Class of 2015... How ya doing?

Veterinary Science Graduate Programs from U. of I.
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We do six live surgeries (seven if you count a cat castration). We're in groups of three: surgeon, assistant and anesthetist. So each person has two goes as surgeon, two as anesthestist and two as assistant. The surgeon can request a dog castration, dog spay or cat spay, but you're not guaranteed to get what you want, it depends on what you've already had, what other people want and what the shelters have available. My group has done two so far, a dog castration and a dog spay, but I was on anesthesia for those two. I'll be on as surgeon for the next two, and assistant for the last two. It's up to each group who does what when.
 
LetItSnow said:
Tiny little cat spays are the easiest to do!
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For some reason before I did surgery I thought bigger animal = easier surgery. Ohhh how I was wrong. Although, I feel like on the other end of the spectrum 2lb kittens are also kinda hard just because the instruments are so absurdly large compared to the animal.
 
bunnity said:
For some reason before I did surgery I thought bigger animal = easier surgery. Ohhh how I was wrong. Although, I feel like on the other end of the spectrum 2lb kittens are also kinda hard just because the instruments are so absurdly large compared to the animal.
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Hey Bunnity...

You would happen to be on Peds/Genetics this coming week? I have an appt Tuesday!
 
LetItSnow said:
Tiny little cat spays are the easiest to do!
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bunnity said:
For some reason before I did surgery I thought bigger animal = easier surgery. Ohhh how I was wrong. Although, I feel like on the other end of the spectrum 2lb kittens are also kinda hard just because the instruments are so absurdly large compared to the animal.
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Well that's reassuring. All our surgery prof would say is that "both dogs and cats have their good points and their challenges". Of course, having a cat also means I have to look after a stressed out cat all week including daily physicals and a blood draw, and I hate trying to do blood draws on cats.
 
I'm pretty sure she doesn't take requests into account like, at all. I requested nothing for my first and got a dog spay; apparently at least three other groups requested a dog spay and didn't get them that week. M had a cat spay last week and the surgery itself was essentially the same but easier 🙂 The blood draws are the real kicker for cats but other than that I think they're a better deal (only have to check them twice, no walking in the dark/cold/rain, etc). I'm surgeon again this week too - it's going to be a hell week for us 🙁
 
I've got a dog castration, no ablation needed since he's only a pup. Really, really, really cute. Really cute. I cannot get a dog, I cannot get a dog, I cannot get a dog....
 
Yours is seriously adorable 🙂

Unfortunately our dog is sketch city. He has that LOOK - no other way to describe it - that makes me not really trust him. Full out flailing and wrassling to get a temperature wasn't helping my confidence in him, either. I just need to make it through this week aaaghh.
 
Ugh, I knew yours was edgy, but I didn't know he was that bad. Hope the blood draw and the rest of the week goes okay, TR.

DVMD: I haven't asked my landlord, so I don't know. I know my landlady likes dogs, and is trying to talk her boyfriend/landlord into getting a dog and sometimes she dog-sits for her friends. They like me, but I dunno about me getting a dog. Especially a five month old large breed puppy. But I just love him!
 
Coquette22 said:
Ugh, I knew yours was edgy, but I didn't know he was that bad. Hope the blood draw and the rest of the week goes okay, TR.

DVMD: I haven't asked my landlord, so I don't know. I know my landlady likes dogs, and is trying to talk her boyfriend/landlord into getting a dog and sometimes she dog-sits for her friends. They like me, but I dunno about me getting a dog. Especially a five month old large breed puppy. But I just love him!
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You should ask. Then make a decision after that if they say yes. 🙂
 
One rotation down. Off to cardiology today!
 
Anyone have any ideas on where to get a suture practice kit? I am looking online, but figured I would ask here in case anyone has a good link.

The class is selling on here, but it is quite expensive - so I want to try to find one on my own.
 
devyn said:
Anyone have any ideas on where to get a suture practice kit? I am looking online, but figured I would ask here in case anyone has a good link.

The class is selling on here, but it is quite expensive - so I want to try to find one on my own.
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You would be better off getting some suture (expired suture, if not from a local clinic then maybe online) and then using a banana, and eventually using a pig's foot or beef tongue or something like that. The tubing that they sell isn't great and it gets worn out fast.

You could also make your own practice thing by taking two pieces of thick fabric and clamping it in an embroidery hoop.

Nothing really replaces the real deal, but any of these would help you get the patterns down.
 
twelvetigers said:
You would be better off getting some suture (expired suture, if not from a local clinic then maybe online) and then using a banana, and eventually using a pig's foot or beef tongue or something like that. The tubing that they sell isn't great and it gets worn out fast.
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Lissarae06 said:
You could ask your surgery dept about the expired suture. Here they will give it to you for free to practice.
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Thanks guise.... but actually I meant the instrument kits... like the scissors, needle holder, scalpel, etc.... apparently that comes in a kit?
 
First surgery tomorrow, dog castration. Eeek. At least it's a castration, and he's only got small testicles, so my incision shouldn't be too big (closing the damn thing is probably the part that I dread the most).
 
