Main Topic: Pinhead syndrome in captive snakes What is pinhead syndrome and causes it? Spoiler alert: a situation where a snakes head is too small in comparison to its body. VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items. All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay …

News: Trap evaluation to optimize wild pig removal efforts in remote settings Effects of drugs with potential prokinetic effect on food consumption, faecal production, water intake, and urine output in rabbits. Main Topic: Behaviour issues in small mammals We discuss behaviour problems seen in small mammal pets. What are common issues, how to deal …

News: Rainbow lorikeet is our most commonly spotted bird, Australia’s largest citizen science event finds Main Topic: Phallus and hemipene amputation in reptiles We have previously discussed hemipene amputation (Episode 227, Feb 2022). We revisit this topic this week and also cover phallus amputation in chelonians. VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus E…

News: Brendan discusses his recent holiday in Italy Main Topic: Air transport of Reptiles and Birds What are the protocols for transporting reptiles and birds internationally? We use the ‘CITES Packer’s Guidelines Rp/3 – Tortoises and land turtles, snakes, lizards‘ as a template to discuss aspects of exotic animal transport and what is required in …

News: Lethal bird flu could decimate Oceania’s birds. From vigilance to vaccines, here’s what we’re doing to prepare Main Topic: Assist feeding in snakes What to do when a snake is anorexic? This week we cover the basics of assist feeding for snake: when, how, with what and why! VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the …

Main Topic: Marks residency in Northern Australia As many of our listeners know, Mark spent a considering time (over a year) at the very tip of Australia. In this weeks episode, he discusses the adventure – why he went there, what he got up to, and what he learnt. VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the VetGurus range …

News No news items this week! Main Topic: Pododermatitis in Rabbits Pododermatitis aka bumble foot, is a commonly seen condition in pet rabbits. We discuss predisposing factors, treatment and prevention. VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items. All purchases help supp…

News Cavity-nesting birds decorate with snake skin to deter predators Wild birds are likely spreading antibiotic-resistant superbugs through our cities Main Topic: Reptile vivarium furniture We get stuck into the pros and cons of reptile vivarium enclosure furnishings. Previous Topics and Website: VetGurus.com VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy S…

News Why do flocks of birds swoop and swirl together in the sky? A biologist explains the science of murmurations Main Topic: Brendan’s Froggy Facts Brendan’s discusses 5 Frog Facts. What goes on in that brain of his? Previous Topics and Website: VetGurus.com VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the VetGurus range of qu…

News Polar bear population decline the direct result of extended ‘energy deficit’ due to lack of food Main Topic: Thermoregulation in Reptiles Mark’s 5 tips on thermoregulation in reptiles. With a bonus tip that will shock you! Previous Topics and Website: VetGurus.com VetGurus Merchandise – VetGurus Etsy Store VetGurus Shop Checkout the VetGurus r…

NewsYears-long research project finds snakes become 'very disoriented', lose weight and get sick when relocatedPrevious Topics and Website: VetGurus.comMain Topic: Pneumonia in RabbitsPneumonia in the rabbit usually carries a poor prognosis. Let's talk about the causes, workup, and management of rabbit pneumonia!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy…

NewsIn chimpanzees, peeing is contagiousPoop is on the menu for a surprising number of animalsPrevious Topics and Website: VetGurus.comMain Topic: What are the options for dealing wih the body of a pet? This week we delve into the options such as individual cremation, group cremation, burial at home and more. VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy St…

NewsLethal bird flu could decimate Oceania’s birds. From vigilance to vaccines, here’s what we’re doing to prepareAustralia scans the frozen continent for early signs of deadly diseaseReviewWe review the AppleTV series Severance. Season 2 has just commenced. It score a high 9.6 (Mark) and 9.7 (Brendan) out of 10.Main Topic: Avian influenza update W…

NewsTributes paid to Crocodile Dundee star with ‘challenging personality’Determining the impacts of conservation fencing on woma pythonsMain Topic: Female Rabbit desexingWe cover the surgical approach to desexing female rabbits. We did cover this topic previously (Episode 168 Dec 17th 2020) but thought it is time for a refresher on this topic. We c…

NewsNo new topics his week!Main Topic: Emergencies in ReptilesWe cover the approach to emergencies in reptiles. What do we classify as a reptile emergency and ho do we deal with them?VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helpin…

