The Vetpodcast - Veterinary Podcast

Again, with the help of Bayer graphics, we look at the life cycle and control of the cat tapeworm Dipylidium caninum.

With the help of some really good computer graphics from Bayer, we look at the life cycle and control of the cat roundworm Toxocara cati

De-sexing a female dog is a very common veterinary procedure. With the use of pictures, we run through how this surgery is done.

When you walk into your pet food retailer you will probably be met with a wall of different pet foods. It is often hard to know which the right one for your pet is. Let’s at least try and narrow your choice down a bit by looking at the principles of “Life stage diets”. Also in this episode is a quick overview of weight loss in overweight pets.

Happy and hungry is a term that is often given to diabetic cats and dogs. In the early stages of the disease, the only symptoms that may be seen are an increased thirst, and perhaps an increase in appetite. As this condition has the ability to be well controlled, early diagnosis can greatly increase your pets quality of life.

Dogs are pack animals. When they join your family they are becoming part of your pack. Unless they are socialized properly, they can show some major behavior problems. Your local vets' "Puppy Preschool" class will help make your puppy a "well rounded individual".

Its a shame when things that taste so good are often bad for you. This can be doubly true for your dog. Did you know that raisins, chocolate, coffee and onions are all poisonous to your dog?

Toxoplasmosis is a very common cat parasite. Part of its' life cycle affects other species. Can it really make rats attracted to cats, make human males less intelligent, and human females more affectionate. Intrigued? I was!

Dogs learn to explore by using their mouths and is perfectly normal behaviour. However dogs often chew inappropriate things and need to be taught what is acceptable and what is not.

Responsible pet ownership these days really dictates that your pet should not be able to breed. As a profession we strongly advise that you desex your pets. Here is why.

Pets cannot tell us what is wrong with them so it is up to you to speak for them. When you visit the vet with your pet, by following some of the advice given here, it will make the visit a lot easier for everybody.

Television programmes such as CSI have shown us the power of forensic science. This same science is being used for criminal investigations involving animals. We again talk to George Sofronidis from Genetic Technologies in Australia. For more information, have a look at http://www.animalnetwork.com.au/forensics/

Ever wondered what breeds are in your cross bred dog? This information may be more important than you may think. Different breeds have different characteristics. A Labrador Weimaraner cross will show different behaviour than for example a Labrador German Shepherd, although they may look similar. Certain breeds may be genetically more likely to suffer from a specific condition. If we know the breeds in your dog, we may be able to control these conditions. Is your pure bred dog actually pure bred. George Sofronidis from Genetic Technologies in Australia may have some answers. The BITSA website is http://www.animalnetwork.com.au/bitsa/

Most people think of vets as the animal health professionals that look after cats and dogs and cows and horses. The normal domestic animals. There is another breed of veterinarians that look after wildlife and zoo animals. This work normally goes on behind the scenes. Wellington Zoo has just opened an interesting new facility that they call “The Nest”. “The Nest” is an animal hospital and centre for native wildlife care. The innovative thing about this facility is that the public can, and are actually encouraged to watch what goes on in an area that is usually “behind the scenes”. On a daily basis the expert team will talk visitors through operations as they happen, providing a unique insight into their profession and dedication. Dr Francois Lampen is the manager of veterinary science at the Wellington Zoo. The Nest website is www.wellingtonzoo.com/thenest

A cat straining to urinate may be the indicator of a serious health issue. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease is a nasty condition that may require urgent treatment.