Today I was able to watch the procedure of Acupuncture in dogs.
In the two cases that I saw, the dogs had arthritis or hip displasia. Around 15 needles are used.
A initial needle is inserted into the neck, simply to test the response of the dog to the needles. The vet then felt the affected areas for tightness of muscles and inserted needles into the area surrounding this tightness, but never directly into the area as this would cause pain for the animal. This continues until all needles have been added. The needles can be left for a period of time and then gently pulled part way out and pushed back again several times, to attempt to loosen the tightened muscles. The needles are then all removed and the procedure is completed. The idea of the process is to send impulses to the brain to override the impulses being sent causing pain in the affected area of the body.
The treatment occurs weekly for a four week period and then becomes spaced out to one treatment every month.
The treatment success depends entirely on the dog, and how it individually responds to the treatment, but it is a alternative treatment that I have really enjoyed learning about.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
A dog was admitted today with a huge tumor visible on the left side. The owners requested that the vet attempted to remove this mass.
When the dog was under anaesthetic the vet made the incision, and found that the tumor was not attached to the spleen. Instead it was attached to a kidney lobe. Unfortunately this meant that nothing found be done. If the tumour had been on the spleen, the spleen could have been removed and animals do very well without their spleen. However with the tumour attached to the kidney and with the dogs age, the decision was made to put the dog to sleep. This was done with a overdose of Pentoject or Pentobarbitone Sodium. This was administered through a catheter in the dogs leg. the drug acts immediately.
When the dog was under anaesthetic the vet made the incision, and found that the tumor was not attached to the spleen. Instead it was attached to a kidney lobe. Unfortunately this meant that nothing found be done. If the tumour had been on the spleen, the spleen could have been removed and animals do very well without their spleen. However with the tumour attached to the kidney and with the dogs age, the decision was made to put the dog to sleep. This was done with a overdose of Pentoject or Pentobarbitone Sodium. This was administered through a catheter in the dogs leg. the drug acts immediately.
Today I was called out to 2 cleansings with the vet.
A cleansing is when the cow has not passed all the afterbirth and material from the uterus which is not needed after the birth of the calf. I was told that they usually only have to be done when the calving has been difficult, for example when the calf has had to be helped out or if it was delivered backwards.
If the cow has only been delivered a day, then any material can be removed, but, if it has been delivered any longer than this then any cleansing left, is left in the uterus and will pass out eventually.
On examination the vet found that there was limited material left but that the discharge was red-brown and smelt horrific. This meant that there was the severe risk of infection. The vet also found that the cervix was open. The advantage of this is that it allows any unneeded material to be expelled from the uterus.
A Metacam injection was given as well as penicillin. 10ml of Marbocyl was injected, and this will help to combat vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina.
Also 20ml of Combivit was administered, which is a vitamin supplement containing many of the vitamins that the cow will need to remain healthy.
The cow was on the verge of becoming toxic and so the vet asked that the farmer kept an eye on the animal and contact him if there was no improvement. He also suggested Prorumen, which is a drug which will allow the rumen to function well, and improve appetite etc.
The second cleansing was very different. This animal was, on inspection having no problems and the cervix was almost closed. The little cleansing that was able to be removed, was bright red and did not smell of anything which is a sign that there was no infection and that the animal was healthy, as opposed to the red-brow discharge which was seen in the previous case.
This particular cow had given birth by Cesarean Section which is why there was the worry that she might need cleansed. The vet examined the wound, and although the area was swollen around the incision, the stitches were holding nicely and the wound was beginning to clearly close up, which is good news.
I was told that the reason that we do not put cows under general anaesthetic is that their anatomy is such that the organs would press down on the heart and lungs when on its back, so that the risk is extremely high that the cow will die of asphyxiation. For this reason, we lower the risk by carrying out a Cesarean with the cow standing, with a incision made down the flank. This is MUCH safer for the animal, but does mean that doses are controlled and the animal is sedated enough to be comfortable.
A cleansing is when the cow has not passed all the afterbirth and material from the uterus which is not needed after the birth of the calf. I was told that they usually only have to be done when the calving has been difficult, for example when the calf has had to be helped out or if it was delivered backwards.
