The Consult Room

The Assisted Dying Bill is currently under debate in UK Parliament, with strong public support but also deep ethical concerns. But one profession has been left out of the discussion - veterinary surgeons.

As someone who has performed euthanasia countless times, I ask: Should vets have a voice in this debate?

In this episode of The Consult Room, I explore:

• The key provisions of the Assisted Dying Bill and its potential impact.

• How euthanasia decisions in veterinary medicine differ from human assisted dying.

• Why quality of life plays a central role in veterinary end-of-life care—but not in the current human model.

• The emotional burden of euthanasia—on vets, doctors, and families.

• Whether vets’ expertise in assessing suffering could offer valuable insights into this complex debate.

This is a sensitive, thought-provoking discussion about life, death, and dignity—through the lens of a profession that makes these decisions every day.

💡 Takeaways:

• The Assisted Dying Bill proposes medical assistance for terminally ill adults.

• Public support remains strong, with 75% in favour.

• Unlike human medicine, veterinary euthanasia is based on suffering and quality of life, not just terminal illness.

• Ethical concerns include coercion, emotional burden on doctors, and patient autonomy.

• Vets have extensive experience in assessing pain, suffering, and end-of-life decisions.

• The veterinary profession has not been consulted in the Assisted Dying Bill discussions.

• • The debate raises critical questions about how we define suffering and dignity in both human and animal medicine.

  
  

  🔗 Related Links and Resources:

  • UK Parliament Assisted Dying Bill Overview

  • Dignity in Dying – Public Campaign for Assisted Dying

  • Royal College of Physicians – Assisted Dying Position

  • BVA Ethics Discussion on End-of-Life Decision Making

    
    

  📲 Engage With Us:
  💬 What’s your take on the Assisted Dying Bill? Should vets have a say in this debate? Let me know in the comments.

  
  📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favorite platform to stay updated on future episodes.

  
  

  🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
  You’ll find all relevant links in the show notes.

  If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.

  For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or visit theconsultroom.co.uk.

In this episode of The Consult Room, we explore the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the rising costs of veterinary care across the UK. Join me as I break down the complex issues facing the sector, from corporate consolidation and price transparency to the financial strain on pet owners.

Drawing on over two decades of experience in the charity veterinary sector, I discuss the implications for pet owners, veterinary professionals, and animal welfare. From skyrocketing vet fees and pet insurance premiums to media portrayals of the profession, this conversation delves into the root causes of the affordability crisis and potential solutions that the CMA’s report may offer.

💡 Takeaways:

• The CMA’s investigation aims to address rising vet care costs.

• Corporate consolidation has drastically changed the veterinary landscape.

• Pet owners face rising vet fees and insurance premiums, creating financial stress.

• Pricing transparency could empower pet owners to make informed decisions.

• Media coverage has contributed to misconceptions about vet costs and services.

• Many veterinary professionals face burnout due to industry pressures.

• Delayed veterinary visits caused by financial concerns can worsen pet health.

• The CMA’s report may lead to significant reforms in pricing and competition.

  
  

  🔗 Related Links and Resources:

  • Competition and Markets Authority: Official Investigation Announcement

  • British Veterinary Association’s Response to the CMA Inquiry

  • PDSA Paw Report 2023: Veterinary Access and Affordability

  • Vet Record: Analysis of Corporate Consolidation

  📲 Engage With Us:
  💬 What’s your take on the CMA investigation? Join the conversation on social media—let me know your thoughts and experiences.
  📲 Follow @‌DrPaulTheVet and subscribe to The Consult Room on your favourite platform to stay updated on future episodes.

  🎙️ Thank you for listening to this episode.
  You’ll find all relevant links to this conversation in the show notes.

  If you enjoyed it, please follow and leave a review—it really helps others discover the podcast.

  For more insights on topics like this, connect with me on social media @‌DrPaulTheVet or check out my website at theconsultroom.co.uk.

  
  

In this episode of The Consult Room, Dr. Paul Manktelow is joined by Dr. Stuart Halperin, a leading expert in stem cell therapy for dogs. Together, they discuss the rising prevalence of arthritis in dogs, including why even young dogs can develop this painful condition.

Dr. Halperin explains how stem cell therapy, a cutting-edge treatment, is providing new hope by not just masking symptoms but potentially reversing the damage caused by arthritis.

