Week 4

Day 17: Helped restrain for IV catheters and blood collection. Assisted DVM in consult for a physical exam of a Pomeranian experiencing coughing spells. Recovered patients coming out of anesthesia, prepped for dentals and surgeries, and create packs.

Day 18: My first ever tick paralysis case! DLH feline presenting with a wobbly gait, muscle fasciculations, as well as increased salivation. No abnormal changes noted on TPR. Physical exam revealed a tick sized reddened lesion underneath the chin, with no live specimens seen. Patient was then started on 8 mL (diluted) TAS Tick Anti-Serum over the course of an hour, followed by a full body shave to look for any other ticks. Drew blood to check for any abnormalities with none found. Patient received spot tick treatment on the scapula area and discharged. 

Day 19: Monitored anesthesia and recovery of a Staffy in for a spay (+tattooed ears to signify confirmation of spay). Assisted in a cesarean of a French Bulldog puppy. Watched a soft palate surgery on a French Bulldog as well as an MPL surgery on a Miniature Fox Terrier. Folded pack, pouches, and assisted in cleaning for the rest of the day :).

Day 20: Scrubbed in to help assist in surgery for a pedicle tear on a Labrador (in for a spay), had persistent bleeding but was eventually tied off. Slight dribbles of blood noted while cleaning incision site, but no further bleeding noted during recovery. Patient active and bright at discharge.

Day 21: Monitored anesthesia for a Great Dane lumpectomy of a growth near the rectum, fine needle aspirate taken with no abnormalities seen. Assisted in radiographing right hind leg of a Cattle Dog which presented non-weightbearing, and with a slight limp. Views of left and right showcased bilateral arthritis and a possible cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Radiographs forwarded to orthopedic surgeon for second opinion. 

Day 22: Short day; assisted DVM and vet nurses with a French Bulldog AI. Breeder came in with two males to combine sperm for a mixed litter. DVM collected samples, looked at sperm morphology (highly motile!), and placed sperm in uterus of female. To be repeated again on Monday.

What did you enjoy in the week and why?

I really enjoyed having the ability to work on my first tick paralysis case. Seeing the symptoms, and being able to further my understanding through the practiced knowledge of the vet nurse and DVM was extremely valuable and enjoyable!

What were your achievements and why?

My achievement this week was getting blood from the jugular of a cat! Though superficial and small, I used the techniques I learnt from working with birds; lining up my needle to the vein and making small adjustments helped me succeed!

What were your challenges and why?

The main challenge I faced this week was being able to confidently balance the anesthesia of patients. Being able to gauge where to place the ISO when the patient is stable, but still maintain a surgical plane that does not disrupt the procedure. 

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

The skill I will be working on is being more comfortable with anesthetic monitoring. I will accomplish this by exposing myself to it as much as possible, asking questions, and understanding the "normals" of each patient.

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

 Tick Anti-Serum needs to be diluted on a 1:1 ratio with an IV fluid and delivered over a longer course due to its strong cardiovascular effects. Due to this, patients could only truly get the anti-serum once.