If the cow has only been delivered a day, then any material can be removed, but, if it has been delivered any longer than this then any cleansing left, is left in the uterus and will pass out eventually.
On examination the vet found that there was limited material left but that the discharge was red-brown and smelt horrific. This meant that there was the severe risk of infection. The vet also found that the cervix was open. The advantage of this is that it allows any unneeded material to be expelled from the uterus.
A Metacam injection was given as well as penicillin. 10ml of Marbocyl was injected, and this will help to combat vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina.
Also 20ml of Combivit was administered, which is a vitamin supplement containing many of the vitamins that the cow will need to remain healthy.
The cow was on the verge of becoming toxic and so the vet asked that the farmer kept an eye on the animal and contact him if there was no improvement. He also suggested Prorumen, which is a drug which will allow the rumen to function well, and improve appetite etc.
The second cleansing was very different. This animal was, on inspection having no problems and the cervix was almost closed. The little cleansing that was able to be removed, was bright red and did not smell of anything which is a sign that there was no infection and that the animal was healthy, as opposed to the red-brow discharge which was seen in the previous case.
This particular cow had given birth by Cesarean Section which is why there was the worry that she might need cleansed. The vet examined the wound, and although the area was swollen around the incision, the stitches were holding nicely and the wound was beginning to clearly close up, which is good news.
I was told that the reason that we do not put cows under general anaesthetic is that their anatomy is such that the organs would press down on the heart and lungs when on its back, so that the risk is extremely high that the cow will die of asphyxiation. For this reason, we lower the risk by carrying out a Cesarean with the cow standing, with a incision made down the flank. This is MUCH safer for the animal, but does mean that doses are controlled and the animal is sedated enough to be comfortable.
Cattle Work Experience
Today started with a visit to a calf that was a week old. On arrival it was clear that the animal was very thin and small for a animal of this age. The vet examined the calf by palpitation and then took its temperature. Temperature was on the low side at 36.5 degrees. The eyes were then examined to check that they were not glazed over and the hair around the neck was cut slightly to allow bloods to be taken from the jugular.
Metacam was then administered to help to alleviate any pain, and a stool sample was taken, by inserting the fingers into the rectum and removing a sample. Both the blood and the stool samples would be tested, and the vet was to return to the calf the following day if there was no improvement.
The most likely cause for this calf's appearance and demeanor was probably insufficient food, particularly in the first day of life when it would receive the maternal antibodies through the colostrum. The Farmer told the vet that the calf had not been seen suckling, and although they attempted to get the calf to suckle it would not. This would mean that it would not receive the antibodies to ensure protection against diseases in the first stages of life.
This was a prime example of how essential maternal antibodies are to any mammal and its survival.
Metacam was then administered to help to alleviate any pain, and a stool sample was taken, by inserting the fingers into the rectum and removing a sample. Both the blood and the stool samples would be tested, and the vet was to return to the calf the following day if there was no improvement.
The most likely cause for this calf's appearance and demeanor was probably insufficient food, particularly in the first day of life when it would receive the maternal antibodies through the colostrum. The Farmer told the vet that the calf had not been seen suckling, and although they attempted to get the calf to suckle it would not. This would mean that it would not receive the antibodies to ensure protection against diseases in the first stages of life.
This was a prime example of how essential maternal antibodies are to any mammal and its survival.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
farm Visits-Pigs
Today I was also called out with the vet to a Gloucester Old Spot Boar. We were told that it was to be a de-tusking. The vet that I was working with had never done one before and so we were both quiet excited by the prospect!
On arrival at the rare breed farm we were shown to a large open enclosure, where three Gloucester Old Spots were enclosed. The vet told me as we were walking down that we would not be using a sedative on the boar. When I asked why I was told that this was due to pigs having such a thick layer of fat. This means that it becomes very difficult to administer a drug as you can never be too sure if contact has been made with the muscle which makes their use very unpredictable.
The boar was moved down a narrow alley between two fielded enclosures. Food was placed at the end of the alley to encourage the boar down. When it reached the food another gate was moved in behind it to enclose it in a small space. The vet then used a dog catcher tool to hold the boar in position whilst the vet de-tusked the animal. To further ensure that the boar was not able to move the gate was pushed up against it, so it was effectively trapped between two gates.
