Episodes
116
Jan. 2, 2020
116: Dragon Breath
News Seven days to test koalas for killer disease too much to bearTwig-mimicking caterpillars change their color depending on the backgroundExotics vets treat 61-year-old tortoise for bladder stonesWill powerful owls give two hoots for 'LEGO' prosthetic nest box? Main Topic: Dental Disease in Bearded Dragons Yes, lizards can get dental disease. In fact, dental disease is common in Bearded Dragons - hence this main topic! Link @ Dorsa Amir Evolutionary anthropologist Support our sponsors Speciali...
115
Dec. 24, 2019
115: Christmas Special
Thanks to all our subscribers and listeners for your wonderful support during 2019. We truly appreciate that you take the time to listen to our podcast. We wish you all a wonderful and safe and happy 2020! News Update on mystery starling deathsHere is the moos: Study finds cows' lows are unique way of saying 'hi'The power of unusual animal friendshipsSalmon farmers save bald eagle from octopus Reviews Star Wars: Episode 9. The Rise of Skywalker. Mark scores it a 7.2The Art of Happiness. A handbo...
114
Dec. 19, 2019
114: Nailed it!
News VetGurus listed as number 3 in Top 35 Veterinary Podcasts You Must Follow in 2019Hermit crabs are dying by the millions after swapping their shells for plastic Main Topic: Nail problems in Dogs and Cats What can go wrong with a simple nail clip? Listen to find out! Mark and Brendan cover some stories of nail clipping gone wrong in dog and cat patients, and delve into dealing with issues such as nail bed infections, split nails and toenail removal. Become a Patron Become a Patron of VetGurus...
113
Dec. 12, 2019
113: The Cat’s whiskers
News Has the no-kill movement increased animal suffering?How much weight can a hawk carry? Main Topic: Eosinophilic Granuloma complex in Cats We have tweaked our format and this week we provide a shorter, sharper podcast: let us know what you think! This week we are all about cats - and a particular mouth problem. Mark discusses cases of eosinophilic granuloma complex, which he has seen a number of lately in his practice. Enjoy! Become a Patron Become a Patron of VetGurus: Support us by 'throwin...
112
Dec. 5, 2019
112: UPAV 2019 Melbourne Conference
News Rare mummies of lion cubs, crocodiles, birds discovered in EgyptBlack-throated finch wins 2019 bird Main Topic: Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarian Conference 2019 Brendan is back from the Australasian UPAV (Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarians) conference. This year it was held in Melbourne - Brendan's home town. The Gurus discuss some of the presentations from the conference, the wet labs and more. Become a Patron Become a Patron of VetGurus: Support us by 'throwing a bone' to the VetGurus ...
111
Nov. 28, 2019
111: No News?
News Comedy Wildife Photography 2019 Competition WinnersRelease Of Whales From Notorious Russia Whale Jail CompleteThis rare songbird is back from the brinkStudy helps fill the evidence gap on pet rabbit healthNew Zealand's favourite bird for 2019 'on the edge of extinction'Social isolation derails brain development in miceThis may be why the 'devil worm' can live where no other animal canMeet The Blob, A Creature That Has Almost 720 Sexes — But No Brain Main Topic: News It's catch up time again...
110
Nov. 21, 2019
110: Nip and Tuck
News At least 11 elephants died trying to save a calf that plunged into a waterfallEarly neutering of bitches increases incontinence riskPolice investigating man videoed stoning a wombatMelting Arctic sea ice linked to emergence of deadly virus in marine mammals Main Topic: Cosmetic procedures in Birds Nail trims, beak trim and wing clips - we have all heard about these procedures, and probably performed them many times. What are the indications for doing these minor procedures? What reasons are...
109
Nov. 14, 2019
109: A wee rabbit
News Eagle nearly bankrupts Russian tracking programme with roaming text messagesIndiaʼs wild tigers are up by more than 30% Main Topic: Renal Disease in Rabbits Renal compromise is common in pet rabbits, especially aged animals. Diagnosis of kidney disease in rabbits is a challenge. In this episode we discuss the current gold standard for diagnosing renal disease in rabbits, and talk about the management of rabbits diagnosed with this condition. Become a Patron Become a Patron of VetGurus: Supp...
