Reflection Part 4 {Most Memorable Patients}

Reflection Part 4--Most Memorable Patients

Last time I shared Part 3 of the Reflections series (read part 1 and part 2 here) which ended with a photo of the young Bengal tiger I was fortunate enough to work with during my time at UF. He was certainly one of my most memorable cases for just being what he was. How many people get to work with tigers? I consider myself truly lucky to have had so many amazing experiences. I'd like to share a few more from University of FL Vet School:

There was the pet cougar(I do not recommend keeping wild animals as pets!!) who stayed in ICU overnight. She was under a constant sedative IV drip for pain and to keep her from eating us. Apparently she was someone's pet and actually slept in bed with the owner. Due to the fact that she was a cougar she stayed under sedation and closely monitored for her safety (and ours). The coolest thing about working with the big cats (even though this one was sedated and the tiger was essentially a baby and used to human interaction) is that they are exactly like house cats.

They are playful, vindictive, sweet, true hunters, and you really want to stay on their good side! The tongues of tiger and cougar felt just like one from a house cat. They are beautiful and dangerous animals. The slightly frightening part of this case was that the wildlife department at the university came in to transfer her to us and update us on her case also brought a dart gun that we were to use in case the cougar awoke unexpectedly. They explained how to use it, locked the syringe/darts in our controlled substance machine, and left us for the night. It went perfectly--what a cool experience!

I briefly assisted cleaning and medicating a great horned owl's wing injury. I applied the medication as the student gently restrained the owl. A deer was brought in by two young men after they saw her injured on the side of the road. They dropped her off with wildlife emergency and went back to look for her fawn while we examined her. Wildlife department requested help from ICU and I got to go down there to help sedate the doe and place an IV catheter.

We had a wallaby hospitalized in ICU for a few days. That was really interesting as they were using canine plasma and several other infusions. He was pretty sick initially but when he was more aware he was just very shy. We had to do blood work on him frequently and monitor his vitals. He had surgery so we were trying to keep his temperature up which is why he is covered up with blankets and a warm air heater. 

Finally one of the most touching cases was a middle aged couple who were traveling through Florida  saw a large young dog get hit by two different cars (who didn't bother to stop). They stopped and were able to carefully lift him and carry him to their car. He ended up at UF on emergency and have fractured pelvis as well as a few other fractures in addition to head trauma. He needed thousands of dollars in surgery and care. The couple had fallen in love with the sweet pup and decided to pay for his treatment AND adopt him. Such a great ending to a sad beginning! 

It's cases like this one that makes my job so worth all the sad and frustrating times. 

On another note: we got back from Denver, CO last week and had SUCH an amazing time! I definitely want to go back (I'd love to move there!!) to visit--it was amazing to see all my close friends. <3 Next post I will share our trip to Colorado :)

Reflection—Part 2

I’ve been awful about blogging and writing anything lately. However, I have been keeping a notebook/journal/doodle thing. I jot down ideas, thoughts, drawings, whatever. I date each page when I start a new one. I keep changing up the color pen to keep me feeling creative. Anyway, if you remember the last post I did—about the beginning of my career in veterinary medicine. I will pick up right after Part 1.

2005--2007

There were so many other things that happened, but that was the only death on my watch. My friend Myke and I could make you laugh and cringe in disgust at some of the things we experienced. I heard other stories later from staff that remained after I left—they didn’t stay long. I try not to dwell on it much, its quite upsetting. I was already stressed out from working for Dr. D so when he cut my hours, I handed him my resignation letter—effective immediately. I already was on the job search and had an offer as a personal assistant to a couple of realtors. Just as I was starting the new job my friend and I had a falling out and I moved into a duplex with some friends. I started dating one of my roommates—as I had a crush on him before I moved in. I was on the rebound after dating one guy on and off for several years—and he was there for me. After a long time of searching and applying I finally landed a job at a local veterinary clinic. (I actually had a job interview to work for Dixie Stampede as a rider but I wasn’t able to get a ride out there *sad times*)

I worked at the clinic for about 6 weeks. I was having trouble sleeping and my boyfriend (at the time) had a friend that was over often with a drug problem—he would come and crash at our place after arguing with his fiancé (not that we didn’t get a little wild back then). When I was hired I was told they would teach me to do the things I didn’t know. At my first review I scored a D because I wasn’t excelling as they had expected. I told them I wasn’t being trained. Finally one day I was called by the manager. She stated that she was going to talk to me that day but I wasn’t there (it was my day off). She said I didn’t seem happy and it wasn’t working out so if I could please come by tomorrow to drop off my key and pick up my final check. I was crushed. That’s the first time and only time I’ve ever been fired. I was so devastated—I thought that maybe this wasn’t for me. I took a job at the local publix as cashier. I figured what the hell, might as well earn some money while looking for a better job or just work there while I went to school.

