Student Experiences

Submitted by Anastasiya Missan, Atlantic Veterinary College

Save the Bees

In his book, All Creatures Great and Small, the famous James Herriot writes of his humorous stories of a country vet tackling a variety of farm animals, dogs, cats and even birds. But one very small creature is missing from his exploits, the mighty bee.

 

Apiculture and honeybees are often overlooked as food-producing animals. However as of 2021 Canada had 810,000 beehives, yielding almost 90 million pounds of honey with a total value over $278 million. Like any animal honeybees are can be afflicted by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Historically these health situations have been generally managed by beekeepers. But with the newer regulations regarding antimicrobials, and the veterinary prescriptions now needed for their use in Canada, veterinary care for bees is becoming a new and exciting area of medicine.

Although a newly emerging area, bee medicine is not exactly a required course in vet school. So, to follow my interest I went elsewhere to learn more. I contacted a veterinarian who also owned several beehives. I was able to shadow him for several months and learn more about bees, and veterinary medicine. Every few weeks I would travel to his farm, say hello to the sheep and chickens, put on a bee suit, and do something new with the bees. Over the next few months, I learned how to tell the different types of bees apart and their roles within the hive, the multiple different ways to treat Varro mites in beehives, and what to do when the queen bee dies. I was able to watch the bees slowly produce honey over the summer, and then help with the collection of the honey in the fall. Despite what probably would have been a useful skill, I was also fortunate enough not to learn what to do if a bee stings you. I am thankful to have this opportunity, to have had an absolutely amazing mentor, to have been able to follow my interest, and learn so much more about bees and veterinary medicine.

As veterinarians we are able to be involved in so many different areas within our communities, some of which may not seem obvious at first. I would encourage anyone interested in the different aspects of veterinary medicine to reach out to their communities and to learn more. 

Caption Contest Winner

*me realizing I had 2 dog toys, 1 tampon, 4 hair ties, and 5 coins for dinner last night*

Winning caption submitted by: Madison Bower, Royal Veterinary College

Photo submitted by: Ashley Cubb, Texas A&M University 

Foot in Mouth Disease

"Every vet student when the client tells the doctor a completely different history"

Submitted by Danielle Howe, Cornell University

Creative Corner

Submitted by Cheyenne Lee, Cornell University

VIN Rounds

Tuesday Topic Rounds are short (30 minute) clinical sessions geared toward veterinary students. The VIN Student Team started these rounds during COVID-19 for students missing rotations and they’ve continued to be well attended. Come join us in June for 30 minute, case-based sessions focused on acute pain every Tuesday at 12pm ET. Everyone and all levels of experience are welcome. There will be time for Q&A and discussion following. The next session is Pain Assessment Cases on June 28, 2022 at 12 ET.

In this rounds you will:

• Learn why animals hide pain.
• Signs of pain to look for
• How to use pain scales/scoring systems

TO JOIN THE SESSION, LOG INTO THE VIN STUDENT CENTER AND CLICK THE GREEN BUTTON IN THE TOP RIGHT

The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) is here to help you as a vet student – especially during this worldwide pandemic. Membership is always free as a student!