FARMING: *********place print headline here *************

As a small animal vet the job has definitely changed, one of the reasons being not allowing clients into the building, to which I have only really just realised how trusting our clients must be. No one plans for their animal to become sick or injured and therefore can be a very scary time especially as they cannot tell us what is wrong.

Normally clients can accompany their pets into the practice to which they have time to chat to the vet and show or discuss all their issues.

This also allows time for the animals to get used to the vet whilst having their owner there for support.

Unfortunately now owners are expected to hand over their beloved pet (who may be slightly nervous) to a masked stranger so they can take them into a big clinical building, which must be very daunting for both the animals and owner.

I have recently experienced my own dog needing to be operated on due to finding a thorn in her eye.

Even though I was there throughout, I couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous. The care and support she got from the nursing team was second to none.

I realised at this point that I wish owners could see exactly what goes on ‘behind closed doors’ at veterinary practices, especially with an exceptional nursing team.

Unfortunately due to vets being the only face a lot of owners see, the veterinary nurses can be under appreciated.

The care and support they give to their patients is remarkable; from the extra cuddles the day patients get after their operations, to the hours on end they spend trying to get ill animals to eat.

I have known many a nurse to sleep next to kennels with the critically ill or even just nervous patients.

Veterinary nurses are highly qualified and very skilled in many fields but unfortunately it can often be overlooked as a profession. Their skills range from critical care to anaesthesia, x-rays to lab work and much much more, as well as managing to keep the place running smoothly.

While doing all this they still find the time to make each and every patient feel at home and safe in the surgery.

Although it is very daunting handing over your dog, cat or hamster, I really hope that clients can have some confidence in that they are cared for and cuddled just as much as our own pets.

Do you have story about animals and farm life you want to share? We’d love to hear form you. Send you story with contact details the usual address at the Northumberland Gazette.