The Vet Chat NZ

Thinking of taking your veterinary career overseas but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, host Ellen Eyre chats with Dr. Tarryn Walker, a Kiwi vet fresh from her 3 year OE adventure, to unpack everything you need to know about working abroad. From navigating the visa process and securing a job to finding accommodation and adjusting to life in a new country, Tarryn shares first hand insights, practical advice, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a recent graduate considering an OE or a vet looking for a change, this episode will help you take the leap with confidence. Tune in for a fun and informative chat that might just inspire your next big move!

In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, we’re joined by Dr. Krispin Kannan, a leader in cow wearable technology and data integration, based in Waikato NZ. Together with host Ellen Eyre, they explore how wearable technology is revolutionising veterinary practice at every level—from individual cow health monitoring to herd-wide insights and high-level consultancy. Dr. Kannan shares practical tips and real-world examples to help veterinarians leverage this technology to improve animal health, boost farm productivity, and build stronger client relationships. Whether you’re new to wearables or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stay at the forefront of bovine care.

In this episode, we dive into Johne’s disease, a persistent challenge in dairy herds which can be costly to both the farms bottom line, as well as its devastating impact on animal health. Virbac technical veterinarian Ellen Eyre is joined by LIC veterinary epidemiologist Kara Dawson and scientist Rebecca White, as they break down the latest research from LIC milk testing as well as the theory around minimising the impact of Johne's disease in dairy herds. Together, they discuss advancements in milk testing, insights from years of data, and strategies for disease management that drive both animal health and economic resilience. Later, fourth-generation dairy farmer Brendon O’Leary offers a practical look at how these tools work on the ground, giving vets and farmers alike real-world advice on implementing effective practices.

To contact Kara or Rebecca:

[email protected]

[email protected]

Matt and Greg have both been back at the World Buiatrics Congress, this time in Cancun, Mexico.  There are more interesting and sometimes quirky studies to share, and even a few unique Mexican experiences! Find out what a vampiricide is, how best to detect Johne's in a barn system or how much copper injections elevate liver levels, among other things.

ACVM Registration Nos. A010028 and A009374.

Dr Jennifer Dauth joins Sumari to chat about her fascination with reproduction, the driving force for her to become a member at ANZCVS (Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists). Desexing in dogs is not a one size fits all conversation. New research, more informed owners, the changing status of the dog in the household and alternative medical options all contribute to vets having to reconsider their protocols. Jennifer talks about the pros and cons of desexing, the various medical and surgical options available, as well as striking a balance with what is  best for the individual dog, while addressing the owners’ needs.

• Urfer SR, Kaeberlein M. Desexing Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature. Animals (Basel). 2019 Dec 5;9(12):1086. doi: 10.3390/ani9121086. PMID: 31817504; PMCID: PMC6940997.

Host turns guest as Matt Wells, Technical Services Manager at Virbac NZ, joins the Vet Chat this week and shares his wisdom on the diagnosis and closed reduction of dislocated hips in cattle. During his 13 years in clinical practice, he was able to develop his skills in this area and has presented at the NZVA conference, and still regularly talks on dislocated hips to recent graduates at the Supergrad Day. Matt shares tips and tricks that have helped him in the past, as well as resources he has created that have helped others be successful in their attempts.

• Closed reduction of dislocated hips: Getting the clunk

Winston is a veterinary epidemiologist who has recently set up EpiVets Ltd in collaboration with colleagues Emma Cuttance and Greg Chambers. Winston joins Ellen to discuss lameness in dairy cows in New Zealand, and offers practical advice which stems from the extensive research he has done whilst completing his PhD. The episode includes lots of tips to help clinicians promote early identification on farms, streamline treatment and management of lame cows, and also reiterates that we are doing well in NZ in terms of prevalence and recovery rates.

Laurinda Oliver is a specialist equine surgeon and intern coordinator at Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre.  She and Matt discuss how a non-equine vet can improve the care of horses and reduce their stress levels by having clear plans for treatment, referral and even euthanasia. They focus on colic and wounds, but also cover foalings, eye conditions, acute lameness and sick foals.  

• Equine Emergencies Textbook

Martin Earles shares great recommendations for handling, examining, and treating rabbits. From the ideal combination of male and female rabbits in a household to performing an oral examination, antibiotics that are safe, best desexing practices, and general husbandry tips to boost the confidence of vets when they encounter rabbits in-clinic.

Katie Denholm's research on colostrum and calf health during her time in NZ will be familiar to many vets. She is now completing her PhD while teaching at Glasgow University, and joins Matt to discuss what we now know about the full effects of getting colostrum wrong, and what to focus on to improve calf health. They cover the best practice of ideal timing and volumes, storage, and assessing passive transfer, and include the latest research and updates.