Listeners can expect to hear about:

• Understanding Arthritis: How and why it affects so many dogs.
• Stem Cell Science: A deep dive into how this therapy works at the cellular level.
• Treatment Journey: From harvesting fat cells to the final injection—what’s involved?
• Financial Comparison: The cost of stem cell therapy versus traditional long-term treatments.
• Looking Ahead: The future potential of stem cell therapy in treating other conditions.

Tune in to learn how stem cell therapy is not only changing the treatment of arthritis in dogs but also paving the way for future advancements in veterinary medicine.

For more information and resources, visit www.theconsultroom.co.uk.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Consult Room, we explore the contentious XL Bully ban that has stirred considerable debate across the veterinary and animal welfare sectors. With the legislation now in effect, making it illegal to own, breed, rehome, or sell an XL Bully without specific exemptions, the repercussions are vast and varied. This episode aims to dissect the emotional and practical implications of the ban and how it has impacted the veterinary sector.

In this episode, we discuss: Introduction to the Ban: Understanding the reasons behind the swift introduction of the XL Bully ban, including public safety concerns and the legislative response to high-profile dog attacks. Personal Experience and Perspective: Insights from a veterinary charity sector leader on the emotional weight and complex outcomes of breed-specific legislation. Impact on the Veterinary Sector:

The surge in caseloads and the logistical hurdles facing veterinary clinics.

Ethical quandaries over euthanizing healthy animals and the veterinarian's role in legislation enforcement. Operational challenges, including staff shortages and resource allocation in response to the ban. Emotional Toll and Mental Health: The psychological impact on veterinarians tasked with euthanizing healthy animals, the distress of pet owners, and available support networks. The Consult Room is a space that celebrate pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Visit us at ⁠www.theconsultroom.co.uk⁠ or reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠ for more information and support.

Is the veterinary profession in the depths of a mental health crisis? With media headlines highlighting industry burnout, dropout and suicide, it would appear so! But what’s the truth behind these headlines and do they help - or harm?

In this series 3 podcast from The Consult Room, Dr Paul Manktelow seeks to find answers and share support, alongside veterinary expert Rosie Allister, esteemed lecturer, international speaker and published author, who has dedicated over 10 years on this very issue. 

Listen and learn more about:

• What’s behind concerns about mental health in the veterinary industry?

• The specific harm that negative narratives can cause to already-stressed veterinary professionals.

• External influences which have had a huge impact on all veterinary practice - including Brexit, Covid, Corporate takeover and the massive surge in pet ownership.

• Why negative narratives have a cause-and-effect when it comes to low numbers in recruitment and retention.

• Why the unrealistic expectations and lack of understanding from some pet owners'  and baseless, vindictive complaints contribute to stress - and even suicide.

• The awful impact of ‘vet-bashing’ and online abuse - and how this affects all veterinary professionals.

• The statistics around suicide in the profession and the importance of striking a balance in what we talk about - and how we talk about it.

The podcast also shares where to find help as Rosie shares more information about the charity Vetlife and how this is literally a lifeline for veterinary professionals.

And pet owners can get involved and help too! We’re a compassionate profession which puts pets first, so please help us by showing some compassion for our colleagues.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected] 

In this series 3 episode from The Consult Room podcast, Dr Paul Manktelow is joined by Dr Jane Ladlow, specialist veterinary surgeon and Director of Research at Cambridge University. In this in-depth discussion, they lift the lid on the controversy surrounding flat-faced dogs - those bulldog breeds that conversely top the tables as most popular but also the most unhealthy. 

With a shared concern and love of the breeds, listen and learn as Paul and Jane delve deeper into:

• The health issues which haunt these breeds.

• The research, diagnostic and assessment tools that have helped breeders start to breed better bulldogs and vets to better monitor them.

• How problems may not all be down to irresponsible breeding, but also the irresponsible influence of social media.

• Why it is that dog owners can’t resist these breeds.

• What you should do if you are currently considering buying a bulldog breed.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected] 

In this episode, Dr Paul Manktelow shares his thoughts on a recent special event - being in post as Director of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross for a whole year already! When this popped up on his timeline, Paul received lots of congratulations and many enquiries with that burning question ‘how’s it going?”

