The Mystery of the Screaming Pooper
2007-12-10 15:32:54
I love working in a Veterinary centre, getting some hands on experience with real, living animals under conditions where the veterinarians can guide me as I learn. I got to draw blood from an extremely obese Labrador cross and do dental work on a miniature poodle. We also did X-Rays and gave an enema the the previously mentioned lab-cross. Plus I got to stand in on consults and experience just how vague clients can be about their pets habits.
The lab cross (pictured above) was quite interesting. The story is basically that he would scream in agony whenever he went to do a poo. The owners were worried and the neighbours were frustrated at hearing an animal in agony so frequently. (more…)
Read more: Mystery
, Pooper
Farm Work Experience
2007-12-09 02:58:22
You can study in great detail every aspect of the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of an animal until you have memorized every fact before you, and still not know what an animal actually is unless you have seen and handled one.
That’s why a significant component of the University of Melbourne’s Veterinary Science course is actual work experience on farms, zoos, shelters and other animal enterprises, so that future vets can actually learn how to handle cattle, how to put a halter on a horse and how to pick up a cat without visiting the hospital afterwards. (more…)
Bound for Werribee (song)
2007-12-06 15:28:55
Bound
for Werribee: Sung to the tune of ‘Bound for Botany Bay’.
Farewell to Old Parkville forever,
Farewell to the parking as well,
Farewell to the Avista cafe
Where they make their coffee so well.
Chorus:Singing toora-li oora-li-addity
Singing toor-li oora-li-ee
Toora-li oora-li-addity
Oh we’re bound for Werribee
There’s Tammy who is our librarian,
There’s the lab hands and counsellors too,
There’s the faculty with all the lecturers,
Knows what we poor students go through
Chorus:Singing toora-li oora-li-addity
Singing toor-li oora-li-ee
Toora-li oora-li-addity
Oh we’re bound for Werribee
‘Taint leaving the city we cares about
‘Taint ’cause the peak hour was bad
But because now we get new lab coats
Not soiled or stained from a RAD
Chorus:Singing toora-li oora-li-addity
Singing toor-li oora-li-ee
Toora-li oora-li-addity
Oh we’re bound for Werribee
If I had my time to do over,
I’d start VPH instantly
Over and done
The nervous Wait
2007-12-06 03:46:05
Results come out tomorrow. Celebration or Consolation is imminent. I wasn’t worried when I walked out of the exams, in fact I only started to worry this morning.
I’m sure I’ll be fine. I even have a little lee-way because I did ok last semester. I’m sure I’ll be fine.
But I can’t stop worrying.
All I know for sure is that nobody failed parasitology, I didn’t need a high mark to pass Bacteriology & Mycology, Pathology surely couldn’t be as bad as it looked, and my AHM marks will be boosted from the Veterinary Public Health and Farm Work Report assignments. Pharmacology and Intro to Clinical Sciences could go either way, although I felt ok for Pharm.
After I get my results I’m going to try to find some work experience in Vet clinics, once I know how to apply following the University’s guidelines. 17 weeks or so to do.
I’ll tell you what. If I pass everything tomorrow, I will write you a song.
Yes, I know, uncontrollabl
Siamese Fighting Fish
2007-12-04 21:06:22
I love these fish - and so do many other aquarsts- because not only are they so beautiful but they can have very unique personalities. They’re commonly available in pet shops everywhere, and I have to say in breaks my heart to see them confined to half a cup of water, with no heater, slowly dieing in their own polution. Oh, sure, the people in the pet shop will tell you that these remarkable fish can live like that, that they live in puddles in Thailand and require the minimum of maintenance, but that’s not quite true. Remember that petshops will say what you want to hear to make a sale, even if it’s not what’s best for the animal, so it’s always a good idea to do your own research first.
