1069. Amended C-section final script for video production - Phyllis Wong

Hook	VIDEO FOOTAGE CLIPS. Narrate by Phyllis according to the text below, whenever possible. Insert my voice if relevant and audible in some video footage. Use Sub-headings and Edited Clips without the blurred footage whenever practical. HOOK IS THE VIDEO OF C-SECTION A PUPPY IS DELIVERED AT TOA PAYOH VETS BY DR DANIEL SING. HE IS NOT MOVING OR CRYING AS EXPECTED. IS HE DEAD?	Give WARNING to viewers that the scenes may contain surgery. Edited short video footage of C-section -- incision of skin, linea alba, uterine body at bifurcation, taking out the puppy, clamping umbilical cords with forceps, breaking down amniotic membranes and showing a "dead" puppy on the table.
Title / BKTP	WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO DO TO AN ELECTIVE CAESAREAN SECTION? (Main heading. Bigger font on black background than sub-heading). This is a case study of a 1-year old poodle, first-time dam, mated one time as witnessed by the owner 64 days ago. The gestational period is accurate as 64 days unlike most cases in which the owner is not sure about the first mating.	Image of “BKTP”. See blog
Intro	DEFINE C-SECTION (Sub-heading). C-section can be emergency or elective. This is a case of elective C-section, meaning that the owner wanted a C-section at the most optimal timing based on his vet's recommendation. The owner's first vet (Vet 1) had taken X-rays which were not clear and ultrasound which showed 3 puppies and foetal heart beats. However Vet 1 went on compassionate leave. His receptionist phoned to postpone the elective Caesarean section and had advised monitoring the drop in rectal temperature. This postponement was unacceptable to the owner as he had monitored the rectal temperature. The rectal temperature had dropped to below 38 deg C.    A TEMPERATURE DROP (Sub-heading) The poodle's rectal temperature had dropped below 38 degree C, one day before consultation with Dr Sing. This indicated that birth was imminent but there were no signs of contraction. Rectal temperature is only ONE of the signs of imminent birth 8 - 18 hours later, in around 80% of the bitches but this is not the sole indicator.	In relevant parts of the narrative, insert & subtitle 1. Video footage of consultation. As voices of discussion on the lowering of rectal temp is not audible, use sub-titles to summarise this discussion. 2. (VIDEO FOOTAGE OF EXAMINATION OF HEART, LUNGS, ABDOMEN ASUCULTATION FOR FOETAL HEART BEATS.
Middle	PRE-OP PHYSICAL EXAMINATION (Sub-heading) The poodle was weighed, rectal temperature taken and examined (Video clip of poodle being given examination of the heart, lungs and abdomen with stethoscope).. SYMMETRICAL ABDOMEN (Sub-heading). Image of poodle upsdie down).  Dr Sing said that the poodle was unlikely to bear an odd number of puppies as stated in Vet 1's ultrasound of 3 puppies. From Dr Sing's experience with around 300 C-sections, he told the owner that the dam probably would likely have 4 puppies.  PALPATION OF NIPPLES (Sub-heading) - no milk production. Dr Sing said that some first-time dams produce milk after C-section and oxytocin injections. So, this would not be a problem. But the owner had bought commercial milk for the puppies from the pet shop and was well prepared. ANAESTHESIA and SURGERY (Sub-heading). Relevant brief edited video footage already shown in the HOOK. .. The C-section was performed by Dr Daniel. Video shows briefly, gas mask, intubation, incision at bifurcation of uterine body, first puppy out, umbilical cord clamped and handed over to assistant. BUT THE PUPPY WAS "DEAD" (Sub-heading). The other 3 neonates were similarly not moving or crying. What to do? REVIVAL OF RESPIRATORY-DISTRESSED PUPPIES (Sub-heading).  (In a frame, type in the following): STEPS TO REVIVE THE DISTRESSED PUPPIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. Dr Sing swings the puppy in an arc (show video) 5 times 2. Rub the neck skin vigorously with tissue paper with the puppy's head downwards 3. Pinch the neck skin to stimulate crying 4. Clear mucus from the mouth and nose with tissue paper after swinging 5. Repeat swinging when there is no crying or movement. 6. Blow into the puppy's nose and mouth to inflate the puppy's lungs as a last resort. This was not needed. it took more than 10 minutes/pup. But after half an hour, the puppies cry (video footage of other parts to close this action video)	Video of anesthesia (mask and then endotracheal tube), Ssurgical procedure (already in the hook but give a shortened version)  Swinging of the neonates, rubbing of the neck, clearing of mucus from the nose, newborns upside down. Till the puppies cry. You need to select relevant edited video clips and integrate with images  Video to be in Part 1 and Part 2 of around 15 minutes max/video. WARNING OF GLORY IMAGESConclusion
