MY FIRST DAY IN THE SURGERY DEPT 🫣

September 3, 2025 8 AM - 6 PM.

I was scheduled in the Surgery Department on my first day at VMCLI on September 3, 2025. I was assigned to my LVT mentor for the day, Yvonne. Her lead LVT, Danielle, also showed me around and allowed me to shadow her on her procedure. I watched the team prep patients, induce anesthesia, scrub them in before surgery, and set up the operating room for the surgeons and procedures. It's reminiscent of how I prep patients and set up the OR at my clinic. The difference is that I'm usually involved in preventative procedures like dentals or routine neuters, while here I was witnessing life-saving and emergent surgeries.

It was both validating and humbling. Validating because it showed me that I'm already doing the appropriate tasks in my own job, and humbling because watching how calm, competent, and efficient everyone was gave me a clear picture of the goals I want to strive toward in my own career.

Nerve-Wracking but Inspiring: A Day in Surgery and Emergency

Although I was nervous and extremely anxious going into my shift, today turned out to be one of the most educational and inspiring experiences I've ever had the pleasure of having.

Luna: Open Pyometra in a Jack Russell Terrier

Luna, a 3-year-old unaltered female Jack Russell Terrier, presented with clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting/diarrhea, fever, and a yellowish-green vaginal discharge. An open pyometra was suspected, and, after confirming with her owners, she was scheduled that day for an ovariohysterectomy.

One of my biggest concerns was her small size. I worried about whether she would be able to maintain her body temperature during and after surgery, especially with fluids and medications being administered. I asked Yvonne about this, and she reassured me that heat support measures would be in place, including Bair Huggers and warmies. Thanks to careful monitoring and support, Luna's surgery went smoothly, and I later heard she was discharged the very next day!

Forrest: Lung Masses and Thoracotomy

Forrest, a 9-year-old neutered male hound mix, came in with masses in his lungs. Before surgery, Yvonne placed a second 22G catheter in his hind lateral saphenous vein. Curious, I asked why, and she explained that this provides an additional site for rapid medication access, especially in emergencies like hemoabdomens or pneumothoraxes.

His owners elected for a thoracotomy and lung lobectomy. Once the surgeons opened his chest, they excised two masses - one on the right caudal lung lobe and another on the accessory lung lobe. Both were sent out for histopathology.

During surgery, Forrest was placed on a ventilator to maintain his breathing. Yvonne handled all the anesthetic/pain reliever dosing and adjustments in real time, which was incredible to watch. I asked if the ventilator settings were based on tidal volume to ensure proper oxygenation, and she confirmed that they were.

My biggest internal "freak-out" came when Forrest was taken off the ventilator. Yvonne commented that she was allowing him to breathe on his own, and it might take longer than I was comfortable with. Watching the process unfold, I realized how much experience and confidence it takes to stay calm in moments like that. One day, I hope to reach that same level of confidence.

Saria: Dog Bite Trauma

Saria, a 2-year-old spayed female poodle mix, came into the Emergency Department just two days earlier after being attacked by an off-leashed pitbull. She was unable to hold her head up and was in excruciating pain. Her injuries were severe, and the hospital's criticalist was called in because the team feared she might code on the table.

During her surgery, the surgeons discovered that all of her strap muscles had been torn and required repair. That was the reason why her head couldn't be held up. Thankfully, though, the bite into her chest had not punctured the thoracic cavity - if it had, Yvonne explained that Saria would have needed to be placed on a ventilator.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Saria was incredibly fortunate. When I left, she was resting comfortably, breathing better, and recovering with her mom by her side.

French Fryy: Rabbit 🐰 Neuter

Next was French Fryy, a rabbit scheduled for a routine neuter. I was surprised to see the IV catheter placed in his cephalic vein - the tiny size of the catheter was adorable! The procedure itself was quick, smooth, and successful, and French Fryy went home shortly after recovery.

A Glimpse into Emergency

After surgeries, I spent about 30-45 minutes in the Emergency Department. First, a pitbull presented after experiencing three back-to-back seizures, the last of which was severe. The team acted immediately, triaging her, providing oxygen, and placing an IV catheter. Emergency drugs were drawn up quickly, and I recognized Midazolam as one of the primary choices for controlling active seizures from my own job.

While that case was unfolding, another patient, a husky with a history of pleural effusion, was admitted. Unfortunately, my shift ended before I could observe further.

Reflection

This day left me feeling both humbled and motivated. From surgeries as intense as a thoracotomy to the fast-paced triage of emergencies, I learned so much in such a short time. The LVTs and DVMs I shadowed were not only highly skilled but also calm and composed under pressure. I admire them so deeply and hope to embody that same confidence and competence in my own future career. 🐾