I got my first Siamese Fighting
Fish (or Betta as they’re often known) as a Christmas present when I was 12. The addiction quickly set in and I’ve owned dozens of these fish, and had many of them die needlessly. I’ve learnt what my mistakes were sinc
Christmas and your Pets
2007-12-02 19:12:51
Ah, such a busy weekend. Socialising, Christmas
Shopping and, of course, starting the whole decorating thing with the tree and lights. My cats are quite perplexed by tinsel, and when they were younger were also very interested in the dangling, shiny things on the tree.
Dogs and cats, like small children, are often attracted to the shiny decorations we put on the Christmas trees, and the presents that lurk underneath. It’s not unknown for a puppy to eat the box of chocolates under the tree- including the actual box and wrapping paper. Not only have they eaten your present, but that’s really bad for you health and sick pets for Christmas is no fun for anybody.
So if you have pets, give some thought as to how you decorate your house this year.
(more…)
Genetic Modification
2007-11-29 19:50:43
Being a Veterinary student and seriously interested in animals, there are few things more annoying than being told you need to know a lot about plants as well and walking around a paddock measuring grass. However, it is true, because a large number of the species we treat eat these plants, whether they’re supposed to or not.
Recently Victorian and NSW governments have lifted a ban on growing genetically modified canola, deciding that the grain industry should be able to regulate itself and make its own choices on the matter. There has been an ongoing debate about the advantages of genetically modified crops, and huge differences of opinion, some of which are scientific and some of which are emotive. Hopefully I’ll be able to explain a bit about what’s happening.
There are essentially two sides to the argument. There are the pro-GM (genetic modification) groups including many companies that have invested in the technology, and there are the anti-GM groups including
Ringworm - The Facts
2007-11-28 18:34:12
Yes, Ringworm can infect you too. Yes, your pet can catch ringworm even if you worm it regularly, because it’s actually a fungus, not a worm. Once it’s diagnosed it’s actually fairly simple to treat. That goes for both adults and kids playing with the affected animal too. Ringworm may also be called tinea if it’s in a human. (more…)
Dear Readers
2007-11-28 17:49:15
You can tell when your website starts to become more popular when you start to receive spam comments. It’s almost heartbreaking to receive notification of a new comment, get all excited about having a reader response, only to find it’s an advert for raunchy videos.
On the other hand, when it’s an actual comment, I do a little happy dance.
Also, if you ever want to know anything related to pet health (or even human health) feel free to ask in a comment, or send me an email at ferox@blogging4life.com and I will probably write an article on it for you. Whether it’s about particular diseases, behaviour, species or products, I’m here to help.
Don’t be scared, I don’t bite.
Gardasil - Why Get Vaccinated
2007-11-27 22:02:49
Women around the world cross their legs and cringe at the thought of getting a pap smear, and it’s just as bad waiting nervously for two weeks to find out if everything is normal or not.
For those that don’t know, Gardasil is a vaccine against some of the causes of cervical cancer and genital warts. At the moment it’s free in Australia to women under the age of 26, and is included in the school vaccination program for girls.
Wait, you might think, a vaccine for a STD being given to schoolgirls? Many parents and members of the community expressed their outrage.
And what’s in it? Virus like particles that cannot replicate. I have heard mutterings of genetic modification, and yes, it is produced by genetically modifying yeast. I hear people exclaim their disapproval and and refuse to be injected with something that has undergone genetic engineering.
It’s sad, and I often despair at the ignorance of the world, so in this case I have decided to take a break
Ninja Jellybeans of Doom
2007-12-20 01:59:06
They’re Deadly. They look like Jellybeans. They are undetectable until it’s too late.
They are the Ninja
Jellybeans of Doom!
They are paramphistomes, parasites which live mostly in the rumen and reticulum of cattle, sheep and goats. They also spend some of their lived hidden in snails, in a sneaky ninja-like way. (more…)
Tetanus - Clostridium tetani
2007-12-17 21:43:11
 Tetanus is a condition that you have probably been vaccinated for. It can affect all mammalian species, including pets. Horses are especially susceptible to tetanus.
