Anonymous Vet.

I just wanted to write somewhere what I was thinking about. And it feels like a lot.

I hope it gives a little insight to what it is like on the other side of the exam table at the veterinary office.

Today was another hard day at work. It was very busy, and I found myself being thankful for the 2 cancellations in the afternoon. We had four walk-ins to take their place. Not to mention, a technician is on a well-deserved vacation (staycation), but we also have another technician out sick - so this makes us short-staffed. In the morning when we walk in, there are three technicians, one receptionist, and a doctor to accommodate what I call the 10AM rush (along with whatever the rest of the day holds); typically, two scheduled doctor's appointments, one technician appointment, and three drop-offs (along with about 3-5 walk-in appointments show up calling at the same time which ties up the phone lines). You may think we are just overbooking ourselves, but we are booked out three weeks solid, AND STILL have people walking in to wait for the doctor or technician to see their pet.

I still have yesterday's lab works to call back and make communication with pet parents of all the sick dogs and cats that I saw the prior day. And when the lab work results come back from last week, this morning, I still have to review the medical history of those patients before I call the owners (because I saw maybe a hundred or more other patients since I last saw them). When am I going to see those drop off appointments? In between scheduled day appointments. I also must call every person and talk to multiple people on the phone.

My staff is busy the entire day also, answering phones and taking requests to book an appointment and answering random questions for the pet owner that just wants to know if their pet needs to be seen urgently for a freckle they just found on its rear end, and safely transporting patients to and from cars, comforting pets while samples are collected in the clinic, calling in prescriptions to local pharmacies, giving cuddles to the drop off patients (yes, they make time for that) while they take them out for potty breaks and stretches, taking medical histories over the phone for appointments, checking in appointments that have just pulled in and getting that new clients information entered into the system, and getting other tasks done in between.

 How is it that I still have people yelling at my techs over the phone for their hold time? And people who get frustrated because they had to wait 30 minutes to 3 HOURS to have their pet seen as a walk-in? Or those who feel the need to berate the receptionist who did not have the owner's flea prevention ready right when they called, but would not go ahead and pay before they arrived? Why are there those that question, jokingly, to me as the doctor, "when are you gonna start giving away free samples of one hundred dollar bills?" as if our services aren't valuable enough to them, for them to pay their bill with gratitude? Why do some people get upset when they cannot get in during our lunch hour? Why, during what you would think would be the hardest time for a pet parent, they still find it in themselves to be rude enough to bring a technician to tears?

My plea is this.

Please be patient when you must hold on the line, use that time to take a few breaths and be okay with slowing down. Please understand that we are doing our best to accommodate the walk-in patients. Please say "thank you" more often. And please be gentle to our staff, during a time that perhaps you need serenity as well - we all grieve for the loss of every patient, and do not take it lightly. We also have a great weight to bear with all the other expectations we are met with throughout the day up until that very moment.

Please continue to be the person who does not mind waiting patiently for five minutes on the hold line. Please continue to be the person who thanks the technician profusely over the phone for answering a few non-urgent questions. Please continue to ask inquiring questions, and really reap the benefits of what you are paying for. Please continue to come in for your pet's recheck appointments, and give the full course of antibiotics, and pay attention so we can work together when something goes awry with your pet. Please continue to be patient as a walk-in, and then thank us after you waited for three hours, for getting you squeezed in. Please continue to send us little snacks and cards as a token of your appreciation. Please continue to be patient and kind with us. Kindness breeds kindness. It gives us energy to continue moving forward and helping. 

At the end of the day, my stomach growls and I remember the snack I ate earlier while I had continued to work through my lunch hour. I am emotionally, physically, and mentally drained from the day. The highs of seeing a new puppy and sharing in the happy news of a pregnancy with some pet parents, and the lows of learning a referred patient did end up having bone cancer as I had suspected, having to deliver bad news regarding lab results, and having to help a patient peacefully pass - are all taking up space in my heart and mind. Before I get in my car, I remind my staff how much I appreciate their hard work, and then encourage them to have a relaxing day off tomorrow.

