Small Animal/Exotics Work

Cassie Hoy, Ross University

Hello! 5th semester student at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine hoping to go into mixed animal medicine after graduation here. I had the opportunity to intern at a Small Animal/Exotics practice over break with a PDF Scholarship. The veterinarians and technicians I worked with were incredibly supportive of my learning more hands-on skills, I'm much more confident with phlebotomy and placing endotracheal tubes now! Every day was something different: allergy dogs, diabetic cats, bird wing clips and even a rabbit neuter - seeing concepts learned in classes like Clinical Pathology and Immunology in the real clinic setting was exciting. While I didn't know everything going on, this was the first time I was able to follow why certain diagnostic tests were being run or how the medication was going to help our patients. We even went over disaster preparedness rules from my Public Health course with hurricane Dorian looming in, that was the only clinic I've been in that was built for evacuation use. The practice owner gave me some awesome tips for handling problems with panicky pet owners - everyone needs to stay calm in situations like that! Overall, I truly enjoyed having the chance to intern and would love to go back. I'm incredibly thankful for the experience and I know what to expect from my future career!

Purrrfect Cats

Kaitlin Marley from Kansas State has some pretty cute furry cat friends!

Rux the Mob Boss

Jacob Marley

Mickey Mouse

Say Yes to Symposium

Still trying to decide if you are going to attend SAVMA Symposium 2020 at Cornell? Read up on how much Holly Bates from Ross University enjoyed her experience at UGA last year!

As a Ross University School of Veterinary medicine, attending Symposium each year is something I have looked forward to!  The island life is nice but getting a taste of American food is great every once in a blue moon. Attending the 2019 SAVMA symposium strengthened my understanding of the veterinary profession providing me an opportunity to expand and keep up to date with current knowledge of veterinary medicine.  The topics which interested me the most were the oncology lectures and the lectures focused around public health. One health is so import for the future of veterinary medicine due to the close relationships we have with animals now more than ever! Pets are now considered family members and not only is human health a priority now, individuals are willing to do more advanced diagnostics and preventions to ensure the health and wellness of their pets (babies)! 

“So you are presented a 7 year old, Male, Intact Rottweiler for limping on the right rear limb” so began our oncology review. What a brilliant way to take us through the history, clinical signs and diagnostics to help us all reach the same conclusion.  The lecture was very stimulating and will stick in my mind through the rest of my pre-clinical year and clinics.   

An experience I will never forget is the dental wet lab I was able to attend. We were given our own cadaver head to extract teeth and learn the importance about dental radiographs in veterinary medicine.  Dentistry in small animal medicine is a very important aspect of health for our companion animals to live a happy healthy life. For veterinarians this is many times an area that goes missed in routine care for many of our patients.  Having the extra hands on experience and knowledge I gained from the lab will remain with me when I go onto practice.

The SAVMA Symposium 2019  experience not only allowed me to see the huge network of veterinarians I will soon call my colleagues, but allowed me form life-long friendships with my Ross colleagues outside of our tedious studies here on island! I will not forget my time spent at the 2019 SAVMA symposium and hope if you are reading this you take the time to attend the 2020 SAVMA Symposium! 

 

Lake Livin'

Thank you, Megan Westerhold from Kansas State, for giving us some images of tranquility during the crunch of finals!

Looking Out at the Lake

Boats and Blooms

Sunset on the Lake

Amazing Views

Thank you, Monica Branca from Tufts University, for sharing these incredible photos!

Yosemite

Silhouette

Garonga