Pure Animal Podcast

View Details

In this episode with Professor Caroline Mansfield, we discuss the use of antibiotics during the critical developmental window of puppies and kittens and the impact in long term risk of skin allergic disease and behaviour.

Topics discussed include:

What is the critical developmental window and what body systems it can affect and impact?
The link between the microbiome and its role in shaping the immune system in puppies and kittens.
Evidence in the use of antibiotics early in life in children and how it can affect the incidence of asthma and allergic skin disease.
The impact of metronidazole and how it can alter the microbiome.
Professor Caroline discusses a study linking antibiotic use and atopic dermatitis and behavioural issues in dogs.
Professor Mansfield gives her expert advice to pet parents on how to support the immune and gastrointestinal systems during their pet's developmental window.
Clarifying the misconceptions on antibiotics, allergic and immune mediated disease.
What is the latest research in this area of the critical developmental window and the impact of antibiotics?

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Karin Murik is a Registered Veterinary Nurse at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Perth, Western
Australia, a specialist referral clinic dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of complex skin, allergy and ear diseases in dogs, cats and horses. Originally from Estonia, Karin graduated in 2016 and has worked across a range of veterinary disciplines including general practice, dermatology, cardiology, emergency and oncology nursing. She has a particular passion for allergies and allergen-specific immunotherapy, with extensive involvement in allergy testing, immunotherapy preparation, patient care and client education. Karin is committed to helping pet owners better understand and manage chronic skin disease, improving both patient comfort and long-term treatment success. She is also actively involved in veterinary communication and education through social media and client outreach initiatives.

Topics discussed include:

What drew Karin to become a veterinary dermatology nurse.
The role of a dermatology nurse at dermatology clinics.
Karin shares what nursing skills are most important when dealing with dermatology cases.
The importance of supporting pet parents in managing treatment plans for their pets and ensuring compliance.
The procedures that veterinary dermatology nurses responsible for.
Karin dives into all aspects of immunotherapy.
What is the biggest difference that pet parents can make at home when caring for their allergic pets.
Karin gives her advice on what nurses can do to pursue a career with a dermatology focus.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

For more information on the Animal Dermatology Clinic visit their website: https://www.animaldermatologyclinic.com.au/

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, we welcome back Dr Nicole Rous for her first 2026 podcast discussing inflammation and titre testing.

Topics discussed include:

· The shift towards personalised care beyond routine care through collaborative approach
· Understanding and managing the inflammatory load
· Multifactorial contribution to inflammation: genetics, diet, environment and modern lifestyle
· The gut mucosa and the impact of “leaky gut” triggering the overreaction of the immune system
· Food intolerances due to poor gut resilience often mislabeled as allergies
· The choice between routine vaccine versus titre test
· 2024 WSAVA vaccination guideline recognises titre testing as a method for protection monitoring
· Titre test options: in-house or commercial laboratory analysis
· Titre testing for pets with co-morbidities and those with previous adverse reaction to vaccines
· Strategic approach to parasite prevention through screening
· Resistance risks associated with routine anthelmintic use

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this month's episode, we welcome veterinarian Dr Alison Shen to discuss everything acupuncture and joint health.

Dr Alison Shen has a keen interest in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, embracing a holistic approach to animal health and wellbeing. She completed her Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2008 and has also earned a Certificate in Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. Dr Shen practices in Brisbane and travels to Sydney, once a month as part of her business, The Acupuncture Vet.

She also runs the popular Future Vet Kids Camp in various locations in Australia and they are both part of the team of veterinarians on the TV show – Bondi Vet.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Alison's journey to becoming a veterinary acupuncturist.
The most common reason pet owners seek acupuncture treatment for their animals.
How does acupuncture work to reduce pain and inflammation?
What happens during a typical consultation with Dr Shen?
The frequency of treatment most patients require.
How early can pain reduction be noticed and what to expect after treatment?
Tools and techniques that pet parents can use at home to continue with their pet's management.
What modalities does Dr Alison offer to her patients and for which cases?
Dr Alison explains the difference between acupuncture and electroacupuncture.
How can veterinarians get certified in veterinary acupuncture?
Dr Alison's takeaway from today's episode.

Acupuncture certification courses:

International Veterinary Acupuncture Society

Home | College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies

Veterinary Acupuncture - Chi University

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Matthew Muir with a masterclass on functional veterinary medicine looking specifically at feline nutrition. microbiome and chronic disease.

Topics discussed include:

How do we start providing better care to cats, especially with regards to their diet?
All diseases start in the gut, is this also true for cats?
In nature, what would cats self-select to eat and how does that compare to commercial diets?
Feeding management vs diet composition and their impact on diabetes mellitus.
The impact of low protein diets on cats.
What macronutrient ratio should we be aiming for in a cat's diet?
How do diet needs change from kittens to senior cats?
The role ultra-processed foods play in chronic disease.
Can diets help manage chronic enteropathies?
The importance of hydration in cats and does it change depending on their diets?
How does nutrition impact mental health disorders in cats?
What does a functional preventative protocol look like for a general practitioner?

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

Dr Matt's resources:

https://icatcare.org/resources/five-a-day_felix_full_report.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6390407/

https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Make-the-Trip-to-the-Vet-Hospital-Fear-Free_EDITED.pdf

https://catinfo.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode encore, Dr Sarah Howard talks to Dr Caroline Moeser about probiotics in practice.

Topics include:

How Caroline became a vet and ended up at Guide Dogs Australia
Caroline’s main interests in Veterinary medicine
Dr Moeser talks about how probiotics can shape the gut microbiome and how they have helped the dogs at Guide Dogs Australia
How probiotics has helped reduce the incidence of diarrhoea at Guide Dogs
When is the right time to introduce the dams and pups to probiotics?
Can probiotics help with allergic skin disease?
The link between a healthy microbiome and development of behavioural conditions
Besides prebiotics and probiotics, Caroline talks about other things that can help to keep a healthy microbiome
Dr Moeser discusses faecal transplants in dogs, its indications and benefits
Microbiome analysis in dogs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode encore, Dr Meng Siak talks about PEA and allergic skin disease. Topics discussed include:

Dr Meng discusses what PEA is and how it works.
How does PEA relate to the endocannabinoid system?
The properties of PEA and where they act within the body.
Meng goes over the literature that is available for PEA.
What dermatology cases would PEA be beneficial for?
Dr Siak discusses whether PEA can reduce the requirement for pharmaceuticals.
What side effects can be expected with the use of PEA?
Safety of PEA and interactions with other drugs.
Dr Meng shares his practical advice on how to use PEA.

This was a podcast re-play, and the webinar link is no longer available.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this month's episode we welcome our first vet nurse guest, Jacinta Van Eeden to discuss the changes that can be implemented to create a calm veterinary clinic environment.

Topics discussed include:

The importance of a calm clinic environment.
Common signs that indicate a pet may be anxious or stressed.
Ways to get puppies and kittens used to visiting vet clinics.
How our tone of voice can impact a pet's behaviour.
Practical tools that clinics can implement to provide a relaxing environment.
Steps that pet parents can take to prepare their pets for clinics visits.
Fear free certification for veterinary clinics.
Jacinta shares how to reduce anxiety in pet parents when their pet has a vet consultation.
The number on tip Jacinta has for pet parents to ensure their pet doesn't become anxious when visiting vet clinics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, Dr Sarah Howard speaks to Dr Matthew Muir on his functional approach to managing allergic dermatitis.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Matthew Muir's approach to pets with allergic dermatitis
The reason immunotherapy is so under-utilised and its limitations.
Conventional allergy management pharmaceuticals and how they work.
How diet plays a role in Dr Muir's functional approach (immuno-nutrition).
The relationship between the microbiome and allergies.
The nutraceuticals Matthew might use when managing a dermatology case.
How can we manage acute cases outside of a pharmaceutical approach?
Dr Matthew discusses what is new and emerging in this field.
What can pet owners do to decrease the risk of skin allergies in dogs?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode Dr Nicole Rous breaks down the process of bringing a puppy home and providing the optimal environment for physical and behavioral development.

Topics discussed include:

Tips on selecting the right puppy from a breeder, shelter or pet shop.
The benefits of finding a good breeder and maintaining a good relationship.
How to get a good idea of the innate temperament of the parents.
Puppy socialisation timeline and the value of positive socialisation.
How the breed compatibility with the owner lifestyles matters to the development of the puppy.
Dr Rous discusses how we should approach to puppy behavioural training and the common mistakes we make.
Positive reinforcement training and understanding how to read behavioural signals.
Common mistakes that pet parents make.
Importance of the vet role in the fear free experience.
Nutrition needs for puppies, the benefits to their trainability and the optimal puppy diet.
Dr Rous describes the considerations behind choosing a good chew for puppies.
Desexing considerations.

To listen to Dr Rous' podcast on desexing, go to this link https://omny.fm/shows/pure-animal-podcast/neutering-insights-with-dr-nicole-rous

To register to Dr Matthew Muir's dermatology webinar, go to this link https://my.demio.com/ref/w0mUrHThNOb0WpKe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this month's episode, Dr Sarah Howard discusses nutrient based psychiatry in the veterinary field with Dr Matthew Muir.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Muir explains what nutrient-based psychiatry is.
How does Matthew apply nutrient based psychiatry in the veterinary field?
What research is available supporting the importance that nutrition and microbiome diversity has on behaviour in dogs?
What nutrients are missing from some commercial diets?
How important is diet diversity?
Ingredients present in diets that can be detrimental to dogs.
Choosing the correct nutritional diet for your pet.
Dr Muir's number one advice for veterinarians when it comes to nutrition and behaviour.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, we discuss with Professor Caroline Mansfield, urolithiasis in dogs and cats and their relationship with the microbiome.

Topics discussed included:

What are uroliths and how are they formed?
The different types of uroliths and the risk factors for their development.
The way in which the gut microbiome can influence the development of urinary crystals and stones.
Can microbiome modification form part of urolith management?
Links between development of urolith and gut disease.
Is there a clear gut-kidney axis? Can dysbiosis contribute to kidney disease?
Professor Caroline shares the management plan she uses for her urolith cases.
Probiotics that could be helpful in urinary cases.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode Dr Sarah Howard discusses healthy ageing in dogs with Dr Matthew Muir.

Topics discussed include:

The reason ageing is currently a hot topic.
What leads to an increased lifespan and better quality of life?
Diet changes that can impact ageing in dogs.
Dr Muir discusses what we should avoid in order to increase lifespan.
Matthew goes into details of what dogs' diets should look like to prevent disease.
How often should we be feeding our pets?
What happens to the gut microbiome as dogs get older?
Dr Muir delves into supplements that can be beneficial for ageing and emerging tools that are becoming available.
The importance of preventative medicine - proactive vs reactive care.
Accelerators of biological ageing.

Additional resources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11991408/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11675035/https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560/full https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11505706/ https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/18/11/564https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4936929/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22216092/

