Two Vets Talk Pets

With the Podcave basking in the tender glow of the winter afternoon sun, Lewis and Robbie meet up for some sneaky Saturday Podcast Action. With Lewis avoiding having to go shoe shopping after surgery on his washing machine, and Robbie coming in from a busy Saturday morning consulting, we get into some fun times about dogs eating fish hooks, Lewis's Cat Olive getting ready for her teeth to get cleaned, and a new friend of the show, Flowers Across Sydney , has joined the fight with protecting cats against lillies (check their blog HERE). We also have a the latest Megaoesophagus Update from the AVA. Into the Meaty middle of the pod, Lewis has some great information and tips on Food Guarding and Aggression in dogs (including where he hides while trying to eat a Magnum to stop anyone taking it from him), while Robbie starts part one of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats - what is it, what signs you see, and how it's diagnosed. Also Lewis brings up Robbie's sly day time Go-Karting escapades - it was all for a good cause... We are here, you are there. For your thoughts and questions to get to us here, go to Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com, and we will feel good that you are listening, and that you care. Because we care. But don't try to take our ice creams...

This week our heroes talk about Lewis' bird week, and he has some great stories about Swans in UK and Mourning Magpies, while Robbie has trawled through the news for some tid bits of animal oddities. Into Pod proper, and we talk about warts - common skin lumps in dogs, young ones, old ones, big ones and small ones. Are they bad? Will they go away? Will they take over the world? We talk about some of the testing we can do as vets, using X-Rays, Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans - how they work, what they are used for, what they help us see, and why do they cost so much? Finally, we talk about vomiting, and when to panic! Vomiting is a really common sign we see in dogs and cats, but when do you need to get your pet seen, and when can you play it cool - listen in to find out more! We please to aim, and aim to please...so we would love to know what you think of the show, or if you have questions please find us here Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com. Or we might be up a tree, saving a small kitten. Or smuggling more black swans into the UK. Or wondering if anyone is reading this... Cat Tattoist Story Deputy Cat Story    

Lewis has been ice skating with his kids and is struggling every time he moves because of sore muscles while Robbie hasn't stopped running except to eat ice-creams in the surf. On a serious note, the guys pass on their condolences to Dr Katrina Warren and her daughter, Charlotte on the passing of their beloved cat, Mr Fox. These are difficult times when a member of the family passes away and Lewis gives his advice for how to help to cope when there are children involved in the grieving process. This week was 'bug week' at Lewis' work and an assortment of weird and wonderful critters came across the vet table. A shout out is given to long time friend of the podcast, wildlife and photography vet, Dr Franciscus Scheelings. The vets discuss lungworm in cats. Can they really catch it from eating slugs and snails? How would you know your cat has it and what should you do about it? Lewis gets very excited about a new behaviour medication for cats and dogs, called Zylkene. Both vets are having some fantastic results with it and sounds like it might get 5 stars! Robbie raises the topic of fleas in winter that are 'turned on' by the central heating in your house. The guys conclude that there are no fleas in Warragul or Toorak but lots in Richmond! Mailbag is cracked and the topic of nail problems in dogs is discussed. Torn nails are a really common problem in dogs and the vets discuss what to do when it happens. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com  

Robbie has had a rough week at work and talks seriously about trusting your vet. Vets are under a lot of pressure at times to provide a diagnosis and treat any pet's problem, often when owners do not have a lot of money for tests - so take it easy on your vet. Robbie and Lewis realise they come from different sides of the track when they are confused about the childish words on an upside down calculator. Dr Feelgood AKA Sally Cockburn collapsed from blood clot in lungs and was miraculously saved by her Shitzu Cavalier cross dog. Robbie and Lewis are slightly skeptical of her dog's intentions. Robbie gives us the top tips to looking after your older pet and knowing if there is a problem. Lewis talks about the Guinness Book of Records for the oldest dog and the guys get some dubious tips from social media to looking after your older pet. We learn that Robbie has treated a cat that was older than him. A child being bitten by a dog is in the news again and Lewis tackles the topic to give listeners the facts. Mailbag discusses fluffy white dogs who have dark-brown, stained feet all the time. What is it? Listen to find out! As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

With Mother's Day just passed on the weekend Lewis has an encounter with a room full of ladies who had enjoyed a Long Mother's Day Lunch. Robbie discusses colour blindness in dogs and cats and realises that his research may have come up short when he can't quite answer how Guide Dogs know when the little green man at the traffic lights say it is safe to cross. Lewis gets upset with some random Facebook post about dog's getting Autism from vaccines and the guys then discuss in detail the reasons as to why we continue to vaccinate our pets and the long and short term side effects that may or may not be seen. (Spoiler alert: dogs (and humans) don't get Autism from vaccines) Robbie can be seen blushing heavily on the podcast as Charlie Pickering allegedly finally makes contact via an encrypted mailbag. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