All my surgeries are crammed into next semester with my three electives. Next semester is gonna suck.

At this point, I just want it to be tomorrow evening. But I need to do well on this therio exam tomorrow... my contempt for the subject showed through with my grade on the first exam.

Can't I just *not* learn how to measure scrotal circumference? I mean... I don't plan on working bull testicles into my daily life. I really don't.
 
twelvetigers said:
All my surgeries are crammed into next semester with my three electives. Next semester is gonna suck.

At this point, I just want it to be tomorrow evening. But I need to do well on this therio exam tomorrow... my contempt for the subject showed through with my grade on the first exam.

Can't I just *not* learn how to measure scrotal circumference? I mean... I don't plan on working bull testicles into my daily life. I really don't.
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Good luck on therio!! I ended up really liking therio, for as big of a pain in the butt as it was. I will be scared on the rotation though, because I predict I will have forgotten it all by then. Oh wells.



Yesterday was my first day on cardio. And it was also the first time I've had a migraine. It started off as a headache and grew to headache and nausea. As soon as I got in my car I turned off the radio and drove home in a weird daze or something. It wasn't until I got home that I was convinced it was a migraine though. I couldn't even turn on the tv so I just laid down in the dark with my dog and cat. Eventually felt mostly normal again after drifting in and out of sleep. So that's fun.

Today I am seeing my first real patient, so that is scary.

And it's Halloween and I completely forgot and don't even have candy. Oops.
 
Surgery went really well (in my not so expert opinion). We weren't the first group in but we were the first group done. My usual problem group member did a castration before so she was fantastic as an assistant to know what I needed to do next, what instruments I needed, blotting the blood, cutting sutures. A was freaking out about anesthesia, but she did a great job.
 
We have FINALLY finished our midterm marathon that went from Sept 29 to today! I don't even know what I'm going to do with this modicum of free time! In celebration I'm making spicy fried chicken from a box with garlic sauce that will probably deter any vampires in a three mile radius.

Our surgery dog for this week is pretty adorable, although likely quite pregnant :\ Should be an interesting surgery - I'm assisting.
 
that redhead said:
We have FINALLY finished our midterm marathon that went from Sept 29 to today! I don't even know what I'm going to do with this modicum of free time! In celebration I'm making spicy fried chicken from a box with garlic sauce that will probably deter any vampires in a three mile radius.

Our surgery dog for this week is pretty adorable, although likely quite pregnant :\ Should be an interesting surgery - I'm assisting.
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Amen, the gauntlet is over. Hopefully I can recharged for finals. The fried chicken sounds delicious. And yes, your surgery dog is totally adorable. You seem to have gotten the only not crazy dog this week. My dog last week was a big cuddle bug that I easily could have taken home with me. There is no risk of attachment with this week's dog.
 
One week (half way) into cardio and I love it, the clinicians, my rotation-mates... I'm going to be quite sad when it's over and I move onto internal medicine 🙁
 
Second surgery tomorrow, a dog castration with dewclaw removal. Trying to force myself to go back to school tonight to walk him and put up his "No Food" sign. But it's cold out and I'm warm! (I will go, I have to. I just dun want to.)

As a warm fuzzy moment, the first two dogs my group did have been adopted. Yay!
 
I have fallen in love. Cardiology is so amazing. Becoming interested in a specialty was one of the only things I didn't want to happen while on clinics because it will make my husband's and my life very complicated... But it is right up my alley and I could really see myself excelling at it. This is the first time I've felt this way. I mean, my general decision to go for vet med was similar, but I have been so on the fence about what I want to do beyond working on animals lol.

Sigh... My husband was very cranky today because of it. I've never felt more conflicted. I realize I don't have to make any decisions right now, but I am 100% into cardiology and 0% into making this decision that will change everything about our plan for our future.

I am having a meeting with one of our cardiologists either tomorrow or Tuesday. I have asked the cardio intern to meet, and plan to ask the other cardiologist to meet eventually. Maybe more opinions and insight will help me make this decision.

Just 2 days left on this rotation. I'm really heartbroken about it because it means moving on to internal medicine. We have half the people of a normal internal medicine rotation. I'm hoping we aren't swamped with cases......
 
I wonder if it's common for people to fall in love with their first rotation? Not that your cardio love isn't genuine, I am just wondering. I feel like I will be so glad to not be sitting and taking endless exams at that point that I will be happy with any rotation to an extent.

I'm sure that wears off fast.

In other news, I'm studying musculo and I'm starting to shrug at my notes. I think I'm well prepared. It's weird to kinda feel 'done' studying, like I know what I know and anything missed will probably just be some little thing I forget because I slept or something.

Usually I get tired and give up instead.

Eh, it's a pretty small exam. Maybe that's it.
 
twelvetigers said:
I wonder if it's common for people to fall in love with their first rotation? Not that your cardio love isn't genuine, I am just wondering. I feel like I will be so glad to not be sitting and taking endless exams at that point that I will be happy with any rotation to an extent.

I'm sure that wears off fast.