I didn’t last long. I grew tired of staying hours after my scheduled time. Tired of the monotonous scanning of barcodes and weighing vegetables. So very tired of being exhausted every week and paychecks that weren’t worth it. I found a job for the local specialty clinic on careerbuilder.com and literally like 15 minutes after applying I received a call from the hospital manager. After two interviews (one was a working interview) I was hired as Vet Assistant/Treatment Tech. I originally applied for position of tech but after speaking with the manager I told her I wasn’t comfortable doing the job without training—but once trained I knew I could. They hired me with the knowledge that they could use my practically anywhere.  And they did. I was used the most as “cat whisperer”, as I was really good at restraining and calming pets, particularly cats. This was especially important during chemotherapy as movement could cause the injection to come out of the vein. I often helped in chemotherapy with our patients, in ultrasound restraining patients, I was able to encourage sick cats and dogs to eat, I did treatments while the other techs were busy in procedures, I took appointments a few times, but the most interesting part was when they asked me to take over physical therapy once a week.

Every friday I did physical therapy exercises with a few dogs and then the underwater treadmill. It was amazing to watch animals rebuild strength or maintain severe arthritis. The best part was Lucky (I think that was his name). He was a little dachshund that was unable to walk when I started working with him. The most special thing about him was he exclusively saw me. The other patients sometimes came on friday when they couldn’t make their regular visit or at least they had already been evaluated by the physical therapy assistant (all of our instructions came from the orthopedic surgeons, there wasn’t an actual physical therapist). So Lucky came only once a week and it was recommended at least twice a week for results. He came in unable to walk and I watched him go from needing total assistance to being able to support himself and almost walk completely unaided. It was absolutely amazing.

I worked there for almost 2 years and learned so much. We had many joyful times and many heartbreaks. That’s the curse of working with animals. We will almost always outlive our pets. It was so refreshing to finally be somewhere that had the same medical ethics as me and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. They thanked each of us everyday and I loved working there. I only left because I was finally accepted into University of Florida and my dream of becoming a veterinarian had been delayed too long already (the story of school is also an epic one, I’ve had one hell of a time just trying to work on my bachelors. That will be for another time).

This photo is Lucky and I our last day together. It sucked because he didn’t care for the person taking over my job. I have several other photos from my last day. Special patients that were still hanging in there, goofy coworkers, and all the doctors. I remember him the most because he was MY patient. I used to have video of him walking without support for several steps. Just amazing.

The next step of my journey was that of acceptance into the school I had been dreaming/planning to attend since I was a little girl. Once I was accepted and knew I would be moving up there I informed the doctors at the specialty hospital and they told me to apply to the vet school. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified but I was assured that I could do it and I would be great. I applied for any veterinary technician position within the small animal hospital but I would work in large animal if trained. I went up for my interview and to apartment search. The interview was a success and I was offered a job working the middle shift (without veterinarian supervision—except by phone call or if they came in) in the small animal ICU and critical care. The job was a huge promotion for me and came with a nice raise from my current salary. I decided to room with a friend for a few months before deciding on my own place up there. A month or so before the move my boyfriend and I broke up and I ended up moving in with friends for those few weeks—I also dated a few people and found the guy I’m dating now (and have been for almost 6 years).

This is the Spring of 2007 and I am about 22 years old. I have been in veterinary medicine for approximately 8 years. The fun has just begun.

Reflection-- Part 1

Last week Jen was down in St. Pete visiting with family and she invited me to come out to a local bar for a mini meet up. David and I drove down from Orlando area after I got off work. It was awesome finally meeting and getting to chat. Jen, myself, my boyfriend David, a reader Tom, and Anwar (he was working there) got to meet. She asked me a few questions about my career as a vet tech and it inspired me to reflect on some of the things I’ve experienced so far in veterinary medicine.