It's late at night in the podcave and the two Supervets are still struggling to get their heads around the new microphones and have been giggling like school boys try not to make each other echo when they talk. Lewis talks about his regularly 'boys steak night' with some heavy-hitters of the veterinary industry and Robbie ponders how Lewis managed to get an invite... Lewis' highlight of the week is a dog that was rescued by a pregnant lady who swam 200 metres off shore to stop him from drowning - not all heroes wear capes. In the same vein, a cape-less Robbie chases Puffing Billy and then narrates a modern tragedy called 'when a podcast vet locks eyes with an uber celebrity'. Robbie shares his encounter with TV celebrity Charlie Pickering and his promise to the podcast listeners. Robbie then dives into the more vet related topic of lumps and bumps on your pet and pulls no punches with questions such as; Does size really matter?; How do you know if that lump is nasty?; What should I do if I find a lump on my pet?; Is every lump cancerous? What will the vet do when they examine the lump? Is it better to have the lump examined or just ignore it? Lewis then launches in to Part 3 of cats urinating outside the litter tray - problems a cat may have with the litter tray or litter substance or the location. Robbie coins the phrase 'litter buffet' and gives us some further insights into poor Melvin, his over-grooming, urine spraying and toilet missing house cat. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

Buoyed by listeners feedback on how tinny Lewis and Robbie's voices sound compared to the rich tones of voice-over artist, Adam Zwar, the guys have invested in some new microphones. Please be patient with them as they get used to this new technology that is not a stethoscope or rectal thermometer. An update is given on the recall of the ADVANCE Dermocare dry food and the possible link to 74 dogs acquiring megaoesophagus. If you have been feeding your dog this food then stop feeding it and contact your vet immediately. Robbie recounts his recent surgical experience with an ant and gets excited about his up coming Avengers movie 'man date'. With ANZAC day recently, Robbie kicks off a discussion on the Dicken's Medal - an award given to animals who have served bravely, and died, during the wars. More information can be found here: Dickin Medal - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickin_Medal Simon the Ship Cat - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_(cat) Judy the POW Pointer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_(dog) Lewis ponders on the recent sad Royal news of the death of the last of The Queen's Corgis and hypothesis on how Kate and William decided on the name for the latest baby. Some Royal Mail is produced (see below) and Robbie is suitably impressed with the paper quality and colour. Part 2 of 3 discussing cat wee problems is discussed. This week is all about spraying or urine marking and Robbie's cat Melvin's dry spray behaviour. What causes cats to urine mark or spray, how can you diagnose the problem and what can be done to treat it? Lewis provides a pungent smelly anecdote which, as usual, includes a gratuitous plug for his book. The Royal Mail bag is closed and the TVTP mail bag is opened discussing the toxicity of  human essential oils in pets. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

Lewis kicks off discussing the recent spate of shark attacks and the latest research on how to prevent surfers being attacked. Many options have been tried (and failed) in the past and Lewis and Robbie give you the current options, including Adam West Batman Shark Repellent Spray (patent pending). We are introduced to the term 'Wettie Warmers' in a feeble attempt by the guys not to revert to further toilet humour. Robbie opens up his new segment entitled 'Community Service Announcement' where he highlights the risk of leaving freshly made pancakes on the stove, when you have dogs. In short - don't do this (but listen to learn why...). Part 1 of a three part series on cat urination problems is cracked. Part 1 discusses the medical causes of feline urination problems, how to know when your cat has problem, when is it an emergency and what you should do to prevent and treat it. The guys discuss 'bedside sampling' as a means of collecting a urine sample. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week. Ear infections in dogs are common and this is their final topic for the podcast. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention are the main focus but somehow the boys manage to include a shameless beg for a major multinational sponsor to keep the podcast afloat. The boys are now checking their email every 10 minutes in a vain hope...... As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

The Commonwealth Games are done and dusted and Lewis commences a new vet job. He shares the joys of consultations with young children present and looking like a fool in an unfamiliar clinic. Robbie gives his tips on discussing core strength in awkward situations. Following the airing of the disturbing TV segment about the live export of sheep on 60 Minutes, the guys delve deeply into the topic. It is a sensitive issue but Lewis and Robbie don't shy away from pulling the punches and calling for change. 'When birds attack' is Robbie's next segment closely followed by 'the inflatable pool flamingo is your best friend' as he discusses some recent disturbing attacks on dogs by large birds of prey. The mailbag is cracked and Lewis dives into the topic of jealousy in dogs - does it really exist? - you'll just have to listen to find out. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

