Minor surgery

[cjsmith]

I finally got to watch a surgery that was just a tad more serious than snipping off a skin tag. Nothing truly dramatic, but unlike other things I've seen, this time the animal was "out".

I'd been worried that I would get woozy. I didn't, at least this time. I think it's easier for me when I know the animal is not conscious. O'course, ask me again when I've seen something real, like a spaying or a bone getting pinned!


Abscess. KABLOOIE.


I was the one who got to clean up afterward, and it was still awesome.

I also got to be the one to monitor breathing (& gum color) and heart rate until the cat woke up. I felt all official. I put her back in her cage afterward, and man, I didn't realize how awkward it would be to carry a completely floppy boneless cat who has a big zone on her side that can't be touched. Next time, perhaps I'll find a way to get the animal onto a clean towel for transport.

Comments

[gekko.livejournal.com]

Ya know, I never had a problem with surgeries on animals. I don't think I could handle it on people, and I have no idea why I have that distinction. But I have been in the operating room, monitoring vitals, and assisting the vet in the surgeries for spays and one hit-by-car, and I was completely fine with the blood and such. Somehow in my mind I segment it off and it becomes clinical--that and I know the animal is unconscious and therefore not in pain. Generally, when I get my puppies' ears done, I ask/gently insist on remaining in the room for the entire surgery as a vet can screw up a show dogs ears SO easily. Once the vets figure out that I am comfortable in there, they actually appreciate it as they can (and regularly do!) put me to work. It helps that I have a great relationship with my regular vet clinic. We've since moved away from them, but I still drive my dogs 90 mins to see them, as they are who I trust.

Now Scott (skreidle) on the other hand, damned near passed out when we were at my vet removing dew claws! He just doesn't react well to that kind of thing.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I usually don't react well to that kind of thing either. When my cat was diagnosed with diabetes, I darn near fainted trying to give her a shot. I know it can be trained away, and now I'm much better with shots, at least. Progress...

[suzimoses.livejournal.com]

Hmm. My mother is an operating room nurse, and loves watching surgeries. I don't share her enthusiasm, but I'm glad someone does.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Somebody's got to, eh?

I admit I'm (currently) much more enthusiastic about, well, basically, popping giant zits than about surgery per se. I am of course predicting that my interests will broaden. :-)