Ep 224: Frenchie Back Pain: A Guide for New Grad Vets, with Dr. James Cellini

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

In this episode of "So You're a Vet… Now What?" Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. James Cellini, a board-certified small animal neurologist. They discuss the management of back pain in French Bulldogs, covering when to refer patients and how to communicate effectively with clients for better outcomes.

French Bulldogs are particularly susceptible to disc herniation, underscoring the importance of approaching cases of back pain in these dogs with heightened concern. Dr. James Cellini stresses the significance of recognizing the specific risk factors associated with French Bulldogs. Due to their genetic makeup, nearly every French Bulldog is predisposed to experiencing disc herniation at some point in their life. This genetic predisposition underscores the necessity of handling cases of back pain in French Bulldogs with caution and attentiveness.

Dr. Cellini emphasizes the need for early intervention and referral to a specialist when dealing with French Bulldogs suffering from back pain. He recommends prompt referral to a specialist even if the dog appears to be ambulatory and stable. This proactive approach is rooted in the breed's tendency to deteriorate rapidly, deviating from the typical prognostic indicators seen in other breeds. By acknowledging the breed-specific risks and taking proactive steps to seek specialized care, veterinarians can enhance outcomes for French Bulldogs with back pain.

Dr. Moriah and Dr. James’ conversation highlights the importance of documenting every step of the treatment process, including phone calls, messages left, and instructions given. They highlighted the importance of documenting even attempts to contact clients, such as noting when a call was made, voicemail left, or if the mailbox was full. These details may seem minor, but they can be crucial in demonstrating the veterinarian's diligence and commitment to communication.

Episode Outline

[00:03:05] French bulldogs and disc herniation.

[00:05:11] French Bulldogs and spinal pain.

[00:08:41] Potential paralysis in French Bulldogs.

[00:13:21] Neurology referral challenges.

[00:15:49] Referral process frustrations.

[00:19:47] Medication preferences for dogs.

[00:23:10] Documentation in veterinary medicine.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. James Cellini: https://www.instagram.com/dvmcellini

Connect with Dr. James Cellini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-cellini-82904026b

Watch more of Dr. James Cellini: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLL5_RJlyT53lx5mfSNwtAg

Mentioned in this episode:

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