Author: Kele Harris
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What makes a good vet?
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As a student on placement, I’m often in awe of the vets I’m working with. The ability to take a history, examine an animal, run through differentials and come up with a diagnosis or action plan within 10 minutes – all while listening to an owner commenting on the weather or traffic – seems superhuman.…
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Helping the hounds of the homeless
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The homeless come with a certain stigma – particularly those with pets at their side. Should we be concerned for the welfare of those animals, whose owners cannot afford to feed themselves so surely cannot adequately care for a companion? Of course we should. However, instead of claiming these pets should be removed from their owners, Ruby…
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Hitting the third-year wall
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Everyone had heard rumours third year at veterinary school was the worst. On coming back to university after a long summer of extra-mural studies and relaxation, we were nervous. Two weeks in, things didn’t seem too bad and we were sceptical. We were indifferently meandering through the bewildering world of Latin names and impossible-to-spell drugs, resigned…
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D-day
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It’s that time of year again, when vet students become more competitive than ever and inter-school rivalry (friendly and, for the most part, light-hearted) culminates in the biggest sporting event in the Scottish vet school’s calendar. The renowned “Dick Day” – the annual event where Glasgow’s vet students take on those from the Royal (Dick)…
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The view from the other side
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A recent weekend at home comprised a much-needed rest and time spent with my family – which, of course, includes the animals. Tom, my moggie farm-born cat (who is far more scared of any potential prey than it would be of him, so doesn’t really live up to his farm origins), has an allergic skin condition that usually…
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Vet School’s Got Talent
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When you apply to vet school, there are certain boxes you have to tick: achieve the right A-Levels (or Advanced Highers), complete a number of weeks of work experience, and pass that dreaded interview. What nobody tells you, however, is that being a vet student requires a number of other skills that seemingly have nothing…
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It takes two to tango
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Before the full force of third year hit, the first week back at vet school started with everyone catching up on tales from their summer holidays. Before long, it was like we’d never left and the four months of freedom seemed to fade into a distant memory. However, one particular topic of holiday gossip that…
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Ask the editor
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As a student steward at the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress, my responsibilities included helping set up the trade exhibition, handing out welcome packs at the registration desk and escorting speakers to the appropriate rooms. However, we were also able to sit in on lectures and act as the legs for the microphone whenever…
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Another world
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This summer, I’ve been working for a thoroughbred stud in Germany, preparing their yearlings for the auction sale at the start of September. I viewed it as a job for the summer and a chance to gain more experience with youngsters, which are unpredictable and more highly strung than the horses I’m used to handling.…
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Only the best will do
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All too often the deciding factor in an animal’s veterinary treatment is cost. It has to be a factor because there is no NHS for pets. But it is unfortunate that, when undertaking the care of an animal, many people underestimate this cost or even seem to give it no consideration at all – although this is a…