Please know that my situation isn’t typical. I’m 27 years old (my birthday is in July) and I have been working in veterinary medicine for almost 14 years. I started volunteering at my family pet’s veterinary clinic when I was about 12 years old. My family told me that I always wanted to be a vet since I knew what one was. My mom wanted me to get some experience so I would have an advantage over other students so she asked if I could volunteer. I was always mature for my age so at 12 they let me walk the dogs in the kennel and even watch surgery. I volunteered every summer after that.

1999--2003

I remember when I was 14 and got the call from Doc (Dr. S)—she asked me if I would like to have a job! I was ecstatic. I had already been working for a year on the weekends with the company that offered clowns, face painting, balloons, pony, and horse rides. For an animal lover I was in heaven. I also loved being able to be out of the house weekday and weekends as it was a more legitimate reason than hanging out with friends or boyfriends. I worked a few hours every afternoon after school and in the summer I worked more. When I was old enough to work full time I did.  I worked there until the summer after I graduated from high school.  I started in the kennel, began assisting in surgery, and then began educating clients about pet care, vaccinations, preventatives. I learned to draw blood, place catheters, clean teeth, take radiographs and so much more. I learned a strong sense of medical ethics and standards—Dr. S was an amazing and passionate vet who clearly loved her profession. I learned that we are in this for the animals and people who love them. I experienced life and death, shared happiness and sadness with clients. I loved spending time at the little clinic. The vet had several dogs that I got to take care of as if there were my own. One dog named Bob was my favorite—when I was 17 my parents went to NJ to visit family and I stayed home because I needed to work, Bob came and stayed with me for the week so I had some protection. He slept on my bed with me and I was sad when I had to return him but I would see him at work everyday. The year I left for college Bob was sick and even though I no longer worked there Dr. S called me. He ended up having stomach cancer and treatment would have only prolonged the inevitable and would have been tough for him. Dr. S decided it was kindest to euthanize him and asked if I would like to be there. I drove out to her home and hugged him and kissed  his nose. He was one of the best dogs I’ve ever known. He had been there with me through break ups, issues at home, happy times, and it I could have taken him with me to college I would have. I held his paw as we cried and gave him the injection. He fell asleep and just didn’t wake up. I had a mixed CD in the car that afternoon and now anytime I hear Hands Down by Dashboard Confessional or the theme song from Donnie Darko I relive those feelings to a minor degree. Even now there’s a knot in my throat and I’m beginning to feel sad.

2003--2005

When I moved to UCF area for college I thought I would just get a job at a restaurant but I hated the food industry and missed working with animals. I searched for a job at a vet clinic but at only 18 no one wanted to hire me. I had almost 5 years of experience but no one would give me a chance because I looked so young. I finally was offered a position bathing dogs at a vet clinic. I ended up taking a big pay cut but I wanted to work with animals.  I should have known from the beginning that this wasn’t a good environment but it was the only place in town that would give me a chance. Within weeks of starting I became head technician as the entire staff quit. The doctor had a horrible bedside manner with clients and didn’t really appear to like animals. He constantly made odd demeaning or vaguely (sometimes not so vaguely) sexual comments to the staff. I was young and determined to make a name for myself in veterinary medicine. I considered it a speed bump in my journey—I knew I wouldn’t be there long. The only saving grace were the few good people that filtered through the clinic for employment and one beautiful but neglected bird. Raspy or Rasputin was a beautiful, sweet, and free spirited Catalina macaw. He was owned by Dr. D but he began  living at the clinic shortly after I started working there. No one liked him. He was loud and aggressive. I was determined that he just needed some love. Seriously that’s all he wanted. I started with a leather glove so in case he did decide to attack me but soon I was able to hold him on my arm without concern and eventually he would sit on shoulder and nuzzle my cheek. I feel such regret to this day that he is still there, but what could I do? He wasn’t mine, I couldn’t very well steal him (as much as I wanted to). He was Dr. D’s only pet (which is so freaking weird) and only became so because his previous owner couldn’t pay the bill and decided to abandon Raspy. I miss him to this day. I have a feather of his that I always kept. He probably wouldn’t know me now, but if there was a way to adopt him I would.