	The use of lowering of rectal temperature as an indicator of imminent birth did not prevent the occurrence of distressed puppies in this case. The breeding date was reliable. In retrospect, elective C-section in poodles and small breeds is best been performed at 62-63 days to get vigorous puppies without the need for intensive neonatal care. TIPS AND ADVICES The 4 main methods in predicting the birth of puppies in the bitch are: 1. BREEDING DATES 2. HORMONAL ASSAY 3. ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION 4. RADIOGAPHIC EXAMINATION 1. Breeding Dates. After the first mating, birth can occur from 57 - 72 days. Some text books give the guideline of 59-63 days.  If elective C-section is performed too early, the neonates are not mature and will not survive. In Dr Sing Kong Yuen's experience with around 300 C-sections of small breeds for professional dog breeders around 8 years ago , the best time for elective C-section of small breeds is 60-62 days from the date of first mating. This date must be accurate.  These Singapore dog breeders had not wanted ultrasound or X-rays to lower production cost. They rely on breeding management.  2. Hormonal Assay* Estimate the time of LH (luteinising hormone) surge. LH peak is asssessed by monitoring serum progesterone levels every 12 hours. An accurate way to predict whelping as bitches reliably whelp 64-66 days post LH surge. Progesterone below 2ng/ml indicate imminent parturition within 18-36 hours. This method is used only in breeders of expensive breeds. I know of a Thai breeder of British bulldogs using hormonal assay as each British bulldog exported to the U.K is worth a lot of money. In Singapore, this method is not available from the vets.   3. Ultrasound Examination* The foetal heartbeat at 22-26 days was visible to the owner. Limb buds and foetal movement may be seen at 29-33 days. Foetal heart rate: 200 beats/min (normal late pregnancy). 180 beats/min (foetal stress, ready for birth). 150 beats/min or below (foetal distress, urgent C-section to save the puppy). Vet 1's ultrasound showed 3 puppies but 4 were delivered at C-section. 4. Radiographic Examination* at Vet 1. The X-rays were not clear and so the number of puppies could not be determined. If hormonal assay is done, the foetus can be seen on X-ray at 45-48 days post LH surge. The pelvis and 13 pairs of ribs are visible 9-13 days before birth. The scapula, humerus and femur are detectable 15-18 days before birth  *Reference: Pregnancy Diagnosis and timing Elective C-Sectons by C.Scott Bailey, DVM, MS, DACT.  CONCLUSION The average veterinary practice in Singapore seldom perform elective C-sections. The rare well informed and educated Singapore owner researching the internet, expects only one outcome - live puppies to be delivered with the lowest medical costs. Dogs are family members and their progeny is much more valued as babies by the younger generation. It may be wise for the inexperienced vet to refer the owner to vets who performs more C-sections as this surgery and revival of distressed neonates takes up a lot of time.	Video of Post-operative checkup, and slides of care after caesarean
Credits	CREDITS Video done by: Phyllis Wong Producer: Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS Video software: Windows Movie Maker Toa Payoh Vets Oct 3, 2014 A Be Kind To Pets Veterinary Educational Video  Veterinary Medicine & Surgery Come Alive to Vet Students and Pet Owners (Insert the following image) For more information about elective C-sections, contact us at www.toapayohvets.com, tel 6254-3326, 9668-6469 For other educational videos, visit: http://www.toapayohvets.com/videos.htm TAIL DOCKING - SURGICAL TECHNIQUES IS A SEPARATE VIDEO. Script at BLOG NO. 1494: http://2010vets.blogspot.com.es/2014/09/1494-tail-docking-2-day-old-poodles.html. Adapt the narrative to include the surgical techniques. I will not be writing a full script.

