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The Consult RoomAuthor: The Consult Room
The Consult Room is the podcast that explores the evolving world of modern pet care. Hosted by vet surgeon Dr Paul Manktelow, each episode dives into the key issues shaping the lives of pets and the people who love them. Whether you're looking for deeper insight into modern veterinary healthcare, curious about the pet care industry, or simply passionate about animal welfare, The Consult Room brings clarity, compassion, and real-world expertise to the conversation. Visit www.theconsultroom.co.uk or get in touch at hello@theconsultroom.co.uk. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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When Less Is More : Rethinking Modern Veterinary Care
Episode 1
Tuesday, 11 November, 2025
In this episode of The Consult Room, I sit down with Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Standards at Blue Cross, to ask a challenging question, are we over treating our pets?As the cost of living rises, many owners are finding it harder to afford veterinary care. At the same time, vets face increasing pressure to offer every test and treatment, even when the benefits aren’t always clear. Alison shares her insights from decades of experience in both private and charity practice, explaining why sometimes “doing less” can actually mean delivering better welfare.We explore the concept of pragmatic veterinary care - an approach that’s realistic, affordable, and welfare-first, and discuss how communication, confidence, and compassion can bridge the gap between clinical excellence and everyday practicality.In This Episode:What pragmatic veterinary care really meansWhy the cost of care is driving an access crisisHow to balance “gold standard” treatment with welfare-focused careThe rise of defensive medicine in the professionThe impact of pet owners’ expectations on clinical decisionsWhy confidence and experience shape better judgementPractical tips for affordable pet health careKey Takeaways:Pragmatic care isn’t low quality - it’s high welfare and realisticOver-treatment can reduce welfare as much as under-treatmentCommunication and trust are key to managing expectationsVets need confidence to say “enough” - not everything needs testingVaccination, diet, and prevention remain the best investments in careResources and More Info: 🌐 Visit theconsultroom.co.uk for more pet care insights and episodes 🐾 Follow @DrPaulTheVet for behind-the-scenes content 📚 Learn more about Blue Cross and their work at bluecross.org.uk 🎧 Listen to Alison’s recommended author, Atul Gawande, for inspiring insights on medicine and ethics🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? Follow and review The Consult Room wherever you get your podcasts.
