National Veterinary Technician Week

7:00 am 11 October 2015

— feeling cat

National Veterinary Technician Week

October 11 –17, 2015

My eldest daughter recently shared this and I thought it was worth passing on especially because I know there are many animals lovers here.

She is a Vet Tech at an emergency veterinary clinic and despite the fact that she sees the extremely bad as well as the happy endings she loves her job. Her clinic has special accreditation (the meaning of which I don’t fully grasp) but I know they work closely with many specialists. She herself has specialized in anesthesia and has seen among others an orphaned bear cub hit by a car and left to die in a ditch and an injured wolf on the table. I’m very proud of her, especially since she totally understands the rule about NOT talking about the more "unpleasant" aspects her job at family dinners.

Authored by Britney Greene

Britney Greene is a full-time veterinary technician at a Pet Emergency Hospital in Maryland, and she absolutely enjoys her job. In her spare time, Britney has two children and is pursuing her Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology.

“JUST a Vet Tech"

JUST a Vet Tech greeted you at the door with a smiling face, even though we’ve been running around for 11 hours straight.

JUST a Vet Tech assessed your pet and, when we noticed it wasn’t stable, JUST a Vet Tech carried your 70 plus pound dog to the back and screamed for a doctor.

Once the doctor assessed your pet, JUST a Vet Tech placed the IV catheter and started to bolus it fluids. JUST a Vet Tech got a blood pressure on your pet today and administered medications to improve it because it was low.

JUST a Vet Tech drew blood and ensured it got run as quickly as possible. JUST a Vet Tech wrestled your dog to get x-rays today, with the help of an assistant.

When we found that your pet needed surgery, JUST a Vet Tech ensured your pet was stable throughout the procedure. When your pet left the surgery suite, JUST a Vet Tech sat with your pet to make sure it recovered with no problems.

JUST a Vet Tech got vitals on your pet every couple of hours today and reported all issues to the doctor on duty. JUST a Vet Tech noticed your pet was in pain and asked the doctor to administer pain medications today. JUST a Vet Tech sat with your pet today and gave your pet love while you were at work. JUST a Vet Tech told your pet that it wasn’t there forever, only until it got better. JUST a Vet Tech promised your pet you’d be back for it.

Just a Vet Tech took your dog outside for a walk today. When we realized he was cramped up in that cage and his legs were stiff, JUST a Vet Tech walked your pet around the building, at his pace to ensure he got proper exercise.

Your pet got a lot of fluids today and couldn’t control his bladder. JUST a Vet Tech changed his bedding so he didn’t have to lie in his urine. JUST a Vet Tech administered all your pets’ medications today.

Your pet was scared, new places and new people, and was fearfully trying to bite me. JUST a Vet Tech took the time and did everything possible to show him that we weren’t going to hurt him. He accidentally wiped his stool on me when he sat in my lap today. But, that’s okay, he didn’t mean it. JUST a Vet Tech cleaned him up nice for you today.

Your pet had a rough night, and took a turn for the worse. JUST a Vet Tech did CPR on your pet today.

You’re letting your pet go today. JUST a Vet Tech understands how hurt you are, and brings you tissues. You were too hurt to see your dog leave the world today. JUST a Vet Tech hugged and loved your pet as it crossed the bridge today. JUST a Vet Tech went home emotionally drained because all their hard work didn’t pay off today.

Remember this the next time you call someone JUST a Vet Tech. We are JUST an important part of your pets care. And we care about your pet.

Sincerely,