NewsEthiopian wolves are the first large carnivores found to slurp nectarUnique motor control system of anglerfish's specialized 'fishing rod' discoveredMain Topic: Constipation in Bearded DragonsHave a blocked bearded dragon? We are here to help with a discussion of the causes, treatment, and prevention of constipation in bearded dragons.VetGurus …

NewsDolce & Gabbana has a $165 perfume for dogsThe 250-year-old fish and the decision that’s ticked off conservationistsMain Topic: Hypovitaminosis in Guinea PigsMarks 10 intriguing points about vitamin C - you won't believe the last one.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive brande…

News:‘Only hope we’ve got’: the audacious plan to genetically engineer Australia’s endangered northern quollTunnel of love? Cautious adders get a helping handMain Topic: Blood collection in reptilesMark and Brendan outline the favourite methods to obtain blood samples from reptiles.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the…

Main Topic: It's our holiday special!Our traditional holiday (Christmas-New Year) special is here again. Brendan and Mark talk crap, and give their predictions for 2025.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our …

News:Emperor penguin swims to Australia in longest recorded journeyScientists have just turned giant panda skin cells into stem cellsMain Topic: Amputations in exotic petsIt can be a challenge to amputate a limb from an exotic pet. It is not just the technical aspects of the surgery - patient selection is a key part of maximising the success of an …

Main Topic: 2024 UPAV conference, Canberra, AustraliaBrendan and Mark provide a wrap-up of the 2024 conference of Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarian (UPAV) SIG of the Australian Veterinary Association. The conference was held in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus ran…

Main Topic: Dr Doug MaderIt's Part 2 of our interview with renowned veterinarian Dr Doug Mader. Dr Doug reveals details of his next two books. Purchase his current book here: The Vet at Noah's Ark VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our po…

Main Topic: Dr Doug MaderThis week we talk about conferences and also Part 1 of our interview with renowned veterinarian Dr Doug Mader. Dr Doug chats about his recent book The Vet at Noah's Ark - and more!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help suppor…

Main Topic: Pet PigsWe discuss pigs as pets... listen on!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our production costs. So the bonus for you is that you get some great merchandise and you feel good inside for suppo…

NewsIn sunny Australia, why are so many people vitamin D deficient?Main Topic: Journal ClubThis week we discuss some published papers dealing with unusual pets.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our productio…

NewsWorld’s best night parrot specimen leads to first genome sequence of the elusive speciesMain Topic: Ultrasound in BirdMark delves into the usefulness or otherwise of ultrasound examination in birds.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support o…

News:Birdweather bioacoustic bird monitorMain Topic: Biliverdinuria in birdsMark dives into the fascinating world of green and yellow, with a chat about biliverdinuria in avian species. Sounds a dry subject but listen in to learn about this fascinating issue!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirk…

News:March of the mud crabsMain Topic: Typhlitis/appendicitis in rabbitsDo we see typhlitis/appendicitis in rabbits? What exactly is this condition? We try to answer these questions and more this week!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support ou…

News:Some tadpoles don’t poop for weeks. That keeps their pools cleanMain Topic: EuthanasiaWe have previously covered euthanasia of unusual and exotic pets (see Episode 36 and Episode 253). It's time to revisit this, much requested, topic with an overview of the end of life process for unusual pets.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus…

News:Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutanMain Topic: Use of AI in Veterinary MedicineWe discuss a hot topic this week: the use of artificial intelligence - specifically its use in the veterinary sphere. We cover AI as a study aid, its increasing usage in diagnostics and more.VetGurus …

News:No news items from the internets this weekMain Topic: Cardiac disease in FerretsNot unsurprisingly, ferrets can develop cardiac disease. This week we dig into the details of ferret cardiology, including therapeutic options and prevention.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive b…

News:Trials for a vaccine to prevent chlamydia in KoalasRising cost of vet medicine in Singapore: How much do you need to have a pet?Main Topic: Reptile Egg Post mortemWhat can you find out from a necropsy of a reptile egg? Listen in to learn!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive b…

Main Topic: Brendan's Malaysian tripBrendna is back from a working holiday to Malaysia. He discusses his visit and the WEVSIG exotics confererence he attended, as well as the veterinary faculty visit in Kuala Lumpor... and also the food!Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia Lost World of TambunVetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Ets…

News‘Cull of the Wild’ questions sacrificing wildlife in the name of conservationMain Topic: Reptile Journal ClubThis week we discuss 3 reptile papers that were published in The Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery:Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia): Food for Insectivores Made Better by Gut Loading with a High Calcium Commercial Diet. In: The…

