pureANIMAL Collective

This month Dr Sarah Howard discusses Omega-3 fatty acids with our ambassador Dr Nicole Rous.

Topics discussed include:

• What is there to re-think about Omega-3s?
• Components, quality and formulation of Omega-3's 
• What about Omega-6? Is it really pro or anti-inflammatory?
• How sources and formulations of Omega-3's change the conversion efficiency of EPA/DHA depending on dietary format. Does added Omega-6 improve or hinder conversion?
• What influence does fatty acids have on the body, and when is it indicated?
• How to measure Omega-3's - what is the optimal Omega-3 index range? What is red blood cell fatty data?
• What is the best ratio for dietary Omega-3:6? How do they compete for absorption?
• How to set a base line for each patient, including interval timeline for tracking supplementation
• Where human medicine literature fits vs veterinary medicine
• Should we be proactive or reactive when implementing Omega-3 strategies?
• EPA/DHA ratios - how to maximise therapeutic benefits
• What Omega-3 research is still missing

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This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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In this episode, Dr Sarah Howard discusses a functional approach to managing osteoarthritis with Dr Matthew Muir.

Topics discussed include:

• Osteoarthritis is not just wear and tear - Dr Muir explains what actually happens during this condition.
• How does functional medicine complement conventional osteoarthritic care?
• Addressing cartilage degeneration with nutrition and nutraceuticals.
• Matthew discusses how he decides what to target first in osteoarthritic cases.
• The role nutraceuticals play in managing osteoarthritis and combining them with other modalities.
• Dr Muir's preferred joint supplements, their mechanism of action and the additional benefits they can provide.
• Therapies that are useful in conjunction with supplements and pharmaceuticals.
• Deescalating a management plan - the reason for this and what treatment to remove first.
• Escalating a management plan with the addition of pharmaceuticals - Dr Matt describes the best time to do this.

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This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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In this episode with Professor Caroline Mansfield, we discuss the use of antibiotics during the critical developmental window of puppies and kittens and the impact in long term risk of skin allergic disease and behaviour.

Topics discussed include:

• What is the critical developmental window and what body systems it can affect and impact?
• The link between the microbiome and its role in shaping the immune system in puppies and kittens.
• Evidence in the use of antibiotics early in life in children and how it can affect the incidence of asthma and allergic skin disease.  
• The impact of metronidazole and how it can alter the microbiome.
• Professor Caroline discusses a study linking antibiotic use and atopic dermatitis and behavioural issues in dogs.
• Professor Mansfield gives her expert advice to pet parents on how to support the immune and gastrointestinal systems during their pet's developmental window.
• Clarifying the misconceptions on antibiotics, allergic and immune mediated disease. 
• What is the latest research in this area of the critical developmental window and the impact of antibiotics?

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This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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Karin Murik is a Registered Veterinary Nurse at Animal Dermatology Clinic in Perth, Western
Australia, a specialist referral clinic dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of complex skin, allergy and ear diseases in dogs, cats and horses. Originally from Estonia, Karin graduated in 2016 and has worked across a range of veterinary disciplines including general practice, dermatology, cardiology, emergency and oncology nursing. She has a particular passion for allergies and allergen-specific immunotherapy, with extensive involvement in allergy testing, immunotherapy preparation, patient care and client education. Karin is committed to helping pet owners better understand and manage chronic skin disease, improving both patient comfort and long-term treatment success. She is also actively involved in veterinary communication and education through social media and client outreach initiatives.

Topics discussed include:

• What drew Karin to become a veterinary dermatology nurse.
• The role of a dermatology nurse at dermatology clinics.
• Karin shares what nursing skills are most important when dealing with dermatology cases.
• The importance of supporting pet parents in managing treatment plans for their pets and ensuring compliance.
• The procedures that veterinary dermatology nurses responsible for.
• Karin dives into all aspects of immunotherapy.
• What is the biggest difference that pet parents can make at home when caring for their allergic pets.
• Karin gives her advice on what nurses can do to pursue a career with a dermatology focus.

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For more information on the Animal Dermatology Clinic visit their website: https://www.animaldermatologyclinic.com.au/

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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In this episode, we welcome back Dr Nicole Rous for her first 2026 podcast discussing inflammation and titre testing.