I was only there for about a year and a half but it was long enough. The hospital had such a high turn over rate and the staff that was there when I started warned me. I should have quit after I lost my first patient. I was doing a dental cleaning on a sweet golden retriever whose owner would tip us every time she had a bath and every major holiday she would give us each a gift card to borders. Her name was Sunny. I noticed that her she stopped breathing and her color wasn’t good. I called the doctor and other staff. He didn’t give us any instructions. Thankfully the other tech who had returned (she was there when I first started) to work knew CPR from her assistant classes and told me what to do. We didn’t have an airway because at this particular clinic they did not intubate (my previous clinic we always intubated!)—the only thing Dr. D tried to do was intubate Sunny. When he was unable he just stood there watching us. L gave Sunny chest compressions while I gave her breaths. (Knowing what I know now—Dr. D did not tell us to give her any epinephrine or atropine or anything! I don’t know why.) Sunny’s color began to turn pink—we were getting her back--but suddenly I guess Dr. D had decided that we tried long enough when he heard the front door chime. He told L she needed to go up front and take care of the customers. He told us we needed to stop CPR. That dog should not have died. When I was sure she was gone I went up front and sobbed in L’s arms. I came to that hospital with higher medical and ethical standards than the owner—in 5 years I never lost a patient, but it wasn’t the fact that we lost a life. What bothered me most was that it he didn’t seem to care. What I experienced was awful but what I heard after I left was even worse. If you ever questioned Dr. D he would always counter that we didn’t go to vet school so what did we know. Real mature.

Ha. I stayed there too long.

Next up is my second short hiatus from veterinary medicine. I left the profession three times for just a few weeks or months at a time and kept trying other things but nothing was as satisfying. At this point we are about 6 years into my career—I’m about 20 years old here.

Help Save Cali

While I was on facebook I saw that a friend that I used to work with at University of Florida--Veterinary Medical Center (ICU department) had posted about a patient that she had fallen in love with. Her name was Cali and she was a young (about 3 yrs.) chocolate lab that has been bitten in the face by a Diamondback Rattlesnake in their yard. Her owners had rushed her to the emergency vet but by morning her face was completely swollen. During the drive to University of FL her condition began to worsen. When she finally arrived at UF her swollen face had almost doubled in size. The amazing ICU team immediately began to work on her. Throughout her stay there everyone who met her has fallen in love with her. My friend even wrote that Cali gave her a kiss last night which was impossible when she arrived due to her swelling. Despite her condition and pain this dog has continued to show love and affection to all of her caretakers. Unfortunately her owners at their limit as they have already spent several thousands on her vet care. However, since she is improving they are asking help spreading her story and if anyone is able to donate at least $1 to help defer the cost of her care. She has already received 18 vials of anti-venom. Each vial costs about $300 on top of all the other costs of medications, hospitalization, tests, etc. The update today states that Cali is doing well and shouldn't need more anti-venom but the side effects from the bite will certainly need more treatment and care. Cali now needs surgery to heal her wounds. 

I know all you animal lovers out there understand this family's call for help. If you aren't able to donate at least PLEASE share, repost, tweet, whatever social media outlet you want. But please help us get Cali's story spread across the interwebz. If you can donate, they are only asking $1, if you can do more, awesome. I know this is a real call for help and not a scam because I know one of the veterinary technicians who is taking care of Cali. The plan to use the donations to help with the remaining costs for Cali's care and if there is leftover they will be donating it to the Pet Samaritan Fund which helps families and pets in similar situations to Cali. 

Here is Cali's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pleasehelpcali

A video her family made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3ewr8QBUhA&feature=plcp

Cali's Chip-in: http://helpsavecali.chipin.com/cali

And a news story in Orlando about her: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Family-working-to-save-dog-bit-by-snake/-/1637132/15471734/-/xt2kgxz/-/index.html

From one pet-parent to another, thank you for helping.

<3

I love you Cally

*Written last Saturday**

This post is not for people who think of pets as *just* a cat or dog or whatever animal. For some people they are family members and they are deserving of such respect. 

Today was a rough day. Ok to be honest this last week has been kind of rough. I've been having headaches and migraines on and off for about two weeks now, it's probably the weather. Here in Florida it’s been overcast and rainy almost every day. It sucks but we really need the rain, or so I'm told.