So there are no guests in the podcast this time around. Instead, settle in for a solo episode as Dr Paul shares his thoughts, insights and experiences about his first year at Blue Cross. In his personal celebration of a whole year at Blue Cross, Dr Paul highlights:

• How the pandemic, cost of living crisis and war in Ukraine have continued to have an impact on his new role at Blue Cross.

• That recognising people as the heart of the organisation is at the heart of his leadership - and he shares the importance of this when it comes to planning.

• Why ‘back to the floor’ days are his most recommended way for leaders to learn about all aspects of their organisation - and the teams that work inside them.

• Why getting people to ‘stay in their lanes’ is one of Paul’s favourite phrases and how it’s been a real focus in his first year.

• How focusing on wellbeing in the veterinary industry is having a positive impact on recruitment and retention at Blue Cross.

Dr Paul also reveals what’s been achieved in this first year, what’s currently in development and exciting information about what’s coming next.

Whether your interest in Dr Paul is as a pet professional, a pet owner or a pet lover, to stay updated with new podcasts, please SUBSCRIBE and visit https://theconsultroom.co.uk

In this episode, Dr Paul Manktelow is joined by Annie Clark, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse for over 15 years, for some behind the scenes insights into their experiences of working in veterinary emergencies. 

Paul and Annie share thoughts on how the system for out-of-hours emergency pet care has changed in the years since they qualified and they swap some amazing stories which reveal some of the best, most varied and definitely unexpected aspects of pet emergency care. 

Topics include:

• What’s great about working in emergency care and why most vets don’t want to do it anymore

• The switch to outsourced emergency care at night - better for rotas but worse for skill sharpening?

• The ‘rite of passage’ night shifts which used to greet new pet health professionals when starting out in vet practice.

• What’s so special - and different - about teamwork in animal A&E.

Plus you’ll hear about a variety of hilarious real-life cases which include: 

• A foul-mouthed nipple biting parrot

• A frog emergency in which the police had to get involved

• How Annie ended up with a bra full of puppies

• The puppy that transformed into a completely new species of animal

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering professional insights and pet support to a wide audience of pet-lovers, pet owners and veterinary professionals. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected] 

In today’s episode, Dr Paul Manktelow talks about another shocking reality about the war in Ukraine. As well as the huge humanitarian crisis, the sheer number of innocent pets abandoned in Ukraine could also lead to a looming public health and animal welfare crisis.

To explore these less-reported consequences of the war and the work of the animal charities involved, Paul speaks with Greg Tully, Country Director of Save the Dogs & Other Animals. The discussion includes talking about animals in desperate circumstances that some listeners may find upsetting. 

Listen along to learn:

• How the hard work of animal charities supports not only the pets but the people of Ukraine.

• Why fleeing Ukrainian families have had to abandon their pets inside Ukraine and at the border and how Save the Dogs is helping.

• The risks of an unfolding public health health and animal welfare crisis if action and prevention of disease can’t be funded.

• About the type of help needed by pets and the people of Ukraine who are remaining in war zones in order to look after them.

• Heartwarming examples of why pets are prioritised by people living in war zones.

• About the difference donations can make to people and pets by funding the projects put in place to help them. 

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering information and sharing support for pet-lovers and owners. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected] 

In today’s episode, Dr Paul Manktelow talks about something which affects most of us in some way: the costs of living crisis. 

As a professional vet, Paul’s contacted on a daily basis by pet owners who are concerned by costs and the affordability of keeping their pets. He’s also recently spent a lot of time in pet food banks around the UK, speaking to the charities which run them and to the pet owners from all walks of life who are really struggling to make ends meet. 

In this podcast, Paul pulls together all of these experiences, along with questions from The Consult Room listeners, to respond to pet owners’ concerns with some really practical suggestions on how to cut costs in pet care without compromising on pets' health and wellbeing.

Topics include:

• Ideas to support the pet food budget.

• Planning cost-effective pet care.

• Getting the best value out of vaccinations.

• Ideas about pet insurance and meeting the costs of treatment.

• Tackling the cost of toys - with free play.

• Alternatives to doggy daycare.

