Making Flushes

Flushes are syringes containing three milliliters of IV fluids (Intravenous Therapy fluids). These fluids are utilized so the patient's body does not become dehydrated while under anesthesia. In order to make a flush, all that is needed is a bag of IV fluid, a box of three milliliter syringes, and a black Sharpie marker. First the syringe mus be taken out of the secured plastic cover it is packed in. Then, an F must be written on the top of the syringe so whenever someone goes to use it, they know it is a flush. After this, the syringe is put into the bag of IV fluid and three milliliters are taken out. The only thing that must be done afterwards is ensuring no air bubbles are left in the syringe, which can cause air to be put into the veins of a patient. The process is repeated until the box of syringes is finished.

The English Mastiff

Dr. Murphy shared with me what occurs to a dog who must go into surgery for a gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as a stomach bloat. This happens when the stomach of a dog becomes full of gas. Unfortunately, this extra air can cause severe abdominal pain and the stomach begins to rotate, losing blood supply and any possible way of losing the extra gas. Without surgery, the victim can die within hours from agonizing pain of the twisting stomach. Soon after she explained exactly what happens, she told me the patient was a massive English Mastiff laying on the floor in CCU if I wanted to take a look. Therefore, I walked down to CCU and saw the dog laying on the floor with stitches near his stomach.

Declaw Surgery

When I was at my internship in Paramus, I was able to observe multiple declaw surgeries. Although personally I feel the idea of taking a cat's claws off is inhumane, it opened my eyes to what I may have to deal with one day when I become a Veterinarian. Dr. Fettig made the process seem simple as it only took him around 10 to 15 minutes to finish the surgery. I was able to see Dr. Fettig amputate the last bone on the cat's toe which would obviously permanently remove the nail. In order to prevent any infection from occurring, bandages along with gauze pads were taped onto the end of the cat's legs.

Yeast Infection in Ears

At the Oradell Veterinary group in Hasbrouck Heights, there was a patient, dog, who has been scratching its ears for days and in the past has been treated for it. An ear wash was performed on the dog and it behaved well. After swabbing out the dog's ears, wax was put onto a slide and observed under the microscope by Doctor Boren. As he was observing he told us that the dog had yeast growing inside of its ears and had to be treated for it. Shortly after, he asked if I wanted to see what it looked like. It was interesting to look at and the bacteria looked like purple shoes. I followed Doctor Boren back into the room and he told the owners that the dog had a yeast infection and had to be treated for it. The corresponding medication was prescribed and given.

A Dose of Ampicilin

For the very first time this week, I was able to give a dose of Ampicillin and a flush to a patient that was going to be put into surgery. The experience was unique and exciting because I felt like I was really making a difference in the dog's health for the better. Although it was only minor and anyone could do it, I felt more useful and like a difference maker.

The process was simple. I was given a needle with 5 ml of ampicillin and a flush, containing 3 ml of saline, by Nicole Bailey, a vet tech. The IV was already placed into the pug's leg so I did not have to poke a vein. Instead, all that had to be done was inserting the needle into the IV and slowly giving the dose to the dog. After the dose is given, a flush is given to make sure all the medication is in the system and no negative effects occur.