Nursing with Norma January 2020
Happy New Year everyone! I’ve come to realise that there isn’t ever really a “quiet” time in veterinary life! (In fact, that “Q” word is banned in the clinic… the staff are a superstitious bunch!!)
In addition to routine procedures and consultations, we have also seen an increase in orthopaedic cases. Dr Hamish has been putting all that expensive TPLO equipment to good use! And it’s a full-time job cleaning, repacking and sterilizing it all when he’s finished!!
The Summer months also bring many patients with nasty infections caused by grass seeds. These tiny seeds can cause real problems for both the patients and the staff. They become embedded in the skin and then continue to move around in the surrounding tissue- causing inflammation, scarring and lots of discomfort! Common places for seeds are the ears, feet and groin. And, because they are so small (often less than 5mm in length) they can be extremely difficult to find! We did have a case where one seed had travelled from the patients armpit to almost the hip! Needless to say, when a pesky seed is located there is an enthusiastic round of “High 5’s” between the staff……Dear readers, you would be correct in thinking that I am surrounded by a quirky bunch of people!!
But this Summer has been difficult for a lot of our clients for a different reason and we have opened our doors to animals displaced by the terrible fires. We have donated linen and medical supplies to our local Wildcare group. Dr Brett is also on stand-by to assist with veterinary work in those affected areas. I know that, if and when he gets that call, the animals will be lucky to have him to look after them.
As for me, I’ve been a good girl so far this year. My pet fish are growing up fast and I still spend an embarrassingly large amount of time watching them.
The nurses, despite telling me that I wasn’t getting anything for Christmas, went to my favourite shop… KAT-Mart (apparently that’s not how it’s pronounced… but I do seem to receive a LOT of toys from there) and got me the SINGLE GREATEST CARBOARD CAT CASTLE OF ALL TIME!!
And they didn’t want me to tell you this, but it did take 3 of them almost 2 hours to construct! Hahaha!
I will admit that I am a little too “big boned” to sit on the carboard bridge…Unfortunately, I only discovered this when it collapsed underneath me!! I tried to convince the nurses to send an email to the manufacturer … but they just laughed at me and said, “Maybe you should stop stealing the treats off the front counter!”. HOW RUDE!!
So, I guess that brings me to my New Year’s Resolution! Being the winner of “Best Clinic Cat in NSW” was certainly a highlight for me last year and I do love being pampered so, of course I have plans to take the National title this year!! But I also know that my position at the clinic involves a lot of hard work and plenty of cuddles. So, 2020 will be the year that I will spend less time trapped in THAT cupboard…. the one in the hallway with all of the computer cables…..that I insist on opening myself……and then have to frantically wave my little paw under the door so that someone will rescue me!!! Then I will be available to spend more time knocking items off the reception desk. 😊
Best be off, it’s almost time for our daily rounds and I know that there is fresh roast chicken in the building!!! YAY!!
Until next time,
Norma xx
Nursing with Norma January 2020Happy New Year everyone! I’ve come to realise that there isn’t ever really a “quiet” time in veterinary life! (In fact, that “Q” word is banned in the clinic… the staff are a superstitious bunch!!)In addition to routine procedures and consultations, we have also seen an increase in orthopaedic cases. Dr Hamish has been putting all that expensive TPLO equipment to good use! And it’s a full-time job cleaning, repacking and sterilizing it all when he’s finished!!The Summer months also bring many patients with nasty infections caused by grass seeds. These tiny seeds can cause real problems for both the patients and the staff. They become embedded in the skin and then continue to move around in the surrounding tissue- causing inflammation, scarring and lots of discomfort! Common places for seeds are the ears, feet and groin. And, because they are so small (often less than 5mm in length) they can be extremely difficult to find! We did have a case where one seed had travelled from the patients armpit to almost the hip! Needless to say, when a pesky seed is located there is an enthusiastic round of “High 5’s” between the staff……Dear readers, you would be correct in thinking that I am surrounded by a quirky bunch of people!!But this Summer has been difficult for a lot of our clients for a different reason and we have opened our doors to animals displaced by the terrible fires. We have donated linen and medical supplies to our local Wildcare group. Dr Brett is also on stand-by to assist with veterinary work in those affected areas. I know that, if and when he gets that call, the animals will be lucky to have him to look after them.As for me, I’ve been a good girl so far this year. My pet fish are growing up fast and I still spend an embarrassingly large amount of time watching them.The nurses, despite telling me that I wasn’t getting anything for Christmas, went to my favourite shop… KAT-Mart (apparently that’s not how it’s pronounced… but I do seem to receive a LOT of toys from there) and got me the SINGLE GREATEST CARBOARD CAT CASTLE OF ALL TIME!!And they didn’t want me to tell you this, but it did take 3 of them almost 2 hours to construct! Hahaha!I will admit that I am a little too “big boned” to sit on the carboard bridge…Unfortunately, I only discovered this when it collapsed underneath me!! I tried to convince the nurses to send an email to the manufacturer … but they just laughed at me and said, “Maybe you should stop stealing the treats off the front counter!”. HOW RUDE!!So, I guess that brings me to my New Year’s Resolution! Being the winner of “Best Clinic Cat in NSW” was certainly a highlight for me last year and I do love being pampered so, of course I have plans to take the National title this year!! But I also know that my position at the clinic involves a lot of hard work and plenty of cuddles. So, 2020 will be the year that I will spend less time trapped in THAT cupboard…. the one in the hallway with all of the computer cables…..that I insist on opening myself……and then have to frantically wave my little paw under the door so that someone will rescue me!!! Then I will be available to spend more time knocking items off the reception desk. 😊Best be off, it’s almost time for our daily rounds and I know that there is fresh roast chicken in the building!!! YAY!!Until next time,Norma xx
Posted by West Queanbeyan Veterinary Hospital on Friday, January 24, 2020
