Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Signs of Success

One of the most rewarding moments as a veterinarian is to hear back from a client after you treat their senior pet's ailment, with news that "He is frolicking again!" They had avoided going to the vet for years because they were worried what the diagnosis would be. Never be afraid to seek help for your pet, that's what we're here for.

Friday, August 10, 2012

What I Learned Today

I must still be doing this for the right reasons. At 7pm on Friday night, I was still at work writing sympathy cards for clients whose pets I'd euthanized this week. I've earned my 3 day weekend.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Behaviour Modification

I have been very fortunate to collaborate with Sarah of Bad Dogs Gone Good Dog Training Services. I have referred clients who needed help with their dogs and the results have been outstanding. In some cases, we can combine behaviour therapy with behaviour modifying drugs to achieve our goals. My own personal dogs love working as decoy dogs at Breakfast Club, and now react to the sound of reactive dogs by looking at me for a reward. Talk about operant conditioning!

Friday, August 03, 2012

Heat Stroke

Last night I saw my first ever case of heat stroke, which I believe came about from underlying laryngeal paralysis. We managed to cool the dog from over 42 degrees Celsius using a cool examining table, wet towels and a fan. He was also placed on oxygen and IV fluids. We stopped when he reached 39.6 degrees, to avoid hypothermia, and his body was able to continue cooling back to normal temperature (38.6). For a patient who came in literally dying, it was a great feeling to be able to save him and send him home to his family.