Anyway, some of you guys may remember back in February when I wrote the post "In Memory." It was for a client of mine who had passed away. I had become pretty close with the family over the last almost two years of nursing their kitties back to health and pet sitting for them. The family is clients of my clinic and of my pet sitting business (and now I'm glad to call them friends). I have spent many evenings syringing food into their cats mouths and medicating them. They've invited me over for dinner and drinks. They are just genuinely the kindest people I've ever met and when Don passed away my heart ached for them. Today we had to euthanize one of their kitties and I feel like a part of me is missing. Actually right now I feel really numb and its taken me hours to get myself together and right this post. The wonderful kitty named Cally lived to almost 17 years old with a number of ailments including cancer. She never suffered, her mom always made sure that if it got to that point we would let her go peacefully. That day was today. She was a diva, a princess, a silly little grouch, but we all loved her.

This is an old photo that the daughter posted on Facebook today. We should all remember Cally plump and happy. 

Thank you Cally for every moment of happiness you gave your mom and rest of your family. I know you waited as long as you could after your daddy died, your mommy needed you. Even though you were sick and felt so bad, I know you recognized my voice and purred, for that I will never be the same.

Catching up…

Hmm I knew it had been a while since I posted. You guys know how life sometimes catches up with you and bogs you down for a while. I have no energy to do anything these days. (No, not pregnant, if anyone was thinking that. Oddly {or maybe not oddly?} that is often the conclusion we jump to when womens aren’t feeling well). Oh yeah, I know what it is though. You know when you “suffer” (I say “suffer” because I don’t feel like I’m suffering, but just existing with…currently) from depression and anxiety and you forget to take your medication for a week? Yeah that. I know, I know. How does one forget to take their medication for a whole week? I don’t know…I just know that  I did. Which would explain the random crying fits and emotional-ness all week. Oh bother.
Anyway, I took it. Haha, thanks to David for reminding me. My brain doesn’t always function properly. But that’s cool, its just me. So since I haven’t shared my last few Talk Nerdy posts I’m gonna give you a quick update with that:
The end of May I got to work at 7:30am to find a mother cat tied to our pole and 9 kittens sitting on top of a mesh hamper.

Basically there was two litter of kitten and two mothers were originally left but one was no where to be seen. Our clinic kept them for a few days and we were desperately searching for a rescue to take them as well already had 5 stray kittens in house. 3 from the previous litter of 7 and two more we took in.
To make a long story short, I was able to find a foster home who was actually a rescue volunteer and would be able to trickle them into the non-profit rescue. AWESOME!
The beginning of June my boyfriend was promoted to head server/floor manager of the restaurant. I received a call from the Center of Birds of Prey letting me know that the owl I rescued was well enough to be released, and they wanted to know if I’ve like to attend. SOOO fucking bummed I couldn’t.
Our foster kitten made HUGE strides in socialization progress. She started purring after 5 days in our care. Big change from “pancaking” that she would always do. Also since David became manager he asked me to help market the restaurant through social media. SWEEET!



The last two posts I wrote for www.talknerdytomelover.com are pretty important to me so they will be separate posts on this blog. Look for them tomorrow and the following day. I’m going to schedule them right now :)
But yeah, I’m doing good today, once my meds kicked in. I’ve also found a new skin care product line that is natural, cruelty free, and some of it is organic!
Also, check out the page I’m managing for the restaurant please: https://www.facebook.com/giovanniswinterpark
Annnd my ‘writer’ page on facebook seriously needs some likes and I’m not ashamed to pander for them here <3
LIKE ME! :)   https://www.facebook.com/craftafarian

The dog that was shot

This week has been extremely crazy. Between trying to figure out what to do about my boyfriend's dental issues, pet sitting, my own pets, and work--I've got my hands full. One of the most insane things in my career as a veterinary technician happened two weeks ago, Wednesday evening. It was about 4:45pm and we got a call from a frantic owner; their dog had been shot and they were on their way to our clinic. They rushed her inside and lifted her onto the exam table. I immediately went over to her and cradled her head to soothe her but also to allow the doctor to examine her without her being able to bite. Which she never tried to do once. Her wounds were horrifying, I was completely shocked. Honestly I've never seen a gunshot wound in a dog. Her was shot at two times, or they fired off two rounds. One bullet grazed her head, slicing through muscle and leaving a 6 inch long gash down the back of her head. Any deeper she would have been dead. She also had two huge wounds on her chest and upper leg. She was bleeding a moderate amount when she came in. We began working on her immediately. 

