natelam's Xanga

She comforts me.

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:51:00 GMT

6 more days...ironically leaving CAli to go back to Cali =)

Within my grasp...

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:50:41 GMT

The last 2 finals of my academic career are about to be over. It feels so good to have that victory within my grasp...now just have to make it through clinics =)

Finals update

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:52:15 GMT

For some reason, I always get the urge to update during finals week. It's procrastination at its finest.

The past week has been pretty hectic. The zoo has been crazy - Ebony, one of the black rhinos has a bad skin disease and one of her toes was amputated earlier last week. This week we went out to try a new technique for wound healing. We attached a closed suction system to the large wound area and hooked it up to a portable vacuum pulse suction unit which hangs around her neck. This has been very successful in humans and other animals and there's already a very nice granulation bed to work with. Cross your fingers!

The disease that the rhino has causes severe lesions and necrosis of the skin and feet. They become infected without treatment. Here we are removing the dead tissue and draining the infected areas - looks pretty gross but it is essential to getting a good tissue bed for healing. Conditions for doing surgery in the stall are less than ideal, but you make due with what you have - we use a motorized sterile lavage/suction to try and minimize contamination before and during the procedure and use antibiotics judiciously.

Here's a 3 shots of the vacuum assisted wound healing. I took a 30 image series for the company that manufactures it.

We finished off by bandaging the leg with a few layers of modified Robert Jones bandage material topped off with the most versatile adhesive - Duct Tape. This is Dr. Ames - one of my personal heroes.

Also did physical exams on the baby snow leopard, one of the most beautiful creatures I've ever seen or felt. One of my classmates is in love with snow leopards but couldn't get out of class in time to come see her. It was a once in a lifetime chance since she's being shipped out to another zoo this weekend.

If you've ever put an IV cath into a male cat, you know that's hard. Large cats have even tougher skin and rollier veins...makes the job fun, especially in low light cramped conditions.

Earlier this month the tenrec gave birth (actually had to have a C-section). The little bugger is pretty darn small and cute

In other news...snow is on the ground! Cali clearly loves it...Ritz, expectedly hates all weather below 30 degrees.

Alright. Finals M-F...then CA for my first rotation (Neurology/Neurosurgery). Happy Holidays!

Lions and Rhinos and Mandrills Oh my.

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:26:59 GMT

Been too busy for Xanga...sorry =(

And yes, those are the jaws of life.
Jennie you'll appreciate these...=)

Quarter Century Club

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:05:30 GMT

The next quarter century has begun. That last one was pretty good!

Fall in the Doggy Park!

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:45:32 GMT

Thanks for all the good thoughts to Cali, we've been busy romping around town with Ritz and haven't had a chance to reply back! My favorite time of the year again...the fall. Cali has developed into a little swimmer and has made some good friends at the dog park.

Meet Biscuit...10 month old St. Bernard puppy. This little guy lived in my classmate's spare bedroom with parvo for the first few weeks of his life. One of my most memorable vet school experiences will be going over to Jill's house to put an IV catheter in this dog so it could make it through the night and survive the viral load. Look at him now...this ain't no small cookie.

And of course obligatory pictures of Cali. She and Ritz have their first agility classes tonight.

Until next time...

Going going...back back...to Cali Cali

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:09:04 GMT

Picture this scene. A normal everyday Michigan family gets a purebred Border Collie puppy. Hoping to have it as a family dog, and a working dog for their herd. 6 months goes by, and they realize it's too much work. No one wants to participate in the training, the walking, the feeding, the loving. Instead of a joy, the dog becomes a nuisance. Instead of an understanding patience, the owner instead turns to dominance and aggression. Dominance leads them to yell, and kick, and abuse. Aggression leads to choking the dog when it misbehaves. Pure sadistic evilness leads them to attempt to kill the dog by strangulation with its own leash. Incapability and shear fortune leads to bringing the dog to the pound for euthanisia since attempt to kill it at home didn't work. Fate, brought this dog and I together.

Meet Cali. I've had her for 4 days and she's turned from a cowering, frightful, submissive pathetic creature into a joyful, loyal, and absolutely amazing bundle of furry goodness. We're hiking buddies. She and Ritz are napping buddies. We're running a 5k together on Saturday...all is right with the world.

Day 1. Met her in the ward after spay/neuter surgery during a vet school lab.

Day 3...first time at the dog park...already a different dog

Day 5...same dog? Hard to believe ain't it?

Obligate photos of some neat vet school stuff =) Did my first surgery on Monday, successful RNA and Splenectomy wooho!

Update

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 03:30:48 GMT

I've been gone a while I know. To be honest, I don't have much to show for it in terms of photos. My entire summer was consumed with this...

This year has been all about preparing for clinics and working on some new projects. Picked up mountainbiking, and got a little more serious into target shooting. My days are consumed with work, and weekends are consumed with even more work. When I find the time I get out on the trails, the green, or the range. Unfortunately Xanga has taken a backseat. Enjoying the sun while it still rises is on my priority list right now. You'll see more of me in November I'm sure. =)

New toys for Fall - Specialized Rockhopper, HK USP Compact 9mm Stainless, Custom Ruger 10/22. Won't be on Xanga much (and haven't been) from now on but I'll update when I can...stay classy Xanga. -N

Hemostasis

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 05:07:51 GMT

You're never ready to hear the news that a friend has passed away. The first reaction is complete and utter disbelief. Then you begin to reminisce, and the aching begins. Childhood memories of boys being boys, school projects and countless hours of laughter flicker through your mind. Then you recount the last few years how you lost touch, and although they say there's nothing you could have done, you know in the back of your mind there was. Then you begin to feel selfish, sad, and sorrowful.

In surgery, hemostasis is one of the most important principles. Although the body is capable of stopping hemorrhage on it's own via the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation cascades, for our anesthetized patients the preservation of morbidity and mortality is our responsibility. Is this true of life and friendship as well? Do you seek to find the open vessel and fix the bleeder? Life is to short to wait, practice hemostasis.

Rest In Peace TK. You were loved and will be missed.

Indy Outdoors!

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:58:44 GMT

Man, it's been a long time since I've updated Xanga. Work has been crazy, lots of cutting and lots of emergency/critical care. I've been traveling a bit for photo work and have had practically no time to look through the lens on my own time. This weekend we went to the OC fair and came back early to play with the pups in the backyard. Indy's vaccinated enough so that we feel comfortable with him running around in a confined area an that means good light for cute puppy photos!! Jacqui came and met him about 2 weeks ago and instantly fell in love so needless to say, Indy has a permanent home =)

Indy's got a thing for leaves apparently...he'll pick the choicest one and run away with it and hoard it like Smiegel and the Ring.

Despite their little boy differences, he and Ritzy and starting to get along...

Harrison Ford, eat your heart out.

Till next time. -N