School holidays are in full swing on the East Coast of Australia, as are the Commonwealth Games and somehow the guys link Australia's haul of Gold Medals to their recent podcast rankings. Lewis then discusses taking your dog to school for pick ups and drop-offs. How can you tell if your dog truly enjoys this? What are the risks associated with this? Robbie kicks off a chat on knee (cruciate) injuries in dogs and which joint he considers to a be 'non-stupid'. How does it occur? What are the symptoms and how is it fixed? Nostalgia takes over as the guys discuss the relative merits of Nike Air vs Reebok Pump sport shoes. Robbie then shares advice both from his Nan and a respected specialist veterinary surgeon, Dr Sam Snelling. Mailbag is uncorked and Lewis discusses cats defaecating external to the litter tray (box). What can you do if this is a problem for your cat? SBS syndrome is coined and a shout-out to all Dads reading the newspaper currently (while listening to this podcast, of course). Check out the Litter Kwitter that is mentioned here. As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us in the Yellow Pages, on MySpace, Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com  

Thankfully, some professionalism is added to the podcast with an introduction from award-winning Australian actor, voice artist, and writer, Adam Zwar - well known for TV shows such as Wilfred, Agony Aunts and Agony Uncles and recently Squinters (which is still available on ABC iView and is hilarious). The guys then discuss the recent passing of the last male Northern White Rhinoceros, Sudan, with every indication that the species will soon be extinct. Lewis has some theories as to how Sudan's Tinder profile could have been improved and discussion then turns, somehow, to the creation of an African Elephant sperm bank in Europe. Lewis discusses a recent study on the relation between pain and noise phobias in middle to older aged dogs. The lowdown is to make sure you have your dog examined by a veterinarian if they develop phobias to noises. Robbie then switches discussion onto the platypus and recounts his wild encounter with this notoriously shy monotreme. The CSIRO have recently discovered a protein in the platypus milk that may hold a key to antibiotic resistance. Lewis and Robbie brainstorm ideas on how to mass market the platypus milk (patent pending). Finally, mail bag is opened and the topic of poo eating (coprophagia) is heartily devoured. Wives tales are discussed and treatments are proffered  - none more so than the catch cry to 'feed it pineapple'! As usual, the two vets would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

With Easter just around the corner our two vet heroes delve deeply into the life and (singing) career of the shows comedic anchor, Dr Robbie. Topics then get serious with the guys discussing the recent outbreak of megaoesophagus in the Victorian Police and South Australian Correctional Service dogs and the precautionary recall of the Advance Dermocare dry dog food. If you are concerned your dog has been affected then contact your vet or the Mars Hotline on 1800 640 111. With the abundance of Easter Eggs lying around, chocolate toxicity in dogs is discussed and we get an insight into other animals that might enjoy a chocolate Easter Egg hunt. Lewis then turns the discussion to what snack your children should leave out for the Easter Bunny so that you don't harm their teeth or their sensitive gut. This should be extrapolated to anyone that owns a pet rabbit (or a long eared guinea pig for our Queensland listeners). Finally the guys bring home the rectal glove Olympic torch with a discussion on cats that are fussy eaters. We would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com

In this episode, we get a deeper insight into Dr Lewis Kirkham and discuss his career pathway since graduation. You can find out more about Lewis' books, Tell Your Dog/Cat You're Pregnant: An essential guide for dog/cat owners who are expecting a baby at www.babyandpet.com.au. Discussion then turns to the recent traumatic dog attacks towards children that have occurred recently in Australia. How do we prevent future horrible occurrences and will restricting certain breeds help? The guys then move on to discuss Barbara Streisand's confession of cloning her beloved dog Samantha as sourced from Variety online. The important topic of Lily toxicity in cats is discussed and that these flowers should not present in a cat owning household. Finally the guys answer a reader's question on the rather smelly topic of anal glands. We would love to know what you think of this episode or ask any questions please find us on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com    

After being kicked out from the local public library, vets Dr Lewis Kirkham and Dr Robbie Anderton brave the windy outdoors to discuss anecdotes on what dogs like to eat that they shouldn't, puppy socialisation, possum identification and cat bite abscesses. We would love to know what you think of the show or ask any questions please find us on Facebook , Instagram or Twitter. Or send us an email twovetstalkpets@gmail.com