2480. Professionalism in veterinary surgery - video - rat mastectomy

June 30, 2015

Today, I spent much time discussing "Professionalism in veterinary surgeon" with Intern Ms Poh, intern who is  in her first year of animal health studies in Melbourne University. The veterinary degree is a second degree in this University.

PROFESSIONALISM IN VETERINARY SURGERY.
To prepare a video. She had to do her research and produced a report. Finally, I gave her a flow chart with the main subheadings as follows:




1. Hook  - An old rat with large breast tumours. To operate or not?

2. Theme.  BKTP - Professionalism in Veterinary Surgery

3. Pre-op
Correct diagnosis
Client education - Financial costs of op
Health screening costs  (blood tests, x-rays, urine tests, ultrasound)
Informed consent form signed. Old rat - high risks



4. Op
Correct treatment - surgical excision rather than drugs and painkillers
Referral to other experienced vets
Aseptic surgery
Ligation of the caudal superficial epigastric artery and vein. Less than 3 mm across in the rat unlike in the dog. Bleeding continuously if cut off without ligation.

No major nerves resected in this location

SAC  
Speed  - Knowledge of vet anatomy, skills and experience. Focus - no cracking of jokes.
Accuracy - Ensure correct tissues removed, blood vessels ligated
Completeness - all the tumours excised. 1-inch margin around tumour ideal but no practical in the rat.

No distractions during anaesthesia and surgery by cracking jokes.


5. Post op.
Painkillers and antibiotics
Histology report advised
Post-op complications - bleeding, infection, stitch breakdown, pain


6. Impact - financial costs, social costs, worries about anaesthetic deaths

7. Conclusion - What happens to this rat?

Credits

Produced by:
Videography by:
Veterinary surgeon operating on the rat: Dr Daniel Sing
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