dr. Alex wants every veterinarian to be comfortable with the basics of ophthalmology to improve patient care and client understanding. Dr. Alex guides new grads through the process of identifying key signs of ocular conditions, in order to help you enhance your understanding and gain confidence in treating ocular diseases in your veterinary practice.Dr. Alex and Dr. Moriah discuss the complexities of diagnosing and managing ocular diseases in veterinary practice. They delve into the challenges faced by new graduates when encountering eye conditions, particularly focusing on superficial ulcers, infected ulcers, indolent ulcers, and the critical care needed for melting ulcers. The conversation offers practical advice, step-by-step approaches, and emphasizes the importance of client communication in achieving successful outcomes.Using a specific case as an example, Dr. Alex walks through the initial steps of diagnosis, highlighting the importance of thorough analysis and conducting detailed examinations to determine the nature of the ulcer. The conversation touches on the nuances of interpretation and the potential pitfalls that new graduates might encounter. Dr. Alex offers invaluable tips on distinguishing between simple and more complex cases, setting the stage for effective treatment.Dr. Alex also shares his approach to using cytology as a tool for monitoring the ulcer's response to treatment, underscoring the need for frequent follow-ups, especially in breeds prone to rapid deterioration. This segment of the podcast is packed with actionable insights, making it a must-listen for any veterinarian facing similar challenges.Dr. Alex discusses the importance of setting realistic expectations with clients and the role of surgical intervention when necessary. He also offers practical advice on handling cases where immediate surgery is not an option, stressing the importance of aggressive medical management and the use of sedatives to prevent further injury. Throughout the episode, Dr. Alex provides a wealth of knowledge, making complex topics accessible and understandable for both new and experienced veterinarians.Episode Outline[00:01:25] Detecting signs of infection.[00:03:55] Corneal ulcer healing process.[00:08:24] Infected ulcer treatment.[00:10:36] Sterilizing the cornea quickly.[00:19:35] Managing scary Descemetocele[00:22:30] Medical management challenges.[00:24:28] Risks of not treatingEpisode LinksSee more from Dr. Alex: https://www.instagram.com/theveteyeguySee more from Dr. Alex: https://linktr.ee/theveteyeguyMentioned 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 and...