Drawing blood from an alert and cohesive animal is hard, even when you do it every day. We draw blood for heart worm tests on adopted dogs that are 6 months of age or older before we send them to the vet. I've observed Kim and the other staff strugle and fight against dogs for a small sample of blood over one hundred times with in the last 5 weeks. Very few dogs sit by without a struggle and it's pretty hard to predict how a dog will react, although the smaller breeds usually make a bigger fuss about needles, the MinPins especially.
Yesterday, Lauren offered to let me try to draw blood from a dog. The one she had lined up for me was a young black lab she thought would be calm enough for a beginner. She began by demonstrating and talking me through the process when under Shelly's grip the lab began to growl. Lauren decided it would be best if she draw the blood given the reaction of the lab. I agreed.
She said that today I could practice on the euthanized dogs and cats, or at least that's what I thought she meant. What she actually meant was practice finding the veins in order to administer the leathal dose. So I euthanized several tranquilized cats and dogs.
One cat was a mother who had abandonned her kittens. The kittens were cold and Bill thought they were dead but when he brought them to the ET room they started crawling and crying. They were the tiniest kittens I'd ever seen or touched. They were euthanized with an injection to the stomach. Lauren said that everyone thinks that an injection in the abdomen is really painful but really they only imagine that its painful they don't really know. She said she's had injections to the abdomen and that it really isn't painful at all. Lauren says it is the most humane way to euthanize the kittens, but because the chemical is absorbed instead of injected directly into the vein death is slower.
I euthanized a pit that bit a baby on the head and face. How some people can put their children in a situation like that is beyond me. People are so irresponsible.
The other pit had attacked and killed a MinPin and another small breed dog.
They bring the aggressive dogs in on a stick and corner them behind a chain link gate that's mounted on the wall. Then they tranquilize the dogs, remove the stick and latch the gate against the door. When the dogs eventually go down they're put on the table for euthanization.
The cat's brachial vien is much harder to find and stay in thant he dogs' vein. They showed me three different points, the brachial, the hind leg and the tounge, where the injection could be made.
I'm a little surprised that Lauren suggested I try this considering how I reacted to vaccuming the hamster (I cried like a baby all day). I'm glad the hamster incident didn't affect her opinion of me as someone who's weak and not able to cope with things.
In any case, I'm alright, I even noticed that my hands were steady throughout the whole thing, not shaking at all although I was nervous, I didn't show it.
Lauren told me to stick around for ETs tommorow too, I hope I will do better and gain some skill.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Dog Adopt Procedure
Today I helped Kim out in the Dop Adopt kennel. The rules for cleaning this room are much more relaxed than the puppy kennel.
- Clean empty stalls
- Check for excrement, if none is present sweep food out
- If excrement is present move the dog to a clean stall
- Clean by sweeping out
- Spray with quat. solution
- Scrub down the walls, floor, plastic bed board, and gate
- Rinse and sqeegie
Nail Trimming Success!
Day two of the guinea pig nail trimming attemps, a success!
I trimmed all six of they're back nails and trimmed several front nails.
As I was holding the black and brown one the white one nipped at my finger and I immediatly flinched and let the litte guinea pig free to inspect my finger. No blood and no pain, whew. I felt bad about rewarding the guinea pigs actions but she didn't hurt me just nibbled so I decided a new tactic with the brown and black one (from now on referred to as B) I picked her up completely and held her with one hand against my chest. To my surprise she was completely still and never struggled as I imagined she would. Just before you take them completely off the ground they struggle because they are afraid of being picked up but once you've picked them up there's nothing they can do. In this way they're back toes were spread and the nails do not exhibit the curling that the front ones do so the trimming was quick and easy.
The front nails of B are a sad story. They're lenth prevents proper hygine and posture. I removed a deal of grime before I could get to the nails. There is one that spirals around like a cork screw that is the worst for hygeine but accesible to trim. And there is another nail, I think on the other paw, that is curled up under the next toe so that the tip is flush with the top of the foot. I tried but wasn't able to get the right angle on the nail or to move it out from under the toe to trim it. There's always next time.
I consider today a nail trimming success.