Topics discussed include:

• · The shift towards personalised care beyond routine care through collaborative approach
• · Understanding and managing the inflammatory load
• · Multifactorial contribution to inflammation: genetics, diet, environment and modern lifestyle
• · The gut mucosa and the impact of “leaky gut” triggering the overreaction of the immune system
• · Food intolerances due to poor gut resilience often mislabeled as allergies
• · The choice between routine vaccine versus titre test
• · 2024 WSAVA vaccination guideline recognises titre testing as a method for protection monitoring
• · Titre test options: in-house or commercial laboratory analysis
• · Titre testing for pets with co-morbidities and those with previous adverse reaction to vaccines
• · Strategic approach to parasite prevention through screening
• · Resistance risks associated with routine anthelmintic use

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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In this month's episode, we welcome veterinarian Dr Alison Shen to discuss everything acupuncture and joint health.

Dr Alison Shen has a keen interest in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, embracing a holistic approach to animal health and wellbeing. She completed her Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2008 and has also earned a Certificate in Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation from the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. Dr Shen practices in Brisbane and travels to Sydney, once a month as part of her business, The Acupuncture Vet.​

​She also runs the popular Future Vet Kids Camp in various locations in Australia and they are both part of the team of veterinarians on the TV show – Bondi Vet.

Topics discussed include:

• Dr Alison's journey to becoming a veterinary acupuncturist.
• The most common reason pet owners seek acupuncture treatment for their animals. 
• How does acupuncture work to reduce pain and inflammation?
• What happens during a typical consultation with Dr Shen?
• The frequency of treatment most patients require.
• How early can pain reduction be noticed and what to expect after treatment?
• Tools and techniques that pet parents can use at home to continue with their pet's management.
• What modalities does Dr Alison offer to her patients and for which cases?
• Dr Alison explains the difference between acupuncture and electroacupuncture.
• How can veterinarians get certified in veterinary acupuncture?
• Dr Alison's takeaway from today's episode.

Acupuncture certification courses:

International Veterinary Acupuncture Society

Home | College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies

Veterinary Acupuncture - Chi University

This episode was brought to you by PAW, Pure Animal Wellbeing - developed by vets, inspired by nature and dedicated to supporting lifelong health in pets. PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing

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We welcome back Dr Matthew Muir with a masterclass on functional veterinary medicine looking specifically at feline nutrition. microbiome and chronic disease.

Topics discussed include:

• How do we start providing better care to cats, especially with regards to their diet?
• All diseases start in the gut, is this also true for cats?
• In nature, what would cats self-select to eat and how does that compare to commercial diets? 
• Feeding management vs diet composition and their impact on diabetes mellitus.
• The impact of low protein diets on cats.
• What macronutrient ratio should we be aiming for in a cat's diet?
• How do diet needs change from kittens to senior cats?
• The role ultra-processed foods play in chronic disease.
• Can diets help manage chronic enteropathies?
• The importance of hydration in cats and does it change depending on their diets?
• How does nutrition impact mental health disorders in cats?
• What does a functional preventative protocol look like for a general practitioner?

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Dr Matt's resources:

https://icatcare.org/resources/five-a-day_felix_full_report.pdf

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6390407/

https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Make-the-Trip-to-the-Vet-Hospital-Fear-Free_EDITED.pdf

https://catinfo.org/

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In this episode encore, Dr Sarah Howard talks to Dr Caroline Moeser about probiotics in practice.

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

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In this episode encore, Dr Meng Siak talks about PEA and allergic skin disease. Topics discussed include:

• Dr Meng discusses what PEA is and how it works.
• How does PEA relate to the endocannabinoid system?
• The properties of PEA and where they act within the body.
• Meng goes over the literature that is available for PEA.
• What dermatology cases would PEA be beneficial for?
• Dr Siak discusses whether PEA can reduce the requirement for pharmaceuticals.
• What side effects can be expected with the use of PEA?
• Safety of PEA and interactions with other drugs.
• Dr Meng shares his practical advice on how to use PEA.

This was a podcast re-play, and the webinar link is no longer available.

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In this month's episode we welcome our first vet nurse guest, Jacinta Van Eeden to discuss the changes that can be implemented to create a calm veterinary clinic environment.

Topics discussed include:

• The importance of a calm clinic environment.
• Common signs that indicate a pet may be anxious or stressed.
• Ways to get puppies and kittens used to visiting vet clinics.
• How our tone of voice can impact a pet's behaviour.
• Practical tools that clinics can implement to provide a relaxing environment.
• Steps that pet parents can take to prepare their pets for clinics visits.
• Fear free certification for veterinary clinics.
• Jacinta shares how to reduce anxiety in pet parents when their pet has a vet consultation.
• The number on tip Jacinta has for pet parents to ensure their pet doesn't become anxious when visiting vet clinics.

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