Tag Archives: Parasites

30: Fleabag



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 articles:

Use of a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist Implant Containing 4.7 mg Deslorelin for Medical Castration in Male Ferrets

Use of a GnRH agonist implant as alternative for surgical neutering in pet ferrets.

Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com  Twitter: @VetGurus

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus


Episode 18: Itchy and Scratchy – Feb 16 2018



Mark is back from a holiday in Fiji, refreshed, tanned, and full of hot air.

The news is mostly about birds this week, where we learn about bird brains, the pros and cons of feeding wild birds, and the sad life of a New Zealand Gannet. In brighter news, the invention of an edible 6-pack may help protect marine mammals.

Our book review this week is a reptile text of great value and use for general practitioners, though Brendan refuses to give it a score out of 10: Listen to the podcast to find out why!

Our main topic this week is ectoparasites of small mammals. We scratch the itch to discuss mange in guinea pigs, fur mites in rabbits, and rodents that can’t stop scratching. Just thinking about these topics is making us itchy.

Book review: Reptile Medicine and Surgery in Clinical Practice

or find it on the USA Wiley site here

Links:

Ecology expert to bid feeder

Brewery’s edible 6-pack protects marine mammals

Bird Brains

No Mates Nigel the New Zealand Gannet 

 

This is the Fiji resort that Mark stayed at. And here is a picture of one of his crabs!:

Contact us: VetGurus@gmail.com      Twitter: @VetGurus

Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/vetgurus


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