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.

Pure Animal Podcast

Dr Kelly Halls on restoring your pet’s vitality and fresh food feeding

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.

Love Your Pet, Love Your Vet - a special discussion with Dr Nadine Hamilton (Part 2)

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.

Love you Pet, Love your Vet - a special discussion with Dr Nadine Hamilton

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.

Veterinary Acupuncture with Dr David Ward

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.

Veterinary physiotherapy and sports medicine with Dr Naomi Boyd

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 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.

Supporting post-operative recovery after orthopaedic surgery with Dr Wendy Baltzer

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.

Dr Craig Webb's clinical approach to elevated liver enzymes

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.

Mind body veterinary medicine with Dr Matthew Muir (Part B)

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.

Mind body veterinary medicine with Dr Matthew Muir (Part A)

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.

The impact of COVID on the mental wellbeing of pets with Dr Kersti Seksel

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.

Integrative Management of Behavioural Cases with Dr Kathy Cornack

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.

Dr Kate Mornement on aggressive pets in vet clinics

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.

Dr Mandy Burrows talks about food allergies and their influence on ear health

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/policies/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Moeser talks about probiotics in practice

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.

Dr. Matthew Muir discusses how to approach a home cooked diet.

The Pure Animal Podcast aims to enlighten listeners about an integrative approach to veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview practitioners at the forefront of this field who share their insight and experience with the ultimate goal of benefiting the well-being and health of animals.

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Pure Animal Podcast

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