Vet Podcast By The Vetgurus

Welcome to the VetGurus podcast! Where else can you find out how to stop seagulls getting drunk, learn about a new species of venomous snake, hear about breeding rhinos in Australia and debate the pros and cons of animal research? Nowhere else! That's why you listen (sometimes) and why we provide you with the best (or maybe the most obscure) news items.. and keep the emails coming in with news items for us to share. Our main topic this week is vomiting in dogs. Brendan and Mark chat about cases of 'garbage guts' - acute vomiting in dogs. They discuss their top 10 - or maybe 20 - tips for dealing with these cases, such as how long do you 'rest the gut'? What diagnostics to consider (or not)? Links: Drunk seagulls Rhinos in Australia? New species of venomous snake discovered Animal research: Necessary evil? The Joint Conference of the Asian Society of Conservation Medicine (ASCM) and the Wildlife Disease Association Australasia (WDAA) in Bali Oct 28th to 29th 2018 Support our sponsors: When you next pur

A flight crew springs to action to help a French Bulldog. How smart are birds? - we find out - sort of; and a discussion of wild animals helping us in the garden are news items this week. Our final news item is about an incursion of the varroa honey bee mite into Melbourne, Australia. This weeks main topic? Here it is: Illegal pets. Brendan and mark discuss the complex factors at play when dealing with illegal pets - from the massive money involved in the trade of these animals, the threat they are to ecosystems - both from zoonoses and competing with native species, and the decisions to make when presented with these animals at a veterinary clinic. Our product review this week is the Clarius C7 wireless portable veterinary ultrasound. Brendan had the opportunity to trial this ultrasound in his practice recently and he found it very user-friendly, in fact a joy to use compared to traditional ultrasounds. Brendan checks out another Clarius ultrasound soon and he will score these products in a later podcast.

Here we go again with topical veterinary news, information and lame jokes. Mark is seeing a run on nutritional deficits in patients presented to Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, which leads to a discussion of home made versus commercial foods for pets. Flat faced rabbits are in the news for all the wrong reasons, and we find out how bees may save elephants from train collisions. Poncho the Police Dog in in the news for his resuscitation play. On our final news story we chat about snail-sucking snakes- why not? Ferrets are our main topic this week. In particular, we discuss insulinomas in pet ferrets. We cover the diagnosis, treatment options and possible causes of this relatively common condition. And, as usual, Mark has a theory.... Please support our two main sponsors. When you next purchase their products let them know you listen to the VetGurus and thank them for supporting us!! Chemical Essentials. Cleaning and disinfection products and solutions for a wide variety of industries throughout Australia, as wel

How should we talk to dogs? We finds out all about 'dog speak' in our first news item. Dachshunds are popular pets in the UK -  should they be? A good news story to finish: a dog saves a young boy from a dryer. Dr David Middleton is our star guest and main topic for this week. David is the owner of Mt. Mary vineyard in the Yarra Vallet wine region of Melbourne, Australia. Not only is he famous for his wonderful wines, David mentored Brendan when he was a zoo veterinarian. We sit down with David to discuss wildlife medicine, tell a few stores, and David tells us a wonderful story from his days working as a zoo veterinarian in the field. A wonderful man and a person we could chat to for much longer. We expect we will have David back on our podcast in the future. The interview was done at the Australian Veterinary Association annual conference. Product review Mark scores a 8.6 for the : Alivecor vet ECG monitor   Please support our two main sponsors. When you next purchase their products let them know you lis

Bees get stressed - really! Good news about the wild jaguars of Mexico, and Mark is talking to dogs and trying to stop cats eating wildlife. In other news Brendan and Mark finally catch up on some emails, and we announce or new sponsors. Gout in reptiles is the main topic this week. We discuss what it is, the signs of gout in reptiles, diagnostic steps and treatment options. We are excited to introduce our two main sponsors: Chemical Essentials and Specialised Animal Nutrition. They have donated a considerable sum to help cover the costs to produce the VetGurus podcast. More details on our sponsors soon! Please visit their website and support our supporters.. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vettalkpodcast/ Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

Birds can see Earth's magnetic fields - we find out how. A dog saves a child lost in the Australian outback, predators help farmers and mushrooms kill dogs. A mix of news stories this week to get things started. Thanks to Doug Black for the link to the Bird article. Euthanasia is our main topic. Specifically, we walk through the 2-stage process for euthanasia of unusual pets, and also discuss the logistics of how to help our clients during the stressful time of the planned death of a loved pet. Our review this week is a non- veterinary topic: the film Solo: A Star Wars Story. Brendan gives it a 6 out of 10 and Mark scores a 6.2. Both of us were very disappointed with this film and suggest anyone considering watching it wait until it is out for viewing at home via streaming on on DVD/Bluray. Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus Links: Birds can see Earth's magnetic fields Dogs die for eating poisonous mushrooms Dog keeps child safe in Australian