1068. Original C-section script by Phyllis

Hook	The pregnant poodle came in with 64 days old fetuses, an ultrasound and radiographs results.	Image of the delivered puppies and the mother dog.
Title / BKTP	Caesarean of a past due date 1 year old poodle. Be Kind to Pets: An educational video for vet students and pet owners.	Caption: “BKTP”
Intro	History: The poodle came in with a past due date of pregnancy of 64 days. It has a history of diarrhea and vomiting, thus it had been under drips twice in a vet clinic. The owner had the poodle arranged ultrasound and radiographs; showing the presence of only 3 fetuses. Physical examination: The poodle had a fluctuating temperature a day before the day of visitation, which indicates the soon birth of the fetuses. The poodle is generally healthy, but without the presence of breast milk, and also bearing a symmetrical abdomen shape.	Video of the recording of the history and physical examination, with subtitles. Defining Caesarean & explaining the poor milk production.
Middle	Anesthetizing the poodle before the procedure starts, with an approximately 5 to 10 minutes waiting time. Surgery: Before the procedure starts, the breathing of the dog should not be too deep or active. The bifurcation of the uterus was exposed after the incision of the abdomen has been made, and finally the incision of bifurcation, exposing the neonate in a sac. Care of neonates after caesarean: Stimulation of its breathing was made by the rubbing of the newborn, fluids in the lungs of neonates have to be cleared by the clearing, its mouth and nose and finally releasing the fluid by swinging the newborn in a solid flowing movement. After which, newborns were made sure to be in a healthy condition of pink and are breathing well. Tail docking can be only done at 2 days old puppies, whereby one of the 3 methods has been introduced to the puppies. The 3 methods may seem to be suitable for only 2 days old puppies, but one of the methods required the puppy to be at least 7 days old. Lastly, a solution will be applied onto the wound which had a healing effect and also prevents further bleeding.	Video of anesthesia, procedure and the cleaning of the puppy.
Conclusion	Advice for home breeders about post Caesarean care. Post operation checkup: Questions posted by a client about the poor condition of the production of milk, color of the vulva, and the diarrhea condition of the mother's poodle. Finally, the veterinarian advised solutions to posted questions by the owner.	Video of Post-operative checkup, and slides of care after caesarean & proper care of newborn puppies.
Credits	CREDITS Video done by: Phyllis Wong Producer: Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), MRCVS Video software: Windows Movie Maker Toa Payoh Vets 2014 Be Kind To Pets For more information, visit: http://toapayohvets.com/ For other videos, visit: http://www.toapayohvets.com/videos.htm

1067. Tips on how to; Street photography - pretty women and dogs - Spain

Too many tourists obstruct a good view of this tunnel.
In the split second when tourist traffic is less, I snapped this image.
Use Rules of Thirds, with the people in the lower 1/3 of the frame for a better composition

People adds interest to a tunnel image

This owner with yellow jacket and two black dogs was adjusting his dog leashes
A passer-by came in 

Crop out the passer by. Rule of Thirds with the subjects in middle 1/3 of frame

Original image was taken in a split second as the two sisters posed for another photographer in the early morning sunlight. A passer-by obstructed me. Croping the image would be the solution and it turns up well in the images below.

Explanation on how I process the cropped image. Bloggers or Photoshop 6.0 have some software problem in not giving me the correct position of the following images

Cropping out the passer-by was not my intention.
Yet the two sisters posing at an angle look great than from the frontal view.
In portrait photography, an angled view is advised 

Photo-shopped and sharpened image

Image has been photoshopped but looks a bit pale. The ladies are fair.

More saturation

More saturation brings out the blusher and make pic more attractive

1066. Travel stories - How to take good street photographs without too much technical knowledge

Many photo magazines will mention that for good images, there is the need to use manual control of focus, ISO, f stops and speed.

By the time the amateur like me adjusts all these in street photography, the moment or lighting will have disappeared. I am sharing my experience of how to take good photos fast without all these technical details. 

1. Good lighting is still the most important.

Final copy

Travel Stories - How to produce good photographs without too much technical knowledge

Abba Garden Hotel  Rm 501, Barcelona, Spain
Sep 27, 2014

Many photo magazines will mention that for good images, there is the need to use manual control of focus, ISO, f stops and speed.

By the time the amateur like me adjusts all these in street photography, the moment or lighting will have disappeared. I am sharing my experience of how to take good photos fast without all these technical details.