Tetanus is a condition where a toxin produced by bacteria deactivate inhibitory neurons. This means that muscles cannot relax, producing the rigidity known as tetanus. The animal cannot move normally due to the contracted muscles, and may stop breathing if the toxin reaches the diaphragm. (more…)
The Greyhounds: Racers, Pets, Blood Donors, Cadavers
2007-12-15 17:44:42
One of the byproducts of animal racing industries, both the horses and the greyhounds, is the production or a lot of animals that the trainers don’t want because they’re not fast enough. When it comes to the horses many end up as pet food in the knackery, although a few find good homes that patiently train the highly strung race horse.
For the greyhounds it’s a similar, but often less public story. In Melbourne there are a few greyhound racing tracks, and more than a few greyhounds. The dogs that aren’t fast enough are often also unsuitable for pets because of the strong tendency to chase and catch things that run, including children and other pets.
Fortunately for some of these dogs, the Greyhound Adoption Program rehomes many of these dogs with families each year. (more…)
Read more: Blood
, Greyhounds
, Donors
, Racers
Skin cancers
2007-12-13 03:49:16
We all know that spending too much time in the sun is bad for us, and causes skin cancer. The same is true for our pets. Cats and dogs that like to lie in the warm sun are particularly prone, but other animals including horses can get them too.
They typically appear on areas of skin that have little hair and little colour, such as the ears and noses of white cats and dogs or on the underbelly. Cancers on the underbelly can usually be removed fairly easily if they haven’t already spread, but cancers
on the ears and nose are much more difficult to treat because there isn’t any loose skin there. Carcinomas on the ears usually mean that the ears need to be amputated, which is what happened today to the cat featured in these photos.
Be warned, if you don’t think you can handle viewing images that contain a little bit of blood, then please don’t read on and remember to keep your pets out of the sun. (more…)
Students & Money
2007-12-11 21:49:33
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We work long and hard hours in this course - 9 to 5 most days- and then during our holidays we are expected to do work experience on farms, at shelters or at veterinary clinics. We don’t expect to get paid for any of these, and even if we are they pay isn’t much more than compensation for our own expenses, but this doesn’t matter because it’s a learning experience.
Some of us try to hold down a part time job during the first two years, but it gets harder and harder to do so, particularly if you need to travel to get to Uni, and most jobs have a minimum hours required per week and aren’t very undertanding about our fluctuating timetable. Some of us are lucky and manage to find part time work in vet clinics as nurses, where the vets understand what it’s like being a vet student and you get to pick up a lot of hands on skills, including dealing with crazy clients. (more…)
Read more: Money
Garlic Toxicity
2007-12-25 20:18:20
 Humans often enjoy a little (or a lot) of garlic in their food because it’s quite tasty and many believe that it has wonderful health benefits, ranging from supposed parasite control and blood thinning to keeping away vampires.
However, garlic (and its relatives) are bad news for our pets. Both dogs and cats can be poisoned by any member of the Allium species of plants, which includes garlic, onions, leeks, chives and others. Cats are typically harder to poison because of their fussier eating habits. (more…)
Read more: Garlic
Dear Readers
2007-12-24 02:00:20
It’s Christmas Eve here, and I know I haven’t posted for a few days but I do hope you’ll forgive me with it being holidays and all. You may or may not hear from be between now and New Years, but it’s the season for friend’s and family, not blogs and forums.
But since you’re bothering to read this, here is a medical term everyone should know.
Gossypiboma: A retained surgical swab. The word lierally means “Concealed Cotton” and refered to a surgical swab or sponge that was left insde the body.
Horse Anaesthesia
2008-03-10 09:00:26
Horses are dangerous animals to work with: Dangerous to you, dangerous to your equipment and dangerous to themselves. Not only are they dangerous, but they’re very expensive so you have to take the best care you possibly can.
This presents some difficulties when knocking a horse out for surgery. The bigger they are, the harder they [...]
Read more: Horse
Should Veterinarians Eat Meat?
