Mission RENAL 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Release Date: 11/24/2025
Mission RENAL 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In Part 1 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, joins to explain the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care. CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters. PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common. Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don’t wait on labs. Wellness...
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HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs - Part 2
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Dog ear infections are frustrating, smelly, and painful—and often keep coming back. This episode is part of the HEAR NOW series (Help, Educate, Assess, Regulate), created in partnership with Merck Animal Health. In this two-part series, expert guest Dr. Christine McKinney, Merck Animal Health Small Animal Dermatology Specialist, joins to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog ear infections to give pet owners the clear, evidence-based information they need. In Part 2 of our HEAR NOW series, we explain what brown discharge really means, why infections may not go...
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One Health Heroes, October 15, 2025: Avian Influenza Surges, Screwworm Nears the Border, and New Vaccine Policy Concerns
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In this critical update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the discuss three rapidly evolving One Health concerns: A , with potential impacts on food security, wildlife biodiversity, and companion animals. The , now just 70 miles from the U.S. border — with both livestock and in Mexico. may be available and farmers should talk with their veterinarians. The vaccine policy, which could and other immunizations. The episode also highlights new findings on , , and innovative One Health approaches to rescue rehabilitation, including the touching Sign up for our...
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HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs - Part 1
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Ear infections are one of the most common and frustrating reasons pet owners bring their dogs to the veterinarian. They’re painful, smelly, and confusing. When the ear infection keeps coming back, it can feel like you’ll never get ahead of them. This episode is part of the HEAR NOW series (Help, Educate, Assess, Regulate), created in partnership with Merck Animal Health. In this two-part series, expert guest Dr. Christine McKinney, Merck Animal Health Small Animal Dermatology Specialist, joins to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog ear infections to give pet owners the...
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One Health Heroes, October 1, 2025: Pet food, Pandemics, and Parasites
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know: One Health Heroes, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti welcomes back Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist with the to discuss urgent updates on screwworm, the ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks, food safety risks with raw pet diets, and recent vaccine policy changes at the federal level. This conversation highlights why veterinarians, healthcare providers, and pet owners must stay vigilant and informed as these One Health challenges evolve. Key Takeaways : Detected just 70 miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border, raising concerns for...
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082 Top Mistakes Pet Owners Make with Food Allergies
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Are you struggling to figure out what’s causing your dog’s itchy skin, upset stomach, or constant scratching? In this episode, we cover the 3 most common mistakes pet owners make when trying to find dog food allergies — and what you should do instead. From grain-free diets to cutting chicken from your dog’s meals, and even relying too heavily on blood tests, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and real veterinary advice so you can finally get answers for your pup. Resources & Links: Episode page with video: Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Veterinary Skin and Ear...
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One Health Heroes, Sept 15, 2025: CDC Shakeups, Avian Influenza, and Raw Food Risks
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communications specialist for the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians joins to discuss the latest updates on avian influenza, raw food recalls, public health challenges, and the shifting landscape at the CDC. Key Takeaways Avian Influenza Outbreaks Continue Recent confirmed cases: turkey farms in North & South Dakota and . Poultry depopulation is still the main response; cattle recover but with significant economic loss. Companion Animal Cases Linked to Raw Diets A cat was euthanized after contracting (voluntary recall...
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081 Ceruminous Cystadenomas: Little Blueberries All Over Your Cat's Ears
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Ceruminous cystadenomatosis may sound like a rare and complicated diagnosis, but for veterinary dermatologists, these purple “blueberry-like” cysts in the ear canal are a frustratingly common challenge for breeds like Persian cats or Cocker Spaniels. While the condition is technically benign, it can cause significant pain, chronic infections, and quality-of-life issues for pets. In this episode, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti and Dr. Austin Richman explain what ceruminous cystadenomatosis is, why it happens, how allergies may play a role and how modern treatments like CO₂ laser therapy and...
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One Health Heroes, Sept 1, 2025: Public Health Under Fire
Your Vet Wants You to Know
In this episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know, Dr. Brittany Lancellotti is joined again by Dr. Mandy Sorenson, communications specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians (AAFSPHV), to discuss the latest developments affecting science, public health, and One Health initiatives. Key Points for Listeners Supreme Court Ruling on NIH Grants A has blocked reinstatement of $800 million in canceled NIH grants, many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and health equity research. mRNA Vaccine Contracts Canceled Following cancellation of...
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080 Inflammatory Polyps
Your Vet Wants You to Know
Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the ears, throat, or middle ear of cats and dogs, most often affecting young cats and French Bulldogs. While benign, these growths can cause chronic ear infections, noisy breathing, head tilt, or even neurologic signs if left untreated. In this episode, listeners will learn how CT scans and video otoscopy performed by veterinary dermatology specialists help accurately diagnose and safely remove inflammatory polyps, why steroids are an important part of treatment, and what recovery looks like for pets. Resources: 📸 🥼 ...
info_outlineIn Part 1 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care.
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CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters.
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PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common.
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Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don’t wait on labs.
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Wellness bloodwork + urinalysis help slow the disease early.
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Staging organizes care so your pet gets the right support at the right time.
Resources & Links:
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Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets
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Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here
Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.
By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.
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Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).
Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.
Important Safety Information
Varenzin-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.