pureANIMAL Collective

In this month's episode, we talk to Dr Matthew Muir on how to improve mental health in vets by exploring and practicing integrative veterinary medicine.

Topics discussed include:

• The impacts of emotional stress and discussing cost of care.
• High expectations and financial strains as a veterinarian.
• How can vets achieve an emotionally sustainable career?
• Dr Muir defines stress and the different types affecting veterinarians.
• The importance of coping strategies in the veterinary industry.
• Do we need to change ways to deliver veterinary medicine?
• How practicing integrative medicine has helped Dr Matthew Muir.
• The impact of preventative integrative medicine.
• Do the same strains that apply to conventional vet practices apply to integrative practices?
• Dr Matthew suggests how GP vets can utilise the integrative medicine philosophy in a time restrictive GP practice.
• Dr Muir's shares his personal experience on managing stress and burnout throughout his career.

 

Mental Health Toolkit for Veterinarians

If this podcast has caused you distress, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 for support.

1. Mental Health Resources:

• Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) - THRIVE
  • Description: Offers resources, counselling, peer support, and educational programs tailored for veterinarians, focusing on mental health and well-being.
  • Website: https://www.ava.com.au/Thrive/
• Lifeline Australia
  • Description: Provides 24/7 crisis support and connects veterinarians with relevant mental health services.
  • Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Beyond Blue - Mental Health Support for Veterinarians
  • Description: Offers stress management strategies, support networks, and resources.
  • Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Heads Up - Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Description: An initiative to promote mentally healthy workplaces, offering resources for building resilience and reducing burnout.
  • Website: https://www.headsup.org.au/

2. Literature and Educational Resources:

• Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian by Nadine Hamilton
  • Description: A comprehensive guide addressing the unique stressors in the veterinary profession and providing strategies for coping.
  • Purchase Link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/coping-with-stress-and-burnout-as-a-veterinarian-nadine-hamilton/book/9781925644197.html
• Australian Veterinary Association - Mental Health Approach Literature Review & Desktop Analysis
  • Description: A detailed report on the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and the existing support structures.
  • Access Link: https://www.ava.com.au/siteassets/thrive/ava---literature-review--desktop-analysis-final_oct22.pdf
• NCBI Article on Veterinary Mental Health
  • Description: A research article discussing mental health issues within the veterinary profession and potential solutions.
  • Access Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10351608/pdf/fvets-10-1184525.pdf

3. Support Networks:

• Mentor Groups - The Vet Mind Mentor
  • Description: Peer support and mentoring specifically for veterinarians, providing a safe space to share experiences and seek advice.
  • Website: https://www.instagram.com/thevet_mindmentor/
• Professional Associations:
  • Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Graduate Mentor Program
    • Description: Offers various support programs for new graduates.
    • Website: https://www.ava.com.au/about-us/programs-awards/graduate-mentoring-program/#:~:text=The%20AVA%20Graduate%20Mentoring%20Program,they%20transition%20into%20the%20profession.

4. Wellness and Relaxation Practices:

• Yoga Nidra / NSDR - Ayla Nova
  • Description: Guided relaxation sessions available on Spotify or YouTube, ideal for stress relief.
  • Website: https://www.youtube.com/aylanovanidra
• Michael Sealey Sleep Hypnosis
  • Description: Sleep hypnosis sessions to help veterinarians manage stress and improve sleep quality.
  • Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9GoqHypa-SDrGPMyeBkjKw

5. Podcasts and Audio Resources:

• Fx Medicine Podcast: Four Perspectives on Workplace Stress
  • Description: A podcast episode discussing workplace stress from multiple perspectives, offering insights and strategies relevant to veterinarians.
  • Listen on: Fx Medicine Podcast: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/four-perspectives-burnout-beyond-workplace-stress

6. Emergency Support:

• Triple 000
  • Description: Emergency contact number for immediate crisis intervention.

7. Mental Health Care Plans:

• GP-Mental Health Care Plans
  • Description: Veterinarians can access tailored mental health care plans through their GP, offering ongoing support and management strategies.

8. College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) for short integrative medicine courses:

• Home | College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (civtedu.org)

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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

 

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In this episode, Dr Nicole Rous discusses the importance of pets' wellbeing.

Topics discussed include:

• The definition of pet wellbeing and how important it is.
• Emotional contagion between pets and humans.
• What part does genetics play in behaviour?
• Nicole divulges the subtle signs of stress in both cats and dogs.
• Dr Rous talks about neurodiversity in dogs.
• Depression in dogs going through grief.
• Managing pets' mental wellbeing through diet and exposure to triggers.
• Creating a calm environment through aromatherapy and music.
• How to support mentally well dogs in their day to day lives.
• The importance of having a collaborative relationship between vet and pet owner.

You can reach Nicole at shytiger.com.au and montalbertvet.com.au. You can also follow Dr Nicole on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

 

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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

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In this episode we talk to our Ambassador Dr Matthew Muir on how to approach oncology using different modalities.

Topics discussed include:

• Dr Matthew shares what an integrative approach to oncology looks like.
• Working together with oncologists and GP veterinarians.
• When to include chemotherapy in an integrative approach to cancers.
• How other modalities can improve the side effects of chemotherapy.
• Improving immunity in cancer patients.
• Main modalities Dr Matthew turns to in his integrative approach.
• How to manage expectations for duration of remission.
• What type of diet Dr Matthew turns to for his cancer patients.
• The role of herbs as an additional modality to the integrative approach.
• How acupuncture may help oncology patients.
• Preventative strategies that Dr Matthew recommends, particularly for predisposed breeds.