Adams VJ, Watson P, Carmichael S, Gerry S, Penell J, Morgan DM. Exceptional longevity and potential determinants of successful ageing in a cohort of 39 Labrador retrievers: results of a prospective longitudinal study. Acta Vet Scand. 2016;58:29. doi:10.1186/s13028-016-0204-8
Cupp CJ, Jean-Philippe C, Kerr WW, Patil AR. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Int J Appl Res Vet Med. 2007;5(3):133–149
Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, Fraser K, Butowski CF, Thomas DG. Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines? Anim Front. 2024;14(3):5–16. doi:10.1093/af/vfae008
Jackson J, Radford AD, Belshaw Z, Wallis LJ, Kubinyi E, German AJ, Westgarth C. Using veterinary health records at scale to investigate ageing dogs and their common issues in primary care. J Small Anim Pract. 2025;66(2):81–91. doi:10.1111/jsap.13809
Creevy KE, O'Neill DG, Promislow DEL. Morbidity and mortality in elderly dogs – a model for human aging. BMC Vet Res. 2022;18(1):456. doi:10.1186/s12917-022-03518-8
Lewis TW, Wiles BM, Llewellyn-Zaidi AM, Evans KM, O’Neill DG. Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014. Canine Genet Epidemiol. 2018;5:10. doi:10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8
Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, Mantz SL, Biery DN, Greeley EH, Lust G, Segre M, Smith GK, Stowe HD. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002;220(9):1315–1320. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.220.1315
Guelfi G, Capaccia C, Tedeschi M, Bufalari A, Leonardi L, Cenci-Goga B, Maranesi M. Dog aging: a comprehensive review of molecular, cellular, and physiological processes. Cells. 2024;13(24):2101. doi:10.3390/cells13242101
Laflamme DP. Nutritional care for aging cats and dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2012;42(4):769–791. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.04.002
Hall JA, Jewell DE. Feeding healthy beagles medium-chain triglycerides, fish oil, and L-carnitine offsets age-related changes in serum fatty acids and carnitine metabolites. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49510. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049510
Bermingham EN, Patterson KA, Shoveller AK, Fraser K, Butowski CF, Thomas DG. Nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs: is it time for updated nutrient guidelines? Anim Front. 2024;14(3):5–16. doi:10.1093/af/vfae008
Bray EE, Zheng Z, Tolbert MK, McCoy BM, Kaeberlein M, Kerr KF; Dog Aging Project Consortium. Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project. GeroScience. 2022;44(3):1779–1790. doi:10.1007/s11357-022-00575-7
Palaseweenun P, Hagen‐Plantinga EA, Schonewille JT, Koop G, Butre C, Jonathan M, Wierenga PA, Hendriks WH. Urinary excretion of advanced glycation end products in dogs and cats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2021;105(1):149–156. doi:10.1111/jpn.13347
Yang L, Yang L, Cai Y, Luo Y, Wang H, Wang L, Chen J, Liu X, Wu Y, Qin Y, Wu Z, Liu N. Natural mycotoxin contamination in dog food: a review on toxicity and detoxification methods. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023;257:114948. doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114948
Bridglalsingh S, Archer-Hartmann S, Azadi P, Barbier de La Serre C, Remillard RL, Sunvold GD, Bartges JW. Association of four differently processed diets with plasma and urine advanced glycation end products and serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products concentration in healthy dogs. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2024;108(3):735–751. doi:10.1111/jpn.13927
Marchi PH, Vendramini THA, Perini MP, Zafalon RVA, Amaral AR, Ochamotto VA, Da Silveira JC, Dagli MLZ, Brunetto MA. Obesity, inflammation, and cancer in dogs: review and perspectives. Front Vet Sci. 2022;9:1004122. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.1004122
Schmid SM, Hoffman JM, Prescott J, Ernst H, Promislow DEL, Creevy KE; Dog Aging Project Consortium. The companion dog as a model for inflammaging: a cross-sectional pilot study. GeroScience. 2024;46(6):5395–5407. doi:10.1007/s11357-024-01217-w
Ren J, Li H, Zeng G, Pang B, Wang Q, Wei J. Gut microbiome-mediated mechanisms in aging-related diseases: are probiotics ready for prime time? Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1178596. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1178596
Parker A, Romano S, Ansorge R, Aboelnour A, Le Gall G, Savva GM, Pontifex MG, Telatin A, Baker D, Jones E, Vauzour D, Rudder S, Blackshaw LA, Jeffery G, Carding SR. Fecal microbiota transfer between young and aged mice reverses hallmarks of the aging gut, eye, and brain. Microbiome. 2022;10:68. doi:10.1186/s40168-022-01262-3
Ulluwishewa D, Anderson RC, McNabb WC, et al. Regulation of tight junction permeability by intestinal bacteria and dietary components. J Nutr. 2011;141(5):769–76. doi:10.3945/jn.110.135657
Cao L, Lee SG, Lim KT, Kim HR. Potential anti-aging substances derived from seaweeds. Mar Drugs. 2020;18(11):564. doi:10.3390/md18110564
Grzeczka A, Graczyk S, Kordowitzki P. Pleiotropic effects of resveratrol on aging-related cardiovascular diseases—what can we learn from research in dogs? Cells. 2024;13(20):1732. doi:10.3390/cells13201732
Kusaba A, Arai T. Shiitake mushroom powder supplementation increases antioxidative activity in dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2024;11:1355560. doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1355560
Cho HW, Choi S, Seo K, Kim KH, Jeon JH, Kim CH, Lim S, Jeong S, Chun JL. Gut microbiota profiling in aged dogs after feeding pet food contained Hericium erinaceus. J Anim Sci Technol. 2022 Sep;64(5):937-949.
Kaur J, Seshadri S, Golla KH, Sampara P. Efficacy and safety of standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on reducing stress and anxiety in domestic dogs: A randomized controlled trial. J Vet Behav. 2022;51:8–15.
Bharani KK, Devarasetti AK, Carey L, Khurana A, Kollipaka R, Hanuman DDV, Chetla VS, Banothu AK. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Vet Med Sci. 2024 Sep;10(5):e1556
Sacoor C, Marugg JD, Lima NR, Empadinhas N, Montezinho L. Gut-brain axis impact on canine anxiety disorders: new challenges for behavioral veterinary medicine. Vet Med Int. 2024;2024:2856759. doi:10.1155/2024/2856759
Lee E, Carreras-Gallo N, Lopez L, Turner L, Lin A, Mendez TL, Went H, Tomusiak A, Verdin E, Corley M, Ndhlovu L, Smith R, Dwaraka VB. Exploring the effects of Dasatinib, Quercetin, and Fisetin on DNA methylation clocks: a longitudinal study on senolytic interventions. Aging (Albany NY). 2024;16(4):3088–3106. doi:10.18632/aging.205581
Bitto A, Ito TK, Pineda VV, LeTexier NJ, Huang HZ, Sutlief E, Tung H, Vizzini N, Chen B, Smith K, Meza D, Yajima M, Beyer RP, Kerr KF, Davis DJ, Gillespie CH, Snyder JM, Treuting PM, Kaeberlein M. Transient rapamycin treatment can increase lifespan and healthspan in middle-aged mice. eLife. 2016;5:e16351. doi:10.7554/eLife.16351
Urfer SR, Kaeberlein TL, Mailheau S, Bergman PJ, Creevy KE, Promislow DEL, Kaeberlein M. A randomized controlled trial to establish effects of short-term rapamycin treatment in 24 middle-aged companion dogs. GeroScience. 2017;39(2):117–127. doi:10.1007/s11357-017-9972-z
Kaeberlein M, Creevy KE, Promislow DEL. The Dog Aging Project: translational geroscience in companion animals. Mamm Genome. 2016;27(7–8):279–288. doi:10.1007/s00335-016-9638-
Mulder IE, Schmidt B, Lewis M, Delday M, Stokes CR, Bailey M, Aminov RI, Gill BP, Pluske JR, Mayer CD, Kelly D. Restricting microbial exposure in early life negates the immune benefits associated with gut colonization in environments of high microbial diversity. PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e28279. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0028279
Hemida M, Vuori KA, Moore R, Anturaniemi J, Hielm-Björkman A. Early life modifiable exposures and their association with owner-reported inflammatory bowel disease symptoms in adult dogs. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:552350. doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.552350
McMahon JE, Graves JL, Tovar AP, Peloquin M, Greenwood K, Chen FL, Nelson M, McCandless EE, Halioua-Haubold CL, Juarez-Salinas D. Translational immune and metabolic markers of aging in dogs. Sci Rep. 2025;15:14460. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-51976-3
Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing dogs: a review of the current literature. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(12):1086. doi:10.3390/ani9121086
Santos JDP, Cunha E, Nunes T, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs. Res Vet Sci. 2019;125:136–140. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.011
Selting KA, Ringold R, Husbands B, Pithua PO. Thymidine kinase type 1 and C-reactive protein concentrations in dogs with spontaneously occurring cancer. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(4):1159–1166. doi:10.1111/jvim.13954
Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing dogs: a review of the current literature. Animals (Basel). 2019;9(12):1086. doi:10.3390/ani9121086
Clark JD, Rager DR, Crowell-Davis S, Evans DL. Housing and exercise of dogs: effects on behaviour, immune function and cortisol concentration. Lab Anim Sci. 1997;47(5):500–510

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Professor Caroline Mansfield joins us again to discuss all about feline triaditis.

Topics discussed include:

What exactly is triaditis?
Understanding the underlying cause of this condition.
Challenges of diagnosing triaditis and multi-organ involvement.
When are antibiotics indicated as part of the management plan?
Correcting dysbiosis as part of the management plan.
Clinical signs to look out for with feline triaditis.
Duration of inappetence for hepatic lipidosis to develop.
Professor Caroline Mansfield's go-to diagnostic tools.
Treatment strategy when managing triaditis.
The importance of diet as part of the management protocol.
Long term prognosis for cats with triaditis and follow-ups required.
Caroline's top 3 tips!

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar on the impact of the microbiome on non-GI diseases, go to this link - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d50a6d23-31b2-4481-9324-0f1dbabcfe19@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

To listen to Professor Mansfield's previous podcast on management of digestive disorders, go to this link https://omny.fm/shows/pure-animal-podcast/episode-encore-management-of-digestive-disorders-w

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, we discuss the importance of the microbiome with Dr Susan Armstrong.

Topics include:

What made Sue turn to Veterinary Science and alternative therapies.
Why cancer and auto-immune diseases are of particular interest to Dr Armstrong and what treatment modalities she uses for them.
The role and importance of a healthy microbiome.
What are we eating that upsets the balance of the microbiome?
Can a microbiome evolve to require different types of food?
Do dogs need to be omnivorous?
Dr Sue explains the difference between microbiomes in different species.
The importance of prebiotics and probiotics.
How probiotics can help with respiratory and bladder problems among other conditions.
Sue’s insights in the use of probiotics in behavioural conditions.
Can probiotic strains found in human products be useful for other species?

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar, please register on this link - https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/d50a6d23-31b2-4481-9324-0f1dbabcfe19@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, we chat to Dr Nicole Rous about the latest insights on neutering and the recommendations veterinarians should be giving pet owners based on the latest research.

Topics discussed include:

Why do vets recommend for pets to be neutered?
How has neutering recommendations changed in the last 5-10 years?
Dr Nicole discusses the most appropriate age for desexing.
Duration of a heat and what should pet parents expect.
Dr Rous delves into the reasons why neutering recommendations have changed over time.
The role hormones play in bone growth and musculoskeletal conditions.
Changes pet owners should be making if their pet is desexed early.
The impact oestrogen has on the gut microbiome and neurotransmitters.
Dr Nicole explains what part neutering plays in cognitive dysfunction.
Do neutering recommendations differ for cats?
The importance of feeding a good diet.
Health risks and signs pet owners should be aware of if their pet is not neutered.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode encore, we revisit our chat with Dr Stephen Fearnside on medical management of osteoarthritis.

Topics include:

How did Dr Fearnside end up as a Veterinary Specialist.
The importance of rehabilitation in osteaoarthritis.
An insight into Steve’s favourite cases.
Common presentations of cases of osteoarthritis and how vital it is to have a management plan.
The benefits and limitations of joint replacements.
A holistic approach to arthritis management in dogs that are not surgery candidates.
Dr Fearnside takes us through the 3 pillars of managing arthritis and his approach to each of them.
Steve explains therapeutic laser therapy and how it works.
Which supplements should we be using before the onset of arthritis and which supplements can help to manage arthritis.
The challenges of getting pet parents to adhere to a management plan.
The role of regenerative medicine in the future.

You can find Dr Fearnside at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, Professor Caroline Mansfield discusses the differences between cats and dogs and their microbiomes. Topics discussed include:

The way the microbiome is established in dogs and cats.
Differences in the composition of the microbiome between the different species.
The reason why cats have a more diverse microbiome.
Which diets are best for cats' microbiomes?
Are there any differences between indoor and outdoor cats' microbiomes?
Ways to counteract microbiome changes as pets get older.
Is fiber supplementation beneficial for cats?
Should dogs and cats be supplemented with different prebiotics and probiotics?
How to support cats' microbiomes with gastrointestinal morbidities.
The impact of obesity on the microbiome.

Register for Dr Nicole Rous' webinar 'Neutering Reimagined: Five Fresh Insights for Clinical Practice' here https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/13818e56-a376-4458-a151-efcd6fb8b4d7@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Nicole Rous joins pureANIMAL again to discuss acute diarrhoea management in dogs and cats.

Topics discussed include:

Common cause of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats.
Why are dogs so susceptible to dietary changes?
Biggest misconceptions when treating diarrhoea in pets.
Supporting pet parents in making informed decisions to manage their pet's diarrhoea.
What foods should we be feeding pets with gastrointestinal symptoms?
The difference between cats and dogs.
The weed, feed and reseed framework.
The benefits of Saccharomyces boulardii.
Dr Nicole explains postbiotics - what are they and how they work?
Gut soothing herbs that can be added to the management of acute diarrhoea.
The future of microbiome mapping.
Dr Rous talks through the items pet parents should have in a home first-aid kit to manage diarrhoea.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode encore we discuss the management of digestive disorders with pureANIMAL ambassador Dr Caroline Mansfield. Topics discussed include:

What made Dr Mansfield want to become a veterinarian and what sparked her interest in gastroenterology.
Projects Caroline has been involved in throughout her career.
Dr Mansfield’s current canine microbiome and chronic enteropathy study.
Effects of diet on diet-responsive enteropathies.
Dr Caroline talks about her project on ‘Modifying the gut-brain axis to improve outcomes in shelter animals’.
Probiotic benefits in decreasing stress in dogs.
Common feline digestive disorders Dr Mansfield gets presented with and how she manages them.
When are probiotics indicated in feline digestive disorders?
When to reach for prebiotics or synbiotics?
Dr Caroline specifies the indication for Metronidazole.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This month we welcome back Dr Meng Siak to talk about chronic ear infections. Topics discussed include:

Why do ear infections become chronic?
Common predisposing factors for chronic otitis externa.
Primary causes that can result in recurrent ear infections.
Dr Meng explains how some conditions can result in otitis media.
Why do some infections become resistant to antibiotics?
Secondary causes of chronic otitis externa.
Dr Siak discusses how he would approach acute cases differently to chronic cases.
Recommendations on the best way to perform ear flushes.
The importance of yearly maintenance plans.
Meng talks about permanent side effects of recurrent ear infections.
Ear canal ablations as part of managing difficult cases.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this month's episode we welcome back Dr Matthew Muir to talk about PEA and its application in small animal practice.