After talking with the owners we come to find out the dog was shot by police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call at their home. I guess the dog became aggressive with them when they entered the home. I'm not sure exactly why pepper spray or a taser wasn't used first. Or even why they didn't ask the owner to confine their dog. She weighs less than 50 pounds. I wasn't there so I don't know the exact circumstances but it just doesn't seem right to me. When the dog came in she wagged her tail for us and never complained when examined. She never once snarled, growled, or attempted bite.
We placed an IV catheter and gave her pain medication. While we were placing the catheter she would lift her leg up so we could rub her belly. Sweetest pup. We took xrays to determine the extent of her injuries and found out she still had a bullet lodged her in chest. Also that the one that went into the leg area had broken her front left leg so badly that it required amputation or a visit to the specialist. 
It took the owners a long time to decide but eventually they authorized us to go into surgery and repair the laceration on her head. While she was under anesthesia we did a pressure wrap on her chest and leg as the owners were planning to take her to the specialist in the morning when they opened. We went into surgery at 6:45pm and didn't leave until 9pm.  The next morning they took her to the specialist and last I heard she was doing well but the doctors weren't 100% certain the leg would heal and everyone is aware that amputation cannot yet be ruled out. We are all thrilled! When they weren't sure if they were going to treat or euthanize her every staff member at the clinic looked like they wanted to cry, so so so glad we were able to convince them to give her a chance!
Update: She went to the specialist and they repaired the leg with a pin and an external metal cage to stabilize the leg. The specialists aren’t 100% sure if the leg will hold and she still may need to have it amputated but so far she is doing well!!