I see many animals in the shelter that have long nails, alothough the situation of overgrown nails on dogs is much different than that of the guinea pigs, I can't help but cringe. I think that most people just don't trim their animals nails because it's not a fun experience, normally the animal hates it, even though it's for their own good and sometimes it's impossible to restrain the animal for the trimming. This doesn't seem to be the case with the guinea pigs based on my success during a second attempt. The owners were most likely ignorant and neglectful.
I new nothing about the trimming of guinea pigs nails befor these two females came it, but I saw the damage, got the information, and acted.
On another note, the kittens in holding seem to have mulitplied over night. There are so many we can't keep them in the banks we have to set up carriers and stack them around the garage to keep them. This is the image Kim painted on my first week. I'm sure the numbers can still get worse and seeing them all like this makes me want to take one home. I've been very good so far about getting the gimmies but the daily care of the animals makes you feel like they are yours and you get to feel responsible for them. And who can resists kittens, especially when they're coming at you from all directions.
I trimmed all six of they're back nails and trimmed several front nails.
As I was holding the black and brown one the white one nipped at my finger and I immediatly flinched and let the litte guinea pig free to inspect my finger. No blood and no pain, whew. I felt bad about rewarding the guinea pigs actions but she didn't hurt me just nibbled so I decided a new tactic with the brown and black one (from now on referred to as B) I picked her up completely and held her with one hand against my chest. To my surprise she was completely still and never struggled as I imagined she would. Just before you take them completely off the ground they struggle because they are afraid of being picked up but once you've picked them up there's nothing they can do. In this way they're back toes were spread and the nails do not exhibit the curling that the front ones do so the trimming was quick and easy.
The front nails of B are a sad story. They're lenth prevents proper hygine and posture. I removed a deal of grime before I could get to the nails. There is one that spirals around like a cork screw that is the worst for hygeine but accesible to trim. And there is another nail, I think on the other paw, that is curled up under the next toe so that the tip is flush with the top of the foot. I tried but wasn't able to get the right angle on the nail or to move it out from under the toe to trim it. There's always next time.
I consider today a nail trimming success.
I see many animals in the shelter that have long nails, alothough the situation of overgrown nails on dogs is much different than that of the guinea pigs, I can't help but cringe. I think that most people just don't trim their animals nails because it's not a fun experience, normally the animal hates it, even though it's for their own good and sometimes it's impossible to restrain the animal for the trimming. This doesn't seem to be the case with the guinea pigs based on my success during a second attempt. The owners were most likely ignorant and neglectful.
I new nothing about the trimming of guinea pigs nails befor these two females came it, but I saw the damage, got the information, and acted.
On another note, the kittens in holding seem to have mulitplied over night. There are so many we can't keep them in the banks we have to set up carriers and stack them around the garage to keep them. This is the image Kim painted on my first week. I'm sure the numbers can still get worse and seeing them all like this makes me want to take one home. I've been very good so far about getting the gimmies but the daily care of the animals makes you feel like they are yours and you get to feel responsible for them. And who can resists kittens, especially when they're coming at you from all directions.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Guinea Pig nail trimming, harder than it looks.
So I made a first attempt to trim the Guinea Pigs' nails. I've been bitten by a rat before and didn't like it. Since then I've had trust issues with small animals like that. I had a glove on hand that I would use if I saw that biting would be an issue but did not wear it today.
I held the guinea pigs in one hand with my palm on their stomach my thumb under one arm, the other arm split my fingers between the pointer and middle fingers. I left their back feet on the floor of their cage because they begin to struggle when they feel as though they're being picked up off the ground. I was able to trim 3 or 4 nails from the front paws of the white one, but wasn't able to pick up her brown and black friend who has the worst nails of the two.
I'll try again tomorrow.
I held the guinea pigs in one hand with my palm on their stomach my thumb under one arm, the other arm split my fingers between the pointer and middle fingers. I left their back feet on the floor of their cage because they begin to struggle when they feel as though they're being picked up off the ground. I was able to trim 3 or 4 nails from the front paws of the white one, but wasn't able to pick up her brown and black friend who has the worst nails of the two.
