Saving Lives, One Paw at a Time: A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian

Growing up, I always surrounded by animals. At home, I had a total of 10 cats which my family keep them as our pets. I have learned the joy of taking care of them and developed a deep appreciation for the bond between humans and animals. However, it was a personal loss that acted as the last bit of reinforcement to become a veterinarian. I had a beloved cat named, Snow succumb to kidney disease. The feeling of helplessness in the face of a disease was heartbreaking. It made me realised that I want to be part of the efforts to advance veterinary research and contribute to finding cures. This sparked my interest in veterinary and led me to pursue a career in doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM).

Last week, I had given the incredible opportunity to visit an animal hospital that was near to me which is Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan Universitas Airlangga (RSHP UNAIR). I was so excited to gain a deeper understanding of veterinary care and observe the daily operations in an animal hospital. Indirectly, this experience broadened my perspectives in understanding of the critical role animal hospitals play in saving lives even though we, veterinary students were used to textbooks, lectures and lab experiments. This line of work goes beyond simply identifying diseases.

Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan Universitas Airlangga (RSHP UNAIR), Surabaya, Indonesia.

Entering the World of Veterinary Care

From the moment I walked into the Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan Universitas Airlangga (RSHP UNAIR), I could feel the sense of purpose in the air. I was immediately struck by the hustle and bustle, the sound of paws tapping against the floor and the hum of medical equipment while walking through the doors of the animal hospital. Apart from that, the advanced facilities and the seamless operation of the hospital strucked me right away. This animal hospital serves as both a teaching center for veterinary students and animal care facility in Surabaya, Indonesia. As the saying goes, “Saving lives, one paw at a time” has never felt more fitting as I noticed the passion and dedication of the professional veterinarians. They seemed to be expertise in saving the lives of animals in need by handling each animal with such care and precision.

Behind the Scenes of Veterinary Medicine

We started the field trip by touring several departments. Starting with the reception room where the initial evaluations and medical histories are recorded. Next, we went to see veterinarians performed minor surgeries and general examination at the outpatient clinic. It was really fascinating to watch how the veterinarian patiently explained about the procedures of a common examination of a dog with a suspected ear infection. The trip went on to the diagnostic lab, an important spot where samples are reviewed in order to determine the nature of diseases. We gained new knowledge of the scientific procedures by observing laboratory employees carry out blood tests as well as looking at slides under a microscope which allow for precise diagnosis.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was to observe a surgery on a cat that had swallowed something odd. The veterinary surgeon stressed the importance of precision and hygiene while describing the process as it went. From this situation, I could highlight that teamwork plays an essential part in veterinary care as the surgeon was assisted by nurses and anesthesia specialists throughout the surgery. Apart from that, we also saw animals recovering from surgeries and illnesses, including dogs undergoing physical therapy to regain mobility. One of the rehabilitation procedures that the staff displayed was hydrotherapy which involves exercises in a specially built pool to relieve joint stress.

After the trip, we interacted with some of the veterinary students and staffs. They shared their experiences studying at Universitas Airlangga and working at the hospital. Listening to stories of animals they had rescued and the difficulties they encountered on a daily basis were touching. All of the knowledge on veterinary medical field that I gained from this field trip was really helpful.

Just a picture of me and kucing oyen.

Hence, the field trip to Rumah Sakit Hewan Pendidikan Universitas Airlangga (RSHP UNAIR) served as a powerful reminder of the kindness and dedication needed to care for animals. Witnessing the blend of science, skill and empathy with my own eyes at the hospital deepened my understanding of the veterinary profession and its critical role in society. As a result, I was motivated to seek career in animal health and welfare.