By Karen Hibell, The College of Animal Welfare
Friday was a day of mixed emotions. Firstly, it was the last day at Pookode campus. Time to take stock of the week; the cases seen, friends met and what had been achieved. There were some loose ends to tidy up.
Jo, an Indian wildcat that had been admitted on Wednesday with an infected devolving injury to his right hind; phalanges missing, metatarsals completely exposed, was awaiting a final decision on his treatment plan. After much discussion, his lower right hind limb was amputated from mid-shaft femur and he was neutered, with a view to release him. This provided a opportunity for both the staff of the university to observe the UK approach to anaesthesia and surgery, but also for the veterinary nursing students to assist with pre, peri and post-operative care within a different environment.
Euthanasia as a treatment option, is something that is taken for granted in the UK, but it is still a controversial topic in India. One case observed was an inpatient that had been diagnosed with a terminal liver disease. The team witnessed first-hand the decision making process within the wider system; but also assisted Bella within her final hours.Â
Tea, cake, and a homemade traditional Indian dessert served straight from a tiffin tin was just what was required for elevenses. An opportunity to thank our hosts for their hospitality and patience in allowing the team to work within their clinic for a week.
Friday afternoon, Hayley, Heather and Andrew delivered a clinical skills workshop with the veterinary students; IV cannulae placement and suturing techniques amongst many discussions. Then just about enough time for a photo call, before leaving to visit a local orphanage. One emergency stop later and two additional passengers on board we were off again. A tiny kitten sitting in the road, traffic swerving to avoid it resulted in the loudest ‘stop’ our driver will ever here. Two kittens; ‘Heather’ and ‘Harry’ were brought back to the mini bus and were taken home by two of the doctors from the university to be hand-reared.