Topics discussed include:

What is palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)?
Mechanism of actions of PEA.
Bioavailability of PEA - which form should we use and why?
PEA has been available since the 1950's, why hasn't it been used more in veterinary medicine?
CBD vs PEA, how are they similar and how do they differ? When to recommend PEA over CBD.
Dr Muir discusses the safety profile of palmitoylethanolamide.
Atopy and PEA - should PEA be used long term or short term?
Evidence for use of PEA in animals and humans.
How Dr Muir uses PEA in his practice?
Matt shares some personal experience of ideal doses for certain conditions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, pureANIMAL's ambassador Dr Meng Siak talks about PEA and allergic skin disease. Topics discussed include:

Dr Meng discusses what PEA is and how it works.
How does PEA relate to the endocannabinoid system?
The properties of PEA and where they act within the body.
Meng goes over the literature that is available for PEA.
What dermatology cases would PEA be beneficial for?
Dr Siak discusses whether PEA can reduce the requirement for pharmaceuticals.
What side effects can be expected with the use of PEA?
Safety of PEA and interactions with other drugs.
Dr Meng shares his practical advice on how to use PEA.

To register for Dr Meng Siak's webinar on PEA, follow this link https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bdfdbb7d-a17f-42a2-a60f-fe614d5bd274@afa78dff-85bb-46f3-b036-b43bcf79c497

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this month's episode, we talk to Dr Matthew Muir on how to improve mental health in vets by exploring and practicing integrative veterinary medicine.

Topics discussed include:

The impacts of emotional stress and discussing cost of care.
High expectations and financial strains as a veterinarian.
How can vets achieve an emotionally sustainable career?
Dr Muir defines stress and the different types affecting veterinarians.
The importance of coping strategies in the veterinary industry.
Do we need to change ways to deliver veterinary medicine?
How practicing integrative medicine has helped Dr Matthew Muir.
The impact of preventative integrative medicine.
Do the same strains that apply to conventional vet practices apply to integrative practices?
Dr Matthew suggests how GP vets can utilise the integrative medicine philosophy in a time restrictive GP practice.
Dr Muir's shares his personal experience on managing stress and burnout throughout his career.

Mental Health Toolkit for Veterinarians

If this podcast has caused you distress, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 for support.

1. Mental Health Resources:

Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) - THRIVE
- Description: Offers resources, counselling, peer support, and educational programs tailored for veterinarians, focusing on mental health and well-being.
- Website:https://www.ava.com.au/Thrive/
Lifeline Australia
- Description: Provides 24/7 crisis support and connects veterinarians with relevant mental health services.
- Website:https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Beyond Blue - Mental Health Support for Veterinarians
- Description: Offers stress management strategies, support networks, and resources.
- Website:https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Heads Up - Mental Health in the Workplace
- Description: An initiative to promote mentally healthy workplaces, offering resources for building resilience and reducing burnout.
- Website:https://www.headsup.org.au/

2. Literature and Educational Resources:

Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian by Nadine Hamilton
- Description: A comprehensive guide addressing the unique stressors in the veterinary profession and providing strategies for coping.
- Purchase Link:https://www.booktopia.com.au/coping-with-stress-and-burnout-as-a-veterinarian-nadine-hamilton/book/9781925644197.html
Australian Veterinary Association - Mental Health Approach Literature Review & Desktop Analysis
- Description: A detailed report on the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and the existing support structures.
- Access Link:https://www.ava.com.au/siteassets/thrive/ava---literature-review--desktop-analysis-final_oct22.pdf
NCBI Article on Veterinary Mental Health
- Description: A research article discussing mental health issues within the veterinary profession and potential solutions.
- Access Link:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10351608/pdf/fvets-10-1184525.pdf

3. Support Networks:

Mentor Groups - The Vet Mind Mentor
- Description: Peer support and mentoring specifically for veterinarians, providing a safe space to share experiences and seek advice.
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/thevet_mindmentor/
Professional Associations:
- Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Graduate Mentor Program
  - Description: Offers various support programs for new graduates.
  - Website:https://www.ava.com.au/about-us/programs-awards/graduate-mentoring-program/#:~:text=The%20AVA%20Graduate%20Mentoring%20Program,they%20transition%20into%20the%20profession.

4. Wellness and Relaxation Practices:

Yoga Nidra / NSDR - Ayla Nova
- Description: Guided relaxation sessions available on Spotify or YouTube, ideal for stress relief.
- Website:https://www.youtube.com/aylanovanidra
Michael Sealey Sleep Hypnosis
- Description: Sleep hypnosis sessions to help veterinarians manage stress and improve sleep quality.
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9GoqHypa-SDrGPMyeBkjKw

5. Podcasts and Audio Resources:

Fx Medicine Podcast: Four Perspectives on Workplace Stress
- Description: A podcast episode discussing workplace stress from multiple perspectives, offering insights and strategies relevant to veterinarians.
- Listen on: Fx Medicine Podcast: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/four-perspectives-burnout-beyond-workplace-stress

6. Emergency Support:

Triple 000
- Description: Emergency contact number for immediate crisis intervention.

7. Mental Health Care Plans:

GP-Mental Health Care Plans
- Description: Veterinarians can access tailored mental health care plans through their GP, offering ongoing support and management strategies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Kathy graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 with an honours degree in Veterinary Science. Since then, she has had a diverse career within the veterinary profession, including clinical practice, research and teaching, remote area government veterinary officer, and with the RSPCA.

Kathy is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and gained her membership in Veterinary Behaviour in 1999. Kathy is a member of the Integrative Vets Australia group, and the AVBIG behaviour interest group. She serves clients interested in an approach focused on natural, complementary and integrative medicine, with she has a particular interest in behavioural medicine. She is based in Newcastle, NSW

Topics discussed include:

Practical ways that we can introduce integrative medicine into behaviour cases and why a holistic approach is important.
Is there an end with behaviour cases or is it a life-long management?
Top tips for behavioural cases that work for Dr Cornack.
Kathy explains how to use essential oils effectively.
How Magnesium, Zinc and B vitamins can help.
Kathy discussed pet body wraps.
Looking at specific diets that might have a beneficial effect.
Why is the way that we feed pets important?
Dr Cornack gives her final tips for practitioners.

You can find Kathy in Newcastle, NSW and at holisticvets.com.au.

Textbook: Veterinary Herbal Medicine by Barbara Fougere and Susan G Wynn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode, Dr Nicole Rous discusses the importance of pets' wellbeing.

Topics discussed include:

The definition of pet wellbeing and how important it is.
Emotional contagion between pets and humans.
What part does genetics play in behaviour?
Nicole divulges the subtle signs of stress in both cats and dogs.
Dr Rous talks about neurodiversity in dogs.
Depression in dogs going through grief.
Managing pets' mental wellbeing through diet and exposure to triggers.
Creating a calm environment through aromatherapy and music.
How to support mentally well dogs in their day to day lives.
The importance of having a collaborative relationship between vet and pet owner.

You can reach Nicole at shytiger.com.au and montalbertvet.com.au. You can also follow Dr Nicole on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Reasons to keep ill patients moving
What a sports medicine diagnostic work up looks like
The diagnostic value of pressure mats
How Dr Boyd empowers her clients to adhere to the take home treatment plans
A preventative plan for those pets predisposed to musculoskeletal disease (e.g. hip dysplasia)
Dr Boyd's thoughts on hydrotherapy
"Nose work" and how it can be beneficial for energetic dogs looking for stimulation
Up and coming therapies for pets with osteoarthritis, including CBD, nutraceuticals and platelet rich plasma
How Dr Boyd instructs her clients to monitor comfort levels in their pets at home

Resources mentioned include Marion Brand's nose work: https://www.k9nosetime.com/about-us/#:~:text=Marion%20Brand%2C%20CNWI%20is%20the,at%20the%20Hills%20Dog%20Club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

In this episode we talk to our Ambassador Dr Matthew Muir on how to approach oncology using different modalities.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Matthew shares what an integrative approach to oncology looks like.
Working together with oncologists and GP veterinarians.
When to include chemotherapy in an integrative approach to cancers.
How other modalities can improve the side effects of chemotherapy.
Improving immunity in cancer patients.
Main modalities Dr Matthew turns to in his integrative approach.
How to manage expectations for duration of remission.
What type of diet Dr Matthew turns to for his cancer patients.
The role of herbs as an additional modality to the integrative approach.
How acupuncture may help oncology patients.
Preventative strategies that Dr Matthew recommends, particularly for predisposed breeds.

Dr Erin Bannink's website: Integrative Veterinary Oncology Consultations | Metta Pets

To register for Associate Professor Wendy Baltzer's webinar on geriatric care, follow this link https://my.demio.com/ref/CqOg8QUNTaQsXYar

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Wendy Baltzer to discuss geriatric and osteoarthritis management. Topics discussed include:

When is a pet considered geriatric and what factors can affect this stage of life.
Dr Baltzer regularly performs mid-life assessments in her patients. She explains what this involves and how her approach can differ between cats and dogs.
Cats affected with osteoarthritis will display different symptoms to dogs. Wendy discussed what pet owners should be looking for.
The impact that diet can have and how it needs to change as pets age.
Once there's a diagnosis of OA, what does a personalised management plan look like?
Dr Wendy talks about the different modalities that she uses to manage OA and what she is trying to achieve with these.
How can supplements help and what part they play in managing OA?
When is it appropriate to use NSAIDS?
Wendy goes in depth on recognising the end-of-life stage in dogs and cats and how to navigate this with pet owners.

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar go to this link https://my.demio.com/ref/6XKfEGZOUsuuhnIi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

On this episode, we are welcoming pureANIMAL's new ambassador, Dr Matthew Muir who shares his knowledge and experience on microbiome restoration therapy.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Matthew explains what microbiome restoration therapy (MRT) entails.
The impact of antibiotics on the microbiome.
The benefits of faecal microbiome transplant (FMT) - more than just bacteria.
Dr Muir explains how to screen donors for MRT. What to look for and what to avoid.
How effective is MRT and how does it compare to supplementing with probiotics?
Oral vs rectal microbiome therapy approaches - Matthew explains the difference and benefits of both methods.
How to prepare the recipient to optimise the effects of FMT.
Dr Matthew explains the indications for faecal microbiome transplant beyond dysbiosis.
How to gauge if the MRT was successful?
Which dogs are not good candidates for an FMT, and which cases should vets be cautious about?
How to approach cases of MRT that require antibiotics?

Resources:

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/service/assays/canine-microbiota-dysbiosis-index/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9534534/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9413255/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10017995/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Topics discussed include:

Liver cases Professor Caroline sees as an internal medicine specialist.
How an altered liver function can impact overall health.
Subclinical liver disease - are there any symptoms?
Symptoms of clinical liver disease - what to look out for in cats and dogs.
Gut-liver axis - how the liver can impact the gut and consequently the brain.
Professor Mansfield shares her how she decides which diagnostic tool to use first in her liver cases.
Elevated liver enzymes with subclinical liver disease - how to approach these in cats vs dogs.
Caroline talks about prescription liver diets and what she recommends with regards to changes in diets.
Antioxidants that can be helpful in managing liver disease.
Professor Mansfield discusses which pharmaceutical drugs she prefers to use as an anti-inflammatory and as an antibiotic in her liver cases.
Managing the gut during liver disease.

To register for pureANIMAL's free webinar on liver health with Dr Nicole Rous and Dr Matthew Muir, follow this link https://my.demio.com/ref/80rRbTdG8AKd7BjT.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Prior to being a veterinarian, Nicole completed a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University followed by an honours year in Vision Sciences. She then got accepted into Sydney University and completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours in 2008.

After a brief stint working in the UK, she returned to small animal practice in Melbourne working at Monash Vets. Nicole followed her interest in reproduction and gained her Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Reproduction. Alon the way she also developed an interest in complementary therapies specially in essential oils.

In 2020 she started her own business called Shy Tiger Natural Animal which provides vet approved, all-natural plant-based health support for dogs through a range of serum and sprays. Nicole currently also works and owns Mont Albert Veterinary Surgery in Victoria and is also a member of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

Topics discussed include:

Common liver diseases that Dr Rous sees in her practice.
Increases in liver enzymes – when to investigate further.
Nicole explains how she manages asymptomatic cases with mild increases in liver enzymes before re-testing in 4-6 weeks.
How do certain medications impact the liver in a negative way?
The importance of all the different liver functions.
Dr Nicole discusses specific signs seen in relation to liver disease.
Nicole’s talks about her approach to managing liver health.
How can nutrition optimise liver function?
The main antioxidants Nicole reaches for in her liver cases.
Top differences between conventional and integrative approaches in liver health.

You can learn more about Nicole's on https://shytiger.com.au/ and https://www.montalbertvet.com.au/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Baltzer is passionate about teaching veterinary students, borne from an inspiring mentor she connected with in the third year of her DVM.