Dr Erin Bannink's website: Integrative Veterinary Oncology Consultations | Metta Pets

To register for Associate Professor Wendy Baltzer's webinar on geriatric care, follow this link https://my.demio.com/ref/CqOg8QUNTaQsXYar

 

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We welcome back Dr Wendy Baltzer to discuss geriatric and osteoarthritis management. Topics discussed include:

• When is a pet considered geriatric and what factors can affect this stage of life.
• Dr Baltzer regularly performs mid-life assessments in her patients. She explains what this involves and how her approach can differ between cats and dogs.
• Cats affected with osteoarthritis will display different symptoms to dogs. Wendy discussed what pet owners should be looking for.
• The impact that diet can have and how it needs to change as pets age.
• Once there's a diagnosis of OA, what does a personalised management plan look like?
• Dr Wendy talks about the different modalities that she uses to manage OA and what she is trying to achieve with these.
• How can supplements help and what part they play in managing OA?
• When is it appropriate to use NSAIDS?
• Wendy goes in depth on recognising the end-of-life stage in dogs and cats and how to navigate this with pet owners.

To register for Professor Caroline Mansfield's webinar go to this link https://my.demio.com/ref/6XKfEGZOUsuuhnIi

 

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On this episode, we are welcoming pureANIMAL's new ambassador, Dr Matthew Muir who shares his knowledge and experience on microbiome restoration therapy.

Topics discussed include:

• Dr Matthew explains what microbiome restoration therapy (MRT) entails.
• The impact of antibiotics on the microbiome.
• The benefits of faecal microbiome transplant (FMT) - more than just bacteria.
• Dr Muir explains how to screen donors for MRT. What to look for and what to avoid.
• How effective is MRT and how does it compare to supplementing with probiotics?
• Oral vs rectal microbiome therapy approaches - Matthew explains the difference and benefits of both methods.
• How to prepare the recipient to optimise the effects of FMT.
• Dr Matthew explains the indications for faecal microbiome transplant beyond dysbiosis.
• How to gauge if the MRT was successful?
• Which dogs are not good candidates for an FMT, and which cases should vets be cautious about?
• How to approach cases of MRT that require antibiotics?

 

Resources:

https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/service/assays/canine-microbiota-dysbiosis-index/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9534534/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9413255/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10017995/

 

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Topics discussed include:

• Liver cases Professor Caroline sees as an internal medicine specialist.
• How an altered liver function can impact overall health.
• Subclinical liver disease - are there any symptoms?
• Symptoms of clinical liver disease - what to look out for in cats and dogs.
• Gut-liver axis - how the liver can impact the gut and consequently the brain.
• Professor Mansfield shares her how she decides which diagnostic tool to use first in her liver cases.
• Elevated liver enzymes with subclinical liver disease - how to approach these in cats vs dogs.
• Caroline talks about prescription liver diets and what she recommends with regards to changes in diets.
• Antioxidants that can be helpful in managing liver disease.
• Professor Mansfield discusses which pharmaceutical drugs she prefers to use as an anti-inflammatory and as an antibiotic in her liver cases.
• Managing the gut during liver disease.

To register for pureANIMAL's free webinar on liver health with Dr Nicole Rous and Dr Matthew Muir, follow this link https://my.demio.com/ref/80rRbTdG8AKd7BjT.

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Prior to being a veterinarian, Nicole completed a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University followed by an honours year in Vision Sciences. She then got accepted into Sydney University and completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours in 2008.

After a brief stint working in the UK, she returned to small animal practice in Melbourne working at Monash Vets. Nicole followed her interest in reproduction and gained her Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Reproduction. Alon the way she also developed an interest in complementary therapies specially in essential oils.

In 2020 she started her own business called Shy Tiger Natural Animal which provides vet approved, all-natural plant-based health support for dogs through a range of serum and sprays. Nicole currently also works and owns Mont Albert Veterinary Surgery in Victoria and is also a member of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

Topics discussed include:

• Common liver diseases that Dr Rous sees in her practice.
• Increases in liver enzymes – when to investigate further.
• Nicole explains how she manages asymptomatic cases with mild increases in liver enzymes before re-testing in 4-6 weeks.
• How do certain medications impact the liver in a negative way?
• The importance of all the different liver functions.
• Dr Nicole discusses specific signs seen in relation to liver disease.
• Nicole’s talks about her approach to managing liver health.
• How can nutrition optimise liver function?
• The main antioxidants Nicole reaches for in her liver cases.
• Top differences between conventional and integrative approaches in liver health.

You can learn more about Nicole's on https://shytiger.com.au/ and https://www.montalbertvet.com.au/. 

 

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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.

Topics discussed include:

• The main things a pet parent should consider when thinking about their pet’s joint health.
• Dr Wendy reveals the best time to start setting a puppy’s joint up for success.
• What impact does the improving their environment have on genetic predisposition?
• The best steps to help predict if your puppy is likely to develop join issues.
• Dr Baltzer talks about the latest research on the best nutrition for puppies at risk of joint disease.
• The recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio in food and the appropriate caloric intake to control growth rate.
• What supplements to use and not to use especially for large breed dogs.
• Wendy discusses the effect that early desexing can have on joints.
• The best way to exercise at risk breeds and what to avoid.
• Dr Wendy's top 3 tips to keep joints healthy.

References:

• Smith GK, Paster ER, Powers MY, Lawler DF, Biery DN, Shofer FS, et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(5):690-3.
• Schoenmakers I, Hazewinkel HA, Voorhout G, Carlson CS, Richardson D. Effects of diets with different calcium and phosphorus contents on the skeletal development and blood chemistry of growing great danes. Vet Rec. 2000;147(23):652-60
• Fries CL, Remedios AM. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia: a review. Can Vet J. 1995;36(8):494-502

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