It's not every day we get the opportunity to meet future veterinarians in the making at In-Sync Exotics, so when 43 pre-veterinarian students from Texas A&M - College Station came out to In-Sync Exotics to assist us with various projects, we were thrilled!
Dr. Sharman Hoppes from Texas A&M recommended the students visit our facility to learn more about exotic wild animal veterinary medicine.
After spending some time with us, the students had the opportunity to meet and learn from our veterinarian, Dr. Chuck Kerin, as he gave the students an overview of what it's like to care for exotic wild cats. Dr. Kerin explained there are many differences in medical treatments performed on domestic versus wild animals, such as the inability to put a bandage on an angry tiger, expecting it to remain on the animal for the duration of treatment, or how about the inability to place an "Elizabethan collar" on an ailing lion!
After spending some time with us, the students had the opportunity to meet and learn from our veterinarian, Dr. Chuck Kerin, as he gave the students an overview of what it's like to care for exotic wild cats. Dr. Kerin explained there are many differences in medical treatments performed on domestic versus wild animals, such as the inability to put a bandage on an angry tiger, expecting it to remain on the animal for the duration of treatment, or how about the inability to place an "Elizabethan collar" on an ailing lion!
The students were given the opportunity to ask our veterinarian questions about veterinary research medicine; learning that there is not a lot of medical research information available on exotic big cats in comparison to their small domestic counterparts.
Dr. Kerin emphasized the importance of having an Animal Husbandry Training Program so simple medical procedures, such as drawing blood, taking temperatures and performing skin biopsies, as well as examining the cats' bodies, could be performed without having to anesthetize the animals.
After the medical discussions, the students were treated to a special tour. One of our former summer interns (2011) and pre-veterinarian student, Emily Larkin, conducted part of the tour, highlighting her experiences at In-Sync Exotics!
After spending about five hours at In-Sync Exotics, the students walked away with a better understanding and challenges of exotic wild animal medical care and the type of commitment it takes to be a veterinarian!
Postscript:
As a gentle reminder, if you haven't voted for us on Facebook, please do so right away because at noon today, the voting (and the opportunity to be in the running for $25k) ends! Thank you!
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Postscript:
As a gentle reminder, if you haven't voted for us on Facebook, please do so right away because at noon today, the voting (and the opportunity to be in the running for $25k) ends! Thank you!
.
When it comes to pets, many owners often neglect a critical aspect of pet ownership, which is emergency preparedness. Animals are very spontaneous and curious creatures that are quick to get themselves in trouble by consuming something hazards or by engaging in something dangerous. Knowing how to respond in a situation where an animal's life is in danger is important. Also, many animals are victims to illness and accidents just like humans are, so being financially prepared can lessen any burden associated with emergency care.
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