 We will do it all again on Thursday.

Introduction to Feline Behavior

Epic Fail. (Old Things New)

I can’t believe it’s been three years since I wrote these words. Thank goodness I didn’t give up...

written May 23, 2014 just prior to finishing my preclinical training...

I am a failure.

I took an extra year to complete my undergraduate degree. I didn't get in to veterinary school the first time I applied, despite being granted an interview with my first application. I didn't complete my undergraduate studies with a 4.0 GPA. I was accepted to an "off-shore" veterinary school. I was invited to start in the "Vet Prep" program. I was rejected the first time I applied for SAVMA Delegate. I had to repeat two classes due to unforeseen circumstances while in veterinary school...

Yes, I guess you could look at all those things out of context and assume that I am a failure by today's societal standards. 

I will never forget that moment I opened the long awaited letter from the veterinary school to which I had first applied, been granted an interview, and from which I was sent on my way with high expectations. "We are sorry to inform you that..." was as far as I read before my eyes filled with tears. No one could console me. I was a blubbering MESS. My dreams had been squashed before my eyes and I was sad, angry, confused, frustrated, and hopeless. I was a big, fat LOSER.

What an epic fail.

Yet, deep inside, that flame still flickered. And, soon, I found out how epic that fail truly was. It was so EPIC, that it led me to where I am today. So did all of the other "fails" in my life. In fact, I've failed so good, that I am now on my way to becoming successful! (Well, at least, that is one way of looking at it.) All in all, my lifelong goal is still being pursued. 

More importantly, I have learned to live by my own standards: "Strive to be happy. Keep trying. And, if trying doesn't make you happy, it is okay to stop trying, take a breather - or maybe cry a little - and then shake it off and start again." 

I'm not asking for a pity party here, or even a pat on the back, really. I guess this is just a reminder to myself, a little motivational push. I'm going to keep stumbling through life, tripping over my own feet, and running face first into obstacles. I am human, after all. And it's my dance. My life. 

me...with mods from a tee I saw keep.com

I had to try it. And...it was so much fun! A stylist actually wrote me a personalized note, “...and here is a dress for you to wear to the Keeneland horse races...”, I got some super awesome jeans and cute blouses, and last but not least, who doesn’t enjoy getting a mystery box delivered to your door?! It is worth the $20 to try at least once! Tell them Tia sent you ;)

"We have to stop blurring the line between commitment and self endangerment..."

I dropped my glove and then something beautiful happened... While hiking the Pinnacles with my husband, Brian, a glove fell from my pocket. I hunted for it when I realized it was gone, but I only backtracked so far. Once we decided to move forward, we passed a couple on the trail with whom we exchanged smiles and a quick greeting. Then Brian turned around and said, "Do you mind if I ask you a favor? If you see a black glove in the trail on your way back, do you mind putting it on the hood of the red jeep?" The guy agreed and we were all on our separate ways again. After another hour or so, we had hiked out to a peak and returned to the jeep. "I think I see your glove!" Brian said. I was so excited that our 'strangers' had been so kind to actually keep an eye to the ground in the first place, and that they had returned it under the wiper so it didn't blow away was even better. When I removed it from beneath the windshield wiper blade, I noticed there was something inside the glove: A five dollar bill, along with a note that read, "Happy New Year From Clyde and Amanda Chive on! Enjoy a drink on us!" It was such a nice surprise and a kind gesture. This is how life should be. We should be able to ask people for help when we need it. And if people are able and capable of helping, they should want to help, without hesitation. And why not throw a smile or a hug or a note or even some change in to top it off? If everyone helped everyone out lovingly throughout their life, I believe the world would be a better place. I'm inspired. I hope you are too. Pay it forward, pass it on, give back when you can without expectation, and it will come back around to you. If anyone sees Clyde and Amanda, tell them we appreciate this so much! CHIVE ON!

