Episode 9: Turtle Soup



This pre-Christmas special of the Vet Podcast is for the week ending December 22, 2017.

In news, the genome of the Tasmanian Tiger has been sequenced and we discuss the consequences. Mark reveals that an extinct marsupial has been ‘rediscovered’, and we list 8 things about Guinea Pigs that you may or may not know. Spotted recently in Tibet has been Snow Leopards.

The Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) syndrome in Turtles is the main discussion this week. Brendan and Mark chat about calcium and Vitamin D metabolism, the diagnosis of, and treatment options, of MBD in chelonians. Included is a discussion of turtle diets – and the poor prognosis of turtles presented to clinics as ‘turtle soup’.

Links

Tasmanian Tiger genome sequenced

Crest-tailed Mulgara rediscovered

Snow Leopards spotted in Eastern Tibet for the first time. Also see these stunning photos of snow leopards.

VetGurus@gmail.com

Twitter: @VetGurus

Outro music courtesy of Canadian Lee Rosevere from happypuppyrecords.ca

 


Episode 8: Rats




Lots of news this week: Vets save lions from illegal zoo in Bulgaria. Australian vets no longer require licensing for examining dogs and cats for export. Mark walks on the wild side with his experience dealing with venomous animals, and we discuss pigeon brains. Brendan provides some insider tips to Melbourne culture and explains why the ‘magic’ is his new favourite beverage and how it can help you discern the good from the bad coffee establishments. The final news item is that the Magpie have been voted Australia’s favourite bird, though Brendan and Mark have other thoughts.

We launch out Patreon site where subscribers can help by ‘throwing us a bone’ and kicking in a donation to keep the VetGurus podcast going.

Mark shines a light on the WolfEyes Tactical torch in a product review.

The main topic this week is rat care. The basics of preventative health for pet rodents are discussed, including diet, desexing, environmental enrichment and geriatric care.

Links:

Melbourne’s Magic coffee is for coffee lovers. Find out more about the types of coffee you can get in Melbourne at this website or here

An overview of the Australian Magpie.

Vets save lions from illegal zoo in Bulgaria. Article from Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Pigeon brains

Wolf eyes tactical beam wildlife torch

Support us on Patreon here and keep our Podcast running by helping cover costs and throwing us a bone.

VetGurus@gmail.com

Twitter: @VetGurus

Outro music courtesy of Canadian Lee Rosevere from happypuppyrecords.ca

 


Episode 7: Yolkal



This week we have an update on the Orange-bellied Parrot recovery program in the news section, together with a dramatic follow up regarding rabbits and their flatulence. The main topic this week is a discussion of egg coelomitis and egg binding. What species are prone to these conditions, how do we treat, and what is the prognosis?

We are very excited about our upcoming Christmas special. The special will have lots of reviews – both veterinary and non veterinary. Send us a link to any products you think we should include in the special. Email us at vetgurus@gmail.com.

Links:

Tasmania Government official Orange-bellied Parrot Facebook site

Orange-bellied Parrot recovery program

Definition of Yolkal from the Urban Dictionary

Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarians (UPAV) special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association

Outro music courtesy of Canadian Lee Rosevere from happypuppyrecords.ca

VetGurus@gmail.com

Twitter: @VetGurus


Episode 6: Full Tilt



In news, we chat about species extinction. Johnathan the giant tortoise, who is over 186 years old, is newsworthy, possibly not for the right reasons. Brendan reveals his medicinal tea secret. Mark reviews the Olympus tough TG-4 camera for in-clinic use. We welcome new subscribers from the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.

The main topic this week is head tilt in rabbits. We put on our thinking caps and discuss the causes of head tilt in rabbits, the diagnostics that may help narrow down our differential list, and debate the effectiveness of potential treatment protocols.

Episode links:

Commentary on species extinction and media coverage. This article by the Guardian from the UK provides some thought provoking reading about the extinction of Rabbs’ fringe-limbed treefrog and the lack of interest of the media to report such events.

Johnathan the Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) has his own Wikipedia page. You can also learn more about visiting him from the St Helena official website. The New York Post article on Johnathan is amusing reading.

Olympus Stylus TG-4 Tough Camera review. TG Series cameras information here.  Or view the TG-4 on Amazon

Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV)

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Episode 5: Do Rabbits Fart?



We launch our new domain name – VetGurus.com. News and book review. Our first listener email is answered. How long to fast exotic pets before routine surgery? Mark interviews Brendan about the Melbourne Rabbit Expo which was held last weekend. Do Rabbits Fart? Discussion on the toothpaste method of removing uroliths in Guinea Pigs.

To contact us send an email to vetgurus@gmail.com

Book review: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance You can purchase the book on Amazon here

Links:

PlatinumCPD – Hosts of the Melbourne Rabbit Expo

AVA Love is Blind campaign

No Hairs Ark Chinese Crested Rescue

 


Episode 4: Worms!



Mark chats about his weekend away glamping and reveals some wildlife photography tips, then jumps into the frying pan. Two-stage euthanasia of unusual pets. Melbourne weather.

Topic of the week: Intestinal parasites in exotic and unusual pets. Bird, small mammal (rabbit, guinea pig, rat, mice and ferret), and reptile intestinal parasites are discussed. What parasites do we need to worry about in exotic species? Strategies to prevent parasites and effective use of antiparasiticides. What is a pseudo parasite? A new term is coined – pseudo-yeast – you heard it here first.

Links:

A selection of veterinary parasitology texts

Veterinary Parasitology Reference Manual 5th Edition. Spiral bound, highly rated by clinicians and students.

Veterinary Clinical Parasitology 8th Edition Good spiral bound text for quick reference for students or busy clinicians.

Georgis’ Parasitology for veterinarians  Comprehensive text, probably best for those with a deeper interest in parasitology.

Satin Bowerbird taken by Mark on his Glamping trip

 


Episode 3: Graduation



Advice for new graduate veterinarians and vet nurses/technicians: job interview tips; how to choose a practice; lifestyle choices; Brendan’s Yashica camera.

Book review: Desert Vet by Dr Alex Tinson, an Australian veterinarian who went to the United Arab Emirates to look after camels.

Links:

Desert Vet by Alex Tinson: Bookdepository link  or Amazon Kindle link

Australian Veterinary Association Graduate Mentor Program

Outro music supplied by Canadian Lee Rosewarne from happypuppyrecords.ca

To contact Brendan and Mark directly:  vettalkpodcast@gmail.com

Brendan’s Yashica Mat 124-G Medium Format camera and a sample picture of Jezza, one of Brendan’s rescue greyhounds:

 

  

 

 


Episode 1: The Pain of it All!



Our first episode. Employment options for new graduate veterinarians, discussion on analgesia in animals – Do unusual and exotic animals require pain relief? What drugs to use? Do they work?

Download. Listen.Enjoy.

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Links:

Anne Fawcett’s Small Animal blog

Vet Cook Book