The dog catcher was essentially a lasso, which was able to be tightened and fixed at this tightness. The boar squealed and roared for the duration of the procedure, but the vet told me that this would have been primarily a stress response, as although there would inevitably be some discomfort, there are no nerves as such in the tusk.
The vet then used embryotony wire, which was hooked round behind the tusk and the tusk is then removed in a saw like action. This was more difficult than was originally thought as the tusks were not growing outwards and up towards the snout, as is the norm, instead they had curved back on themselves and had formed a arch with the points digging into the lower jaw. Any de-tusking that takes place usually is due to tusks growing into the snout and causing discomfort, so in this respect it was a very different case.
As the vet 'sawed' away the tusks, the area that was being sawed was smoking. I was later told that this is one of the main advantages of using embryotony wire. The heat energy created resulted in blood vessels, which may have been cut during the process, fusing closed, preventing excess bleeding which could result in infection and further problems for the animal.
This was my first pig based work experience and I am now keen to take part in more to broaden my knowledge of this animal.
On arrival at the rare breed farm we were shown to a large open enclosure, where three Gloucester Old Spots were enclosed. The vet told me as we were walking down that we would not be using a sedative on the boar. When I asked why I was told that this was due to pigs having such a thick layer of fat. This means that it becomes very difficult to administer a drug as you can never be too sure if contact has been made with the muscle which makes their use very unpredictable.
The boar was moved down a narrow alley between two fielded enclosures. Food was placed at the end of the alley to encourage the boar down. When it reached the food another gate was moved in behind it to enclose it in a small space. The vet then used a dog catcher tool to hold the boar in position whilst the vet de-tusked the animal. To further ensure that the boar was not able to move the gate was pushed up against it, so it was effectively trapped between two gates.
The dog catcher was essentially a lasso, which was able to be tightened and fixed at this tightness. The boar squealed and roared for the duration of the procedure, but the vet told me that this would have been primarily a stress response, as although there would inevitably be some discomfort, there are no nerves as such in the tusk.
The vet then used embryotony wire, which was hooked round behind the tusk and the tusk is then removed in a saw like action. This was more difficult than was originally thought as the tusks were not growing outwards and up towards the snout, as is the norm, instead they had curved back on themselves and had formed a arch with the points digging into the lower jaw. Any de-tusking that takes place usually is due to tusks growing into the snout and causing discomfort, so in this respect it was a very different case.
As the vet 'sawed' away the tusks, the area that was being sawed was smoking. I was later told that this is one of the main advantages of using embryotony wire. The heat energy created resulted in blood vessels, which may have been cut during the process, fusing closed, preventing excess bleeding which could result in infection and further problems for the animal.
This was my first pig based work experience and I am now keen to take part in more to broaden my knowledge of this animal.
Farm Visits
Today I was called out with the vet to a bullock that we were told was suffering from a problem with its left front leg. The farmer had said that this was bleeding, and the cow was limping fairly badly on it.
On arrival at the farm, it was clear to see that the bullock was extremely agitated and aggressive.
The first step was to get the bullock into the crush, enabling the sedative to be administered. This was injected into the muscle and also into the bloodstream through the easy to access vessel in the tail. The bullock, which was 11 months old was then released into a small shed which was layed with straw. After waiting for the drugs to take effect, it was clear to see that the animal would not be able to be approached as it was still very much aware of its surroundings and was still very aggressive. Eventually it was pinned behind the large gate that would have been able to split the shed into two. A additional dose was added, meaning that the animal had now had over twice its recommended dose. The vet was of course reluctant to administer any further drug to the animal, but still it would not go down. In the end we resorted to the use of rope and a restraining head collar to get the animal onto its side. Once the animal was restrained we were able to get our first clear look at the wound. The cleat on the left fore leg was cut almost clean through and had gone through the soft tissue. The cut through was clean and there was no splintering. The vet speculated that this was due to a sharp object such as metal sheeting that the animal had stepped on, going right through the foot. Using large clippers the affected area of the cleat was cut away. This caused a fair bit of bleeding which was stopped by applying pressure with swabs. The entire foot was then dipped in a Iodine solution to ensure that it was thoroughly cleaned of away dirt and dung, and the area was scrubbed vigorously with the same solution to limit the risk of infection.