I'll try again tomorrow.
Monday, June 16, 2008
A Ho Hum Monday
We moved several puppies into PupAdopt and three are going to surgery tonight.
Yesterday I called my best friend from highschool who had guinea pigs growing up and asked her about the nails of the two that came in together last week. She told me that it is important to trim the guinie pigs' nails and that they can be in pain because the length of the nail prevents them from being able to stand on their toes by crumpling and crippling the toes over. I've observed this on the two guinea pigs. I've also noticed that if they step in poop it sticks and mats up on their long nails. In this way the nails are hindering the hygeine of the animal. So today after cleaning I went in search of cat nail clippers and selected the best out of the bunch. When I went back to the guinea pigs to work some magic they just hid in their igloo and shreddies. I gave up trying to get a hold of them and stashed the clippers. Tomorrow I'll attemt the trimming before I've reassembled their living quarters. They're much easier to catch in an empty cage.
The new rabbits are not using their litter boxes correctly, itstead they use the boxes as beds.
Yesterday I called my best friend from highschool who had guinea pigs growing up and asked her about the nails of the two that came in together last week. She told me that it is important to trim the guinie pigs' nails and that they can be in pain because the length of the nail prevents them from being able to stand on their toes by crumpling and crippling the toes over. I've observed this on the two guinea pigs. I've also noticed that if they step in poop it sticks and mats up on their long nails. In this way the nails are hindering the hygeine of the animal. So today after cleaning I went in search of cat nail clippers and selected the best out of the bunch. When I went back to the guinea pigs to work some magic they just hid in their igloo and shreddies. I gave up trying to get a hold of them and stashed the clippers. Tomorrow I'll attemt the trimming before I've reassembled their living quarters. They're much easier to catch in an empty cage.
The new rabbits are not using their litter boxes correctly, itstead they use the boxes as beds.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Shar Pei puppy!!
Today we took in a gorgeous Shar Pei puppy. While Shelly was holding her up for Lauren to see, Lauren noticed two little bumps on the inside of the rear thighs. Lauren thought they were enlarged lymph nodes and told Shelly to put the puppy on the vet check list. Dr. Hayes came in today.
Dr. Nancy Hayes
Whitney Veterinary Hospital
4707 N Sheridan Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 685-4707
When the vet saw her she confirmed that the bumps were small hernias. Lauren said that we generally get hernias fixed at the time of spays and that it wouldn't be a problem because she would most likely be adopted quickly.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinese_shar_pei/
The AKC doesn't mention the health problems many Shar Peis encounter. I've heard about the breed having skin conditions but that's the only thing that I had prior knowledge to but the vet referred to her as a "practice builder", an animal who needs vet treatment on a regular basis and ends up being expensive.
Lauren also commented that they grow up to be mean and aggressive, but the vet argued that most of the Shar Peis she's seen lately have had a good temperment and that if a they are bathed on a weekly basis most skin problems are avoided.
This site seems helpful: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/shar-pei.html
Dr. Nancy Hayes
Whitney Veterinary Hospital
4707 N Sheridan Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 685-4707
When the vet saw her she confirmed that the bumps were small hernias. Lauren said that we generally get hernias fixed at the time of spays and that it wouldn't be a problem because she would most likely be adopted quickly.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinese_shar_pei/
The AKC doesn't mention the health problems many Shar Peis encounter. I've heard about the breed having skin conditions but that's the only thing that I had prior knowledge to but the vet referred to her as a "practice builder", an animal who needs vet treatment on a regular basis and ends up being expensive.
Lauren also commented that they grow up to be mean and aggressive, but the vet argued that most of the Shar Peis she's seen lately have had a good temperment and that if a they are bathed on a weekly basis most skin problems are avoided.
This site seems helpful: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/shar-pei.html
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A Hard Day at the Shelter
When I first arrived I noticed that the loud mouthed orange kitten in holding had her card turned over.
She'd been due for a review on the fourth but hadn't been moved into CatAdopt on the fourth or the fifth.
