Chapter 1: Before you build

Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DACVM (Parasitology), discusses the clinical significance of Toxoplasma gondii, when veterinary professionals should consider testing, and how to communicate the risks of exposure to clients.

Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), explains how synergistic prebiotic fiber blends outperform single supplements in supporting fermentation, postbiotics, and gut health.

Valli Parthasarathy, DVM, PhD, DACVB, discusses how veterinarians can evaluate feather loss, self-mutilation, and vocalization in pet parrots and identify when medical and behavioral factors may overlap.

Anthony Coronado, DVM, breaks down how new veterinarians can build clinical confidence, communicate with clients, and avoid burnout in their first years.

Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), explains the use of nutrition first to manage GI cases, tailoring highly digestible, high-fiber, or low‑fat diets to patient needs.

Caitlyn Getty, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), outlines how extended, flexible transitions help pets accept prescription renal diets, preventing negative effects of inappropriate over-the-counter foods.