NewsWe catch up with listener emailsMain Topic: Dystocia in Guinea Pigs is this weeks main topic of discussion. VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our production costs. So the bonus for you is that you get so…

Main Topic: Bee VeterinariansDo you want to be a bee veterinarian?This week we outline the value of bee veterinarians in society and their role in animal science, and the prices involved to become one!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support ou…

NewsBig-hearted project tracks cardiovascular disease in great apesMain Topic: Specialisation in exotic pet medicine and surgery We discuss the intricacies of recognition of expert and specialist qualifications for exotic and unusual pet veterinarians.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, dist…

NewsWe answer a question from Casey, one of our Patreon subscribers, regarding Chytrid fungus.Main Topic: Pseudobuphthalmos in snakesBig words - big problem. This week we tackle the issue of 'bug eye' in snakes: pseudobuphthalmos, and th challenges of treating this condition.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGur…

NewsUse of subcutaneous maropitant at two dosages for pain management in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomyMain Topic: Fungal Rhinitis in lizardsWe tackle fungal rhinitis in Blue-tongued and shingleback lizards this week.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the V…

NewsRoadside Zoos: A Risk for Avian Conservation‘Absolutely incorrect’: The evidence is in on whales and offshore wind farmsMain Topic: Triage of WildlifeMost, if not all, veterinary clinics deal with wildlife cases brought in by members of the public. This week we discuss how to formulate a plan to triage wildlife.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus E…

NewsA kangaroo, a possum and a bushrat walk into a burrow: research finds wombat homes are the supermarkets of the forestA built-in pocket protector keeps sawfish from ‘sword fighting’ in the wombMain Topic: Marks excellent adventureMark details his recent trip to search for Santa.. and Puffins.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus Sho…

Main Topic: Contrast Radiography in Exotics PracticeContrast radiography as a diagnostic technique in exotics practice is discussed this week.References : RADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND BARIUM SULFATE CONTRAST TRANSIT TIME OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT OF BEARDED DRAGONS (Pogona vitticeps)COMPARISON OF GASTROGRAFIN TO BARIUM SULFATE AS A GASTROINTESTINAL…

News:No news!Main Topic: Mark's tips concerning dog bite wounds in exotics.VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our production costs. So the bonus for you is that you get some great merchandise and you feel goo…

NewsAnts recognize infected wounds and treat them with antibioticsQueensland wildlife officers investigate after crocodile leaps into fisherman’s boatMain Topic: Mark's 5 top tips about sulphur crested cockatoosStruggling to deal with Sulphur Crested Cockatoos? Worry no more (or maybe continue to worry!): Mark goes over his 5 top tips for dealing w…

NewsThis Aussie rat dies by sex. Now we know it’s a cannibal, tooMain Topic: Reptile-associated SalmonellosisReptile-associated salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria that are acquired through contact with reptiles. Let's get stuck into this topic!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetG…

News: This fish doesn't just see with its eyes -- it also sees with its skinMain Topic: Neoplasms in BirdsThis week it's journal club, where we dive into a paper published in BioOne: Survey of the Clinical, Cytological, and Histopathological Features Associated with Neoplasms in Captive Avian Species in Melbourne, AustraliaVetGurus ShopCheckout the…

NewsNo news this weekMain Topic: Bird Eye removalWe cover a challenging topic this - removal of eyes from birds. Why? How? Tips and TricksVetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, distinctive branded items.All purchases help support our podcast , helping pay for our production costs. So the bonus …

News:ACIPC - Aust college for infection prevention and controlGlimmer of hope for mountain chicken frog which was once a national dishMain Topic: Australian Veterinary Association Annual ConferenceThe AVA annual conference was held last week in Melbourne. Brendan talks about his attendance and involvement with the conference. We also discuss some p…

News:Avian Influenza update In AustraliaSaving Golden-shouldered parrotsMain Topic: Oedema/coelomic effusion in freshwater turtlesIt's time to talk about puffy turtles. What causes oedema or coelomic effusion in chelonians, how do we treat it and what causes it? Listen in to find the answers!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCh…

News:This cyborg cockroach could be the future of earthquake search and rescueThreatened species have declined 2% a year since 2000. Nature positive? Far from it.Main Topic: Diabetes in BirdsWe dig deep into avian diabetes this week. Strap in and hang on!VetGurus Merchandise - VetGurus Etsy StoreVetGurus ShopCheckout the VetGurus range of quirky, d…