Euthanizations generally happen in the morning to clear out space for working and incoming animals. I assumed the worst, that poor little orange kitten was caught sneezing and, along with several others who had they're cards turned over, was going to be put down. So with my heart in my throat I began my chores.
When I got to the Small Animal Room I was in for something even worse...
When Dianne showed me how to clean the SmAnimal room she mentioned to be careful with the vaccuum, that accidentally vaccuuming up a gerbil has happened before. Up until this day I'd been carefull with the smallest animals, the gerbil and hamsters, making sure they did not fall prey to the vaccuum, but today maybe my mind was wandering thinking about the loud mouth kitten or maybe I'd fallen into the SmAnimal routine and was getting too comfortable and confident with the vaccuum. Whatever the reason, it happened.
THWUMP!
I vaccuumed up a hamster. The fatter (they're both fat) one.
I let out a shreik and turned off the vaccuum as fast as I could. I had no idea what to do so I ran out to the main office and told Jan that "I just vaccuumed up a hamster!" Luckily Pat, an Animal Control Officer, was just coming around the corner when I made my confession and he literally rushed to the rescue (Pat you're my hero.)
She'd been due for a review on the fourth but hadn't been moved into CatAdopt on the fourth or the fifth.
Euthanizations generally happen in the morning to clear out space for working and incoming animals. I assumed the worst, that poor little orange kitten was caught sneezing and, along with several others who had they're cards turned over, was going to be put down. So with my heart in my throat I began my chores.
When I got to the Small Animal Room I was in for something even worse...
When Dianne showed me how to clean the SmAnimal room she mentioned to be careful with the vaccuum, that accidentally vaccuuming up a gerbil has happened before. Up until this day I'd been carefull with the smallest animals, the gerbil and hamsters, making sure they did not fall prey to the vaccuum, but today maybe my mind was wandering thinking about the loud mouth kitten or maybe I'd fallen into the SmAnimal routine and was getting too comfortable and confident with the vaccuum. Whatever the reason, it happened.
THWUMP!
I vaccuumed up a hamster. The fatter (they're both fat) one.
I let out a shreik and turned off the vaccuum as fast as I could. I had no idea what to do so I ran out to the main office and told Jan that "I just vaccuumed up a hamster!" Luckily Pat, an Animal Control Officer, was just coming around the corner when I made my confession and he literally rushed to the rescue (Pat you're my hero.)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Only one cat removed today for URI!!! Its amazing, we all predicted more infections. Shelly said she removed two cats on Saturday, but only one today.
Dr. Knaak was the vet who checked our outgoing adoptions. He has the reputation of being thorough compared to the other vets. He has a girl, Julie, from UIUC working under him this summer.
David Knaak DVM
6000 N Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
(309) 691-7010
Today we had a slow start. Thomas has finished his hours, Amanda got a new job, and Dianne is on vacation now so we are trying to cover the positions. I cleaned AdoptPup by myself today.
Process for cleaning AdptPup:
Dr. Knaak was the vet who checked our outgoing adoptions. He has the reputation of being thorough compared to the other vets. He has a girl, Julie, from UIUC working under him this summer.
David Knaak DVM
6000 N Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
(309) 691-7010
Today we had a slow start. Thomas has finished his hours, Amanda got a new job, and Dianne is on vacation now so we are trying to cover the positions. I cleaned AdoptPup by myself today.
Process for cleaning AdptPup:
- Move dogs to outdoor kennels
- Remove paper
- Spray down with water
- Spray down and scrub with quat. solution
- Rinse and squeegie
- Put new water in their bowls
- Put puppies back into kennels
- Quat, scrub and bleach outdoor kennels
Its easier to clean AdptPup without the dogs in your way and barking nonstop. It's also good to get the dogs out for fresh air as much as possible. Parallele to the URI is Kennel Cough that is easily spread through a crowded environment. I wanted to wait to bring the dogs in from outside, they looked so happy napping out there, but we had to finish up and move on to the rest of the chores.
Tomorrow I will try to find time to walk a dog. I haven't taken a dog out since Midget was euthanized. The two aren't related I think, I haven't taken a dog out recently because of my new schedule. I come in earlier so I don't see as much of the early afternoon lulls.
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