In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hayes sit down with internationally renowned rehab specialist Dr. Michelle Broadhurst. Drawing on her background in human chiropractic and decades of experience in both equine and small animal rehabilitation, Dr. Broadhurst dives into powerful recovery stories and breakthrough treatments—from helping paralyzed pets walk again to utilizing cutting-edge tools like shockwave and EMTT therapy. Discover how early intervention, diagnostic precision, and a collaborative rehab approach are transforming outcomes in veterinary medicine.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Diagnostic Tails & introduction of Dr. Michelle Broadhurst

01:10 – Dr. Broadhurst’s background: From human chiropractic to equine and small animal rehab

03:00 – What is veterinary rehab?: Beyond recovery—addressing compensation and full-body healing

05:00 – Common cases: Paralysis, post-surgical care, aging pets, and arthritis

06:15 – Prehab and strengthening before surgery

07:10 – Importance of client compliance and home exercises

08:00 – Environmental adaptations: Traction, nail trims, yoga mats & more

09:00 – Modalities used in rehab: Laser, water treadmill, shockwave, EMTT, Teca system, manual therapy

12:30 – Favorite tools: Hands, shockwave, EMTT

13:00 – Case study: 17-year-old hound regains mobility after paralysis

15:00 – Ideal patient personalities and how treatment is tailored

16:00 – Future of rehab: Standard of care, post-surgical protocols, and integrative teams

17:30 – Custom rehab plans vs. one-size-fits-all approaches

19:00 – Addressing soft tissue complications post-surgery

20:00 – Imaging in rehab: MRI, ultrasound, and diagnostics as cornerstones

22:30 – Final thoughts: Importance of diagnostics and access to Dr. Broadhurst’s clinic

Notable Quotes

“Rehab isn’t just about recovery—it’s about restoring function and preventing future breakdown.” – Dr. Michelle Broadhurst

“In rehab, your hands are your best tool—but shockwave and EMTT have absolutely transformed how we treat neurological cases.” – Dr. Michelle Broadhurst

“Diagnostics are the cornerstone of any good potential outcome. The more we know, the better we can treat.” – Dr. Michelle Broadhurst

“We used to have these cookie-cutter rehab plans. Now, we’re understanding how dynamic recovery truly is—every case needs a tailored approach.” – Dr. Amy Armentrout

Valuable Takeaways & Resources

Key Concepts:

• Functional rehab is essential after injury or surgery to prevent compensatory issues.
• Prehab (rehab before surgery) helps shorten recovery times and improve outcomes.
• Neurological plasticity means animals can regain function even a year or more post-injury.
• Client education and compliance are vital for long-term success.
• Environmental modifications—grippy surfaces, trimmed nails, ramps—can make or break a recovery.

Modalities Highlighted:

• Shockwave Therapy: For tendons, ligaments, and arthritis
• EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetic Transduction Therapy): Game-changer for neuro rehab
• Underwater treadmill: Reduces weight-bearing, retrains gait
• Manual therapy & chiropractic: Crucial hands-on components
• Laser & Teca Therapy: Reduce inflammation and...

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Lon Hays sits down with Dr. Mikaela Maldonado, a veterinary fellow at Animal Imaging with a passion for equine medicine and diagnostic imaging. Together, they explore five fascinating cases where imaging was critical in solving complex medical mysteries—from urinary incontinence in a French Bulldog to an esophageal disorder in a Dachshund. Dr. Maldonado shares the importance of each imaging modality, how contrast and fluoroscopy can change outcomes, and why sometimes the answers lie in what we don’t expect to find.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Intro to the podcast and guest, Dr. Mikaela Maldonado

[01:00] Dr. Maldonado’s background and fellowship role

[02:45] Case 1: Meli the French Bulldog – CT contrast reveals ectopic ureter

[06:00] Importance of contrast in urinary diagnostics

[07:00] Case 2: Bear the Rottweiler – Chronic lameness uncovers lung disease

[10:00] Reflections on diagnostic tiers and uncovering the unexpected

[11:00] Case 3: Finn the Labrador – MRI reveals spinal lesions and suspected cancer

[15:30] Role of MRI, CSF tap, and fluoroscopy in spinal diagnostics

[18:00] Case 4: Chopper the Dachshund – Fluoroscopy uncovers rare esophageal dysfunction

[23:00] Phases of swallowing and real-time imaging insights

[26:00] Big-picture takeaways on imaging, finances, and client communication

[28:00] Tail End Tip: MRI safety and referral best practices

Notable Quotes:

• “If you don’t look, you’re not going to see.”
• “Different modalities shine in different ways—and sometimes, the best answer comes from using more than one.”

