A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VETERINARY SURGEON

The alarm clock shatters the glorious simplicity of sleep. At least it had been a quiet night on duty, even if the preceding evening had had its moments. There had not been the half expected call regarding the elderly Staffordshire bull Terrier suffering from acute heart failure. Nor had there been any alarms with the case of the Jack Russell that had been attacked by another dog and as a result had needed sonic re-constructive surgery to one side of it's neck and flank. I find myself being grateful for not having been called to any more exciting situations, a marked contrast to fifteen years previously when as a newly qualified Veterinary Surgeon I could barely wait for the telephone to ring while I was on duty.

Eight o'clock and I leave the house for the Parkstone Surgery. The early shift of Nurses and Receptionists would have the telephone lines now, so the mobile telephone gets switched on just in case there are any acute emergencies, and I begin the drive. After several years of the same routine I know the routes which go through reception "Black Spots" and avoid them. It has never been critical to date but there is always a first time, and on the basis that one should treat others as one would wish to be treated I err on the cautious side.

The post bag is waiting when I arrive, mostly junk mail, but one enquiry about possible vacancies and several others that may be of interest. Copy these to my Partners and run off the standard reply to the applicant and put her letter on file. Just as I think I can escape from the office, one of the reception staff collars me with a list of queries. Most are easily answered, but two require further information to be given before I can advise. As there is no time like the present, I telephone them and make my enquiries, and dispense advice.

By this time the building is really humming. Consultations are starting, the days admissions have been finished and I am rostered to operate in the hospital until my departure for Broadstone for their Morning Surgery. The wall list reminds me that I have booked in more than I remembered. If only I would learn to look at the operations list before booking something in. The Head Nurse gives me a knowing look and casts her eyes to the ceiling. Fortunately everything falls nicely into place and we make sonic headway with the list. Rather than chance my arm further and have something get complicated, it is time to go to Broadstone.

As I pick up my appointment list there, my secretary tells me "You're chock a block. Can you do some extra at the end?" "OK" I reply, thinking of the remainder of the operating list at Parkstone. Late lunch again today. At least I do not have any house-calls today. Appointments go well. They have been well spaced and the simple ones mixed with the more demanding, so there are no build ups in the waiting room, and I am able to talk through the cases without feeling pressured or rushed. I hope the clients feel the same way.

Somewhat belatedly I return to Parkstone to finish my operating list. I know I will face a barrage of questions about my late return. "Too many cream cakes to eat?" "Did Anna take her time peeling your grapes?" "You had to wait for the ice to freeze for the cocktails?" All very predictable, all heard before, and! was ready. "No, the sunbed was late being delivered".

As I finish operating, I calculate there is just about time to get a quick sandwich and surprise my daughter by picking her up from school. Surprise is somewhat diminished by her walking straight past me as my presence was not expected. Children! It is almost as bad as working with animals.

After a quick cup of tea, I return to Broadstone for the afternoon session. One of my assistants is already doing the earlier afternoon session. My list is quite reasonable. Perhaps there is some reward for the mornings' extras. As I finish my mind turns to the next day. Operating at Broadstone first thing, then consultations and a visit, and after lunch I have agreed to give a short talk to one of the schools before afternoon surgery. Looks as if this evening is going to be taken up getting my props together and finalising my text. Oh well, no rest for the wicked.

Malcolm Cleveland. Walton Lodge Veterinary Group.

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