Amphibians are uncommon veterinary patients, partly thanks to restrictions on keeping them in certain areas, but also due to an overall decline in frog numbers worldwide. Even so, Stephen Cutter, at the Ark Animal Hospital in Palmerston, treats a handful of frogs every year. “Frogs are still common in NT as chytrid fungus doesn’t seem […]
Continue ReadingVenom from vampire bats and other creatures is providing the basis for medical breakthroughs following the discovery of various ways bats can prevent blood clots. The University of Queensland’s Professor Bryan Fry is leading an international team who have discovered new types of anticoagulants and new compounds that open arteries to assist blood flow. Fry […]
Continue ReadingHere is a scene I recall from a wildlife documentary. It involved two groups of chimpanzees living side by side in Africa which are sometimes drawn into conflict. Every now and again a chimp is attacked by the other group and injured or even killed. On one occasion, a female chimpanzee unluckily became separated […]
Continue ReadingCastration involves the removal of the testes, and is performed to improve product quality and management of male calves. The procedure has been proven to cause significant pain and stress, and despite several attempts to reduce the impact of castration on animal welfare, there has yet to be a practical and affordable option made available […]
Continue ReadingA proposed cap on tax-deductions for work related self-education expenses has been delayed until 2015 due to a successful campaign waged by an alliance of professional organisations including the Australian Veterinary Association. The Federal Government announced the new changes, to come into effect on July 1, 2014, prior to any consultation in April this year. […]
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