Listen to Dr. Lon Hays and Dr. Amy Armentrout focus on real-life stories of pets and animals where imaging saved the day, highlighting the important of accurate diagnostics. Dive into different technologies like nuclear scintigraphy, MRIs, and CT scans for various animals. Each episode will offer insights into the world of veterinary imaging, sharing stories, breakthroughs, and advancements in imaging techniques.
RECENT EPISODES
EPISODE 14: No More Blind Spots: Smart Use of MRI and CT in General Practice
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, hosts Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays break down how advanced imaging fits into everyday veterinary practice — not just specialty or referral medicine. Using real clinical cases, they explain when radiographs fall short, how to choose between CT, MRI, and nuclear scintigraphy, and why advanced diagnostics often lead to faster answers, clearer treatment plans, and better patient outcomes.
This episode is designed for general practitioners managing challenging lameness, neurologic, and internal medicine cases, and for anyone who wants to better understand how modern veterinary imaging supports accurate diagnosis without unnecessary delays.
EPISODE 13: Paws and Perspective: Debunking the Veterinary ‘Scam’ Myth
In this BONUS episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays address growing public mistrust toward veterinarians following a high-profile media interview that portrayed veterinary medicine as profit-driven, cartel-controlled, and harmful to pets.
Drawing on decades of real-world clinical experience, the doctors unpack the true drivers behind rising veterinary costs, including medical inflation, shared supply chains with human medicine, staffing realities, and the crushing burden of veterinary education debt. They explain why comparisons to human healthcare costs are often misleading, how private equity can both help and harm depending on structure, and why veterinarians are leaving the profession at alarming rates.
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel!
EPISODE 12: Perfectly Positioned: How Culture is Made
In the latest episode of Diagnostic Tails: Animal Imaging’s Uncovered Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on what truly makes Animal Imaging different and it’s not just the technology. Dr. Amy Armentrout, Dr. Lon Hays, and veterinary technician Mia Loredo share candid stories about how a people-first culture directly impacts diagnostics, decision-making, and patient outcomes. From tackling high-risk cases to supporting the teams behind them, this episode explores why culture isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s a clinical strategy.
EPISODE 11: It Takes a Team: The Realties of Veterinary Referrals
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout, Dr. Lon Hays, and veterinary technician Hannah pull back the curtain on how referral systems really work and why effective communication between clinics and specialty teams directly impacts patient care.
From scheduling a CT or thyroid scan to managing urgent same-day cases, the Animal Imaging team explains how they act as an extension of general practice, supporting veterinarians with timely diagnostics while protecting client relationships. You’ll learn what makes a complete referral form, how to avoid common stumbling blocks, and why a simple phone call can save valuable time for pets, owners, and practitioners alike. Blending humor, relatable stories, and practical guidance, this conversation reveals the often-unseen systems that keep advanced veterinary imaging running smoothly.
EPISODE 10: Love at First Slice: CT of the Thorax
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays break down the power of CT in small-animal medicine, spotlighting why CT consistently outperforms radiographs – especially for detecting pulmonary nodules, planning oncology cases, and guiding complex procedures. They explore when sedation is enough, when anesthesia is required, and how contrast, breath-holds, and modern fan-beam technology elevate diagnostic accuracy.
The conversation moves through real cases including Sancho’s hidden metastatic disease, a CT-guided lung mass aspirate, a young dog with a vascular anomaly, and an inventive urethral stricture study – illustrating how CT changes outcomes, improves surgical planning, and saves patients from unnecessary procedures. They wrap with a practical comparison of CT vs. MRI and clear guidance on choosing the right modality for the right case.
EPISODE 9: Scan Masters Unleashed: Veterinary Technician Triumphs in Imaging
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, we spotlight the essential role of veterinary technicians in advanced animal imaging. Join Dr. Amy Armentrout and star technicians Hannah and Mia as they share real-life stories, discuss the challenges and rewards of their work, and reveal what sets their team apart in the world of veterinary medicine.