Topics discussed include:

The main things a pet parent should consider when thinking about their pet’s joint health.
Dr Wendy reveals the best time to start setting a puppy’s joint up for success.
What impact does the improving their environment have on genetic predisposition?
The best steps to help predict if your puppy is likely to develop join issues.
Dr Baltzer talks about the latest research on the best nutrition for puppies at risk of joint disease.
The recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio in food and the appropriate caloric intake to control growth rate.
What supplements to use and not to use especially for large breed dogs.
Wendy discusses the effect that early desexing can have on joints.
The best way to exercise at risk breeds and what to avoid.
Dr Wendy's top 3 tips to keep joints healthy.

References:

Smith GK, Paster ER, Powers MY, Lawler DF, Biery DN, Shofer FS, et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(5):690-3.
Schoenmakers I, Hazewinkel HA, Voorhout G, Carlson CS, Richardson D. Effects of diets with different calcium and phosphorus contents on the skeletal development and blood chemistry of growing great danes. Vet Rec. 2000;147(23):652-60
Fries CL, Remedios AM. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia: a review. Can Vet J. 1995;36(8):494-502

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Meng Siak is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. He studied at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, then did an internship in veterinary dermatology, before completing his residency at Murdoch.

Meng has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated skin and ear diseases including allergies, immune mediated skin diseases and chronic ear disease.

Topics discussed included:

Dr Meng Siak explains what the skin barrier and its microbiome are and their important roles.
The link between microorganisms in the skin and the gut.
What happens when the skin barrier becomes compromised and what can cause this to occur?
Meng discusses the roles that genetic and external factors play in skin disease.
What non-allergic conditions can lead to a compromised skin barrier?
How can a healthy skin barrier help with skin disease?
Dr Siak talks about what he recommends to his clients to improve the gut and skin microbiome and what the latest research is showing.
Meng's approach to the itchy dog - controlling infections and inflammation.
Supplements and ingredients to support the skin barrier.
Comparing dog and cat skin disease and its management for each.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Professor Caroline Mansfield is a registered specialist in small animal medicine and she is recognized as an international leader in veterinary internal medicine. She graduated from Murdoch University and worked in mixed animal and small animal practice in Australia and the UK before completing a residency in small animal medicine at University College, Dublin.

Professor Mansfield has joined our Pure Animal team as an educator and ambassador in the field of small animal internal medicine.

Topics discussed include:

Common digestive disorders in cats and their symptoms.
What is normal for cats when it comes to clinical signs?
Diagnostic work up for feline digestive cases.
When to decide to start a diet trial.
Types of diet trials and when to use them.
Differentiating between Small Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Enteropathy.
Management and prognosis for digestive disorders.
How feline digestive conditions affect the microbiome.
Dr Caroline shares her opinion on antibiotic use.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Nicole Rous who previously recorded episode 40 with Pure Animal on Supporting Your Pet's Health with Essential Oils.

Topics discussed in this podcast include:

How can disease affect the gut microbiome?
How to know if there’s dysbiosis present.
Dr Nicole shares what she considers when selecting an appropriate probiotic.
The importance of prebiotics alongside probiotics.
When does Nicole use supplements vs food-based sources.
Is it safe to give garlic to your pet?
Latest research on antibiotics use for gastrointestinal conditions.
Common gastrointestinal symptoms in cats.
Effects of probiotics and prebiotics on feline gut health.

You can find Dr Nicole Rous at Mont Albert Vet Clinic (www.montalbertvet) or through Shy Tiger (www.shytiger.com.au). Dr Rous in also on Insta @shytigerhealth and @drnicolerous

Studies mentioned by Dr Nicole:

D'Angelo S et al. Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in dogs with chronic enteropathies: double-blinded, placebo-controlled studyVeterinary Record Dec 2017;10.1136/vr 6

Schmidt M., Unterer S, Suchodolski J. S. et al. The fecal microbiome and metalbome differs between dogs fed Bones and Raw Food (BARF) biets and dogs fed commercial diets.PLOS ONE August 15, 2018

Kwong T. C., Chau E. C. T., Mak M. C. H. et al. Characterization of the Gut Microbiome in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus. Animals 2023, 13, 2479

Grzeskowiak L., Endo A., Beasley S., Salminen S., Microbiota and probiotics in canine and feline welfare. Elsevier 2015

Aktas M. S., Borku M. K., Ozkanlar Y., Efficacy of Saccharomyces Boulardii as a probiotic in dogs with Lincomycin induced diarrhoea. Bull Vet Inst Pulawy, 365-369, 2007

Li Y., Lei Z., Li Y., Yang M., Yang C., Li L. Effect of a Multistrain Probiotic on Feline Gut Health through the Fecal Microbiota and Its Metabolite SCFAs. Metabolites 2023, 13, 228

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Sue qualified from Cambridge Veterinary School, England in 1984 and worked first in Oxford and then in a partnership in Leeds for 12 years. In 2003 she set up Balanced Being, an alternative veterinary and human medicine practice and in 2016 she established a new human clinic in Boroughbridge. Sue was a founding member of the British Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association and has written and published many papers, contributed to several books, and lectured and consulted internationally.

Topics include:

What made Sue turn to Veterinary Science and alternative therapies.
Why cancer and auto-immune diseases are of particular interest to Dr Armstrong and what treatment modalities she uses for them.
The role and importance of a healthy microbiome.
What are we eating that upsets the balance of the microbiome?
Can a microbiome evolve to require different types of food?
Do dogs need to be omnivorous?
Dr Sue explains the difference between microbiomes in different species.
The importance of prebiotics and probiotics.
How probiotics can help with respiratory and bladder problems among other conditions.
Sue’s insights in the use of probiotics in behavioural conditions.
Can probiotic strains found in human products be useful for other species?

You can reach Dr Sue or find out more about her on www.thetrueanimalplan.com and www.individualis.co.uk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Sam Sherrington graduated from Western Sydney University in 2003 with a Master of Osteopathy. Sam has been providing osteopathic care to humans since 2004. After deciding she wanted to also treat four-legged patients, Sam pursued a Graduate Diploma of Animal Chiropractic at RMIT, graduating in 2009.

Sam has worked in both Ireland and Australia, and currently runs her own business, “Centaurus Osteopathy”, helping to relieve pain and maximise performance for horses, riders, dogs & the occasional exotic critter (for some variety).

Topics discussed include:

How Sam became interested and involved in animal osteopathy.
The difference between osteopathy and chiropractics.
Sam discusses the main conditions that osteopathy can benefit.
Recommendations that Sam makes with regards to nutrition.
How supplements can also be beneficial.
Sam talks about how pet parents can manage the household to help their pets.
The importance of exercise and a healthy weight to avoid injury and help with case management.

You can learn more on abmprof.com.au. You can reach Sam Sherrington at ourosteo.com or on Facebook - Sam Sherrington - Osteopath

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Queensland in 1995. He is known globally as the Healing Vet and is passionately devoted to do the best in holistic pet health care.

Through his own recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Lyme disease, Dr Edward explored holistic medicine and energy healing. After realising that animals also responded well to this approach, he created the Whole Energy Body Balance (WEBB) Method.

Dr Edward now practices integrative medicine in Vet hospitals while empowering pet parents and professionals all over the world to find and heal pets’ silent pain, anxiety and trauma with his WEBB online practitioner training.

Topics discussed include:

What lead Dr Ed to become a veterinarian and focus on integrative medicine.
How chronic fatigue syndrome affected Dr Ed's professional life.
The 'Whole Energy Body Balance' method and what it entails.
Dr Bassingthwaighte explains silent pain and how to assess it.
The most common causes of soft tissue pain.
The ways that pet parents can prevent tissue pain in their pets.
How the WEBB method can assist with behavioural concerns such as anxiety.
Dr Ed discusses setting boundaries with your pet.
The importance of nutrition and supplements to reduce inflammation in the body.

You can reach Dr Ed on https://www.thehealingvet.com/ and access his masterclasses on https://www.wholeenergybodybalance.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Elaine Cebuliak holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Membership in Dentistry by examination; IVAS certification in Veterinary Acupuncture; Advanced Diplomas in Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Remedial Massage, and certificates in Chinese herbal medicine. She performs referral work, teaching and running workshops.

Elaine founded an Integrative Vet Medicine Practice in Brisbane in 2010 called ‘Animal Wellness’. She has held many executive positions in the Australian Veterinary Association over the years including President of the Central QLD AVA branch, President of the Holistic Veterinary Association, AVA QLD representative of the holistic special interest group and Newsletter Editor of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society.

Elaine also helped set up one of the leading groups in animal welfare in third world countries, now known as ‘Vets Beyond Borders’.

Topics discussed include:

Elaine talks about her background and growing up with integrative medicine.
How the mouth can be a window to disease.
Assisting cats with renal failure holistically.
The benefits of Vitamin C.
Elaine explains how her cases have benefited from integrative.
Dr Cebuliak talks about her involvement with Vets Beyond Border.
Elaine gives her main dental tips to her fellow colleagues.

You can find out more about Dr Elaine Cebuliak and her services on animalwellness.com.au.

Elaine is part of the Natural Veterinary Practitioners Facebook Page.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Jacqui Snell graduated from Massey University in 1988. She has practiced as a companion animal veterinarian for over 30 years and for a large part of her career has owned her own practice in Taradale, New Zealand. Following her interest in holistic veterinary medicine, Jacqui attained a diploma in Western Veterinary Herbal Medicine through the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. Jacqui currently practices in Rotorua providing both conventional and holistic veterinary services at Barrowman Goodman Vets in conjunction with the NZ nationwide holistic service via telemedicine which she established in 2018.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Jacqui shares how she decided to become a veterinarian.
The power integration - Jacqui talks about how the opportunity to write her case study came about.
Dr Snell talks about her case involving a West Highland White Terrier with GME.
The different conditions that needed to be addressed in this case.
How Dr Snell approached this case and what the main treatment goal was.
Dietary changes made and supplements added to improve the pet's outcome.
What herbs Jacqui incorporated into her multimodal approach.
The importance of informing pet owners about the use of herbal medicine and possible interactions and contrary indications.
The final outcome of integrating conventional and complementary medicine in Jacqui's case.

You can reach Dr Jacqui Snell on https://www.vethhc.co.nz/

You can read 'The Power of Integration' case study on https://www.vethhc.co.nz/uploads/6/4/1/8/64185289/vetscript_article.pdf

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Matt obtained a degree in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology in 2010 with first class honours from Charles Sturt University. He began work as a mixed animal general practitioner in Griffith, Australia before moving to the United Kingdom and commencing out of hours, emergency and critical care work at a royal veterinary college top tier hospital before consulting in wellness and internal medicine. After several years abroad, Matt returned to Australia and joined the team at All Natural Vet Care in Sydney. His Veterinary interests are wellness and preventative health care, soft tissue surgery, integrative dentistry and all disciplines linked to the gut-skin-brain axis.

Topics include:

Matt’s approach to a home cooked diet – is there a one size fits all?
What should the diet be composed of? Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Are all fats and proteins created equal?
Matt discusses raw ingredients and where we should be sourcing our foods from.
Dr Muir explains how to transition from a commercial diet to a natural moist diet.
The importance of a gradual transition especially if it involves a raw diet.
Developing specific diets for specific clinical cases.
Matt discusses the importance of realistic expectations on how long it can take to see the benefits from a natural diet.
The benefits of regular nutritional counselling.
Using probiotics therapeutically during a diet transition.
How diets can affect a dog’s skin microbiota.
Dr Muir’s approach to grains.
Can dogs thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet?
The main mistakes pet owners make when preparing home-made diets.

You can find Matt Muir at All Natural Vet Care, naturalvet.com.au or (02) 9712 5844. You can also go on his online information platform achieveanimalwellness.com or on Instagram achieve_animal_wellness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Nela Graham is a veterinarian with over 10 years experience in practices all over the world. She has always had a strong interest in brain function, emotions, behaviour and neuroplasticity. Nela has been working with veterinary behaviour specialists and senior mentors to become more knowledgeable in the field of animal behaviour and now proudly runs her own behaviour and training business called Calm Companions on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Topics include:

What led Nela to start her business and the benefits of her new business model which splits the consultations between home and in-clinic visits
The importance of explaining the ‘why’ to owners especially in anxiety cases
Nela’s passion for chronic pain management and how it can influence behaviour
Behaviour is the number #1 reason for euthanasia in Australia – how can we change this?
A look into Nela’s puppy pre-school
The importance of educating yourself on canine body language and giving dogs constructive coping strategies.
Dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacity of an 18 month old child - how to be realistic about what dogs can understand.
Nela shares the most common behaviour challenges in puppies and how to avoid these
The importance of early education for puppy owners

You can find Nela at www.calmcompanions.com.au or 1800 DR NELA (1800 376 352)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Alicia Kennedy graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has been working as a veterinarian for over 30 years.

Following her passion to support pet ownership of vulnerable people, eight years ago, Dr Alicia Kennedy founded Cherished Pets, a social veterinary enterprise that supports the human animal bond through all life stages, including the end. She has established its charitable partner, Cherished Pets Foundation, that provides additional support for eligible elderly and disabled pet owners living alone in our community.

