Making medical decisions for your pet isn’t always straightforward—especially when budgets, emotions, and complex treatment options all collide.

In this episode, Dr. Alex breaks down how to think clearly and confidently about recommended blood tests, long-term medications, and the tough choices that come with chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and more.

You’ll learn how vets use monitoring tests, when they genuinely influence treatment decisions, and when it might be reasonable to delay or decline certain diagnostics.

We explore risk tolerance, affordability, and how to prioritise what’s essential for your pet’s wellbeing without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.

Most importantly, you’ll gain practical questions to ask your vet so you can make fully informed decisions that work for your pet, your situation, and your budget.

If you’re struggling with a difficult care decision or just want a clearer framework to follow, be sure to check out the Treatment Decision Toolkit. It includes step-by-step guidance, videos, and an interactive pet-health decision wizard to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident.

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What happens when your beloved pet gets diagnosed with cancer? In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex sits down with board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Nicole Leibman for a candid, myth-busting conversation about cancer in our furry family members.

From the most common warning signs and why early detection matters, to breakthroughs in treatment (including cutting-edge immunotherapies!), Dr. Nicole shares insider expertise and heartwarming stories from her work in New York City.

Whether you’re worried about a lump on your pet, curious about chemotherapy side effects in animals (hint: it’s not like in humans!), or just want to understand how specialists and general vets work together, this episode is packed with practical insights and empathy.

Plus, you'll hear about a revolutionary in-home nursing service that's changing the way pet care is delivered.

If you love your pets and want the best for them—don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening chat!

Dive deeper into the topic over in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/pet-cancer

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😮 Just because we can do more tests or treatments for our pets, doesn’t mean we should—sometimes doing everything isn’t the best choice for their quality of life!

🐾 Recently, my own cat Molly faced a life-threatening illness, forcing me to ask the same tough questions I ask clients every day:

• Diagnose first! Without accurate diagnosis, you risk the wrong treatment and a poor prognosis.

• Ask if additional tests will really change your treatment plan—or simply add expense and stress. • Weigh every treatment option from “gold standard” to practical compromises, considering outcomes, costs, and the impact on daily life.

• Always balance the risks and benefits, including the stress of medications, procedures, and hospital visits.

• Remember: what’s right for one family or pet may not be right for another—your gut feeling matters, too!

💡 The real takeaway? Making decisions for your sick pet isn’t just about medicine—it’s about honestly weighing options, understanding what will improve (or hinder) their quality of life, and recognizing when doing less might actually be the kinder choice.

Check out the decision making toolkit here

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review