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Articles by Dr. Ellen McBryde
PET TALK: A Day in the Life of a Vet
Wednesday 10 November 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
Most of us don’t know much about what goes on behind-the-scenes at a veterinary clinic. We see puppies and kittens, old pets on their last legs, and everything in between - all on a daily basis. Dr Ellen McBryde takes you through a day in the life of a veterinarian in Rarotonga.
PET TALK: Pets and your mental health
Wednesday 27 October 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
As we head into Movember and shine a light on men’s health, in particular mental health, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to look into the effects our pets have on our overall health and well-being.
PET TALK: What should you be looking for
Wednesday 13 October 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
Just this week, we’ve had two cats brought into the vet clinic with blocked bladders. This is a serious emergency, almost always affecting male cats. Dr Ellen McBryde discusses what you should be looking out for, as well as steps you can take at home to help prevent this condition.
Eat, Sleep, Play, Repeat.
Wednesday 29 September 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
You’ve decided to adopt a puppy - so, what next? Ensuring your puppy’s first few weeks in its new home are as positive as possible, is critical to them growing up calm, confident, and open to new people and experiences. Dr Ellen McBryde looks at some key training tips to help you give your pup a great start in life.
PET TALK: Puna Desexing Clinics – what you need to know
Wednesday 15 September 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
Te Are Manu, in conjunction with the Dog Registration and Animal Control Committee (DR-ACC), will be hosting a desexing Clinic in each puna. This is all part of a wider plan to manage the ‘dog problem’ in Rarotonga, through sustainable dog population control and management. Dr Ellen McBryde explains.
PETTALK: No Bones About It
Wednesday 1 September 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion, Pet Talk
Broken bones are an unfortunate consequence of a free-roaming dog population. But not all breaks are equal. There are many factors that affect bone healing, which can mean our treatment options are sometimes limited. Dr Ellen McBryde explains.
PETTALK: Age is just a number
Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Just like people, our pets require special care and attention as they enter their twilight years.
PET TALK: Something fishy
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Opinion
Fish poisoning is the most common cause of poisoning seen in dogs and cats here in Rarotonga. Fortunately, it can often be managed at home and is rarely fatal.
OPINION: The Five Freedoms - addressing animal welfare
Wednesday 21 July 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
The ‘Five Freedoms’ have formed the basis for animal welfare standards the world over since the 1960s. So what are the ‘Five Freedoms’? And how can they help us to have a positive impact on the animals in our care? Dr Ellen McBryde explains.
PET TALK: Do your part, get your pet desexed
Wednesday 7 July 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Rarotonga’s roaming dogs are much loved by visitors and locals alike, but in their current numbers they’re becoming a nuisance and a hazard. To tackle this problem, Dr Ellen McBryde says we need to take responsibility for our pets and have them de-sexed to help control the island’s out-of-control dog and cat population.
PET TALK: The science behind snoozing cats
Wednesday 23 June 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
I often feel jealous when I see a cat sleeping – why can’t I nap that often? Cats really are living their best lives, but why do they sleep so much? Dr Ellen McBryde explains.
OPINION: Pet Talk: Heartworm, the silent killer
Wednesday 9 June 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Heartworm disease is a major health issue for dogs in the Cook Islands, but many pet owners remain unaware of its existence and severity. Dr Ellen McBryde explains.
OPINION: Cats gone wild
Wednesday 26 May 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
This week, Te Are Manu team, Aitutaki Community Cat Programme, and Aitutaki Animal Rescue are running a cat desexing programme in Aitutaki. In her fortnightly column, Dr Ellen McBryde explains why are initiatives like this so important.
OPINION: When dogs bite
Wednesday 12 May 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
No surprises here – dog bite wounds are one of the most common reasons pet owners contact the vet clinic. But why do dogs bite? And what can we do about it? By Dr Ellen McBryde of Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.
PET TALK: To spay or not to spay
Wednesday 28 April 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Desexing (a.k.a. spaying, neutering, fixing, sterilising, castrating) has the obvious benefit of population control by reducing unwanted or unnecessary pregnancies, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Dr Ellen McBryde of Te Are Manu Veterinary Clinic discusses why we desex our dogs and cats.
PET TALK: An itch to scratch
Wednesday 14 April 2021 | Written by Dr. Ellen McBryde | Published in Editorials, Opinion
Has your pet got an itch to scratch? Dr Ellen McBryde, the lead veterinarian at Te Are Manu Charity Vet Clinic, has the answers to your problem.
