Hello everyone, Chyanne here! Welcome to my very first blog post :)
I am so excited to take the reins on our blog and help to connect more with our patients and clients through Seaside Home Veterinary Care! I have received so many great topic ideas from all of you that I truly look forward to discussing and sharing some knowledge together!
With that being said, I am brand new when it comes to blogs so bare with me; this could be a rollercoaster for the both of us!
I thought a fun way to begin this would be a little ‘behind the scenes’ look at Seaside. Before I started, I had no idea just how much truly happens around here! The day to day life is like no other, and no two days are ever the same. What is it REALLY like?
Mornings start off in the office.
We are EXTREMELY fortunate to now have an office to do administrative work in before, after, and during appointments. This is where we print vaccination certificates, create labels for products, count inventory, test blood/urine, and SO much more!
We also keep a microscope and a centrifuge back at home base (the office) to do all of the in depth testing on blood and urine samples that we collect during our appointments.
I always enjoy doing blood/urine testing as both Dr Bells (Will and Katie that is!) always make a point to allow me to look through the microscope and explain exactly what it is we’re looking at, and what we’re looking for! (I like to make my own guesses first.. I’m not always right, but I’m learning!)
From here we can either determine the results from our own findings and notify the clients, or we package up the samples and ship them off to IDEXX (a professional reference laboratory) or other laboratories for further testing.
Check this out. This is our PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE!!! It weighs 35lbs so it’s a little tough to bring around (we put it on the dog scale for an exact number LOL) but it is SO worth it. We usually only bring this when we know we have a specific need for it in order to keep it safe!
The ultrasound machine can be used for so many things!
We typically bring out the ultrasound in an appointment to see internal organs to assess their size, shape, and general appearance. We can also use it to check for bladder stones, liver/kidney issues, or signs of cancer. We even use it for a guide for obtaining urine samples - ask us about that if you want to know more!
After performing an ultrasound, we have a much easier time determining where to go next. Sometimes we will collect a urine sample (with help from the ultrasound imaging as a guideline) or decide on a medication/treatment plan if needed.
I am still in awe every single time we bring out the machine. It is amazing to me to see such an up close and in detail image of internal organs, all while I sit in your home!!!
Isn’t that just crazy?!?
And don’t worry, if you’re into that kind of stuff, Dr Bell will let you watch, too!
This huge cabinet is stocked with;
syringes (of all sizes)
needles (of all sizes)
gauze
microchips
catheters
rabies tags
isopropyl alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
tick twisters
surgical blades
rubber gloves
and so much more that I’m sure I’m forgetting!
Like I said before, no 2 days are EVER the same, and I have been amazed at the sights I’ve seen with Seaside so far! One of my favourite things about being on the road is getting to see new places and feel inspired by you guys - our clients!
Between appointments, you can find us stopping in at client’s houses, or popping in to Pet Corral or the Saint John SPCA to drop off your deliveries. When you need a delivery for something such as; medication, food or flea/tick products, you have the option to pick it up, or we can deliver it straight to your door.
We have just recently partnered with Pet Corral in both their West and Quispamsis locations, and we couldn’t be more excited!
On your next visit to the Pet Corral, keep an eye out for the special ‘Our Pick’ stickers! Dr Will and Dr Katie toured around the store and put stickers on products they think are super awesome! This way you know what you’re looking at is veterinarian recommended before you even buy it!
At the end of every day, we unload the car and tie up all loose ends. We will print certificates required for the next day, stock up the kits, and plan for the day ahead.
Normally we are lucky enough to be greeted by the Little Bells; Maria, Violet, and Drew. Seeing their sweet smiling faces at the end of every day reminds me that this is so much more than just a ‘job’. I try not to be biased (but seriously, how could you NOT be?) when I say I truly do think I hit the jackpot here.
Well, that’s it for now. I genuinely hope you enjoyed my first post! Please don’t be shy to leave me questions, comments, or critique! I want to make this blog exactly what you want it to be, and something that YOU get excited about reading! :)
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this, and I look forward to writing these blogs for you. Until next time!
Chyanne :)
#YOUMATTER