• Ways to make pet ownership affordable for everyone.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering practical pet support even when times are tough. Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

What would you do if you were forced to make the decision to feed your pet or feed yourself? As the UK remains gripped by a cost of living crisis, this is the reality facing many pet owners right now. It’s also the reason why, up and down the country, teams from the animal charity Blue Cross are urgently setting up pet food banks in areas of need. 

In today’s episode, Dr Paul Manktelow chats with Clare Robertson, Community Project Coordinator with the Blue Cross, to find out more about this initiative. Clare shares her stories and details about this amazing initiative, including:

• How it all began.

• The other organisations collaborating with Blue Cross to support logistics and distribution.

• The reasons why Blue Cross support animal food banks.

• Advice about making a donation which helps pets and their owners to stay together.

• Tips on how to find food banks and use local pet food bank services.

If this topic is particularly relevant for you, please know that help is out there and the Blue Cross website, your local food bank and this podcast are great places to start.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people, offering practical pet support even when times are tough. Join Dr Paul Manktelow at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected] 

In today’s episode we are talking about a subject that nobody wants to talk about but that all pet owners will eventually have to face. We all want our pets to live forever but the reality is that at some point most of us will have to make the difficult decision as to when to let our pets go.

In today's episode Dr Paul Manktelow is joined by Annie Clark, a veterinary nurse with over 15 years of experience in emergency critical care. Annie also works with Paul at Home Goodbye, a home euthanasia service in London where she also offers support and compassion to pet owners facing end of life decisions for their pets.

Just a heads up this episode contains discussions around grief and pet bereavement which some listeners may find upsetting

Topics in this episode: 

• What it is about this decision that pet owners struggle with.

• Why, we as pet owners, feel such responsibility and guilt.

• Is it harder for first time pet owners to make this decision vs those that have had pets before?

• How vets face the decision for their own pets.

• Facing loss and death for what it is.

• The different types of grief experienced in pet loss.

• How grief differs for pet loss after an accident vs a long term illness.

• How to identify and assess changes to your pets quality of life.

• The role personal circumstances can play when making that difficult decision.

• The benefits of home euthanasia.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people. 

Join us at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

Today’s episode is all about dog behaviour and I am super excited to reintroduce Nigel Reed. Nigel was our first ever guest on The Consult Room podcast with our most popular episode ever ‘Is the UK heading for a Dog Behaviour Crisis?'.  Nigel has dedicated his whole life and career to improving the lives of dogs through better communication, and by helping owners to understand the language that their dogs speak.

Nigel is also known as 'The Dog Guardian' and he regularly appears on TV, radio and Youtube where his channel has had millions of views. His book titled ‘The Dog Guardian’ was an instant Amazon best seller.

Nigel was founder of the hugely innovative Wolf Within Project and over the years he’s worked with 1000’s of owners, including some very high profile celebrities.

Topics in this episode:

• Nigel’s fascinating career and how he became The Dog Guardian.
• What dog behaviour can tell us about our own behaviour?
• Why the relationship with our dogs should be nurturing and parenting.
• The need to get to the root cause of dog behaviour is better than simply training it out...
• Lessons in leadership from working with dogs.
• The Wolf Within Project : What teenagers with problem behaviours can learn from training problem dogs.
• Why failure in dog behaviour is more about the people than the dogs.
• Are dog behaviour training camps a good idea?
• Common dog behavioural problems.

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people. Join Paul Manktelow at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]

If you want to find out more about Nigel and his incredible work check out https://www.thedogguardian.com or check out his YouTube channel 

Being a vet is cool, but being a zoo vet is another level! I have a huge passion for wildlife and conservation so I’m really excited to have Dr Justine Shotton back on the show to talk about her career path into her role as Head Vet at Marwell Zoo.  This area of work is so interesting and so important so I knew it would make a great episode.

Topics in this episode:

• Volunteering at wildlife centres in Guatemala
• The race to protect the turtle eggs
• The illegal meat trade and trafficking of endangered species
• Work experience at Bristol Zoo
• Working in  Botswana with  Cheetahs and Leopards
• Global threats to conservation
• The differences between being a GP vet and a zoo vet.
• The debate and objections to keeping animals in zoos
• Interesting zoo cases
• Advice for people considering a career in conservation or zoos

You can also find out more about Justine here

The Consult Room is a space that celebrates pets and people.

Join Dr Paul Manktelow at www.theconsultroom.co.uk or reach out at [email protected]