Today was our double lab. Maura and I arrived early to set up the instruments and anesthesia machine. The students took their practical and were done in about an hour and a half. We helped them practice for the next part of their practical. Then the next lab came in and they took their practical. Only one student stayed to practice, the rest of them wanted to leave to study for another test that day. After she left, we cleaned up and left ourselves.

I went to help the end of open lab; there were a few students left. I helped one of them, the same girl who is always there when I get there, to learn how to set up the breathing systems, using the autoclave, performing CPR and we went over all of the machines as well.

It was the second day of the first week of practicals. Maura and I arrived half an hour early to start setting up. We laid out all of the instruments and numbered them along with parts on the anesthetic machine. Maura made another key and we monitored them. Someone from VCL came down to draw blood for their class, so Maura and I helped them since the students were having trouble. Then when everyone was done, we helped them practice the machines and other items to practice for the next part of the practical.

The students started their practical today. Maura and I showed up at 7:30 to set up, we laid out all of the instruments and numbered them, and labeled parts of the anesthetic machine. After the students came in, Maura and I made a key and then just monitored until they were ready for the more hands on part. We watched the students dispense liquid medication and reconstitute medication. When the students were done, we helped them practice for the second half of the practical next week.

Today was the same as last week, the students learned to intubate. We used Rana, Phoenix and Pluto. Phoenix’s group couldn’t get the catheter in, so I had to do it. Other then that, everything was exactly the same as the other labs.

We had our double lab today, which was a bit more stressful; making sure the first lab was done in time for the next lab. However, it went very well, and both labs had enough time to get done with everything they needed. All of the labs this week went progressively smoother as we were able to help the students either multitask or help their group get things done instead of all doing the same thing at the same time. Also, each day I put up signs for the dogs to be fasted for the next day, as well as the recovery signs if the students forgot or did not have time to. Today we used Krypton, Leo and Moonbeam in the first lab; and Nash, Neptune and Ophelia in the second lab.

Today was pretty much the same as yesterday, we used three different dogs; Comet, Dipper and Draco. Then we had a mock practical and open lab at night, which was very well attended and we plan on having open lab as much as we can for the next few weeks while people are studying for their practical’s.

We taught the students how to intubate a dog for the first time today. We used three dogs, and didn’t end up with enough time to use the cats. The dogs we used were Andromeda, Cassiopeia and Callisto. This is what we had the students do to prepare to intubate.

First they performed a physical exam on the dog their group was assigned to. Next, they drew blood for a big four, which consists of blood glucose, total solids, BUN level and a PCV. Then they calculated the drug dosages of Butorphanol, acepromizine and Glycopyrrolate as a premedication. (See drug dosages section) After Maura, Kim, Dr. Young or I checked the calculations; they drew up the drugs and wrote them in the controlled drug log. We checked that the students drew up the correct amount, then showed them how to combine all of the drugs into one syringe by pulling the plunger of one syringe back enough to fit the other two, and adding the other two.
They then gave their dog the premedication intramuscularly and waited for the dog to become sleepy. While they waited, we checked their propofol calculation if they hadn’t done them yet for the induction drug. They also got supplies ready to place a catheter as well as check the anesthesia machines.
Once their dog was sedated enough, the students placed a catheter. Up until now, most of the dogs had been fine, and the students had been able to get everything done, but Maura ended up placing a catheter in Andromeda and Callisto was not sedate enough to place one, so we didn’t use her.
Dr. Young talked to them about how to give the propofol, slowly to effect over 60-90 seconds; and also how to intubate and inflate the cuff once they are induced.
Kim took one group, while Dr. Young took the other, and Maura and I split up as well, and helped the students intubate.
To intubate, an assistant holds the dog’s mouth with one hand, and the tongue with the other. Then the person intubating takes the endotracheal tube which has a sterile lubrication on the end, along with the laryngoscope and places them in the dog’s mouth. The laryngoscope has a light source to help see the back of the throat. Using the laryngoscope and the endotracheal tube, you can then move the epiglottis down to see the trachea and esophagus. You then glide the tube on roof of the mouth so as to go over the epiglottis and then don into the trachea which is on the bottom. To make sure the tube is in the correct place, the animal should cough while it is going down, and also, you should be able to feel breath coming out of the end of the tube.
Next, we hook up the animal to the anesthesia machine and turn the flow meter on. For surgery, the Isoflurane would also be turned on, but since we are just practicing today, only the oxygen is turned on. Then we showed the students how to inflate the cuff so no air or gas leaks into the room. To do this, a syringe with a few mL’s of air is attached to the cuff inflator, the pop-off valve is closed, and we give a small breath and listen while we push the air into the cuff. When we hear no more air coming through the outside, it is inflated enough, and the pop off valve is reopened.
To extubate, the cuff is deflated and the tube pulled out. After everyone in the group had intubated and extubated, the last tube was left in while the animal woke up enough as you would for a real surgery. Once they were swallowing, they were extubated, wrapped in a blanket and could be put back in their cages with a recovery sign.
I fed the cats, since they were not used, and put up signs for three more dogs to be fasted in the morning.

