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Companion animals need help in all kinds of places. Dr Nicholls discusses how vets and vet students can lend a hand. |
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Dr Nicholls and wife Anna with a patient. |
I am from Anniston in
Northeast Alabama (USA) and attended Auburn University.
What prompted you to want to become a vet?
I have always had an
interest in the biological sciences and a fascination with animals: wildlife
and pets.
What is your regular job?
I am one of seven
doctors in a busy 24-hour practice. We see small animal patients - from dogs
and cats to birds, snakes, iguanas.
How did you become a veterinary volunteer?
It really all started
when I read an article in a veterinary journal about the Esther Honey
Foundation (EHF). Volunteering there seemed like an exciting and altruistic
thing to do so I contacted Cathy Sue Anunsen and found out a veterinarian was
needed for a few weeks in the winter of 1996. I "signed up" and my
wife gamely agreed to go along. The experience at EHF was life-changing. The
local Cook Islanders were so friendly, helpful and appreciative.
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The EHF is fortunate enough to have a clinic. This photo is an example of a field hospital station from another volunteer spay/neuter program. Knowing what to pack is important! |
Some of the places have
been operational clinics (actual buildings), but I have worked temporary stints
in other places in whatever building, shed, school, etc. was provided; once
even an old jail. Makes volunteering interesting. Countries so far: Costa Rica,
Honduras, Colombia, Nicaragua, Thailand, Panama, Cook Islands.
What do you like about being a volunteer?
The best: the feeling
that you are making a difference.
The camaraderie is also
fun and the feeling that you are, sort of, "a local".
What different skills does a volunteer veterinarian
need?
It's important to have a
broad range of veterinary skills along with good communication skills. But, far
and away, the most important skill is a willingness to adapt and work with what
you have on hand.
What sorts of things do you always pack when you go
on a volunteer mission?
I always take a good
headlamp (200 lumens with rechargeable battery) for surgery and a pair of good
needle holders. A vial of surgical glue often comes in handy too.
Now, I also always take
gigli wire in addition to a special Gerber knife after a volunteer stint in
Nicaragua in which I had to amputate the hindlimb of a pet dog. The dog was
brought in to our sterilization clinic with a severe fracture and vascular
injury to her distal tibia / paw. We had no gigli wire, no bone saw. So, I used
the serrated edge of a Gerber knife to saw through the femur while 12
Nicaraguan children watched. Fortunately, the dog did fine. I received followup
photos 6 weeks post-op and she was managing well on three legs.
Which have been your favourite places to volunteer
and why?
Esther Honey runs a
model clinic to me and I am very comfortable there.
Also - Phangan Animal
Care in Koh Phangan, Thailand, because of the friendly and helpful staff.
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Volunteering can be hard work, the hours are long and the patients don't stop needed help. But it often offers unique opportunities to recharge. |
Those who can't go can
always be "a connector" - spreading the word about the good
organizations that are out there.
Another way to help:
Helping to collect supplies (for example, extra suture or bandage material) is
often needed by non-profit groups. Couriers can sometimes be found to take
these supplies.
Finding a sponsor would
be a way to overcome the financial obstacle for a vet student or young
veterinarian.
Thank you Dr Nicholls for your time!
Thank you Dr Nicholls for your time!