The Truth About Big Pharma & Modern Vet Care with Dr. Cathy Alinovi

truth about big pharma conventional vet care with holistic veterinarian Dr. cathy alinovi

By Angela Ardolino

Updated on November 4, 2026

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Why does conventional veterinary care so often stop at masking symptoms instead of curing chronic illness? In this episode, Angela Ardolino reunites with her longtime veterinarian and friend, Dr. Cathy Alinovi—retired veterinarian, certified veterinary food therapist, animal chiropractor, and founder of Healthy Pawsibilities—for an unfiltered look behind the scenes of modern veterinary medicine. Together, Angela and Dr. Cathy pull back the curtain on how vet students are trained to prioritize pharmaceutical compliance over nutrition, the truth about corporate-owned clinics, and the dangerous long-term consequences of suppressive drugs like Cytopoint, Apoquel, and Librella. Dr. Cathy explains how pet parents can stop the cycle of endless medications by uncovering root causes through fresh whole-food diets, animal chiropractic care, and genuine holistic wellness guidance.

Episode Recap:

  • Host Angela Ardolino welcomes back her longtime veterinarian, Dr. Cathy Alinovi, to discuss what conventional vet schools fail to teach about root causes and natural healing. (00:00)
  • Angela and Dr. Cathy discuss how conventional veterinary medicine focuses on covering up symptoms with pharmaceuticals rather than investigating underlying root causes. (01:50)
  • Dr. Cathy reveals how corporate practice management courses train veterinarians in “client compliance” tactics that present only the most expensive, worst-case treatments to pet owners. (04:30)
  • Dr. Cathy explains how natural modalities like animal chiropractic adjustments and physical rehabilitation can effectively resolve orthopedic issues like torn ACLs without costly surgery. (06:23)
  • They discuss the issue of how pharmaceutical sales representatives use free lunches, white papers, and corporate sales incentives to drive veterinary prescription habits. (10:40)
  • Angela and Dr. Cathy expose veterinary-formulated supplements, noting that many contain synthetic isolates and inflammatory inactive fillers that counteract active ingredients. (13:38)
  • Angela and Dr. Cathy warn pet parents about popular liver and joint supplements made from synthetic isolates or over-concentrated herbal isolates like Glucosamine, turmeric, ashwagandha, that can frequently cause gastrointestinal distress or place toxic stress on a pet’s liver. (18:23)
  • They break down the widespread overuse of antibiotics like metronidazole and anti-inflammatories like gabapentin, explaining their harmful side effects on canine neurology and gut health. (29:47)
  • Dr. Cathy explains that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl, Carprofen, Metacam, Onsior, are designed for short-term use, and actually become pro-inflammatory when given chronically. (34:11)
  • Angela and Dr. Cathy criticize pharmaceutical research standards and highlight the severe adverse reactions linked to the arthritis injection Librella. (38:34)
  • Dr. Cathy shares how pet parents worldwide can connect with her for remote nutritional coaching, wellness guidance, and membership support through healthypawsibilities.com. (44:25)

Episode Resources:

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About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino Your Natural Dog PodcastAngela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere. 

About Dr. Cathy Alinovi

Dr. Cathy Alinovi graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2001, practicing in Indiana and Illinois before voluntarily retiring her license. Today, she provides education, nutritional coaching, and wellness guidance only.

Her interests expanded to alternative healthcare, incorporating chiropractic and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. After reporting pet food toxicity to the FDA in 2010, she collaborated with pet food safety advocate Susan Thixton to co-author Homemade Meals for Cats and Dogs. An outspoken advocate for real food, minimal vaccines, and natural remedies over conventional suppressive medications, Dr. Cathy now runs her natural pet wellness center, Healthy Pawsibilities, in Clearwater, Florida, helping pet parents address underlying health issues through holistic means.