Summer 2012--St. Francis Veterinary Clinic Visit #7: Surgery Day

Mondays are usually Dr. J's surgery days, so that's pretty much what my whole day was yesterday. I didn't go on Wednesday like usual because Dr. J is not working that day. But a shortened day is better than no day at all, so I shadowed her yesterday instead.

Anyway, there were no really exciting surgeries. Dr. J and Dr. N were contemplating a mass removal surgery, but the ultrasonographer was due to come soon, so they didn't want to operate if the supposed mass turned out to be nothing at all. I watched a couple of dog spays followed by a cat dental. I must say that the cat dental was the most interesting of the three because Dr. J instructed me a bit more fully on the process of looking at dental x-rays and a tooth chart and telling which teeth need to be extracted and which are fine. Dr. J says she finds the chart a bit confusing at times, so she writes the number of the tooth and its name on a piece of scratch paper so that she doesn't need to keep referencing the computer while she is performing the extractions. Basically, the top set of teeth are numbered in the 100s and 200s, while the bottom set are numbered in the 300s and 400s. For dogs, starting at the center of the teeth, right up front, the right upper side is numbered 101-110, while the left upper side is numbered 201-210. Similarly, the right lower side is numbered 301-311, while the left lower side is numbered 401-411. Cats are pretty close to dogs, but the numbers only go to 109, 209, 309, and 409, respectively. I actually like the extraction part of dentals (not that I like it when animals need teeth removed, but I do like them to feel better) because it is much more interesting than just shooting pictures or cleaning the teeth. I guess I also like to examine the radiographs and see what the doctors are seeing (and why).

As usual, I helped quite a bit with surgery, filling out the anesthesia sheet, taking temperatures, assisting with restraint, and even getting to give an IM injection under the supervision of one of the technicians. I learned that with most IM injections, especially those requiring a short needle, the needle needs to go straight into the muscle, not at an angle as it can with subcutaneous injections. There really is a technique, a rhyme and reason, for everything in veterinary medicine (as I'm sure is true with most things in life).

Once again, I got to spend some time with my kitty friends. Except for Odie. I scratched his head a bit when I first walked in, but I didn't see him the rest of the day. I'm sure next time will be better.

I'm really enjoying having two full sets of scrubs to use when I shadow. I always felt a little out of place, like I wasn't adhering to the dress code, when I would wear just scrub pants and a simple top. I got kind of a wake-up call when I shadowed at the emergency clinic that a scrub top is really an indispensable thing when spending time in veterinary clinics. Even though it is not really required at St. Francis, I do feel more official and more in line with my part when I wear my scrub outfit.

I finished out my day by making a few more puppy packs. I was going to try to make some kitty packs, too, but Dr. J was ready to go, and since she is my gracious ride each week, I thought it wise to acquiesce.

So, even though nothing to far out of the ordinary happened, it was still a profitable and useful day at the clinic. I will shadow again next week on my regular day, Wednesday. It has recently come to my attention that other pre-vet students are reading my blog! I am flattered beyond belief! I encourage any of you out there to share your experiences in the comments section. And don't forget to tell your pre-vet friends about the blog so they can read it, too, and give their input. I really want this to be about education and mutually helping each other on the path to veterinary school, so don't be shy to post anything that is on your mind. Suggestions are always welcome!