1. Kelley’s thoughts from Dewdney Animal Hospital;
Practicum has been one of the most life altering experiences for me because
before I couldn't believe I was capable of doing the things that I accomplished
while “on the job”. Class learning and gaining knowledge from theory is merely a
pebble in the lake of Veterinary medicine. By jumping into a clinic like Dewdney
Animal Hospital I was able use and see my skills in action. I could talk with the
staff and be able use the right terminology when asking questions or answering.
DAH is really awesome in that they are always busy, working with a variety of
animals and have such amazing staff, that are willing to teach, as well as let
students do and learn at their pace. I would recommend their clinic to other
students, job seekers and pet parents.
I really enjoyed working with the staff in the treatment and surgery area of the
clinic. I was taught many things that I really only had a visual understanding of
from my teachers and youtube. When I was put to restraining a dog or cat I was
coached on proper technique and also how to feel comfortable and safe. I also
helped the Veterinarian, Dr Walton, restrain a quaker parrot and a bearded
dragon. Animal husbandry and general care and maintenance is also something I
really liked. The clinic has residents cats and many reptiles such as a boa, box
turtles, leopard gecko and many more, I was shown how to care for them which
is a great skill.
I think the really repetitive things like laundry and certain cleaning task aren't my
favourite but that’s a typical opinion. I don’t mind those duties and I respect why
they need to be done!
One of the most interesting case happened just today. A SPCA cat came into
clinic with hx from a previous clinic saying that the cat had presented as having
an infection in the uterus and given antibiotics. During sx prep for exploratory
and ovariohysterectomy the veterinary assistant noticed while shaving that the
skin was raised around the abdomen and while not inflamed or red it was
definitely irritated. During sx the veterinarian noticed that the abdomen had
excess fluid that presented as an infection. After removing what fluid was
present the DVM performed the ovariohysterectomy and confirmed that there
wasn’t pyometra or FIV but would start the cat on antibiotics and keep it under
observation for the next couple of days to insure the infection was going down.
To me the hx and possibilities were like puzzle pieces and seeing the outcome
have a solid treatment plan was really rewarding.

2. The staff dynamics were really clear which made it easier for me to understand
my role and the role of others. I found that there were frond staff VAA who
manned the front desk, handed all the appointments, brought inpatient pets to
the back treatment area, filled prescriptions, handled phone calls and doctors
notes. The back staff were both RVT’s and VAA’s who handled inpatients, blood
draws, catheter placement, labels, blood panels, cytologies, IV fluids, feeding, sx
prep, pre-med, anesthetic , treatment/medications, cleaning and disinfecting
kennels, cleaning and autoclaving surgical instruments and doing lots of laundry.
There were also volunteers who came in once a week who were getting their
clinical hours towards Veterinary Technician school. Everyone helped get the
work done and it was a great atmosphere to learn in because everyone had so
much knowledge.
Learning Cornerstone is definitely not a one day endeavour and I feel like having
more class time through out the program would be very beneficial. I had a great
teacher during practicum named Kathleen who took me to task and let me learn
everything! She had me answering phones and writing labels in no time. I think
cornerstone will be something I continually learn and found that the staff
generally agreed with me.
I think I was overwhelmed my first day because I had stayed for the 10 hour
shift that their employees work and a lot happened on that Monday. Dewdney is
a very busy clinic and I really had to work to keep up mentally and physically.
And there were two euthanasias, a 20 year old cat that I was to busy with a task
to take notice and Penny a 13 year old golden retriever, I helped Dr Megan by
holding Penny steady as she was laying on the gurney and I kept myself
composed. I let myself be upset and sad about it later but I think now that
I've experienced it I'll know what my feelings are, yes it's sad but with such
awesome staff and obviously good pet parents it really is a good death.
My last today was very touching and encouraging because everyone gave me a
warm send off with positive comments and well wishes. I plan on going back
there for visits with the staff and the resident pets. I talked to my supervisor,
Brad, who had all positive feed back and commented on how busy the clinic is
and how teaching could be a problem, I assured him that I got my fill of learning
and then some. Everyone was so helpful in showing me around and getting me
started on learning all the ins and outs of a clinic, I am forever grateful to the
staff as Dewdney animal hospital!