Christmas Shopping Link!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLumberSexual?section_id=all

Pancake & Sophie. My dogs are just smashing.

A-Z Tagging Game for Vets/Vet Techs/Vet Students

Source: gram-stained-paws

A-Z tagging game for Vets/Vet Techs/Students

A: Are you a: vet/ vet student/ vet tech/ vet nurse/ volunteer? Vet

B: Are you interested in large/ small animals/ exotic animals/ birds/ zoo? Larrrrrge Animals

C: Where do you work/ study/ volunteer? Park Equine Hospital

D: Describe your role model/ person who inspires you the most: My grandmother always inspired me as a child. She was a hard worker but always took the time to hear people’s stories and genuinely care about them.

E: Favourite subject/ clinic + why: I really enjoyed diagnostic pathology, especially performing necropsies. Seeing the outcome of a disease process and seeing the case in hindsight really helped me understand the disease process and how to better follow a case through diagnostically. I also enjoy neonatal medicine and equine surgery.

F: Least favourite subject/ clinic + why: Emergency medicine and anesthesia have it tied. I understand both well but they both tend to make me anxious and anxious isn’t a feeling I enjoy.

G: If you had to treat one species for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Equine. They are the most challenging and the most rewarding at the same time.

H: Favourite scrubs colour/ pattern? Gray.

I: Favourite surgical instrument/ lab equipment (everyone has one, right?) I like the diamond burr (sp?). Using it to febrile an ocular ulcer provides much instant gratification. :)

J: Which was your most difficult exam ever/ so far? NAVLE takes the win!

K: Describe your studying style/ habits: I study cases now as I go. Anything that I question, I look up, whether it be reviewing anatomy or physiology. The basics always come around again and even though I may get the big picture, the details help me to cement thins in my brain.

L: All-time favourite vet-related book: I’m reading a book called “Chaser” right now about the dog who knows over a thousand words. It’s super interesting!

M: Greatest advice someone gave you: Never give up.

N: Favourite vet joke/ animal related pun: I find this humerus.

O: A word/ term that made you giggle when you first heard it: Sphygmomanometer

P: A word/ term that you found impossible to pronounce/ memorize: As simple as they are, I still have to stop and think when I hear “gluconeogenesis” and “glycogenolysis”.

Q: Describe the most problematic/ cringeworthy owner you came across: He had too much money. He kept every cat he came across. And he didn’t believe in euthanasia.

R: Describe the worst case you came across: A corrective shoe was put on a horse. The owner didn’t realize that it had to be reset every few weeks. The horse came back 9 months later and the foot had grown out enough to cause the musculature in the horses shoulder to morph. When the hoof was trimmed back to normal, the horse couldn’t walk so a thick shoe had to be placed so the horse could slowly adjust to the change.

S: Describe the most successful/ satisfying case or rescue: When I was a technician, I saw a dummy goal carried into a hyperbaric chamber…and he walked out after the session.

T: Describe the smelliest case you will never be able to erase from your mind: A dog was brought in for necropsy…after lying in the hot Louisiana sun for three days after it had died.

U: Describe a weird/ awkward/ surprising case or owner you encountered: A client came in with his cat. The presenting complaint was that “his cat was getting butt-raped”. The feline mating behavior had to be explained to him.

V: How do you “treat yo self” after a long day at work/ school? A shower and a good nights sleep as an intern is always a special treat!

W: How did your parents/ family react when you told them you wanted to become a vet/ vet tech? I was three years old when I said I wanted to be a “vegetarian” and no one in my family ever questioned my decision. :)

X: Have you experienced oppression/ racism/ sexism/ homophobia, etc. at the workplace? No.

Y: What vet stereotypes/ misconceptions/ offensive jokes have you encountered first hand? None this far. Maybe In lucky. I’m sure it will happen sooner or later.

Z: Have you ever regretted choosing this path? No. Okay, well maybe I questioned whether I could get through vet school. But I never questioned my calling.