Topics discussed include:

Dr Alicia discusses her passion as a veterinarian for both animals and people.
Cherished Pets and the Cherished Pets Foundation Charity.
Veterinary social work - what does it entail?
Dr Alicia talks about the importance of working together with social workers.
How can we help elderly people to look after the pets?
Alicia's role as a human-animal bond consultant.
Dr Kennedy's view on the future of veterinary social work.

You can find Dr Alicia Kennedy on www.cherishedpetcare.com.au/, www.socialheartedvet.com, on Instagram @socialheartedvet, and on Facebook @Cherished Pets

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Donna McSwenney graduated from the University of Queensland in 2001 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After graduating she worked at the Animal Welfare League and Brown’s Plains Veterinary clinic where she started incorporating holistic therapies when treating her patients. Since 2003, she has been working solo as a mixed animal practitioner with a special interest in acupuncture, Chinese and western herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and mind body connection.

Topics discussed include:

How Donna became interested in becoming a holistic veterinarian and what her current cases look like.
Dr McSweeney explains what PEA is and how it works in the body.
What conditions PEA is mostly used for and its benefits.
How PEA can be beneficial in dermatology cases.
Donna discusses how PEA can be obtained.
Recommended dosages for PEA.
Dr McSweeney talks about possible side effects and drug interactions with PEA.
The research behind PEA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Lucy Scott is a qualified veterinarian, having graduated from Massey University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After finishing her degree, she spent 6 years working in a mixed animal practice and then decided to follow her passion for animal behaviour by gaining her Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour in June. She now owns her own company, Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ, where she provides behaviour consultations covering a range of species and problems.

Lucy is also currently doing a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour through the University of Edinburgh.

Topics discussed include:

How Lucy developed a passion for animal behaviour.
What to expect from a behaviour consultation with Dr Scott.
The benefits of positive reinforcement.
Common feline behavioural conditions.
Lucy explains how to read cats' body language.
Anxious cats and the best way to approach them.
Dr Scott discusses how to use a multi-modal approach when dealing with behavioural issues.
How pet owners can set up a perfect environment for their cats.

You can reach out to Dr Lucy Scott on https://www.vetbehaviour.co.nz/ lucy@vetbehaviour.co.nz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr. Marta Calvo Blanco received her Veterinary Degree with Honours in Spain over 25 years ago and ran her own practice with her husband for 15 years. She also worked for Hill’s and Royal Canin as a small animal nutrition technician and pursued further education in Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Essential oils, Food Supplements and Animal Communication.

Marta is also a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist since 2012 (IVAS) and after coming to Australia in 2015, she worked as an Animal Naturopath and Vet Technician and founded her own company “Holistic Animal Naturopath”.

She has now been working with eCS Vet since 2019, where she is currently the Head of Veterinary Education, helping to educate veterinary professionals about using cannabinoid medications in animals.

Topics discussed include:

What led Dr Calvo Blanco to focus on cannabinoid education for vets.
Marta explains what cannabinoids are and the different types.
How cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system.
Clinical applications for CBD and THC in dogs and cats.
Dosage and different routes of administration.
Marta discusses the different types of CBD products that are available.
Drug regulation in Australia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Martina McPeace is a veterinarian who received her graduate diploma in Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies in 2015. She previously owned Longford Veterinary Clinic in Tasmania and now runs her own business, Hint of Thyme Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for Animals.

Topics discussed include:

Martina shares what drove her to purse a career in integrative veterinary medicine.
Different ways Dr Martina uses to approach cancer.
How oxygenation can help to address cancer.
Changes in nutrition of the cancer patient.
Dr McPeace talks about the importance of herbal supplementation.
Ways to eliminate pathogens and enhance immunity.
The importance of a stress-free state of mind for pets.

You can contact Dr Martina McPeace on www.hint-of-thyme.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Penny Fitzgerald is a fully qualified, Professional Kinesiology Practice Therapist and is the Principal Practitioner at PDF Kinesiology in Clarinda, Melbourne. She has been practicing kinesiology for over 15 year and is also a master of Sekhem Healing, a powerful energy-based healing modality.

After being inspired by her own experience with kinesiology, Penny obtained her International Diploma of Kinesiology. She then decided to expand her knowledge and experience into the pet world and now practices at East West Veterinary Group in Victoria, where she has been able to help animals with allergies, skin conditions, anxiety, stress and other behavioural issues.

Topics discussed include:

What attracted Penny to start using kinesiology on animals.
Penny explains kinesiology and how it works.
What does a normal session with Penny look like.
Penny discusses how she uses kinesiology in her animal cases.
Conditions for which kinesiology can be helpful.
Penny discusses how she uses kinesiology to help with stress.
Is kinesiology part of a long-term management plan?

You can find Penny at https://www.eastwestvet.com.au/index.php and https://pdfkinesiology.com.au/#

Video of Penny’s consult https://youtu.be/NMvF96Pn-p0

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Maddy Selleck is a fourth-year veterinary student from Murdoch University with a special interest in emergency and critical care, wound management and animal welfare.

Recently, Maddy wrote an ingredient focused article on Ascophyllum Nodosum and its benefits not only in helping to remove calculus but also in providing anti-inflammatory, prebiotic and immunological effects. Her article was selected from several entries in a competition and has been published in the Pure Animal Magazine.

Maddy has also been working at Your Pet’s Vet in Inglewood, Western Australia while doing her veterinary degree. After graduating, she is looking forward to performing surgeries and trying out modern approaches to patient care.

Topics discussed include: What made Maddy want to become a Veterinarian and what motivated her to write about Ascophyllum Nodosum. What is Rockweed? How Rockweed helps to prevent calculus formation. Maddy talks about how pet parents can use A. Nodosum for their pets at home. Rockweed as a prebiotic and how it can be used in practice. Maddy explains some of the immuno-modulatory actions of A. Nodosum.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Catherine Schuetze graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1995. She's had an interest in integrated and herbal medicine since vet school and has pursued training in veterinary acupuncture, energy medicine, herbal medicine and nutraceuticals since then. ⁠

Dr Catherine has spent the large part of her veterinary career in Northern India, Bhutan and Tibet where she helped set up the charity Vets Beyond Borders, coordinating several welfare programs for which she won the 2009 Young Alumni Of the Year Award from the University of Queensland.

Her veterinary clinical focus is in companion animal acupuncture, herbal and integrated medicine, as well as geriatric medicine and palliative care

She is now home in Australia finishing a PhD in traditional Tibetan Veterinary Medicine while practicing at The Natural Vets on the Sunshine Coast, QLD.

Topics discussed include: Dr Catherine explains what attracted her to pursue a more holistic approach as a veterinarian when managing her patients. What drew Dr Schuetze to spend most of her career working in Asia and the work she did while she was there. Catherine talks about her PhD while she was working in Asia. Common issues seen in geriatric patients. How to approach geriatrics in an integrative way and what management modalities that can be used. Catherine discusses how she managers her palliative care patients. How to incorporate nutraceuticals in geriatric and palliative care patients.

You can find Dr Catherine Schuetze at https://www.thenaturalvets.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Flavia is a fully qualified vet graduating from the University of the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil in 1997. She practiced as a veterinarian in Brazil and in 2004 commenced her specialisation in acupuncture; gaining her IVAS accreditation in 2012 and has worked as a veterinary acupuncturist for over 15 years. In late 2014 she moved to Australia and has been practicing acupuncture and holistic animal treatment exclusively since then.

Flavia currently owns and runs Zenpet Animal Acupuncture, a mobile service based in Sydney, and works at Bondi Vet Hospital running the acupuncture service since 2019. She is a member of the International Veterinarian Acupuncture Society, the Australian Veterinary Association, the Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group and Integrative Veterinarians Australia

In addition to Acupuncture, Flavia also uses Chinese and Western herbal medicine, natural diet advice, gold bead acupuncture and ozone therapy as part of her treatments.

Topics discussed include: Flavia shares what made her want to become a veterinarian and pursue veterinary acupuncture. For which cases is electro-acupuncture beneficial? Different acupuncture techniques used by Flavia. How can moxbustion be used in conjunction with electro-acupuncture? Aqua-puncture - what solutions can be used with this technique? Flavia discusses the technique of gold beading. What is Ozone therapy and when should it be used?

You can find Dr. Flavia at www.zenpetacupuncture.com.au

or on Instagram zenpet_animal_acupuncture

Resources: Ozone therapy - A clinical review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312702/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Caroline developed an interest in gastroenterology during that time and continued her clinical and research passion in academia. From 2001 until 2010 she was employed at Murdoch University as a clinical registrar and then senior lecturer – moving to the University of Melbourne in late 2010 as the Head of Small Animal Medicine and then becoming Professor and Director of Clinical Research.

Her research involves projects investigating mechanisms involved in canine inflammatory bowel disease, the pancreas and establishing the impact in the gut microbiome has on health and disease in dogs.

Topics discussed include: What made Dr Mansfield want to become a veterinarian and what sparked her interest in gastroenterology. Projects Caroline has been involved in throughout her career. Dr Mansfield’s current canine microbiome and chronic enteropathy study. Effects of diet on diet-responsive enteropathies. Dr Caroline talks about her project on ‘Modifying the gut-brain axis to improve outcomes in shelter animals’. Probiotic benefits in decreasing stress in dogs. Common feline digestive disorders Dr Mansfield gets presented with and how she manages them. When are probiotics indicated in feline digestive disorders? When to reach for prebiotics or symbiotics? Dr Caroline specifies the indication for Metronidazole.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Nicole completed a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University followed by an honours year in Vision Sciences. She then got accepted into Sydney University and completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours in 2008.

After a brief stint working in the UK, she returned to small animal practice in Melbourne working at Monash Vets. Nicole then followed her interest in reproduction and gained her Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Reproduction. Along the way she also developed an interest in complementary therapies specially in essential oils.

In 2020 she started her own business called Shy Tiger Natural Animal which provides vet approved, all-natural plant-based health support for dogs through a range of serum and sprays.

Nicole currently also works at and owns Mont Albert Veterinary Surgery in Victoria and is also a member of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

Topics discussed include: What made Dr Rous want to become a vet and what started her interest in essential oils. Nicole talks about what drove her to start Shy Tiger. Range of essential oils that Nicole uses. How to select the appropriate oil for a pet. The importance of knowing if ingredients are coming from a sustainable source. Dr Nicole talks about how to use essential oils safely. What oil to avoid with certain medical conditions. Using essential oils orally. Nicole speaks about essential oils with multi-drug resistance. Impact of humans emotions on pets.

You can find Dr Nicole Rous on https://shytiger.com.au/ https://www.montalbertvet.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Denley graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1998 and has been working in small animal practice in south east Queensland for the last 20 years.

Whilst he thoroughly enjoyed conventional veterinary practice, he decided to undertake a Certificate of Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi Institute to improve his skills and education.

He is also certified as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Herbologist recognized by the China Society of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. Following these studies, he completed a Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine and is a member of the Animal Biomechanical Professionals of Australia Australia, the American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and the American Canine Sports Medicine Association.

Steve completed a CIVT course in veterinary rehabilitation last year and is currently undertaking a CRI course in the same field due to be completed within the next twelve months.

Steve now owns and works at Balanced Veterinary Care in Tamborine, Queensland, and combines conventional medicine, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, animal biomechanical medicine and rehabilitation to apply a holistic, natural approach to improve his patients’ wellbeing.

Topics discussed include: Steve chats about how he became a vet and what led him to pursue integrative therapies when managing his cases. The most common cases Dr Denley is presented with. The difficulties about being an integrative vet. How Steve deals with Intervertebral Disc Disease. The power of touch in helping identify a diagnosis and managing cases. The heavy lifters when treating IVDD. Steve talks about long term plans for his patients. How does nutrition fit into Dr Steve’s cases. Managing pet parent compliance.

You can reach Dr Steve Denley at www.balancevet.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Since graduating from Murdoch University as a Veterinarian, Dr Clare Middle has always pursued her interest in natural therapies. She gained her Certificate of Veterinary Acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1991. In 1986 she completed a Brauer professional practitioner diploma in homeopathy.

Clare was the founding president of the Australian Association of Holistic Veterinarians and completed the first veterinary specific professional course in classical homeopathy. Dr Middle has also completed Dr Bruce Ferguson’s Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Herbology course.

In 2004 she decided to sell her practice in East Freemantle to set up her own natural therapy consulting room where she still works today in Balingup, Western Australia. She uses classical homeopathy, herbs, kinesiology flower essences and acupuncture.

She has published 3 books on natural diets for pets which are available from her website.

