Veterinary dermatology and antimicrobial resistance with Dr Meng Siak - a podcast by Pure Animal

Dr Meng Siak is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. He studied at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, then did an internship in veterinary dermatology, before completing his residency at Murdoch.

Meng has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated skin and ear diseases including allergies, immune mediated skin diseases and chronic ear disease.

Topics include:

• What led Meng Siak to become a veterinary dermatologist and what his job entails.


• Managing complicated skin cases involving antibiotic resistant bacteria.


• The importance of treating the skin barrier to reduce penetration of skin allergens.


• Intradermal skin testing vs serology testing when identifying allergens. Dr Siak explains the indications for both of these tests.


• Not all skin bacterial infections are treated in the same way. When should veterinarians use topical vs oral antimicrobial therapy.


• How long should infections be treated for and why follow up checks are essential.


• Meng explains which antibiotics we should be using and why.


• What if the bacteria causing the infection are resistant to everything and what causes them to become resistant?


• Probiotics and the skin microbiome.


• Dr Siak shares the 2 key points to keep in mind to prevent microbial resistance.


• Getting better compliance from pet owners when it comes to treating skin disease.

You can find Meng Siak at Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Specialty (WAVES), www.wavets.com.au or on their facebook page. Appointments are by referral only from your local veterinarian.

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