Episode 1 - ”Mr Flea”

In Episode One, Sue and John interview Mr Flea - the brilliant Ian Wright. Ian is a practising Veterinary surgeon and co-owner of the Mount Veterinary Practice in Fleetwood. He has a Master’s degree in Veterinary Parasitology, is head of the European Scientific Counsel of Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK & Ireland and guideline director for ESCCAP Europe.

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SHOW NOTES

Intro - Mr Flea (00:00)

In the very first skinflint podcast we look at fleas, with the help of Ian Wright BVMS BSc MSc MRCVS expert in parasitology and who the team dub ‘Mr Flea’.

First up we meet the team, european specialist dermatologist Sue Paterson MA VetMB DVD DipECVD FRCVS, Manager of the veterinary nursing dermatology group John Redbond RVN and Paul Heasman the producer of the podcast and director of CPD platform e-Learning.vet

Chapter 1, ESCCAP (03:50)

We meet Ian and kick off the conversation learning about the work Ian does with ESCCAP (European Scientific Council Companion Animal Parasites). We hear about how they are a body of parasitologists around the UK and Europe who advise Vets, nurses and owners on parasites. https://www.esccap.org/

Chapter 2, Cat Flea (07:53)

We then start by talking about the cat flea, the most common flea seen on cats and dogs learning about how they love central heated homes. Then we look at how fleas affect different animals differently and even affect people. Ian shows us the ways they can be affected including allergy, disease transmission and general irritation and even fatal anaemia in extreme cases with kittens and puppies. Sue points out that sometimes fleas get forgotten when looking at skin disease and Ian shows how there is still education needed around fleas, especially as there is still a stigma amongst pet owners around the idea of their pets being dirty if they have fleas.

We move on to look at the many different options available to Vets and owners for flea treatments. Ian shows the best treatment is the one suited for an individual owner and pet, with such considerations as swimming and shampooing.

Chapter 3 – Vet practices (18:32)

Sue asks if we should, given the variety and need to choose free control around the individuals needs, always be buying these from the veterinary practice and Ian agrees. He shows how this is necessary for the best advice and the reduction of environmental contamination *More on this in SkinFlint epiode 2!

Ian stresses that trained advice is key in selection of appropriate flea treatment.

We then touch on those products which are more natural/herbal alternatives and Iain shows the lack of evidence behind these can be very dangerous and so they can’t be recommended.

Chapter 4 – Speed Of Kill (23:37)

We wrap up by talking about speed of kill and Iain shows how important this is, demonstrating that 16 to 24 hours is very important as this is when fleas start laying eggs; demonstrating speed of care is paramount when selecting treatment, with mode of action (type of flea treatment) the other important factor to be considered as well.

Outro – What flea would you be? (26:24)

We close the podcast, taking the time to ask you are pressing dermatology, flea related question.