108
Nov. 7, 2019
108: Wildlife Rehabilitation
News Snake skin found by Cairns resident Stuart Morris possibly from 7-metre reticulated pythonSeal population booms in Alaskan hot spot: an active volcano Main Topic: Rehabilitation of Wildlife We covered the basics of Wildlife Triage way back in Episode 20: Wildlife Worries. (Note: you can search for this episode on our website www.VetGurus.com to access). This week we go over some of the previous tips from that episode, and also discuss in more detail the challenging process of rehabilitating...
107
Oct. 30, 2019
107: Prison or Paradise
News University apologises after students seen wearing cardboard boxes during examThis savvy toad pretends to be a deadly viper Review Brendan talks about the Maze twin tub compost bin.. and his marathon effort to assemble the bin. You can find the Maze products here Main Topic: Environmental Enrichment in Reptiles What is the best environment for a reptile? This week we discuss aspects of environmental enrichment for our reptile friends, with discussion of topics such as scent trails, misting o...
106
Oct. 24, 2019
106: Basic turtle care
News Living things unlike anything else on Earth found in random dirt sampleCanada creates two huge ocean sanctuaries in the Arctic Main Topic: Care of turtles We continue our 'care of' series: This week we talk turtle basics. Join Brendan and Mark as they discuss aquarium setup, lighting, heating, water quality, diet.. and more, as they relate to caring for pet turtles. Links The Crab Street Journal for hermit crab care More Hermit Crab info here and here Support our sponsors Chemical Essential...
105
Oct. 17, 2019
105: More News
Main Topic: News Extravaganza Crazy, Zany and just plain weird. No, we're not talking about Brendan's bad habits, but the news stories this week. We jump in and dig up the best veterinary and animal news stories. Only the VetGurus are brave enough to get the best of the best... and the worst... news. 14 things you didn't know about goatsLight Pollution Inhibits Clownfish ReproductionFirst vet students graduate from SurreyRescue centre creates bunny ball pit to promote rabbit enrichmentWorld-firs...
104
Oct. 10, 2019
104: Paperwork
News The Last 14 Loa Water Frogs had to be rescued from their natural habitatParasite spread by house cats is killing Californiaʼs sea ottersWhat was learned documenting the last male Northern White Rhinoʼs deathResearchers unearth 'iron dragon' of ancient Queensland outback Main Topic: Regulations, consent forms and paperwork The main topic this week is one that may result in your eyes glazing over and drifting off to sleep.. maybe more so than usual. We discuss confidentiality, consent for sur...
103
Oct. 3, 2019
103: Myxo
News Run-down migrating birds risk death for a quick napMicrobes make chemicals for scent marking in a catStomp and Squish: Pennsylvanians Battle 'Nightmare' BugsShe quit her job, he got night goggles. They searched 57 days for their dog Main Topic: Myxomatosis in Rabbits Myxomatosis. The dreaded 'Myxo'. This week Brendan and Mark discuss this nasty virus and its effect on pet rabbits. Clinical signs, vaccination and prevention are discussed. Should you treat a confirmed case? Listen to find out...
102
Sept. 26, 2019
102: Bunny Basics Part Tooth
News Changing climate may affect animal-to-human disease transferWombat cubic faeces mystery solved and recognised by Ig Nobel prize4 ways tardigrades are nearly indestructibleA chameleon's colors aren't just beautiful, they're amazingly complex Main Topic: The Rabbit Consultation Part 2 This week is Part 2 of our Rabbit Consultation topic. We continue on from last week, and discuss topics including our approach the hands-on clinical examination. Support our sponsors Specialised Animal Nutrition...
101
Sept. 19, 2019
101: Bunny Basics Part 1
News How a turtle tunnel is saving lives in WisconsinDo manatees get thirsty? Main Topic: The Rabbit Consultation We are back to basics this week with a discussion of what to do with the new bunny consultation. Brendan and Mark take you through the first consultation for a new young rabbit. They discuss the key points to consider in this first visit. This is part 1 of a 2 parter.... listen next week for - wait for it - Part 2! Review Brendan (sort-of) reviews augmented reality indoor cycling pro...