Did you know blue-tongued skinks have UV emitting tongues? Now you do. Who is Pizza the polar bear and why should you care? Why are most dolphins called Bruce, and what's with all the questions??  All these questions and more are answered in our news section. Product reviews: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury gets a 9.451 out of 10 from Brendan. Fencing wire for use as an endotracheal stylet gets a 10 out of 10. The main topic this week is Part 2 of Dental Disease in Rabbits. We dive into the gear recommended to perform dental treatments in rabbits, and also describe the methods for extracting incisors and burring cheek teeth. Links: Blue-tongue skinks and their UV emitting tongues Pizza the Polar Bear Bees and nothing Male dolphin names Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

Does the human race do anything right? Well, we are very good at eradicating other species. Greyhound racing is banned in the Australian Capital Territory and giant predatory worms have invaded France! So what exactly is the Icarus project and why are we excited about it? Listen to our news section to find out. A rapid fire discussion of 10 conditions of unusual pets is our main topic this week. Brendan and Mark point out some common reasons why various unusual pets are brought to see a vet - including some conditions you may be seeing, but not noticing. Links: Human race just 0.01% of all life but has eradicated most other living things Greyhound racing and trialling in Australian Capital Territory banned Giant predatory worms have invaded France Where do songbirds go when the music's over? The Icarus project Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

Calls to ban trade in amphibians from Asia is our first news story. Do therapy dogs like their work? - we find out. The sad story of the Vaquita, the smallest porpoise species in the world leaves us depressed, so in our final news story we are amazed as a crow steals a credit card and tries to buy a train ticket! We interview Doug Black from Microchips Australia for our main feature this week. We discover the power of the ostrich. Doug has a fascinating story to tell: how he became an Ostrich vet - almost by chance - and he regales us with some stories of veterinary work during the ostrich farming boom. He then talks about his other interests including his wonderful work for male mental health. A great person and a great interview. Links: Microchips Australia Calls to ban trade in Amphibians from Asia. End Extinction International Do therapy dogs like their work? Crow steals credit card to buy ticket Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

The news just keeps on coming... this week Mark discusses stress in the veterinary workplace and the love life of Dora the hawk. Brendan discussed the amusing husbandry and feeding of veterinarians for new owners guide. Dingoes and some myths about these canines is the last story this week. Mark's product review is the rabbit appeasing pheromone. He refuses to score it, as it is not available for use here in Australia! Zoonoses, in particular Q Fever - or Query fever - is our main topic this week. We discuss the importance and risks of this bacterial organism Links: Myths about Dingoes Hawk comes home from hospital to find her man shacked up with another bird Husbandry and feeding of veterinarians for new owners Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone About Q fever in Australia Q Fever general information  CDC Q fever website (USA) Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

The news kicks off with the announcement of our competition winner. Congratulations to Elizabeth Pearson! Your signed book is on its way. In other news we report on a potential threat for the rarest ape in the world, the naming of species after celebrities, and the difficulties of livestock live export. Another non-veterinary 'product' review by Mark today, with a lowdown on a music video by Childish Gambino. We are on the road this week, reporting from the Australian Veterinary Association 2018 annual conference in Brisbane, Queensland. We have interviews from the trade floor, discussing products available from Specialised Animal Nutrition and Chemical Essentials, and learning a bit more about the owners of these companies and the journey they have taken to get to where they are. Links: China-backed Sumatran dam threatens the rarest ape in the world The naming of species after celebrities Can meat exports be made humane? Childish Gambino - This is America video Specialised Animal Nutrition Chemical

Should we be more like sloths? In our first news story we discuss this important topic. In other news a tiger cub found in a bag is recovering well after being rescued, the unusual sex life of brown widow spiders, and veterinary interns speak out against exploitation. A flurry of emails last week with more entries for our book competition. The competition is now closed and we will announce the winner soon! An email from subscriber Nick asks for more information on the use of deslorelin implants in ferrets as an alternative to surgical desexing. See the links below for reference to scientific articles on this subject. Our main topic this week is fleas in dogs and cats. Mark and Brendan cover the basics, from diagnosis, treatment options and through in a few fun facts to keep things interesting. Links: Why we should live our lives more like sloths Tiger cub found in duffel bag expected to make full recovery Male brown widow spiders prefer mature ladies   Hormone therapy for chemical desexing of ferrets

Death is in the news this week with the end of the world's oldest spider at the age of 43, the weird and depressing world of hummingbird love charm trafficking, and we follow the trail of the London thylacines. Brighter news is the novel approach to control of locusts in China through the use of a chicken army! Brendan has a book review this week: Clinical anatomy and physiology of exotic species by B. O'Malley. An excellent text for anyone interested in unusual/exotic pet medicine and surgery, packed full of practical diagrams, tips and advice. A must for exotics vets and technicians/nurses. Brendan scores it a high 9.5 out of 10. Enter our competition: 1 week until close of entries! Send in an email to vetgurus@gmail.com with a veterinary story for a chance to win a signed copy of A Guide to Health and Disease in Reptiles and Amphibians. Shipping to the winner - wherever they are located in the world - is included. So drop us a line, say hi and tell us a story! Links for this week: Inside the Strange W