At this point the animal became more restless and began attempting to get up and so the vet had to move to the head of the animal, holding it round to prevent it rising, whilst the farmer effectively sat on the bullocks back.
This meant that I was left in charge of the dressing and bandage. With the vets help, I applied a wound powder and cream to the area before applying swabs over the top of this. Cotton wool bandaging was then added, wrapped all the way up the foot. This was then help in place by sticking plaster, with adhesive coloured wired tape strapped over the cotton wool layer in many layers. Three rolls of this were used in total. The vet then suggested that the foot was protected by something waterproof, particularly as the farmer could not guarantee that the animal would be able to be kept in clean dry conditions. Again this helped to limit the risk of infection which is the biggest worry with a injury such as this. In the end it was a old feed bag which was strapped around the foot and kept tight with tape. The vet then administered a long lasting antibiotic to further protect against infection, before removing the head collar and ropes, allowing the bullock to get up.
The vet told the farmer that the animal would be lethargic and quiet for a while, but that there was nothing to worry about. Throughout the procedure the vet told the farmer exactly what he was doing so that the farmer was kept in the loop-an important veterinary skill.
On arrival at the farm, it was clear to see that the bullock was extremely agitated and aggressive.
The first step was to get the bullock into the crush, enabling the sedative to be administered. This was injected into the muscle and also into the bloodstream through the easy to access vessel in the tail. The bullock, which was 11 months old was then released into a small shed which was layed with straw. After waiting for the drugs to take effect, it was clear to see that the animal would not be able to be approached as it was still very much aware of its surroundings and was still very aggressive. Eventually it was pinned behind the large gate that would have been able to split the shed into two. A additional dose was added, meaning that the animal had now had over twice its recommended dose. The vet was of course reluctant to administer any further drug to the animal, but still it would not go down. In the end we resorted to the use of rope and a restraining head collar to get the animal onto its side. Once the animal was restrained we were able to get our first clear look at the wound. The cleat on the left fore leg was cut almost clean through and had gone through the soft tissue. The cut through was clean and there was no splintering. The vet speculated that this was due to a sharp object such as metal sheeting that the animal had stepped on, going right through the foot. Using large clippers the affected area of the cleat was cut away. This caused a fair bit of bleeding which was stopped by applying pressure with swabs. The entire foot was then dipped in a Iodine solution to ensure that it was thoroughly cleaned of away dirt and dung, and the area was scrubbed vigorously with the same solution to limit the risk of infection.
At this point the animal became more restless and began attempting to get up and so the vet had to move to the head of the animal, holding it round to prevent it rising, whilst the farmer effectively sat on the bullocks back.
This meant that I was left in charge of the dressing and bandage. With the vets help, I applied a wound powder and cream to the area before applying swabs over the top of this. Cotton wool bandaging was then added, wrapped all the way up the foot. This was then help in place by sticking plaster, with adhesive coloured wired tape strapped over the cotton wool layer in many layers. Three rolls of this were used in total. The vet then suggested that the foot was protected by something waterproof, particularly as the farmer could not guarantee that the animal would be able to be kept in clean dry conditions. Again this helped to limit the risk of infection which is the biggest worry with a injury such as this. In the end it was a old feed bag which was strapped around the foot and kept tight with tape. The vet then administered a long lasting antibiotic to further protect against infection, before removing the head collar and ropes, allowing the bullock to get up.
The vet told the farmer that the animal would be lethargic and quiet for a while, but that there was nothing to worry about. Throughout the procedure the vet told the farmer exactly what he was doing so that the farmer was kept in the loop-an important veterinary skill.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Harris Hawk
A Harris hawk was admitted today with a suspected fractured leg.
This had occurred due to stress on the limb when the bird attempted to fly and was prevented from doing so by the jess attached to its leg.
The first step in the birds treatment was to x-ray to identify specifically where the break was so that surgery would be accurate. The bird was masked, to prevent stress as the talons, which are the most dangerous part of any bird of prey, were taped to prevent any damage to nurses or to the vet when the bird was being treated.