100
Sept. 12, 2019
100: The Ton – Celebration
It's our 100th episode - woohooo! Listen and bask in the dysfunction of the VetGurus, as Brendan and Mark reminisce about our 100 episodes (or is that 99?) and get stuck into some news stories. Thanks to all of our wonderful supporters. Without you we would be just voices in the wind.... we highly value your support - yes, you! You can help us by mentioning our podcast to colleagues and encouraging them to subscribe. News Udderly unreal cows to help train vet studentsOldest parasite DNA yet reco...
99
Sept. 5, 2019
99: Luft Ballons
News ‘Shocking’ extent of lop ear rabbit healthCrows are getting high cholesterol because they're eating fast foodWelcome to Victoria, the most wombat-unfriendly stateTasmaniaʼs not so sweet invader: the sugar glider Main Topic: Hermit Crab Care We continue to delve into our 'care of' series with this weeks fascinating creature: the Hermit Crab (superfamily Paguroidea) Review Mark reviews Moorea Ocean Adventures in French Polynesia and gives them a score of 10 out of 10. Links The Crab Street Jo...
98
Aug. 29, 2019
98: Clickbait
News 66-million-year-old deathbed linked to dinosaur-killing meteorPurple bacteria 'batteries' turn sewage into clean energyLabor stalls on action plan as greater glider slides towards extinctionThe slippery world of eel smuggling, Europe's illegal and booming tradePlastic is killing Japan's famous Nara deersA can of bug spray and deadly spider ignite unusual biosecurity spat Main Topic: News..... Time to catch up with some news stories.. again! The world of animals,las is full of wondrous stori...
97
Aug. 22, 2019
97: Lumps
News This incredible moth is one of Australiaʼs strangest insectsBaby spiders are born with big eyesResistance to critically important antimicrobials in Australian silver gullsThe problem with fake service dogs Main Topic: Cervical Lymphadenitis in Guinea Pigs Lumpy Guinea Pigs - many of us will have seen piggies with this condition - swelling of the neck region due to cervical lymphadenitis. Brendan and Mark discuss their approach to these cases and talk about possible causes. Support our spons...
96
Aug. 15, 2019
96: News and Reviews
News Some ancient crocs had teeth made for plant eatingCamera trap captures jaguar in the wildHope and mourning in the AnthropoceneBlinding inherited condition found in giant schnauzersKoalas driven to drink by climate changeNiassa Reserve marks first year without confirmed elephant kill Main Topic: News, and more news this week takes up most of our main topic. Brendan and Mark have gone mad: gearing up their practices.. here is a list of the products/items reviewed in this week's episode: Livin...
95
Aug. 8, 2019
95: It Won’t Budge!
Budgy Smuggler photo from Budgy Smuggler UK - buy yours here! News Man comes home to find a massive tiger snoozing on his bedDozens of Creatures Thought to Be Extinct Found Alive in ‘Lost Cityʼ in the JungleOhio lost a third of its butterflies in 21 yearsGrasshoppers and silkworms have antioxidant capacity similar to fresh orange juice Review Mark has a book review this week. Troll Hunting: Inside the World of Online Hate and Its Human Fallout His score is 8.6 out of 10 (his score for most revie...
94
Aug. 1, 2019
94: Poached Eggs
News Blinding inherited condition found in giant schnauzersWhen Lions Attack Porcupines, Humans Suffer Unexpected ConsequencesInsects feel persistent pain after injury, evidence suggestsBird three times larger than ostrich discovered in Crimean cave Main Topic: Avian Reproduction Bird Breeding. How does it happen? What causes it to go wrong? How to make it happen? Brendan quizzes Mark this week about this fascinating avian topic. Eggciting stuff! Support our sponsors Chemical Essentials. Cleanin...
93
July 25, 2019
93: Reptile Sleep
News These Australian ants are bucking the 'insect apocalypse' trendLandmark report sheds light on discrimination in Veterinary IndustryOtter smuggling fuelled by Japanese craze for cute animalsAnother Reason to Protect Elephants: Frogs Love Their Feet Review Brendan reveals he is a Tour De France tragic, having spent the last week and a half watching this grand tour. The race has the largest number of spectators watching the event live of any sport - reportedly up to 15 million. Not surprisingl...