News is a bit depressing this week with a story about a kangaroo in a zoo stoned because it wasn't hoping for visitors; popular animals facing higher extinction rates and the severity of the 2016 Great Barrier Reef bleaching. Brighter news is the story of Toby the cat who found a new home after his owners rejected him. The product review from Mark is a bit left-field, with his take on the state of Australian basketball. We're not sure what it has to do with veterinary medicine, however his enthusiasm is infectious and he gives the Australian basketball a perfect score of 10. Not much room for improvement! Avian anaesthesia, with emphasis on how to keep the patient stable .. and alive.. during the procedure, is our main topic. Brendan quizzes Mark to learn the secrets of bird anaesthesia, including a discussion on mounting, fluid therapy, thermal support and more. Don't forget to send in an email to vetgurus@gmail.com with a veterinary story for a chance to win a signed copy of A Guide to Health and Disease

Quirky news again this week, which begins with talk on empathy - can it be learned, is there a genetic factor or who cares? A field study of Mary River Turtles in Australia reveals an ageing population. The cannibal Red Squirrels of Yukon and the death of Australia's last flamingo are our last news stories. Our main topic discusses the benefits of desexing, with particular emphasis on small mammals. What are the other benefits of desexing apart from the obvious prevention of breeding and helping control behaviour issues? Mark and Brendan point out significant reasons why we need to desex our small mammals. Links: Can you learn empathy? 'They might just disappear': warning over 'punk' turtle's future Squirrels Are Also Baby-Killing Cannibals Australia’s last flamingo, ‘Chile’, dies at Adelaide Zoo Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

Brendan has lost his mind - literally. He outlines his recent experience with transient global amnesia and a stay in hospital over the Easter period. In other news birds are pests in Melbourne -  or are they?; and the concerns about backyard chickens and human health. Our main topic this week is dental disease in rabbits. We regard this as such an important (and often requested) topic that this is part one of a series of podcasts on rabbit dental disease. Links: Lyssavirus in Queensland Transient Global Amnesia Increased numbers of long- billed Corellas in Melbourne Backyard Chickens and Human Health concerns Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

A dog in a park, Sea Turtles on a Mumbai beach, and a billboard built for birds in Sweden are the varied news items this week. In other news, Mark ponders on how rabies causes aggression. Our main topic is eggs and incubation. Mark talks us through the process of candling eggs to determine if the embryo is viable, the basics of incubation and tips to maximise the chance of the eggs hatching. We then provide an overview of the approach to infertility in birds - what to do when a client brings infertile eggs into the clinic for advice. Links: Priam Parrot Breeding information Sea turtles return to Mumbai beach after 20-year absence How does rabies cause aggression? Photographer captures bittersweet spirit of a dog who has been living in a park for 13 years Swedish billboard is quite literally for the birds Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

The news topics just keep on coming: How can dogs help us understand cancer? Can we use cats to control feral rats?; and some quirky facts (and fiction) about platypus. These are the news items this week, together with the sad tale of the last male northern white rhino dying. Sorry is the title of our main topic this week, as we delve into the complex matter of dealing with complaints. Brendan and Mark outline their experiences with dealing with complaints, and provide some thoughts on the best way to tackle these - something few, if any, people enjoy dealing with. Our product review is the Spidentify app for Australian spider identification Links: Platypus facts (or fiction?) How dogs are helping us understand cancer Last male northern white rhino dies Are feral cats the answer to rat infestations? Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus

How long have you had your pet? We meet a woman who has had the same pet for 56 years. Mark gets the claws out and becomes haughty about declawing, and is anxious about caring for sick pets. In the final news item we put to bed the age-old question - can a newt kill you? This week's main topic is how to make the surgical vet visit run smoothly from the client and pet perspective. Tips such as completing as much paperwork as possible before the surgery, having the client leave some favourite food and bedding items, and sending dog and cats home with a bandana are discussed - and more! We are excited to announce our competition. It's easy to enter and you can win a signed copy of A Guide to Health and Disease in Reptiles and Amphibians, a text Brendan has co-authored. We will even pay for the postage to send it to the winner! How to enter: email us a funny veterinary story that you have witnessed -  either as a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse/technician. Easy! send your story to vetgurus@gmail.com.  Mark a

Brendan may have Man Flu but that doesn't stop the vet gurus from releasing another podcast full of veterinary goodness! He soldiers on, delirious, to warn us not to feed the monkeys, and directs our attention to a cute polar bear cub born in the UK. Mark presents 6 unusual facts about Tapirs and muses over the potential demise of the world's smallest porpoise. Our review this week is a movie - or make that 2 movies: BladeRunner and the recently released BladeRunner 2049. Both of us award it over 9 out of 10. Top Tips and Tricks about Guinea Pigs is out main topic this week. We provide some fun facts and figures regarding our piggy friends, including the fact they don't come from guinea, a disturbing picture of geriatric male guinea pig rectums, and the composition of uroliths in this species. Links: Please don't feed the Florida Monkeys First Polar Cub born in the UK in 25 years Earth's tiniest porpoise approaches extinction Tapir Facts Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus Support