What if the key to a faster, easier surgical recovery wasn't more drugs — but better preparation?

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Dr. Lindsey Wendt, and we're going somewhere deeper. We're talking about the future of veterinary medicine, the power of pre-op integrative care, and what happens when conventional and integrative doctors actually work together instead of staying in silos.

Dr. Lindsey shares the story of her foster dog Pineapple, who had bilateral knee surgery and was walking without limping just days later — not because of luck, but because of intentional preparation. We also dive into her exciting work bringing decentralized clinical trials to the pet supplement industry, why emergency hospitals are now using acupuncture points, and the mental health crisis our pets are facing.

If you've ever wondered what the future of better veterinary medicine looks like — this is it.

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ How Dr. Lindsey prepared Pineapple for bilateral knee surgery with prolotherapy, herbs, and pre-op planning — and why she's thriving 11 days post-op.

✨ Why integrative veterinarians need to be in the room with orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists, and internal medicine specialists from the start.

✨ The exciting announcement: Dr. Lindsey is bringing decentralized clinical trials to the pet supplement industry — making research more accessible and affordable.

✨ How decentralized trials allow pets to live at home while participating in research, instead of in research facilities.

✨ Why this could lower clinical trial costs from $120,000-$250,000 down to $50,000-$60,000 — making it possible for more brands to prove their products work.

✨ The small but powerful shift: emergency hospitals now giving sedatives at GV 20 (an acupuncture point) because the research is published.

✨ Why neurologists are starting to incorporate rehabilitation, acupuncture, and cannabis into standard protocols.

✨ The mental health crisis in pets: anxiety, fear, reactivity — and how early spay/neuter, microbiome issues, and environmental stressors play a huge role.

✨ What success looks like for Dr. Lindsey: leaving the veterinary industry in a better state than she found it, even if it's just one small lane.

✨ Why we need more evidence-based medicine supporting integrative choices — so we can bring more conventional vets to the table with data they trust.

✨ How pet parents drive change by voting with their dollars and demanding better from brands.

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Wendt:

• Website: www.crystallotusvet.com

• Instagram: @drlindseywendt

Botanical Bones:

• Website: www.botanicalbones.com

• Instagram: @botanicalbonesco

• Discount Code: DRLILY15 for 15% off

• Direct Discount Link: https://botanicalbones.com/discount/DRLILY15

Connect with Dr. Lily Chen:

• Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet

• Practice: Integrative Pet Wellness Center (@integrativepet)

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