Topics discussed include: Why Dr Clare Middle decided to become a vet and what sparked her interest in integrative medicine. Clare talks about the different therapies she uses and for which cases. The benefits of kinesiology. Dr Middle talks about the causes of today’s pet obesity. Clare dives into her approach to a balanced diet for dogs and cats. The importance of including bones in diet. How much carbohydrate should form part of a pet’s diet? Adding pancreatic enzymes to the diet. Dr Middle discusses using egg shells as a calcium supplement. Transitioning pets from dry to fresh diets

You can find Dr Clare Middle on https://www.claremiddle.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Kim Lim received her veterinary degree with honours from the University of Melbourne in 1990. She then entered small animal practice and was certified in veterinary acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 1992. She earned a Master's Degree in Animal Chiropractic from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000. She has also completed the animal rehabilitation program from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

Kim has been in Integrative veterinarian since 1996. She currently owns a solo practice in Geelong, Australia. She is also a national and international speaker, has served the Australian Veterinary Chiropractic Association, the Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group, and Geelong Australian Veterinary Association.

Topics include: Dr Lim talks about how she became a vet and interested in integrative veterinary medicine. Kim describes the types of cases she sees on a day-to-day basis. Changing the mindset for cancer. How Dr Kim decides which treatment modality to use for each case. Protecting yourself as a vet from emotional stress. Kim discusses the different chiropractic techniques she uses. How Dr Lim helps dogs be compliant during treatment. Homotoxicology – what is it? Kim’s approach to diets – understanding what each dog requires. Dr Lim’s advice to vets.

You can find Dr Kim Lim at www.geelongcreatures.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr John Waterhouse graduated from the University of Sydney in 2004. In 2006, John took a sabbatical from the veterinary profession to manage his family’s property development and ranching operations. During that time, he continued to further his education in the areas of veterinary alternative medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. In 2010, John moved to the USA to undertake a fellowship in pain management and rehabilitative medicine. He has also completed an externship in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound with Drs Debra and Sherman Canapp.

He is a Certified Canine Rehab Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee. He has visited and researched extensively, the top canine rehabilitation centers in the US, having learned the different business models and rehab protocols designed by the industry experts. He currently speaks around the world at various conferences on the topics of Canine Arthritis and Pain Management.

Topics discussed include: How John ended up as a veterinarian and what drove him down the path of canine rehabilitation. Dr Waterhouse discusses how his Veterinary Teaching Academy started and his 12-week rehab program. How a 12-week rehabilitation program can help with orthopaedic cases and what outcomes can be expected. The importance of supplements and nutraceuticals during rehabilitation. When is a good time to introduce exercise after injury and surgery? How do braces help with recovery? John discusses all the different modalities he uses to help with reducing inflammation and speeding healing time. Dr Waterhouse dives into compensating pain such as canine headache. What are some signs that a pet might be suffering from headaches? John discusses why it is important to think of a patient as an entire eco-system.

You can find Dr John Waterhouse at www.CanineRehabonDemand.com

and www.VeterinaryTeachingAcademy.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Kelly Halls was born in Melbourne, Australia. She obtained her Veterinary Science degree from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in 2002. She then went into mixed animal practice in Southern Australia for a few years, followed by two years as a locum veterinarian in various parts of the UK. Returning home in 2007, she then worked in a large small animal practice as well as an emergency practice. In 2015, she founded Bentons Road Veterinary Clinic in Mount Martha, Victoria.

Kelly’s area of expertise includes fresh food feeding for dogs, the use of nutritional and herbal supplements as well as reduced vaccine and preventative medications loads for pets.

Topics discussed include: Kelly shares her background and how she decided to become a vet. Tailoring treatment plans to individual pet’s needs Raw vs cooked food – what Dr Halls recommends. Which cases benefit the most from a fresh food diet? How should we be feeding a growing puppy? Kelly discusses what a typical fresh food diet looks like. What bones should we be feeding dogs? Dr Halls talks about her preventative medicine protocol Titre testing in dogs – how often should they be done? Kelly discusses at what age she recommends desexing. Managing the psychological wellbeing of a pet.

You can find Dr Kelly Halls at www.bentonsroadvet.com.au

and at the Natural Veterinary Practitioners Facebook group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Nadine Hamilton to talk about positive psychology for veterinarians. In this second part of our series, we discuss: What are the main health issues in veterinary industry today? How has Covid-19 affected vets’ mental health? Nadine discusses different ways for vets and nurses to manage stress. How can nutrition help you with mental health? Dr Nadine explains what stress is and how we can to identify it. Anxiety and how it differs from stress. What does burn out feel like? Compassion fatigue among veterinarians. Different ways to cope with burn out. Dr Nadine explains the benefits of positive psychology Nadine takes a deep look into suicide in the vet profession

You can reach Dr Nadine Hamilton on www.loveyourpetloveyourvet.com.au, https://www.positivepsychsolutions.com.au/, on Facebook and Instagram.

To listen to more podcasts and interviews with Dr Nadine Hamilton:

https://www.positivepsychsolutions.com.au/podcasts

To view Love Your Pet, Love Your Vet webinars:

https://www.loveyourpetloveyourvet.com.au/webinars

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Nadine Hamilton is a psychologist who has completed doctoral research into veterinarian wellbeing in 2016. She is the founder of Love your Pet, Love your Vet- an organization that aims to raise awareness about the mental health issues within the veterinary industry. Nadine has written a best selling book called “Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian”, and has been instrumental in leading a paradigm shift within the industry. Nadine is also passionate about interior design and feng shui, and has qualifications in Angel Therapy, Spiritual Intuitive Healing and Animal Reiki!

Topics discussed include: What motivated Nadine Hamilton to become a psychologist? How did she move into the area of veterinary wellbeing? How was Love you Pet, Love your Vet started? Dr Nadine discusses the reasons why suicide rate is high within the veterinary industry. What other factors can affect a vet’s mental health? Dr Hamilton explains the importance of making vets and vet nurses feel comfortable about reaching out. How Love your Pet, Love your Vet can help veterinarians. Nadine talks about raising awareness and education for vet students. How can pet parent’s help to support their vet’s mental health? 3 simple tips for veterinary professionals that they can do every day to improve their mental health.

You can reach Dr Nadine Hamilton on www.loveyourpetloveyourvet.com.au, www.positivepsychsolutions.com.au/, on Facebook and Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

David graduated from the University of Sydney in 1990 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree before working for a year as an agronomist/livestock adviser in Tamworth, NSW. He then returned to Sydney University for 2 years as a research officer and completed a Masters degree in Veterinary Science. In 1994, David went to South Africa to start his Veterinary Science degree at University of Pretoria. He then transferred to Murdoch University, Perth in 1996 and completed his Veterinary Science degree in 1998. David is keen to incorporate complementary medicine to the conventional veterinary medicine protocols and apply an integrative “all round” approach to solving small animal medicine issues. He set up a mobile Veterinary Acupuncture business in 2019 and in 2021 he joined All Natural Vet Care in Sydney.

Topics discussed include: Why Dr Ward became a Vet and how he became involved in alternative medicine. What acupuncture is, its history and how it can be used as a treatment. How meridians and acupoints work. The difference between acupressure and acupuncture. Dr Ward shares the main reasons why acupuncture is effective. In what cases should acupuncture be used and why? David talks about the benefits of combining acupuncture and rehabilitation. Acupuncture with Chinese herbs, do they work together? Using acupuncture as a calming agent before anaesthesia and as pain relief after anaesthesia. Dr David shares his thoughts of where integrative medicine is headed in the veterinary field.

Resources mentioned:

College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) https://www.civtedu.org/

Canine Acupuncture Point Pro https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canine-acupuncture-point-pro/id540753765

You can find Dr Ward at All Natural Vet Care https://www.allnaturalvetcare.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Naomi Boyd holds a unique dual qualification in physiotherapy and veterinary medicine, and currently works as a sports medicine veterinarian at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Sydney, Australia. We explore the ways that physiotherapy can be implemented in care protocols for many different health conditions. Topics discussed include: Reasons to keep ill patients moving What a sports medicine diagnostic work up looks like The diagnostic value of pressure mats How Dr Boyd empowers her clients to adhere to the take home treatment plans A preventative plan for those pets predisposed to musculoskeletal disease (e.g. hip dysplasia) Dr Boyd's thoughts on hydrotherapy "Nose work" and how it can be beneficial for energetic dogs looking for stimulation Up and coming therapies for pets with osteoarthritis, including CBD, nutraceuticals and platelet rich plasma How Dr Boyd instructs her clients to monitor comfort levels in their pets at home

Resources mentioned include Marion Brand's nose work: https://www.k9nosetime.com/about-us/#:~:text=Marion%20Brand%2C%20CNWI%20is%20the,at%20the%20Hills%20Dog%20Club

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Wendy Baltzer is a board certified veterinary surgeon and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. She has worked around the world, and is currently the Associate Professor and head of surgery at the University of Sydney Veterinary School. Dr Baltzer is passionate about teaching veterinary students, borne from an inspiring mentor she connected with in the third year of her DVM. Wendy and I delve into her areas of research, specifically low back pain in dogs, before discussing her approach to supporting recovery after joint surgery.

Topics discussed include: A preventative approach to managing joint disease Wendy's favoured supplements for joint health, including omega-three fatty acids, elk velvet, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate An evidence-based program for supporting post-operative recovery after cruciate ligament repair surgery How to choose an omega-3 supplement and what dose to use Exercise goals after joint surgery, and what to avoid The importance of protein in the diet for post-operative cases Judicious use of NSAIDs after orthopaedic surgery Other treatments Wendy recommends, such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture

Studies discussed during this episode include:

https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=1402&context=utk_chanhonoproj

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29680380/#:~:text=Hydrotherapy%20increased%20the%20range%20of,seen%20between%20the%20two%20groups.

You can find Dr Baltzer at https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/wendy-baltzer.html.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Craig Webb is a specialist gastroenterologist from Colorado State University. He found a passion for veterinary medicine after his family cat received excellent treatment at the University of Wisconsin veterinary hospital. This episode provides a thorough and practical approach to managing liver disease in clinic.

Topics discussed include: ALT vs ALP, what elevations in these enzymes signify The clinical significance of elevated ALT, and what could be causing this The importance of assessing the patient as a whole, rather than the biochemistry alone When should you recheck liver enzymes? Dr Webb's step-wise approach to diagnosis of liver disease Do you really need to check clotting factors before conducting liver tissue sampling? How to approach management when finances are prohibitive Dr Webb's favoured nutraceuticals for liver support, including S-Adenosylmethionine, milk thistle and vitamin E How diet can be a valuable preventative approach to reducing liver disease risk in certain animals

You can find Dr Craig Webb at http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/directorysearch/search/memberprofile/cvmbs/1059/webb/craig

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Matthew Muir for Part B of our discussion about mind body veterinary medicine. In this second part of our series, we discuss: Manipulating the gut-brain axis through diet and Dr Muir's "ideal meal" Emerging evidence for the influence of the microbiome on the mental health of dogs Considering elimination and provocation diets to understand which foods are possibly influencing mental health and behaviour Herbal medicine and its role in treatment plans, including managing GIT disease and mental ill health A deeper dive into the merits of Withania somnifera and Reishi mushroom extract Translational research and its potential to "save humanity" Sleep hygiene The practical applications of TTouch and massage in general

Resources mentioned in this episode are listed and linked to below:

Wernimont et al. 2020. The Effects of Nutrition on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Cats and Dogs: Impact on Health and Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32670224/

Mondo et al. 2020. Gut microbiome structure and adrenocortical activity in dogs with aggressive and phobic behavioral disorders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32021942/

Kirchoff et al. 2019. The gut microbiome correlates with conspecific aggression in a small population of rescued dogs (Canis familiaris)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30643689/

Craig. 2016. Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29067183/

Mondo et al. 2019. Role of gut microbiota in dog and cat's health and diseases https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31998619/

Costantini et al. 2017. Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29215589/

Chang et al. 2015. Ganoderma lucidum reduces obesity in mice by modulating the composition of the gut microbiota https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26102296/

Yuan et al. 2020. An Integrated Pharmacology-Based Analysis for Antidepressant Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Xiao-Yao-San https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256358/

Liao et al. 2018. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30479654/

Panossian. 2017. Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28640972/

Andrade et al. 2000. A double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the anxiolytic efficacy ff an ethanolic extract of withania somnifera https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21407960/

Yenisetti, Manjunath & Muralidhara. 2016. Neuropharmacological Properties of Withania somnifera - Indian Ginseng: An Overview on Experimental Evidence with Emphasis on Clinical Trials and Patents https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27316579/

Singh & Ramassamy. 2017. In vitro screening of neuroprotective activity of Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29152258/

Texas A&M Canine Microbiota Dysbiosis Index https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/service/assays/canine-microbiota-dysbiosis-index/

Vanoli et al. 1991. Vagal stimulation and prevention of sudden death in conscious dogs with a healed myocardial infarction https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2019002/

Ohemeng & Parham. 2020. Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Indications, Implantation, and Outcomes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31685239/

Spotifiy: Through a Dog's Ear playlist https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MsgeM3kAiAt5NTnasaIh1#:~:text=Popular&text=%22Through%20a%20Dog's%20Ear%22%20is,have%20been%20created%20since%202003.