The bird was then sedated with gas to allow a x-ray to be taken. I was told that this method of sedation is the most reliable and carries the lowest risk, as the birds will recover quickly from the sedation, should anything go wrong. The resulting x-ray of the hawks right leg, showed a severe break, which was fairly clean, with limited splintering.
The hawk was then prepared for surgery. With birds of prey it is essential that anaesthesia is monitored constantly as birds are not particularly tolerant of this.
Once the vet was confident that the hawk was comfortable, the area of the fracture was plucked of feathers and cleaned with Tamodine. it was clear at this point that there was significant bruising of the area.
A incision was then made, with extreme care taken to ensure that the muscles were not cut through. the vet then selected two metal rods which would be used to support the bone and realign it. This process is called retro alignment. When I asked the vet why two rods were used, I was told that this was to prevent the limb from rotating in a way that it would previously have been unable to, thereby ensuring that the bone was kept as straight as possible to speed up the recovery time.
The rods were inserted from the bottom (ie the talon end) up towards the upper leg, until they appeared on the other side. Then with the use of a hand drill they were slowly turned back down into the leg, fixing the bone in position.
When the vet was confident that the bone was aligned in the position that was required, the incision was stitched up before the skin was stitched over the top of the muscle. The rods were then cut with cutters, and the immediate movement of the limb was gently tested.
The hawk was then wrapped in a soft towel to ensure that when it came round it would not do damage to itself by flying into the cage doors, damaging the wings and the affected leg.
The hawk was kept in overnight with the possibility of being discharged the next day depending on progress.
I was told by the operating vet that this is a fairly common injury in birds of prey, particularly hawks used for falconry. this is due to the hawk having a finer more delicate bone in this region than falcons for example, who are less likely to have this injury, as their legs are less likely to give under the stress of attempting to fly against the Jess.
This is therefore something that falconers need to watch out for as orthopedic care in birds such as this is high risk.
This had occurred due to stress on the limb when the bird attempted to fly and was prevented from doing so by the jess attached to its leg.
The first step in the birds treatment was to x-ray to identify specifically where the break was so that surgery would be accurate. The bird was masked, to prevent stress as the talons, which are the most dangerous part of any bird of prey, were taped to prevent any damage to nurses or to the vet when the bird was being treated.
The bird was then sedated with gas to allow a x-ray to be taken. I was told that this method of sedation is the most reliable and carries the lowest risk, as the birds will recover quickly from the sedation, should anything go wrong. The resulting x-ray of the hawks right leg, showed a severe break, which was fairly clean, with limited splintering.
The hawk was then prepared for surgery. With birds of prey it is essential that anaesthesia is monitored constantly as birds are not particularly tolerant of this.
Once the vet was confident that the hawk was comfortable, the area of the fracture was plucked of feathers and cleaned with Tamodine. it was clear at this point that there was significant bruising of the area.
A incision was then made, with extreme care taken to ensure that the muscles were not cut through. the vet then selected two metal rods which would be used to support the bone and realign it. This process is called retro alignment. When I asked the vet why two rods were used, I was told that this was to prevent the limb from rotating in a way that it would previously have been unable to, thereby ensuring that the bone was kept as straight as possible to speed up the recovery time.
The rods were inserted from the bottom (ie the talon end) up towards the upper leg, until they appeared on the other side. Then with the use of a hand drill they were slowly turned back down into the leg, fixing the bone in position.
When the vet was confident that the bone was aligned in the position that was required, the incision was stitched up before the skin was stitched over the top of the muscle. The rods were then cut with cutters, and the immediate movement of the limb was gently tested.
The hawk was then wrapped in a soft towel to ensure that when it came round it would not do damage to itself by flying into the cage doors, damaging the wings and the affected leg.
The hawk was kept in overnight with the possibility of being discharged the next day depending on progress.
I was told by the operating vet that this is a fairly common injury in birds of prey, particularly hawks used for falconry. this is due to the hawk having a finer more delicate bone in this region than falcons for example, who are less likely to have this injury, as their legs are less likely to give under the stress of attempting to fly against the Jess.
This is therefore something that falconers need to watch out for as orthopedic care in birds such as this is high risk.
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