6 minute read
Pets
Just another day in the life of a vet...
By Lynn Broom Longmead Veterinary Practice
A DAY in small animal veterinary practice can be very varied. This can make each day exciting and unpredictable and can really test your knowledge, experience and emotions. The following was one day of consulting last year.
It involved seven vaccinations. One was a new puppy and we discussed his progress – and had a cuddle! – one we delayed due to recent vomiting, and three were healthy young dogs with no other issues noted following a full history and examination.
Behaviour issues are a growing part of our job for which we give basic advice and recommend a behaviourist to allow a plan of action to be formulated. Two of the vaccinations were for young canine brothers who were fighting, leading to recurrent injuries. Another dog presented with a noise phobia which required anti-anxiety medication – the owner had already tried desensitisation.
An old cat with weight loss and poor appetite was admitted for my colleagues to blood test and x-ray. I subsequently phoned the owner to discuss the results. Another elderly cat which was being treated for hyperthyroidism had a general check up to ensure his medication dose was still appropriate.
A cat presented with an open wound from a cat bite, a whippet came in with an open wound which required admitting for suturing and another whippet presented with a torn dew claw. A young bulldog presented with a suspected ongoing bone injury from a dog bite which was not healing and was booked in for exploration of the wound.
A boxer presented with a lump on his lip which we arranged to remove as boxers are quite prone to tumours. An older collie came in for an ultrasound scan due to ongoing urinary problems and I scanned him between consults because our surgical vet was busy. Surgery was booked so that removal of a bladder mass could be attempted.
Three dogs presented with digestive issues. I gave advice for a young dog with ongoing diarrhoea and recommended faeces collection for lab examination. An older dog presented for constipation but actually had an anal gland infection – unfortunately I ended up with gland contents and faeces all over me and had to change my clothes!
Two dogs presented with allergic skin disease. One, a young German Shepherd, had recurrent ear problems but could not be examined due to his temperament – we discussed appropriate treatment and future prevention.
Sadly euthanasia is often a part of our day and this day was no different. One little old dog presented with a skin problem but it was clear that he had multiple age-related conditions and, following a detailed discussion, his owner requested to put him to sleep. Later a 19-year-old cat was also brought in for euthanasia due to declining health and quality of life.
The day ended with two bearded dragons with some health issues. We had a long discussion over their husbandry and I made suggestions for some changes because most reptile problems are due to a sub-optimal environment. I also requested a faeces sample to check for parasites.
In between consults I answered queries raised by reception, phoned clients with lab results, helped out our new graduate with some complex cases, assisted the nurses with queries, phoned an external lab to discuss an unexpected lab result, phoned several clients regarding ongoing conditions to discuss altering medication and dispensed a number of repeat prescriptions.
The joy of a new puppy can be followed by the sadness of an end of life decision. The satisfaction of life-saving surgery can be followed by emptying anal glands. Each day can vary massively and I’m glad I chose this profession for the huge variety it provides and I recommend it if you want a challenging career.
Variety is the spice of life in small animal veterinary practice PHOTO: Mirko Sajkov/Pixabay
Companions at Peace Pet Cremation
Independent family run business offering a very personal, caring pet cremation service to bereaved pet owners. Collection Service Farewell Room Out of Hours Service provided Located in a rural countryside setting on the Somerset Dorset border
ENGLISH POINTER PUPS. Black/white. KC registered. Vaccinated/microchipped. Top quality. No health issues. Fabulous temperament. Biddable/sensitive. Pleasure to own. 07594673101
MUCKY PUPS DOG GROOMER Friars Moor Sturminster Newton Contact Gloria 07784 332682 muckypupsfrance@yahoo.com http://muckypups-bee-online.com 15 years experience in dog grooming
MISSING
MID DORSET BRANCH CATS PROTECTION Cats looking for new homes
Kevin, one. A very confident happy boy who needs to learn some boundaries Sausage, five months. Very sweet-natured little cat who loves being stroked
Fudge, four. Looking for an understanding home to call his own Schnitzel, five months. He wants attention but is not quite brave enough to come forward for it yet
Trigger, two. Gorgeous chunky chap who was found as a stray Bonnie, 14. A sweet chunky older lady who came to us through no fault of her own
LOST CATS If you have lost a cat, please contact us via our website, phone or Facebook.
Please make sure we have a contact phone number so we can get in touch with you quickly if needed.
n Black, small cat missing from Alder Hills area since 11 November.
FOUND CATS If you regularly see a cat in your garden or down your street that you don’t think has an owner, please give us a call – it might be a lost cat that could be reunited with its owner.
We are still offering neutering and micro-chipping for £5 in postcode areas DT10 and DT11, SP7 and SP8, and BH21. Phone: 01258 268695.
BEHAVIOUR TIPS
Tip #31 –puppy series: Fear periods
PUPPIES go through two fear periods in their first year or so.
The First Fear Imprint Period – between eight and 11 weeks – is a time when scary or traumatic experiences can have far-reaching effects.
This period coincides both with the Socialisation Period and also with most puppies going to their new homes.
It is important to try to avoid anything which is likely to be very traumatic, such as being left alone all night in a strange place on his first few nights away from his litter-mates.
Likewise, early exposure to the world at this time – which is vital – needs to be planned carefully to avoid frightening experiences.
The second period occurs between six and 14 months – although it is likely to cycle ‘on and off’ in this time.
Like the first period, scary experiences can have a lasting effect on the puppy, and owners will often see their previously confident pup suddenly showing fear and reactivity toward things he has not previously feared.
It is important for owners to protect pup from frightening experiences, and to continue to build positive associations with everyday situations and interactions – at the their puppy’s own pace. n Helen Taylor BSc(Hons) ADipCBM; certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB); ABTC register of Clinical Animal Behaviourists and Animal Training Instructors; full member APBC & APDT (881); phone: 07951 985193; help@helentaylordorset.co.uk; www. helentaylordorset.co.uk
MID DORSET CATS PROTECTION
Loving homes needed for cats and kittens in our care.
