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LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
BY DUGIE GEMMILL , PARKSIDE VETERINARY PRACTICE
There are many reasons why we humans keep animals in our homes ; for companionship , for exercise , to help combat stress or anxiety , for help with mental health or impairments , for the sheer happiness they can exude . On a near daily basis , I find dealing professionally with pets gives a perspective on the troubles of life and regularly fills me with a sense of joy and hope for the future .
Sometimes we encounter our patients in desperately sad and unfortunate circumstances , but the humblest animal can instruct us all in the manner , in which we could and perhaps should live our lives . Such a fellow is Milo – a lively , lovable , adolescent Labrador , in no doubt that his purpose in life was to bring happiness to others . His story began when carrying out his responsibilities as comedic companion . The household chores were underway and to distract his dad from washing line duties , Milo was using the length of the garden as a sprint track in the chaotic way that only a ganglylegged Labrador can ! Unfortunately , a slip and a tumble sent him colliding with the garden steps and the poor wee man fractured his elbow in a most complicated manner ! Milo ’ s own vet sent him to us for treatment . Despite serious and painful injury , and subsequent surgery , he felt it his duty to perpetually wag his tail , and to offer up his fluffy belly for tummy tickles at every opportunity ! In his own way , perhaps Milo was telling us that no matter what our troubles are , we should try to be kind and bring happiness to others .
About two months ago I repaired a similar fracture in the elbow of a lovely working Cocker Spaniel called Pixie- Lilly . When last I saw her for an examination , she happily demonstrated how well her leg was working as she walked around our car park in the morning sunshine . Her mobility was very pleasing but even more so , was her expanding abdomen – she had been mated just a week before her accident and despite the long surgery and stress she had endured , had just been scanned with four pups alive and well . Her super owner sent me some photos a few days ago of
proud Pixie-Lilly and her four mini-me ’ s ! Despite the strife and trauma , we often must endure , life does go on and new and wonderful things will always appear .
Recently I met one of the cutest and friendliest cats of my career ! Agatha is an adorable black and white , male cat . Yes , male – first lesson , life can be confusing ! He had a complete urinary blockage which required a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy . In a way this makes a male cat a little like a female cat . Agatha ’ s surgery went well , and he made a rapid recovery from his anaesthetic and later entertained us by nimbly making his way to a sink and drinking from the tap . Not typical behaviour but teaching us a valuable lesson all should adhere to – drink plenty of water !
Late last Friday evening we received an urgent phone call concerning a TV remote control , a missing battery , and a guilty looking Labrador Retriever . The owners had searched high and low and could not locate the battery . Some dogs will swallow almost anything , and a quick Google search will yield many a headline tale of dogs being saved from intestinal obstructions or poisoning from leaking batteries . Thankfully in this instance our x-ray showed nothing of interest , and minutes after it was taken the owners telephoned to say the missing battery had been found – under the family cat ! Perhaps the headline would read Cat Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Battery Against Family Dog .
We have endured an awful sixteen months , and there is hope that we can re-establish our lives if the pandemic truly is under control . Let us be kind , thoughtful , optimistic and hope that good things will appear . Remember to drink plenty of water and always , always , look under the cat .
Dugie is a graduate of Glasgow University and has worked at Parkside Veterinary Practice since 1990 and has been the Clinical Director for the last nine years . He has a keen interest in laparoscopic and orthopaedic surgery .
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