Karen Overall's relaxation protocol https://journeydogtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/ProtocolforRelaxation.pdf

LuckyDog Acupressure http://www.luckydoghealth.com/dogacupressurechart.htm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

We welcome back Dr Matt Muir to the Pure Animal Podcast. Dr Muir is an integrative veterinarian who works out of All Natural Vet Care in Sydney. His interests lie largely in preventative holistic medicine, integrative dentistry, nutrition and everything related to the gut-brain-skin axis. In this episode we dive in psychoneuroimmunology, an emerging research concept in human and veterinary medicine. Topics discussed include: What is psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)? Why we need to become "comfortable with complexity" in medicine Vagal nerve manipulation Behavioural modification for managing canine epilepsy and pruritis The skin-gut-brain axis and the increasing prevalence of disorders of these body systems Stress and implications on immune system function The role of t-touch and relaxation techniques for fears and phobias Canine biofeedback and "enforced meditation" How can microbiome manipulation play a role in gut-brain medicine? Nutrient based psychiatry nutrigenomics for pets

Resources mentioned in this episode include: Kersti Seksel's behavioural modification technique for reducing pruritis T-touch method on YouTube Karen Overall's deference and relaxation protocols

You can find Dr Matt Muir at www.naturalvet.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Kersti Seksel is a boarded veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and works at Sydney Animal Behaviour Service in Sydney, Australia. She was inspired to learn more about behaviour after being saddened by the high rates of euthanasia due to behavioural reasons seen whilst practicing in the UK. Kersti and I discuss her love of neuropsychology, her passion for helping people understand their animals better and the reasons she likes to keep her practice small and intimate.

Topics discussed include: Changes in human-animal interactions due to COVID restrictions How a change in routine can impact the mental wellbeing of dogs and cats Why underlying mental ill health is making it harder for pets to be resilient to these changes The reasons for an increase in diagnosed mental illnesses during COVID How increased awareness of mental health in people is benefiting the mental wellbeing of pets Kersti's approach to managing feline behavioural cases and the importance of meeting their environmental needs Kersti's thoughts on alternative therapies and how she incorporates them into treatment plans Top tips on supporting the mental health of pets during the pandemic

You can find Dr Kersti Seksel at http://www.sabs.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Kathy graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 with an honours degree in Veterinary Science. Since then she has had a diverse career within the veterinary profession, including clinical practice, research and teaching, remote area government veterinary officer, and with the RSPCA.

Topics discussed include: Practical ways that we can introduce integrative medicine into behaviour cases and why a holistic approach is important. Is there an end with behaviour cases or is it a life long management? Top tips for behavioural cases that work for Dr Cornack. Kathy explains how to use essential oils effectively. How Magnesium, Zinc and B vitamins can help. Kathy discussed pet body wraps. Looking at specific diets that might have a beneficial effect. Why is the way that we feed pets important? Dr Cornack gives her final tips for practitioners.

You can find Kathy in Newcastle, NSW and at holisticvets.com.au.

Textbook: Veterinary Herbal Medicine by Barbara Fougere and Susan G Wynn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Mornement is an Applied Animal Behaviourist and Consultant with a PhD in canine behavior. She also has a Bachelor of Science with first class Honours in Zoology, Animal Behaviour, which she completed at LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Victoria. She consults to pet owners and those working professionally with animals, is a media spokesperson, educator and expert witness. Kate is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers in Australia, the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants, the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals and the Parrot Society of Australia.

Topics include: Kate shares what sparked her interest to become an Animal Behaviourist. What services are offered at Pets Behaving Badly? What are Kate’s main interests in animal behaviour? Common behavioural issues that Dr Mornement gets presented with. The importance in understanding training techniques. Why dogs and cats display aggression and the best way to manage it. How can we tell if a pet is feeling anxious and frightened and might resort to aggression? What can a pet owner do to make their pet less anxious about visiting the vet? Kate discusses some strategies on how veterinary staff can avoid injuries from aggressive animals. Do pets have a predisposition to being aggressive or does the behaviour develop over time?

You can reach Kate on her website, petsbehavingbadly.com.au, or Facebook, Pets Behaving Badly – Solutions with Dr Kate, and Instagram, petbehaviourist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Mandy is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Dermatology and a registered specialist in veterinary dermatology and an Associate Professor in Small Animal Medicine at Murdoch University in the College of Veterinary Science. She is a consultant in veterinary dermatology and has two dermatology practices in Perth, Western Australia that provide secondary and tertiary referral advice for skin, ear and allergy problems in dogs, cats and horses. She lectures in dermatology at Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital and at Massey University, New Zealand. Mandy has extensive experience with clinical dermatology in companion animals and she enjoys teaching dermatology to veterinary undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Topics include: What inspired Mandy to become a vet? Mandy talks about her Animal Dermatology Group. Dr Burrows explain the link between food allergies and ear health. What signs to look for in food allergies besides gastrointestinal signs How to diagnose food allergies and the challenges involved. Elimination diets – what do they look like? Home-made vs commercial diets. How long should an elimination diet go for? Do we still need to manage ear disease once the food allergy is under control?

You can find Dr Mandy Burrows on her website www.animaldermatologyclinic.com.au or by email M.Burrows@murdoch.edu.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Caroline graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1994. She enjoyed working in small animal practice in Sydney for 13 years, with interests in orthopaedic surgery and dermatology before commencing working in 2008 as the Veterinarian at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

In 2016, she won the Derek Freeman scholarship through the International Guide Dog Federation. This scholarship enabled her to visit the larger Guide Dog breeding centres in the United States to investigate and acquire knowledge in their methods around animal welfare, husbandry and their breeding programs.

Caroline became the Veterinary and Breeding Services Manager for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in 2017. Her current role enables her to maintain her veterinary knowledge and apply this knowledge to the breeding program.

Caroline co-authored a paper on transitional lumbosacral vertebrae that was published in the Australian Veterinary Journal in January 2017. Her current interests are genetics of canine behavioural and medical conditions, and animal husbandry. She works closely with geneticists and breeding managers both locally and internationally with the collaborative goal of reducing heritable disease and undesirable behavioural traits in their canine colonies.

Topics include: How Caroline became a vet and ended up at Guide Dogs Australia Caroline’s main interests in Veterinary medicine Dr Moeser talks about how probiotics can shape the gut microbiome and how they have helped the dogs at Guide Dogs Australia How probiotics has helped reduce the incidence of diarrhoea at Guide Dogs When is the right time to introduce the dams and pups to probiotics? Can probiotics help with allergic skin disease? The link between a healthy microbiome and development of behavioural conditions Besides prebiotics and probiotics, Caroline talks about other things that can help to keep a healthy microbiome Dr Moeser discusses faecal transplants in dogs, its indications and benefits Microbiome analysis in dogs

You can contact Dr Caroline Moeser on cmoeser@guidedogs.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Topics include: Matt’s approach to a home cooked diet – is there a one size fits all? What should the diet be composed of? Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Are all fats and proteins created equal? Matt discusses raw ingredients and where we should be sourcing our foods from. Dr Muir explains how to transition from a commercial diet to a natural moist diet. The importance of a gradual transition especially if it involves a raw diet. Developing specific diets for specific clinical cases. Matt discusses the importance of realistic expectations on how long it can take to see the benefits from a natural diet. The benefits of regular nutritional counselling. Using probiotics therapeutically during a diet transition. How diets can affect a dog’s skin microbiota. Dr Muir’s approach to grains. Can dogs thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet? The main mistakes pet owners make when preparing home-made diets.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Moran graduated as a vet from the University of Sydney in 1995. After several years in practice both in Australia and Great Britain she went on to gain her memberships from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2006, her graduate diploma in Animal Chiropractic from RMIT in Melbourne in 2009 and has completed a course in Tui Na Chinese Massage in 2009. She became a part owner of Mona Vale Vet Hospital on the Northern Beaches in Sydney in 2012 and has also completed a neurology course through Massey University, gained her certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2017 and graduated as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2019. Alison has a special interest in rehabilitation and pain management, particularly in relation to maintaining mobility in older dogs and cats and providing long term relief of chronic pain.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

On today’s episode we are talking to physiotherapist Michelle Monk about helping dogs to live their happiest, longest and healthiest lives.

Michelle began her career as a human Physiotherapist over 20 years ago before shifting to working with dogs. She initially started with a short course in Animal Physiotherapy before stablishing her first canine rehabilitation clinic, Dogs in Motion, complete with an underwater treadmill in 2003.

The following year she completed her Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy and has been offering first class physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to pets ever since. Michelle enjoys teaching other veterinary health professionals about providing quality rehabilitation in their clinics.

Dogs in Motion now proudly employs 4 Physiotherapists, an Acupuncturist and 5 Hydrotherapists.

Topics include: How and why Michelle made the transition between human and animal physiotherapy and what the turning point was. Michelle talks about her passion for older patients and the rewards in improving their quality of life. What are the most common cases seen at Dogs in Motion? Michelle explains her New Canine Extend Program and the importance of its holistic approach. Looking after your pet’s environment - are all beddings the same? How to stimulate the pet’s brain without over-exercising them physically. Michelle talks about how stress levels can impact your pet. The benefits of dietary supplements for arthritis such as green lipped mussel. Ways in which clinicians can implement part of the Canine Extend Program in their case management. The importance of a multi-modal approach. Michelle discusses the need for more research into traditional medicine.

You can find out more about Dogs In Motion and Michelle Monk at michellemonk.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Fearnside graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in 1995. After working in rural practice for a few years, he completed a surgical internship at the Northern Sydney Veterinary Specialist Centre followed by a small animal surgery residency and specialist training program with the now Queensland Veterinary Specialists.

On completion of his training, Stephen was appointed as the Head of the Small Animal Department at the University of Sydney Teaching Hospital at Camden and in 2004 he was awarded his fellowship in small animal surgery from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. He is the first and currently only Australian practising Veterinary Specialist to become a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in the canine field. Steve now works at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Sydney. His specialty areas include surgical diseases of the spine, wound management, advanced orthopaedics, neurosurgical patient rehab and management of musculoskeletal injuries in sporting and working dogs.

Topics include: How did Dr Fearnside end up as a Veterinary Specialist. The importance of rehabilitation in osteaoarthritis. An insight into Steve’s favourite cases. Common presentations of cases of osteoarthritis and how vital it is to have a management plan. The benefits and limitations of joint replacements. A holistic approach to arthritis management in dogs that are not surgery candidates. Dr Fearnside takes us through the 3 pillars of managing arthritis and his approach to each of them. Steve explains therapeutic laser therapy and how it works. Which supplements should we be using before the onset of arthritis and which supplements can help to manage arthritis. The challenges of getting pet parents to adhere to a management plan. The role of regenerative medicine in the future.

You can find Dr Fearnside at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in North Ryde and Tuggerah.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Topics include: What made Sue turn to Veterinary Science and alternative therapies. Why cancer and auto-immune diseases are of particular interest to Dr Armstrong and what treatment modalities she uses for them. The role and importance of a healthy microbiome. What are we eating that upsets the balance of the microbiome? Can a microbiome evolve to require different types of food? Do dogs need to be omnivorous? Dr Sue explains the difference between microbiomes in different species. The importance of prebiotics and probiotics. How probiotics can help with respiratory and bladder problems among other conditions. Sue’s insights in the use of probiotics in behavioural conditions. Can probiotic strains found in human products be useful for other species?

You can reach Dr Sue or find out more about her on www.thetrueanimalplan.com and www.individualis.co.uk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Matthew Muir obtained a degree in Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology in 2010 with first class honours from Charles Sturt University. He began work as a mixed animal general practitioner in Griffith Australia before moving to the United Kingdom and commencing out of hours, emergency and critical care work at a royal veterinary college top tier hospital before consulting in wellness and internal medicine. After several years abroad, Matt returned to Australia and joined the team at All Natural Vet Care in Sydney. His veterinary interests are wellness and preventative health care, soft tissue surgery, integrative dentistry and all disciplines linked to the gut, skin and brain.

Topics include: How and why Matt wanted to become a vet and focus on holistic and integrative medicine. Working at All Natural Vet Care and the clinic’s philosophy. Matt’s approach to integrative dentistry and the importance of a personalised multi-modal approach. 3 home strategies to improve the dental health of pets. How often should dogs and cats have their teeth brushed and is toothpaste necessary. Matt shares why dentistry is so important and how often should your pet have dental checks. A look at how ageing can impact the saliva and dental health. Dr Muir talks about the use of probiotics for oral health and how they can be beneficial. How nutritional deficiencies can affect oral conditions Why co-enzyme Q10 is essential for pet health. Matt’s view on giving your dog bones.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Rusty Muse is a registered specialist in veterinary dermatology working both in Perth, in Western Australia, and California, in America. He is an owner and the medical director of the Animal Dermatology Group, a collection of specialist dermatology clinics across the world.

He is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology, a member of the Dermatology Chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association and the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. He is also the secretary for the 9th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology to be held in October 2020 in Sydney.

Rusty owns 3 cats.

