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, [email protected] or 0414 588 586.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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