Reflecting on last week at the clinic…

Note: I wrote this the day after these appointments.
It never gets easier. You think it does because some cases don't hurt you as much. But then you get the one that breaks your heart. It never. gets. easier. 
I started writing my post early this week because I didn't want to try to write this part days after it had happened. Maybe I should be used to this by now, maybe I'm just emotional, maybe I just care too much?
About two weeks ago a favorite patient  was hit by a car in their neighborhood. It didn't appear that bad, as far hit by car injuries go. She ended up with some lacerations on her inner left leg, slight head trauma, and at the time she was not quite paralyzed but couldn't support her weight. Mya (name changed for privacy reasons, seriously there is a HIPAA law for pet patients too) had been coming in for bandage changes and laser therapy. She stayed overnight one night and by the next day she was able to support herself on her front legs, slightly on her injured leg, but her right hind leg just hung there. She still had deep pain and some reflexes. By the second or third bandage change I could tell her owners were considering euthanasia. They felt it wasn't fair to Mya to keep treating her if she didn't have a chance at recovery. To be fair we really didn't know if and/or when she would recover. They were having to help her walk everywhere. She had a special sling they used to carry her about. She started to develop pressure sores from laying on her side all the time. My vet told them if this is how she is going to be from now on he understands euthanasia but if its only a few weeks he thought we should give Mya a chance, she wasn't in much discomfort and certainly wasn't suffering. Mya was shaking it was as if she knew. I hugged her close. Her owners agreed to give her some more time, we felt she was getting a tiny bit better. 
Yesterday (monday) I came in to work and my manager informed me that we had two euthanasia's scheduled for the morning. Meh, I hate starting the day out that way but its part of the job. 
Side note: Obviously one of the hardest parts of my job is euthanasia. Sometimes when it is the pets time it isn't all that sad. Its a kind thing we are able to offer our pets when they are suffering or terminal. Another hard part is when clients don't have money and can't afford care for their pets. The worst is when we have to euthanize a pet when it isn't quite their time (I suppose that's my opinion).
The first euthanasia that day was a 17 year old cat named Peanut (named changed). We had been fighting with kidney failure with him for about a month. He hadn't been doing well despite all our treatments. He developed a sinus infection over the weekend and stopped eating. I took one look at him and knew we were doing this pet a service. One difficult situation in euthanasia is when the owners don't want to be present. We feel very sad for the pet and make sure one of us is there holding them and telling them how good they are until the end. Peanut's owners didn't want to be present so I held him. 
I understand why a person would not want to be there or possibly couldn't handle it. However myself and the rest of the team at the clinic feel that it is our responsibility as pet owners and pet parents to be there until the end for our fur babies. I know when my kiddos go I will be holding them and telling them how wonderful they are until their last breath. But I can't blame them for having to leave, its so hard to say goodbye. 
(even now I'm getting teary eyed)
The second euthanasia nearly ripped my heart out. It was my Mya. (Yeah I think I'm crying now a little) Our Doctor carried her into the back so we could place her IV catheter. Mya began shaking again, I held her and told her how good she was. There was a lump in my throat, my eyes burned, my composure dwindled. I was sniffling a little. We were all very upset but she hadn't shown any improvement and we couldn't promise them she would ever recover. Her owners felt it was selfish to keep her going if her life was going to be this way. Who could blame them? I felt I would have given her more time if she were mine, but she wasn't my dog and I didn't have to watch her struggle to move. They knew their baby, they felt it was time. I don't think Mya was ready. She was still so full of life, but who am I to argue? 
We technicians have the option to not go in the exam rooms with the doctor for this procedure. I always do. My boyfriend would probably say I'm torturing myself. I feel that I need to support my clients and patients.
I stroked Mya's fur, it broke my heart that only her dad came but in a way I was glad, if I had to look on any more sad faces (that I knew for sure reflected my own expression) I don't know if I would have been able to hold my composure. Mya's mom wasn't there to hug me, which I know would have sent me into tears.
Doctor asked her owner if he was ready. He nodded. Our vet told her she was such a good girl while he gave her the medicine. Her owner patted her and kissed her. I scratched her ears and told her she was good. And then it was over. Doctor listened to her chest to confirm for a full minute. Mya was gone. We helped carry her back to their truck, they had a special place for her on their property. 
Doctor went into his office (he was upset too) and I went into the surgery room to take some deep breaths.
Then I had to go prep for surgery.
It times like these that make me realize I can still feel this way. Sometimes when you work in this field you wonder if you begin to get desensitized. But I don't think we truly can and if you do you need to get out of the field or take a break. Some patients will affect you more than others for whatever reason. We are conditioned to deal with death on sometimes a daily basis. As unfortunate as that may be it is also an amazing gift of release we are able to offer suffering pets.
Later on in the week doctor and I discussed the cases we had. It helps sometimes to know that other staff members are as upset as you. Even though these pets aren't ours, we all care for them as if they were.   
Disclaimer: I did not know this dog or her owners from anywhere but the clinic. These are pure emotions that I feel for my patients because I love each and every single one of them (ok except maybe the ones that try to eat me, I just like them a little less). Also I don't believe euthanizing homeless animals is an act of kindness when there are other life saving alternatives available...this may be a post for next week. I do however believe if they are terminal or suffering and medical hopeless that they should be humanely euthanized. Don't get me started on the gas chambers...yeah they seriously STILL use that outdated horrible inhumane piece of equipment in several states.
All this being said, if you aren’t sure: I do love my job.

Exotic Animals {posted on TNTML}

I wanted to share my latest post over at http://talknerdytomelover.com (TNTML) in case you don’t read over there. My series is posted every Saturday after Jen edits it. She’s entitled the series: The secret life of a veterinary technician. It’s just my take on life, heavy in animals since that’s my passion but I will also share just whatever is on my mind. Lately I’ve been talking about animal rescue and shelters but it was getting a little sad so the next few posts will be about past experience with exotic/zoo animals.
This is last saturday’s post :) It’s a bit wordy, sorry.
So most of this takes place at the University of Florida. I worked in their Veterinary Medical Center, Small Animal Hospital ICU/CC (intensive care unit/critical care) for almost 2 years. Although much of the experience I had with their management was abso-fucking-lutely horrible, the medical experience I gained far out weighed the emotional and mental trauma I endured. Now most of my direct patients were only dogs and cats but sometimes Zoological Medicine/Exotics would either have a patient in ICU (for better care then the zoo ward-no overnight care) or I would end up in Zoo med because they didn't have any overnight technicians to help them. 
Some of the most memorable cases were: the kangaroo in ICU, the wild doe in the zoo ward, the white bengal tiger in zoo ward, and the cougar in ICU. 

