Dr Wendy Baltzer is a board certified veterinary surgeon and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. She has worked around the world, and is currently the Associate Professor and head of surgery at the University of Sydney Veterinary School.

Dr Baltzer is passionate about teaching veterinary students, borne from an inspiring mentor she connected with in the third year of her DVM.

Topics discussed include:

• The main things a pet parent should consider when thinking about their pet’s joint health.
• Dr Wendy reveals the best time to start setting a puppy’s joint up for success.
• What impact does the improving their environment have on genetic predisposition?
• The best steps to help predict if your puppy is likely to develop join issues.
• Dr Baltzer talks about the latest research on the best nutrition for puppies at risk of joint disease.
• The recommended calcium to phosphorus ratio in food and the appropriate caloric intake to control growth rate.
• What supplements to use and not to use especially for large breed dogs.
• Wendy discusses the effect that early desexing can have on joints.
• The best way to exercise at risk breeds and what to avoid.
• Dr Wendy's top 3 tips to keep joints healthy.

References:

• Smith GK, Paster ER, Powers MY, Lawler DF, Biery DN, Shofer FS, et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(5):690-3.
• Schoenmakers I, Hazewinkel HA, Voorhout G, Carlson CS, Richardson D. Effects of diets with different calcium and phosphorus contents on the skeletal development and blood chemistry of growing great danes. Vet Rec. 2000;147(23):652-60
• Fries CL, Remedios AM. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia: a review. Can Vet J. 1995;36(8):494-502