2008-03-07 19:00:39
At some point in every vet’s life, they wonder for a moment about whether or not they should continue eating meat. Some made the decision to become vegetarian or vegan long ago, others only begin to consider a change of diet after seeing a particularly off-putting piece of surgery or pathology specimen.
As it happens, vets [...]
The Barn Dance
2008-03-05 19:00:40
Last week was orientation week for all the 1st year vet students. It didn’t affect us in Werribee very much because it was our third week back at Uni, but on Thursday we spied them being shown around our campus, peeking in on us as we went about our day.
There was a touch of nostalgia [...]
Read more: Dance
Handling Birds
2008-03-03 19:00:15
We are supposed to graduate from this course as fully competent veterinarians who know how to handle their patients at least as well as their owners, whatever they are. Dogs, cats, horses, pigs, sheep, rabbits, mice, rats, ferrets, alpacas and all the rest should be handled with skill. This includes birds.
Unfortunately, on the way to [...]
Read more: Handling
, Birds
Daredevil Intestines
2008-03-01 19:40:00
They’re long, slinky, active, and always trying to keep things moving. They’re intestines and they’re probably the biggest daredevils you’ll find, when it comes to organs, as they’re often trying new positions that put themselves (and the body that they’re in) into danger.
Okay, I’ll concede that perhaps I am being a little overdramatic (and anthromorphonic) [...]
What are Sutures made Of?
2008-02-28 19:00:46
Have you ever wondered what it is that sutures are made from? What is it that holds the body together after the surgeon has gone in and cut things up?
You probably haven’t wondered, but I’m going to tell you about them anyway because they’re actually kind of interesting.
There’s something about Pathologists……
2008-02-26 19:00:47
Pathologists are a special breed of person. They’re the ones who cheer for the monster in horror films. They were probably the sort of kids that would pull spaghetti out of their nose at dinner too. They’re just those sort of people.
They have a few funny habits that both frustrate and amuse both the veterinary [...]
Read more: something
My First Surgery
2008-02-24 19:00:54
I cut into a living animal for the first time on Friday the 22nd of February. I had been looking forward to finally being able to perform a procedure on a live animal rather than a cadaver, but was surprised at how quickly training and preparation take over, and how little amazement I felt when [...]
Read more: First
, Surgery
Needlestick Injury
2008-02-22 07:00:56
We get warned. They say ‘Don’t stick yourself with a needle, although you probably all will.”
At this point one thinks “But I am an intelligent, coordinated Veterinary Science student. I’m not going to be so stupid as to stick myself with a needle! It’s not hard to use, the pointy end goes into the patient!”
What [...]
Read more: Injury
Pyometra
2008-02-20 07:00:59
You’ve probably all heard about why it’s better for an animal to be speyed young, rather than waiting for them to reach maturity. It is much safer for a female animal to be desexed while she is immature, as the ovaries and uterus are much smaller and have a reduced blood supply compared to a [...]
All About Pets: social networking site for pet owners.
2008-03-12 09:19:07
For all you pet owners out there, I’d like to bring to your attention a fairly new networking
site for pet owners and their pets; All About Pets. It has forums, articles, leaflets and will let you create profiles for you and your pets. It also lets you join clubs and groups online.
It’s run by [...]
Rite of Passage
2008-03-14 09:00:26
For vet students, your first rectal exam is very much a rite of passage. Other people joke around about it, but it’s a milestone for vet students.
“You put your hands up a cow’s bum? That’s gross!” - quote from average Joe.
Horse, in this case, rather than cow, and the whole arm, not just the hand. [...]
BAG’s Fugly Formal
2008-03-18 09:00:29
Last Thursday was another massive college organised drinking event with a theme: BAG’s Fugly Formal. BAG is our Bovine Appreciation Group, and traditionally this event is a B&S ball with a cattle theme. There was a 4-legged race (aka the bull run), bobbing for apples in lube, a cow & calf drinking competition and the [...]
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