Resources & Takeaways:

Imaging Modalities Discussed:

• CT with contrast: Key for mapping urinary tract abnormalities (Meli)
• MRI: Essential in assessing spinal cord involvement (Finn)
• Fluoroscopy/Esophagram: Captures dynamic swallowing issues in real-time (Chopper)
• Radiographs & CSF Taps: Complement imaging findings for deeper diagnostic clarity

Veterinary Practice Pearls:

• Educate clients on how one imaging result informs the next step.
• Think in layers: physical exam → radiographs → advanced imaging → fluid analysis.
• Don't underestimate the power of imaging to shift or affirm a diagnosis.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180

info@animalimaging.net

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalImaging/

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/animalimaging

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/animalimaging/?hl=en

In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays are joined by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Christian Weder. They dive deep into the world of veterinary cardiology. The discussion covers everything from the basics of echocardiograms—described as “an ultrasound of the heart in the most simplistic terms”—to the nuances of diagnosing heart disease in dogs and cats. Listeners gain insights into the value of advanced imaging, how breed predispositions affect screening decisions, and what practical tips can help primary practitioners feel confident in managing cardiac cases. Real-life case studies, illustrate how precision in imaging not only rules in but also rules out heart failure, ultimately shaping better patient care.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction

Welcome to Diagnostic Tales, outlining the focus on real-life diagnostic stories in veterinary imaging.

[00:01:00] – Guest Introductions

Dr. Lon Hayes and Dr. Christian Weder join the discussion. Dr. Weder introduces his background and experience in veterinary cardiology and telemedicine.

[00:02:00] – What is an Echocardiogram?

Explanation of echocardiography in simple terms and its role in pinpointing heart conditions.

[00:03:00] – Human vs. Veterinary Echocardiography

Discussion on the similarities between human and veterinary echo procedures, including the use of advanced imaging technology.

[00:04:00] – Indications for an Echocardiogram

How primary veterinarians decide when to refer patients for an echo, including considerations of heart murmurs and clinical signs.

[00:05:00] – Establishing Baselines and Diagnostic Accuracy

The importance of baseline imaging and the sensitivity of echocardiograms in detecting heart disease.

[00:07:00] – Breed Predispositions

Screening recommendations for breeds at risk for cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease.

[00:08:00] – Echocardiography in Cats

Unique challenges in diagnosing feline heart conditions, including stress-induced murmurs and systemic illnesses.

[00:10:00] – Monitoring Disease Progression

How recheck echoes (typically every 6–12 months) help track disease progression and inform treatment decisions.

[00:11:00] – The Cough Conundrum

Clarifying misconceptions around coughing in dogs and the risk of attributing all coughs to heart disease.

[00:12:00] – Sedation and Imaging Techniques

Discussion on patient management during echocardiograms, including when sedation is used.

[00:16:00] – Case Study: Effusion and Emergency Imaging

A case where an echo helped rule out heart failure in a dog with both chest and abdominal effusions.

[00:18:00] – Case Study 1

[00:20:00] – Case Study 2

[00:22:00] – Tail End Tip for Practitioners

Final advice for primary practitioners on using fundamentals of cardiology to build diagnostic confidence.

[00:23:00] – Closing Remarks

A wrap-up of the episode and acknowledgment of the collaborative efforts that improve patient outcomes.

Notable Quote

"Try not to get intimidated as a primary practitioner. Use your stethoscope well and remember the fundamentals of cardiology—you can do a lot with a good physical exam and a thorough auscultation." Dr Weder.

Animal Imaging Veterinary Radiology Specialists

https://animalimaging.net/

(972) 869-2180