Topics include: Rusty talks us through how he became a veterinarian and how he developed his passion for dermatology. 70% of dogs seen at dermatology clinics have atopic dermatitis. What are the most challenging aspects in managing and treating these cases? The importance of client compliance when it comes to treating allergic dogs. Rusty’s approach to therapy after making a diagnosis of Atopy. The two main defects in atopic dogs are an abnormal immune response and defective skin barrier function. How do we provide short and long term therapies for each of these abnormalities. Dr Muse dives into the ideal way of addressing a defective skin barrier by managing any infections present and using products containing ceramides and oils. Topical or oral use of omega 6 fatty acid. Which one is better? Rusty discusses immunotherapy and explains how allergens are used in his vaccines. The reason Dr Muse recommends a minimum of 3 years of immunotherapy for his patients that may not respond to it in the first year of therapy. How is the world of veterinary dermatology changing in the future? Areas of further research in dermatology. Rusty’s top 3 practical tips to ensure pet owners’ compliance to his treatment plans.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Meng has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated skin and ear diseases including allergies, immune mediated skin diseases and chronic ear disease.

Topics include: What led Meng Siak to become a veterinary dermatologist and what his job entails. Managing complicated skin cases involving antibiotic resistant bacteria. The importance of treating the skin barrier to reduce penetration of skin allergens. Intradermal skin testing vs serology testing when identifying allergens. Dr Siak explains the indications for both of these tests. Not all skin bacterial infections are treated in the same way. When should veterinarians use topical vs oral antimicrobial therapy. How long should infections be treated for and why follow up checks are essential. Meng explains which antibiotics we should be using and why. What if the bacteria causing the infection are resistant to everything and what causes them to become resistant? Probiotics and the skin microbiome. Dr Siak shares the 2 key points to keep in mind to prevent microbial resistance. Getting better compliance from pet owners when it comes to treating skin disease.

You can find Meng Siak at Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (WAVES), www.wavets.com.au or on their facebook page. Appointments are by referral only from your local veterinarian.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Nela Graham is a veterinarian with over 10 years experience in pratices all over the world. She has always had a strong interest in brain function, emotions, behaviour and neuroplasticity. Nela has been working with veterinary behaviour specialists and senior mentors to become more knowledgeable in the field of animal behaviour and now proudly runs her own behaviour and training business called Calm Companions on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Topics include: What led Nela to start her business and the benefits of her new business model which splits the consultations between home and in-clinic visits The importance of explaining the ‘why’ to owners especially in anxiety cases Nela’s passion for chronic pain management and how it can influence behaviour Behaviour is the number #1 reason for euthanasia in Australia – how can we change this? A look into Nela’s puppy pre-school The importance of educating yourself on canine body language and giving dogs constructive coping strategies. Dogs have the cognitive and emotional capacity of an 18 month old child - how to be realistic about what dogs can understand. Nela shares the most common behaviour challenges in puppies and how to avoid these The importance of early education for puppy owners

You can find Nela at www.calmcompanions.com.au or 1800 DR NELA (1800 376 352)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Sarah Brett is a holistic veterinarian from Kununurra in northern WA with a passion for natural and complementary therapies. She has been inspired by personal experiences of seeing how eastern therapies and body work can lead to enhanced healing compared to conventional medicine alone. Sarah and I discuss her approach to managing dermatological cases and how nutrition can form such an important foundation in the management of these often challenging cases.

Topics discussed include: Sarah's personal experiences with her own dogs and how nutrition directly influences their skin health The importance of adequate fats in the diet and what about those dogs that are prone to pancreatitis? Sarah's favourite foods to add to a dog's diet for optimal skin health A sneak peak to what Sarah puts in her famous "Brett's Brew" The link between processed foods and high carbohydrate diets to poor skin health Sarah's typical recipe for a homemade diet or some commercial alternatives she approves of Some early indicators of poor skin health in dogs How long it may take for skin health to improve once nutrition is addressed and specific therapies are introduced

You can find Sarah at the Kane Inc. Facebook page or at kimberleyvet4@westnet.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Kathy Cornack is an integrative practitioner with a special interest in behaviour. Kathy believes that our focus should be on educating pet owners and the wider community about the importance of mental health in pets in order to reduce the rate of relinquishment and euthanasia due to unwanted behaviours. Kathy and I talk about her beliefs around why anxiety is increasingly seen in dogs today, including the impact of genetics, lack of exercise, lack of boundaries, fear in pet owners, the environment and lack of education.

Topics discussed include: Epigenetics and a potential correlation between the rise of mental illness in dogs and children Reframing "behavioural issues" as mental illnesses in pets Kathy's approach to incorporating herbs, amino acids and flower essences in her anxiety cases The importance of focusing on environmental and behavioural modification in management plans The stigma around utilising pharmacologic interventions Managing client expectations of treatment plans

You can find Kathy in Newcastle, NSW and at holisticvets.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Kate Lindsey is a veterinarian who has had a lifelong fascination with animals and their behaviour. After feeling confused and uncomfortable with the high rates of euthanasia due to behavioural reasons seen in veterinary practice, Kate pursued further studies in this field and founded Kalmpets in Perth, WA. Kate and I discuss emerging research in the field of behavioural medicine and the crossover between canine and human mental illnesses. We then jump into the specifics of how she uses diet and supplements to aid in the management of her cases.

Topics discussed include: The importance of recognising canine cognitive dysfunction as a true neurological condition and treating it as such Diagnosing mental illnesses in dogs, including anxiety, sleep disorders, attention deficit disorders and autism using knowledge of distinct behavioural patterns and taking an individualised approach Do dogs suffer from depression and post traumatic stress disorder? Neurotransmitters involved in mental illnesses, including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline Kate's most reached for supplements for brain health Nutritional psychiatry and Kate's professional beliefs about the best diet for brain health The gut-brain axis and the importance of the microbiome Serotonin syndrome- what are the risks?

You can reach Dr Kate at kalmpets.com.au or (08) 9240 2228.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Geraldine Blanchard has had a passion for animal nutrition from when she graduated as a vet in 1994. Geraldine believes that nutrition is a way of life for both humans and animals and quotes Hippocrates: "Nutrition is your first medicine". We discuss using nutrition as part of preventative medicine, taking a personalised approach to nutrition, and using nutrition in a clinical setting for common disease processes.

Topics covered include: How vets and owners can relate subtle signs and symptoms to nutritional deficiencies Nutrition as a long term process, and must be considered as so for treatment success and client expectation management The challenge of diagnosing nutritional deficiencies How Geraldine uses zucchini in her weight loss plans and more weight loss tips for dogs Practical ways to ensure nutrition plays a major part in treatment plans for renal disease, skin disease and digestive disorders How to improve digestion by focusing on food quality and adding vegetables to the diet Geraldine's tips for maximising treatment plan adherence

You can find Geraldine online by searching for her name, or at https://cuisine-a-crocs.com/en/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Renee O'Duhring is a holistic veterinarian with a passion for nutrition. She is the co-founder of a holistic veterinary practice; The Natural Vets, on the Sunshine Coast in QLD. Renee and I discuss her opinion on the best diet for dogs and cats according to their anatomy, physiology and evolutionary development. For Renee, this looks like a natural, wholefoods diet that reflects what the animal would obtain in the wild.

Topics discussed include: The fundamentals of species appropriate diets for dogs and cats, and how they differ from each other Are vegan diets healthy for dogs and cats? The problem with high carbohydrate processed diets, particularly for conditions such as hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes and obesity Incorporating principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine when designing diets for particular health conditions How to transition a cat or dog off a processed diet and onto a natural diet Some of the adverse reactions that may occur with a transition to a natural diet and how these can be overcome Are raw diets dangerous for pets and their owners? How to safely choose and feed bones for dogs and cats

You can find Dr Renee at The Natural Vets on the Sunshine Coast in QLD or at www.thenaturalvets.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Trepheena Hunter is a behavioural veterinarian with a special interest in the mental health and well-being of shelter animals. She worked for several years as the principal behaviourist in the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne, Victoria, before branching into private practice. Trepheena and I discuss her experiences working in this shelter, and the passion she developed for preparing dogs mentally for successful re-homing, before diving into the interesting topic of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats.

Topics discussed include: The high prevalence and extremely common under-diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats The importance of establishing routine screening questionnaires as part of history taking in consultations, looking particularly for ongoing progressive change The useful acronym, "DISHAA" for identifying the classic symptoms of cognitive dysfunction How cognitive dysfunction can be easily confused with other common conditions in older animals The pathophysiology of the condition, and the similarities to human Alzheimer's Disease The importance of early treatment interventions and prevention and what a treatment plan may look like, including nutritional, environmental and brain stimulating approaches

You can find Dr Hunter at Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services: reachable at wildthingsvbs.com.au, info@wildthingsvbs.com.au or 0414 588 586.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Robert ("Robby") Porter fell in love with veterinary medicine from a young age, giving up most of his waking hours to the profession. However he noticed there was an obvious lack of physical therapy in clinical practice and set about to change this. He was one of the first people in the world to obtain his Certification in Canine Rehabilitation. In this episode, we talk about Robby's unique approach to managing post-operative rehabilitation and canine conditioning.

Topics discussed include:

Using food appropriately in training
Training primary position simply and effectively
Deciding upon the right exercise program for each dog
Applying the principles of exercise to both post-surgical rehabilitation cases and canine athletes
Injury prevention tips and techniques
Other therapies Robby recommends, such as laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

You can find Robby at www.robpossible.com, and South Paws Veterinary Specialists at www.southpawsvetspecialists.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Alister Webster was born to be in the veterinary industry and has an impressive resume including working in clinical practice and veterinary education, before starting the first of what would end up being an array of successful animal and human health businesses. In this exciting episode, we discuss Al's thoughts and insights on the integrative veterinary medicine world, before jumping into the hot topic of the moment- medicinal cannabis.

Topics discussed include: Legalisation and prescribing status in the US, Canada and Australia The increase of cannabis intoxication in dogs due to increased access The difference between recreational and medicinal cannabis CBD's potential for treating anxiety and epilepsy in companion animals The importance of product quality and consistency The regulatory pathway CBD will need to take to be used medicinally for animals in Australia What's the deal with hemp? The status of clinical trials in dogs and cats Al's hopes for the future of CBD in veterinary medicine How is CBD actually produced?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Karen Goldrick is an integrative veterinarian with an impressive array of experience and education in the fields of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western herbal medicine and integrative oncology. In this very interesting episode, we discuss Karen's approach to treating cancer from the moment she sets eyes on a patient, including implementing targeted anti-cancer therapies, supporting whole body health and empowering pet owners.

Topics discussed include: The importance of managing owner expectations early Nutrition as the building block of health and the particular importance of diet quality and type for cancer patients The ketogenic diet for dogs with cancer Supplements for cancer treatment, including fish oil, probiotics, antioxidants, melatonin and L-glutamine Intravenous vitamin C therapy; benefits and risks The controversy of using antioxidants alongside chemotherapy and radiation therapy Herbal support for cancer patients including medicinal mushrooms, TCM, curcumin, boswellic acid, milk thistle and green tea Acupuncture for cancer care Discussing end of life care with owners

You can contact Karen directly at karen@naturalvet.com.au and All Natural Vet Care, where she practices, by calling (02) 9712 5844, emailing reception@naturalvet.com.au or exploring the website at http://naturalvet.com.au/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Linda Vogelnest is one of Sydney's most recognised veterinary dermatologists, having taught and practiced at Sydney University for many years before moving to the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH). In this episode, we discuss Linda's approach to the cases she sees in practice; focusing on otitis externa. Linda is a firm believer in the power of patience and persistence when managing dermatology cases.

Topics discussed include the diagnostic tools she reaches for, how she phases treatments depending on response and the importance of measuring the amount of medicated drops for successful infection control. We also discuss her thoughts on choosing ear products in cases of unknown tympanic membrane integrity, why she often doesn't recommend ear cleaners and how she manages chronic cases.

You can find more information about SASH, where Linda practices, via info@sashvets.com or at https://sashvets.com/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Dr Barbara Fougere has been at the forefront of integrative veterinary medicine for many years and is part of the fight to have this field recognised as a international recognised specialty. In this episode, we enjoy discussing her thoughts on the education of veterinarians who show an interest in holistic medicine, before jumping into her approach to managing cases of chronic liver disease in veterinary practice. Barbara incorporates Western and Eastern herbs, body therapies, nutrition, supplements and other complementary therapies.

Topics discussed include the importance of reviewing the clinical history thoroughly, incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into the diet, information on specific herbs; with a focus on milk thistle. Dr Fougere also discusses some contraindications and interactions between herbal and pharmaceutical medicines and how integrative veterinarians can work harmoniously alongside conventional veterinarians.

You can find more information about the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies at http://www.civtedu.org/ , and All Natural Vet Care at http://www.naturalvet.com.au/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent allergic skin disease seen in companion animal practice. In this first episode of the Pure Animal Podcast, Dr Sharon Bryden and I discuss her unique approach to working as a veterinary dermatologist, including some of the challenges associated with this speciality. We then explore the strategies she employs when managing cases of atopic dermatitis; focusing on the importance of repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Topics such as oral fatty acid supplementation, utilizing topical therapies effectively, Dr Bryden’s approach to skin infections, and tips for achieving client adherence are discussed.

You can find and contact Sharon at perthvetderm.com.au.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pure Animal Podcast: Recent Episodes

Pure Animal