Dr Trepheena Hunter is a behavioural veterinarian with a special interest in the mental health and well-being of shelter animals. She worked for several years as the principal behaviourist in the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne, Victoria, before branching into private practice. Trepheena and I discuss her experiences working in this shelter, and the passion she developed for preparing dogs mentally for successful re-homing, before diving into the interesting topic of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats. 

Topics discussed include:
The high prevalence and extremely common under-diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats 
The importance of establishing routine screening questionnaires as part of history taking in consultations, looking particularly for ongoing progressive change 
The useful acronym, "DISHAA" for identifying the classic symptoms of cognitive dysfunction 
How cognitive dysfunction can be easily confused with other common conditions in older animals 
The pathophysiology of the condition, and the similarities to human Alzheimer's Disease 
The importance of early treatment interventions and prevention and what a treatment plan may look like, including nutritional, environmental and brain stimulating approaches 

You can find Dr Hunter at Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services: reachable at wildthingsvbs.com.au, info@wildthingsvbs.com.au or 0414 588 586.

Dr Trepheena Hunter is a behavioural veterinarian with a special interest in the mental health and well-being of shelter animals. She worked for several years as the principal behaviourist in the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne, Victoria, before branching into private practice. Trepheena and I discuss her experiences working in this shelter, and the passion she developed for preparing dogs mentally for successful re-homing, before diving into the interesting topic of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats.&nbsp;
Topics discussed include:
<ul>
<li>The high prevalence and extremely common under-diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats&nbsp;</li>
<li>The importance of establishing routine screening questionnaires as part of history taking in consultations, looking particularly for ongoing progressive change&nbsp;</li>
<li>The useful acronym, "DISHAA" for identifying the classic symptoms of cognitive dysfunction&nbsp;</li>
<li>How cognitive dysfunction can be easily confused with other common conditions in older animals&nbsp;</li>
<li>The pathophysiology of the condition, and the similarities to human Alzheimer's Disease&nbsp;</li>
<li>The importance of early treatment interventions and prevention and what a treatment plan may look like, including nutritional, environmental and brain stimulating approaches&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
You can find Dr Hunter at Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services: reachable at wildthingsvbs.com.au, <a href="mailto:info@wildthingsvbs.com.au">info@wildthingsvbs.com.au</a> or 0414 588 586.

The pureANIMAL Collective podcast shares cutting edge science, clinical wisdom, and inspiration on integrative veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview our team of experts in the fields of orthopaedics, dermatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. Our mission is to create a world where integrative veterinary medicine is accessible to all, to empower and inspire other veterinary professionals and pet parents alike, and to ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of pets. Host Dr Sarah Howard is a veterinarian and lifelong student of natural health. 

The pureANIMAL Collective podcast shares cutting edge science, clinical wisdom, and inspiration on integrative veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview our team of experts in the fields of orthopaedics, dermatology, internal medicine, and integrative medicine. Our mission is to create a world where integrative veterinary medicine is accessible to all, to empower and inspire other veterinary professionals and pet parents alike, and to ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of pets. Host Dr Sarah Howard is a veterinarian and lifelong student of natural health.

The Pure Animal Podcast aims to enlighten listeners about an integrative approach to veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview practitioners at the forefront of this field who share their insight and experience with the ultimate goal of benefiting the well-being and health of animals.

pureANIMAL Collective

Dr Trepheena Hunter is a behavioural veterinarian with a special interest in the mental health and well-being of shelter animals. She worked for several years as the principal behaviourist in the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne, Victoria, before branching into private practice. Trepheena and I discuss her experiences working in this shelter, and the passion she developed for preparing dogs mentally for successful re-homing, before diving into the interesting topic of cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats.

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