In this episode, we chat to Dr Nicole Rous about the latest insights on neutering and the recommendations veterinarians should be giving pet owners based on the latest research.

Topics discussed include:
Why do vets recommend for pets to be neutered?
How has neutering recommendations changed in the last 5-10 years?
Dr Nicole discusses the most appropriate age for desexing.
Duration of a heat and what should pet parents expect.
Dr Rous delves into the reasons why neutering recommendations have changed over time.
The role hormones play in bone growth and musculoskeletal conditions.
Changes pet owners should be making if their pet is desexed early.
The impact oestrogen has on the gut microbiome and neurotransmitters.
Dr Nicole explains what part neutering plays in cognitive dysfunction.
Do neutering recommendations differ for cats?
The importance of feeding a good diet.
Health risks and signs pet owners should be aware of if their pet is not neutered.

In this episode, we chat to Dr Nicole Rous about the latest insights on neutering and the recommendations veterinarians should be giving pet owners based on the latest research.
Topics discussed include:
<ul>
<li>Why do vets recommend for pets to be neutered?</li>
<li>How has neutering recommendations changed in the last 5-10 years?</li>
<li>Dr Nicole discusses the most appropriate age for desexing.</li>
<li>Duration of a heat and what should pet parents expect.</li>
<li>Dr Rous delves into the reasons why neutering recommendations have changed over time.</li>
<li>The role hormones play in bone growth and musculoskeletal conditions.</li>
<li>Changes pet owners should be making if their pet is desexed early.</li>
<li>The impact oestrogen has on the gut microbiome and neurotransmitters.</li>
<li>Dr Nicole explains what part neutering plays in cognitive dysfunction.</li>
<li>Do neutering recommendations differ for cats?</li>
<li>The importance of feeding a good diet.</li>
<li>Health risks and signs pet owners should be aware of if their pet is not neutered.</li>
</ul>

The Pure Animal Podcast shares cutting edge science, clinical wisdom, and inspiration on integrative veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview industry experts who explore the fields of joint health, dermatology, internal medicine, integrative and functional medicine and allied health modalities. 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 shares cutting edge science, clinical wisdom, and inspiration on integrative veterinary medicine. Each month, we interview industry experts who explore the fields of joint health, dermatology, internal medicine, integrative and functional medicine and allied health modalities. 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

Neutering insights with Dr Nicole Rous

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

Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

In this episode, we welcome back Dr Nicole Rous for her first 2026 podcast discussing inflammation and titre testing.
Topics discussed include:
<ul>
<li>&middot; The shift towards personalised care beyond routine care through collaborative approach</li>
<li>&middot; Understanding and managing the inflammatory load</li>
<li>&middot; Multifactorial contribution to inflammation: genetics, diet, environment and modern lifestyle</li>
<li>&middot; The gut mucosa and the impact of &ldquo;leaky gut&rdquo; triggering the overreaction of the immune system</li>
<li>&middot; Food intolerances due to poor gut resilience often mislabeled as allergies</li>
<li>&middot; The choice between routine vaccine versus titre test</li>
<li>&middot; 2024 WSAVA vaccination guideline recognises titre testing as a method for protection monitoring</li>
<li>&middot; Titre test options: in-house or commercial laboratory analysis</li>
<li>&middot; Titre testing for pets with co-morbidities and those with previous adverse reaction to vaccines</li>
<li>&middot; Strategic approach to parasite prevention through screening</li>
<li>&middot; Resistance risks associated with routine anthelmintic use</li>
</ul>
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. <a href="https://pureanimalwellbeing.com/">PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing</a>
Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">here:</a>
<a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u</a>

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

Managing inflammation and titre testing with Dr Nicole Rous

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

Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

 

In this month's episode, we welcome veterinarian Dr Alison Shen to discuss everything acupuncture and joint health.
<p data-ccp-props="{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335562764&quot;:2,&quot;335562765&quot;:1,&quot;335562766&quot;:2,&quot;335562767&quot;:0,&quot;335562768&quot;:2,&quot;335562769&quot;:0}">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.​
<p data-ccp-props="{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335562764&quot;:2,&quot;335562765&quot;:1,&quot;335562766&quot;:2,&quot;335562767&quot;:0,&quot;335562768&quot;:2,&quot;335562769&quot;:0}">​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 &ndash; Bondi Vet.
&nbsp;
Topics discussed include:
<ul>
<li>Dr Alison's journey to becoming a veterinary acupuncturist.</li>
<li>The most common reason pet owners seek acupuncture treatment for their animals.&nbsp;</li>
<li>How does acupuncture work to reduce pain and inflammation?</li>
<li>What happens during a typical consultation with Dr Shen?</li>
<li>The frequency of treatment most patients require.</li>
<li>How early can pain reduction be noticed and what to expect after treatment?</li>
<li>Tools and techniques that pet parents can use at home to continue with their pet's management.</li>
<li>What modalities does Dr Alison offer to her patients and for which cases?</li>
<li>Dr Alison explains the difference between acupuncture and electroacupuncture.</li>
<li>How can veterinarians get certified in veterinary acupuncture?</li>
<li>Dr Alison's takeaway from today's episode.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Acupuncture certification courses:
<a href="https://www.ivas.org/">International Veterinary Acupuncture Society</a>
<a href="https://civtedu.org/">Home | College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies</a>
<a href="https://chiu.edu/courses/cva">Veterinary Acupuncture - Chi University</a>
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. <a href="https://pureanimalwellbeing.com/">PAW | Pure Animal Wellbeing</a>
Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">here:</a>
<a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u</a>
&nbsp;

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.​

Everything acupuncture and joint health with Dr Alison Shen

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?

 

Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM here:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u

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/

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:
<ul>
<li>How do we start providing better care to cats, especially with regards to their diet?</li>
<li>All diseases start in the gut, is this also true for cats?</li>
<li>In nature, what would cats self-select to eat and how does that compare to commercial diets?&nbsp;</li>
<li>Feeding management vs diet composition and their impact on diabetes mellitus.</li>
<li>The impact of low protein diets on cats.</li>
<li>What macronutrient ratio should we be aiming for in a cat's diet?</li>
<li>How do diet needs change from kittens to senior cats?</li>
<li>The role ultra-processed foods play in chronic disease.</li>
<li>Can diets help manage chronic enteropathies?</li>
<li>The importance of hydration in cats and does it change depending on their diets?</li>
<li>How does nutrition impact mental health disorders in cats?</li>
<li>What does a functional preventative protocol look like for a general practitioner?</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Sign up to the pureANIMAL eDM <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">here:</a>
<a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u">https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=lMwqDE_nw0GpT3Rwh45wwTpamnXk-KNLocqVxzPS4LpURTlIVzA5RURKRDlJRjRaWlE0TVZHOFNSMy4u</a>
Dr Matt's resources:
<a href="https://icatcare.org/resources/five-a-day_felix_full_report.pdf" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">https://icatcare.org/resources/five-a-day_felix_full_report.pdf</a>
<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6390407/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6390407/</a>
<a href="https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Make-the-Trip-to-the-Vet-Hospital-Fear-Free_EDITED.pdf" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Make-the-Trip-to-the-Vet-Hospital-Fear-Free_EDITED.pdf</a>
<a href="https://catinfo.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">https://catinfo.org/</a>

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

Neutering insights with Dr Nicole Rous

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