Week 1

 My top 3 goals I wanted to highlight during this placement was to assist in the treatment of a variety of animals, practice modified radiology techniques with patients, as well as have the opportunity to draw blood!

Day 1: 

I spent the majority of my day in the bird ward assisting with cage cleanings while the birds were weighed and given medications. I was able to witness how oral medications were administered (avoid the trachea!), the physiological signs of Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome in many of the patients, and how to safely catch birds. 

In the afternoon, I was able to move to the triage tables and watch how anesthesia was done on koalas. Additionally, I was able to assist the veterinary nurse with the x-rays of a brown/dilute Torresian crow suffering from sticky melena. 

Day 2: 

Continued in the bird ward as well as the reptile ward for the morning, helping with cage cleanings and set-up. I was also able to witness a meerkat under gas anesthesia brought in for radiographs. Assisting a veterinary nurse with the body disposals of 3 birds from the same nest after their euthanasia (unfortunately missed their diagnosis prior). 

Day 3:

On day three I was placed in nursery where many young birds, joeys, and bats reside. I helped clean enclosures and was able to assist in the feeding of the chicks and possums. I was also able to restrain a Ball Python for an injectable anesthetic in order to facilitate an enema to ease its constipation. 

In the afternoon, I was placed in the turtle and sea snake rehab facility to clean tanks as well as prepare food for the 5 turtles in the facility.

Day 4: 

On this day I was placed in the ICU where I was tasked with cleaning koala and possum enclosures. Witnessing how the nurses check IV catheters on patients attached to fluids day-to-day, with a particular koala being referred back to the triage team due to the fluid going subcutaneous. 

Additionally, I was also given the task to prepare possum food for the next day for the 6 possums currently housed in the ICU.

Day 5: 

Today, I was placed in the koala wards for cleaning. Refreshing their eucalyptus leaves and water, cleaning the floors, and assisting with fecal counts to check for adequate gut movement. 

In the afternoon, I was tasked to clean the surgical theatre after a morning spay of a koala. I also assisted with gathering fresh greenery for the ICU ward possums and koalas, as well as setting up a trail camera to trap a koala for its release back in the wild. 

What did you enjoy in the week and why?

- What I enjoyed this week was having the opportunity to help with the radiographs of the Torresian crow. It helped solidify the knowledge of modified radiography I learnt through text, and allowed me to witness it used in a real life scenario. 

What were your achievements and why?

- My achievement this week was being able to successfully restrain the bottom half of a ball python for anesthesia. As someone who still struggles with the fear of snakes, this opportunity helped increase my confidence in restraining snakes in the future!

What were your challenges and why?

- The main challenge I faced this week was the lack of opportunities I had with hands-on experience with the animals. In addition to the busyness of the hospital rendering many of the vets unable to answer questions, making my understanding of animal needs, and why they are on certain treatments a bit blurry. 

What skills will you be focusing on (continued or next)?  What are your steps for succeeding in these skills?

- The skills I wish to be focusing on next week will hopefully be hands-on clinical care of patients whether it may be in triage or in the wards. I hope to succeed in these skills by communicating with the vets and vet nurses, watching their work carefully, and translating their teachings and skills onto the patients I will treat.

What are some tips and tricks you learned during the week?

- When giving oral medications to birds, twist your syringe as you exit to prevent aspiration, and slot the syringe inside their beak and slide out to avoid them from accidentally closing their beak on it!