In other news, I'm studying musculo and I'm starting to shrug at my notes. I think I'm well prepared. It's weird to kinda feel 'done' studying, like I know what I know and anything missed will probably just be some little thing I forget because I slept or something.

Usually I get tired and give up instead.

Eh, it's a pretty small exam. Maybe that's it.
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Hmm I wonder? This isn't technically my first rotation but it is my first one that I'm actually seeing patients. Maybe your idea has some role here, but I have always had a thing for cardio. I suspected before I even got my clinics schedule that this or SA internal medicine would catch me. I just never talked about it because I didn't want to jinx myself. I also think part of it is that I'm still an engineering nerd and the whole fluid dynamics aspect tugged at my nerd-strings. Hard.

Good luck on your exam! It's a good feeling to finally have reached that point where you are just done studying because you're done and not because you're tired... It didn't happen very often with me 😛



Edit: When does your class start clinics, TT? Will you be getting your clinics schedule soon?
 
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twelvetigers said:
Not until May, since we are a 3+1. I'll get my schedule in January I think. And, unfortunately, cardio is an elective and I didn't sign up for it. But I really doubt it's my true love.
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Ooh exciting! We'll have to compare schedules and see if we can commiserate/celebrate together on anything 😛
 
I can't believe the NAVLE is only a year away, oof.

That's really exciting, scbf 🙂 I know what it's like to have one person's decision impact the "plan" for the relationship (in my case, it was my decision and a decision on a residency, if I'm lucky enough to get one, would put me in the same scenario). But if I've learned nothing else as a major planner personality, it's that life never goes completely according to plan. I hope your husband can get on board with a compromise if it's something you decide to pursue! Also, my buddy mentor up here is a big time cardiologist, if you want his email to chat. He's such a sweet guy 🙂
 
that redhead said:
I can't believe the NAVLE is only a year away, oof.

That's really exciting, scbf 🙂 I know what it's like to have one person's decision impact the "plan" for the relationship (in my case, it was my decision and a decision on a residency, if I'm lucky enough to get one, would put me in the same scenario). But if I've learned nothing else as a major planner personality, it's that life never goes completely according to plan. I hope your husband can get on board with a compromise if it's something you decide to pursue! Also, my buddy mentor up here is a big time cardiologist, if you want his email to chat. He's such a sweet guy 🙂
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Thanks! I might have to take you up on that 🙂 Today was my last day of this rotation. I got a chance to chat with two of the interns-soon-to-be-residents (one cardio, one neuro) and they had a lot of helpful information for me. So I guess my next step is to talk to one of the cardiologists. I also just requested to change one of my two IM electives to another cardio elective, so that will be fun.
 
double post... thanks ipad app
 
I got approved to take a second cardio elective. The attending on my IM rotation right now said I could jump in with her on some research. Changes in life plans are scary.
 
I feel like the White Coat Ceremony is causing me way more stress than is probably warranted.
 
that redhead said:
Exciting too, though, right? 😀
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Absolutely!! And I'm really working on embracing it, TT. The whole research thing is scary though because I haven't been involved in any before.
 
pooter said:
I feel like the White Coat Ceremony is causing me way more stress than is probably warranted.
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What is stressing you out about it? The transition, or trying to get people into town, or...?
 
scb44f said:
What is stressing you out about it? The transition, or trying to get people into town, or...?
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People coming into town. Having an exam that same day. Having a class that doesn't get out until 45 min before I'm supposed to be there, leaving me with that much time to walk home, corral my family members to get them their tickets, walk the dog, make myself presentable, *and* get to the venue. My sister almost not making it in because her car wouldn't start. Figuring out dinner afterwards since I didn't have the foresight/mental energy to get a reservation. My suburban parents attempting to drive in the city.

I guess I pulled it off, though. Got the coat, listened to the speeches, there were no traffic accidents, everybody ate eventually, and we only accrued one parking ticket. 😎

The transition is kind of freaking me out, too, but that's tomorrow's crisis. 😉
 
pooter said:
People coming into town. Having an exam that same day. Having a class that doesn't get out until 45 min before I'm supposed to be there, leaving me with that much time to walk home, corral my family members to get them their tickets, walk the dog, make myself presentable, *and* get to the venue. My sister almost not making it in because her car wouldn't start. Figuring out dinner afterwards since I didn't have the foresight/mental energy to get a reservation. My suburban parents attempting to drive in the city.

I guess I pulled it off, though. Got the coat, listened to the speeches, there were no traffic accidents, everybody ate eventually, and we only accrued one parking ticket. 😎

The transition is kind of freaking me out, too, but that's tomorrow's crisis. 😉
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Ugh that is a lot going on during one very important day!! I'm glad you pulled it off! The transition is scary but I'm learning that speaking up and being willing to learn from mistakes takes you a long way (as does helping out rotation-mates!).
 
Final surgery over! And it was a long one. Unilateral abdominal cryptorchid. Essentially, two surgeries in one. Into the abdomen to find the cryptorchid one, then a regular pre-scrotal to take out the normal one.
 
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