Hey guys!
Signing in from St. Johns, MI. I am finished with my first 6 weeks, which is absolutely crazy; the time has flown by! So I also have a lot to fill in on. I've worked primarily with one vet, Dr. Cynthia Trombley, who has been wonderful, however all of the vets at the clinic have been so more than welcoming. I have had the chance to learn and experience a multitude of cases and situations.
There's been the usual spring frenzy of everyone calling in for vaccinations and checking/floating teeth, so that has entertained a lot of our time, but we have been able to round out the diversity as well. Our schedule is generally fairly consistent, and we have the opportunity to come down to MSU's Horse Teaching and Research Barn Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, if needed. Dr. Trombley works directly with Paula, the manager there, for facilitating the breeding program and making sure everything is staying on track and up to par. This generally consists of a morning full of ultrasounds, palpations, checking up on the new foals, etc. Everything has been really smooth, though we have had to make sure that a handful of the newborns are alright. We've just drawn some blood for IgG tests, determining that their antibody levels from mom's colostrum is adequate enough for their health and well-being. We had to administer IV plasma to one foal because his levels were too low. He ended up great over the course of the next day or two, so all good! We also saw a foal (not associated with MSU) who was acting weird about his umbilicus, and it was determined that he had a patent urachus. The owners noticed that at times he had two streams of urine, and it was really sensitive to the touch for him. It was confirmed, and we performed an ultrasound just to make sure that there was no ascending infections starting, and he was clear. There were a few different approaches that were discussed, either letting it ride out with some cleaning and observation, try using silver nitrate to cauterize, or even taking him down to MSU for a procedure to make sure it was fully closed and sealed. They ultimately decided to continue with what they were doing so he was left with some antibiotics and a regimen for consistent cleaning of the area, and heard a week or two later that he was doing great! We've seen him since then, and he's closed up well, and no signs of any other problems. It's been all encompassing with breeding topics; from the babies to retained placentas, shipped semen to live covers, we've been all across the board. With all of these opportunities, I've been able to learn and touch up on a TON of breeding, cycles, and pregnancy facts so that has been really helpful!
Along with the breeding, we've seen some pretty incredible mouths as well. And not necessarily in a good way. We've seen some of those last molars at about 2 inches long grinding down the gums of the lower jaws, many a cheek ulcers, and have pulled a handful of rotten, loose teeth as well. While these are all good consistent maintenance practices to take care of and resolve, we have been able to see the extremes of both ends of this industry. We were called out to a property on a concerned neighbor's request, also soliciting animal control's help. While I obviously won't disclose details, it was really fascinating to see the opposite side of this world, the part that we don't always like to think exists. The drama that unfolded between officer, vet, owner and boarder was all very intricate. It came down to a bit of neglect issue and some miscommunication, but the owner started up on the right path for taking care of them and hopefully getting them to a full and healthy weight and lifestyle. Yet, it's quite an uphill battle, given an older horse, bad teeth, poor quality hay and a fecal sample of approximately 740 stronglye eggs. It'll take a while, but at least now the issue has been addressed..! It just goes to show the brevity and responsibility we have and will have as veterinarians, to truly affect these animals' lives in a positive way. I wouldn't say it was the best situation, but certainly encouraging to know that we can and will make a difference. This also has taught me that no matter the circumstances, no matter what conclusions we might draw in our heads about the owners or the animal's situation, it is still necessary to present every option possible. You never know what goes on behind the scenes. Some people will surprise you, and although the money might flow a little bit freer with the million dollar horses, the everyday pasture pet might make a run for that money just as strongly. I'm definitely learning to appreciate the other, intangible lessons that this time has revealed. I could go on and on, but I will sign off for now, and be back soon. Excited to see what these last weeks will bring!
Thanks everyone,
Taylor Alton
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