Happenings at Large Animal Receiving

I commented on the wilting flowers displayed in a vase on the counter, "They look so sad!"  One of my receptionist friends working up there replied, "It is a reflection of you leaving us. It's like Beauty and the Beast. When the last petal falls, you become an intern." Here's to my last day on clinics, and vet school. Ever. ‪#‎beautyandthebeast‬ ‪ #‎vetandready‬ ‪ #‎ilooklikeasurgeon ‬‪#‎ilooklikeaveterinarian‬

"Now it doesn't matter why, but I am friends with some alligators."

Baby Vet

Since moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to pursue my clinical training at Louisiana State University, I have had little extra time to write about my journey. After all, the clinical year is full of late nights, early mornings, and days that seem to never end. This trains us veterinary students for what is to come and what is expected of us.

I've read many articles touching on the overworked vets, the underappreciated vets, the vets who charge too much, and the vets that don't seem to care enough. It forces me to think about the veterinarian that I will become...that I choose to become. I think,

"Will I be good enough?"

I chose a career that puts me in servitude for the rest of my life. I will be a doctor. I will provide helpful, healing services to my clients' animals.

It also puts me at the mercy of others.

In five short weeks, I will no longer be a student of veterinary medicine. I will wake up the morning after my last day of clinics, and suddenly be a doctor of veterinary medicine. It blows my mind. Yes, I said "suddenly" because that is how it feels. Yes, I feel adequately trained, and yes, I am confident, but at the same time, I'm terrified. Why? Because people can be harsh when things don't go the way they anticipate. Because all of a sudden, I am a doctor and I am expected to have all the answers.

Well, the fact of the matter is that I will not have all the answers. 

I must remind you that I haven't spent four years in professional school learning how to treat one animal...your dog...your cat...your goldfish. Instead, I have learned how to develop a problem-oriented approach to medical problems on many different species, using the knowledge I've gained about their inner workings. Each pet is an individual.

Believe me, sometimes I wish they all were the same, responded the same to treatments, and all had a positive outcome. However, each one is unique and special...and can't tell me all about how they've had this itchy, annoying cough for about four weeks now, with an occasional dry heave on top of that. Or about how you accidentally left forty hair ties out and they decided to eat all of them and now they feel like they have an intestinal obstruction.

I humbly ask that while I am serving you, please:

1. Be kind. When it seems like you've spent a lot of money on diagnostics and I still don't know what is distressing your pet, please don't be angry with me. I am really trying my hardest to figure out what is going on so that I can fix the problem.

2. Be patient. Unlike people, your pet can't tell me what it is feeling. I will have to do a thorough physical examination and run a few tests to even get a small glimpse of a clue as to what is ailing your pet.

3. Be understanding. You may not realize that the forty hair ties that suddenly went missing are in your pet's stomach. You may think you have the answer to why they are feeling unwell and want me to do things your way, but you have to understand that this is sometimes a puzzle that we will have to work out together.

4. Be forgiving. When I make an incorrect diagnosis or I simply don't know what is wrong, please forgive me. It isn't because I'm stupid, lazy, or unqualified. It is called "practicing" medicine for a reason. And, the puzzle is sometimes difficult to piece together.

5. Be helpful. I may ask you a million questions that you don't think are relevant, but I promise I'm not doing it out of amusement. Your answers will help steer my approach and ultimately, help your pet. Also, show up on time so that I can use my time efficiently in order to best care for your pet.

6. Be open. When I make a suggestion, please try not to judge me against "Dr. Google." I promise to give you all of the educated options for you to make the ultimate decision about how your pet is treated. All I ask is that you are open to receive this information and trust that I am doing my best. Remember, you chose to come to me for my professional advice.

You may find out that I am a baby vet when I first start practicing and think that these are reasonable things to ask of you now. However, I must urge you to continue these six things throughout my career. As long as I am providing this service to you and your pet, I will only continue to thrive if you grant me your kindness, patience, understanding, forgiveness, helpfulness, and openness. Give me these six things and I will always strive to be better than "good enough."

  Photo used with permission from the owner.