Episodes

  • A Guide to Elbow Dysplasia Surgery with Board-Certified Surgeon Dr. Dominic Valenzano

    A Guide to Elbow Dysplasia Surgery with Board-Certified Surgeon Dr. Dominic Valenzano
    Apr 24 2026
    Today, we talk about this often-misdiagnosed condition with Partner Veterinary’s board-certified surgeon Dr. Dominic Valenzano, who focused his research in vet school and residency on elbow dysplasia. In this episode, he tells us what signs to look for, how it’s diagnosed, what surgery entails, and the what the road to recovery looks like. We’ll also learn what happens if elbow dysplasia goes left untreated.
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    23 mins
  • Why See a Veterinary Neurologist Dr. Ryan Gallagher

    Why See a Veterinary Neurologist Dr. Ryan Gallagher
    Mar 24 2026
    Wondering why your pet was referred to a veterinary neurologist—or what they actually do? In this episode, Partner neurologist Dr. Ryan Gallagher breaks it down in a clear, approachable way.

    He explains how neurological exams differ from routine checkups, what MRI and CT scans really involve, and when advanced imaging is (and isn’t) necessary. You’ll also learn whether seeing a specialist is still worthwhile if diagnostics aren’t in the budget—and what your pet experiences along the way.

    Whether you’re trying to understand a recent referral or simply curious about this specialized field of veterinary medicine, you’re in the right place.
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    29 mins
  • Snake Bites and Your Pet with Dr. Leah Simons

    Snake Bites and Your Pet with Dr. Leah Simons
    Oct 16 2025
    Picture this: You’re out for a morning hike with your dog, or your cat is exploring the backyard. Suddenly, your pet yelps, jumps back, and you notice something’s wrong. Could it be a snake bite? And if it is, do you know what to do?

    All snake bites are medical emergencies. Whether venomous or not, every second counts, and the actions you take in those first few minutes can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Leah Simons, an emergency veterinarian in our Richmond location. Dr. Simons has treated numerous snake bite victims and tells us everything we need to know—from recognizing the signs of a venomous snake bite, to what we should never do, to why getting to an emergency vet like Partner is your pet’s best chance at survival.

    So, whether you live in snake country or just want to be prepared, listen in. This conversation could be the one that saves your furry family member’s life.
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    23 mins
  • Grieving the Loss of a Pet with Dr. Melissa Miller

    Grieving the Loss of a Pet with Dr. Melissa Miller
    Sep 18 2025
    Losing a pet is one of life’s most profound heartbreaks. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Miller, a Medical Oncologist for Partner’s Richmond Hospital and a Pet-Loss Grief Support Specialist, opens up about her own journey into grief counseling and walks us through the very real emotions pet owners navigate when saying goodbye to a beloved companion. She helps us understand why honoring our grief is crucial for healing and shares compassionate, practical guidance for moving through one of life’s most difficult experiences.

    Whether you’re currently grieving a cherished pet or simply want to better understand the grief process that touches most pet owners’ lives, Dr. Miller’s insights offer both comfort and hope.
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    23 mins
  • Pet Emergencies … What Can and Can’t Wait? in Veterinary Medicine

    Pet Emergencies … What Can and Can’t Wait? in Veterinary Medicine
    Sep 9 2025
    If you’re a pet owner, you’ve likely experienced a time when your pet has been sick. Perhaps you’ve questioned whether their illness is an emergency or not. In this episode, we chat about this topic with Dr. Miriah Wilson, the Lead ER Veterinarian in our Frederick hospital. Dr. Wilson discusses some of the more emergent needs that can’t wait vs. illnesses that might not be as dire as we expect.
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    21 mins
  • https://partnervesc.com/3452-2/

    https://partnervesc.com/3452-2/
    Jul 7 2025
    In this episode we hear from Partner’s CEO and Co-Founder, Katie Brooks, who is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. Katie talks about her path toward becoming an LVT and navigating the complexities of veterinary medicine. She also shares why she chose to create an emergency and specialty hospital where caregivers are empowered to take ownership of their role and responsibility, and where the phrase “We Can Help” truly means something to pet owners in need.

    She often jokes; I built these hospitals for my oldest Labrador. “For me, the peace of mind that our team is there when needed has been so valuable to our family and the community. It’s the pets who help emotionally regulate the entire family—the health of the family rests on the health of the pets.”
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    24 mins
  • The Dedication Behind An Emergency Vet Caregiver

    The Dedication Behind An Emergency Vet Caregiver
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with Miranda David, a Registered Veterinary Technician at our Frederick location, to explore what it really takes to earn a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation in Emergency and Critical Care.

    Becoming a VTS isn’t just a certification—it’s a rigorous, multi-step process requiring years of experience, advanced training, and hundreds of hours of dedicated work before even qualifying for the exam.

    Miranda shares her journey, what drives her commitment, and how this advanced expertise directly impacts the care and outcomes for the pets we serve at Partner.
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    19 mins
  • How Partner is Helping the Most Vulnerable Pets

    How Partner is Helping the Most Vulnerable Pets
    Apr 22 2025
    April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and “We Can Help” is at the core of everything Partner does, including our ability to help animals who have been subjected to cruelty. In this episode, we have an open discussion about Animal Protection with Hospital Steward Christy Schwartz and ER Dr. Erica Ditzler, both from Partner’s Richmond hospital. Both Christy and Dr. Ditzler have tremendous experience in helping the communities’ most vulnerable dogs and cats, and help lead the Partner team of caregivers in navigating these difficult cases. We discuss how Partner has been instrumental in helping neglected and abused animals in the Richmond community, and learn how people can help support animal protection organizations in their own communities.
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    36 mins