(that’s me up there!)
The kangaroo was in ICU because he needed to get fluids, plasma, and other medications usually all at the same time. So we had to place a central line which is a special intravenous catheter that is placed in the jugular vein. It has multiple ports that empty into the vein separately so the solutions are not mixed.  
The deer was a wild doe that was hit by a car. A good Samaritan (its what we call them in the vet world, and originally it is a bible reference) saw her get hit and brought her into the hospital on emergency. The driver of the car that hit the doe drove away. The man who brought her in also saw her fawn so he went back to find the baby who was hiding at the time. The veterinarian on call for zoo med came down to ICU to get some help. I volunteered. (I like doing different things) The vet asked the vet student (always a vet student on call during the weekend as well as vet) to put in a jugular catheter but she was unable to do so. He asked me to.
At this time in my career I had never placed a jugular catheter, tons of regular IV catheters in the legs and even ears. Yes, ears. Some dogs like basset hounds have big floppy ears which also have a nice little vein that can be used if needed. Well I figured it would be just like the other catheters only a much larger target. I never told the vet or the vet student that I hadn't done this before, because essentially I have, just not in this vessel. And I was successful! Unfortunately the doe had to be euthanized as she was fatally injured. The nice man who saved her from suffering was able to save her fawn. 
There's always happy and sad times in my job. 
FYI I only have one actual picture from this time to share currently but next week I should have more. My old laptop is not charged and like a very very bad nerd I didn't not back up any of my files so they are currently trapped on a computer that I cannot turn on. Annnnd the charger is MIA. I'm pretty sure someone borrowed it....like a while ago....ALSO I contacted my Senior Vet Tech/good friend (she was the lead tech on our shift until she went on maternity leave and then I became lead tech) and asked her to email me any photos she has from when we worked together. 
Anyway, the big cats will be next time! I MUST have photos of the kitties to show you with the post. Otherwise it wouldn't be fair :)
OMG! And let us never forget how AMAZING social media is because I posted on twitter and facebook that I needed to borrow a charger for an old compaq presario V5000 model--low and behold help has arrived!!! It isn't in the form of a charger but a facebook/IRL friend from high school contacted me and let me know that he has a compTIA A+ certification. So basically he's going to pull all the data off my old laptop for me even if we can't turn it on. Will only take about 30 minutes and he said NO CHARGE!! AMAZING! Do you know how much this usually costs? To copy over a hard drive? Its apparently called data recovery. I did a quick check online and it can cost up to $350. I may have to buy this dude some starbucks!
Yaaay!! Peace. Love. Pawprints.
-Lindsay @thecraftafarian

New look

I’m thinking about doing a new layout for the blog since I’m back and all. I update the favicon to a cute lil digital image I found of a peace sign and a paw print combined. If you can’t see it please let me know. The post I’m going to do tonight is about Animal Shelters. I’ve recently gained a large amount of knowledge regarding shelters and I really want to share it.
Anyway, don’t forget to join the GIVEAWAY!
and I’ll probably catch you up at some point on those other projects I seem to have forgotten…
GIVEAWAY!!!!
click up there :)
Oh have a some pictures to share!
 
This is me doing laser therapy on a patient who was suffering from acute tetraparesis (Sudden inability to use all four limbs). The specialist recommended surgery and gave her a 50% chance of recovering, her owners didn’t want to do that and brought her back to us to see what we could do or at the very least euthanize her with people she knew and loved. WELL….5 weeks later….

She’s walking again, on her own!!

5 weeks of laser therapy on her cervical vertebrae, physical therapy, a little bit of prednisone and we have one happy walking dog. And it didn’t hurt that she lost like 12 lbs while boarding with us.

This was a few weeks ago, her recovery that is. With all that has been keeping me busy I just didn’t get to share this with you. I hope to share more treatment stories. In order to protect her identity we will call this lovely Koko.
Come back and see me later, I’m off to go take care of a hospitalized puppy who is suspicious for parvo virus. Vaccinate your furry friends please! This case wasn’t the mom’s fault, she adopted the lil one this way. Poor new momma!
Peace, Love, and Pawprints,
Lindsay