EPISODE 8: Beyond The Textbook – Challenging Cases with Dr. Hays
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays dive into the realities of tackling challenging imaging cases—from unexpected findings like bullets and migrating microchips, to rare diagnoses and exotic patients like sharks and camels. They pull back the curtain on what happens when imaging doesn’t go as planned, the importance of collaboration with referring veterinarians and specialists, and how financial considerations and anesthesia risks play into client decision-making. This episode reminds practitioners to maximize in-house diagnostics, stay mindful of anesthesia protocols, and embrace teamwork to deliver the best outcomes possible.
EPISODE 7: Whisker Wisdom- Dr. Hays’ Vet Tips and Tales
Ever wish you could download 30 years of veterinary wisdom in under an hour? In this special episode, Dr. Amy Armentrout sits down with her co-host, Dr. Lon Hays, to reflect on his 30-year journey—from new grad to clinic owner to seasoned veterinarian at Animal Imaging.
Together, they explore how diagnostics, treatments, and practice culture have evolved over the years. Dr. Hays shares candid stories from “the dark ages” of flea and tick dips and daily heartworm prevention, to the modern tools transforming general practice — like long-acting injectables, CT-guided aspirates, and bone scans.
Whether you’re a new grad wrestling with imposter syndrome, a seasoned practitioner navigating today’s veterinary landscape, or a student wondering about specialization, this episode delivers practical wisdom, heartfelt honesty, and career-long lessons in how to keep learning, leading, and loving the job.
EPISODE 6: Paws and Reflect-Neurology Nuggets with Dr. Jennifer Rich
In this illuminating episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hayes sit down with board-certified veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon, Dr. Jennifer Rich. Together, they demystify the complex world of neurology—from simple localization techniques to advanced imaging decisions—making it more approachable for general practitioners.
Dr. Rich shares invaluable tips for performing neurologic exams, choosing the right imaging modality, and determining when a spinal tap or MRI is truly necessary. Through real-life cases, including a Cavalier with overlapping diagnoses and a cat with a massive meningioma, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to think critically about neurologic cases. Plus, Dr. Rich emphasizes that neurology, when broken down into practical steps, is not only manageable—but fun.
EPISODE 5: From Imaging to Healing: The Canine Rehab Rx with Dr. Broadhurst
In this episode of Diagnostic Tails, Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays 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.
EPISODE 4: Furensic Files: Cracking the Case with Dr. Maldonado
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.
EPISODE 3: Barks to Beats
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.
EPISODE 2: Joint Effort: Exploring Synovetin OA for Canine Arthritis
This episode explores groundbreaking treatments for canine osteoarthritis, focusing on Synovetin OA, a radioactive medical device that can provide up to one year of targeted joint pain relief. The episode features two compelling cases: Axel, a working police dog who returned to duty, and Vern, a rescued bulldog who regained mobility. Dr. Amy Armentrout and Dr. Lon Hays discuss the benefits and applications of this innovative treatment, including a special interview with Vern’s family.
Key Takeaways
- Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint condition with no cure, but multiple management options
- Synovetin OA is a radioactive medical device injected directly into affected joints
- Treatment can last up to 12 months with minimal side effects
- Early intervention leads to better outcomes
- The treatment can be used in various joints and different sized animals
- Synovetin stays localized in the treated joint and doesn’t affect other body systems
- Success stories include both working dogs and pets with severe mobility issues
EPISODE 1: Hy-Purr-Active Thyroids: Tackling Feline Hyperthyroidism
This premiere episode of the “Diagnostic Tails Paw-dcast”, brought to you by Animal Imaging, features a discussion with Dr. Lon Hays, Dr. Amy Armentrout, and Dr. Mike Pownall. They explore the critical role of advanced imaging technologies like nuclear scintigraphy, MRI, and CT scans in veterinary diagnostics. They dive into three case studies, including the use of I-131 therapy for hyperthyroid cats and gamma cameras to diagnose lameness in pets. The overarching goal of the podcast is to showcase the importance of accurate diagnostics in veterinary medicine. The episode concludes with the “Tail End” segment, which provides quick tips on imaging techniques and positioning.
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