*see procedure section for more detail on all procedures talked about

Today we went over the same things as last week and Maura and I put up NPO signs for three dogs and two cats so they can be sedated tomorrow. We also wrapped all of the gowns after the students practiced putting them on. Other than that, everything was the same. We also made up scrub and alcohol containers with chlorhexidine scrub and gauze, and alcohol and gauze (see procedures) which will get changed every Monday from now on.

Today was the same as the past few days, only we had two labs. We went over scrubbing, gowning, gloving and CPR with Dr. Young and fluid rates, drug dosages, controlled drug logs, prepping, shaving, scrubbing of the patient and how to tie them onto the table with Kim. Also, the cats arrived today; Maura and I took them in and got them settled while Kim was teaching. We got to name them all as well.

Maura and I held Open Lab for the surgery students. After I got out of class at 8:30, I met up with them and helped out. It was just one student left at that time, and I stayed until 9:30 going over instruments and the anesthesia machine with her. I think it helped her a lot.

Today we did the same things as yesterday and I had to go up to the office to get the drug box keys, but no one was there, so I had to go back down and get Kim’s keys to find the drug keys. Everything else was exactly the same. Then towards the end of the lab, the last 4 beagles arrived. I helped Kim bring them into the kennel and take them out of their crates. We then named them and cleaned out the crates. After I helped Kim clean up, we left.

Today we went over fluid rates and calculations, drug calculations, surgical site prep and the controlled drug logs with Kim. Then some of the Beagles arrived and Maura and I helped Kim bring them inside and get them all set up with water and we named them. Then we went back to the lab to help Dr. Young teach CPR, opened and closed gloving, scrubbing your hands and putting on a gown, both disposable and non-disposable.

Monday’s lab is a week behind since last week was Labor Day. So we went over the surgical instruments and the wrapping and unwrapping of gowns and packs, how to clean the instruments and prepare a pack, how to fold a gown, how to work the autoclave and how to clean the surgery suite.

We had a double lab today and went over the same things with the students as we did yesterday and Tuesday. Maura and I helped out again in showing them everything and helping them learn the instruments and the techniques; other then that, everything was the same as the past two days. And at the end we cleaned the tables and helped to put away all of the instruments and packs.

Kim had Maura and I each go over our own subject from the things we taught yesterday. I showed the students how to open a surgery pack sterilely and Maura showed them how to fold gowns and drapes. We also went over the instruments with them again at the end since there was extra time.

Today we helped Kim teach the students how to unwrap surgery packs, gowns and drapes, how to clean instruments, how to wrap the packs and gowns and drapes, and how to fold gowns and drapes (see procedure section for all of these). Then Dr. Young taught them about all of the surgical instruments. We stayed after class for a bit to help the students go over a few things.