Orthopedic Surgery 1

Wow, I cannot believe it's been 18 days since my last entry. To catch up, I finished off neurology with some interesting cases, but the communication among clinicians was a little frustrating. We can just leave it at that. I did learn that corneal ulcers as a result of anesthesia, however, do occur, and can progress quickly.

My first week of orthopedic surgery was organized, fun, and a success. I had my first favorite patient, a well-behaved sweet sheltie with a rheumatoid polyarthropathy that needed a bone plate removal. We removed a bone plate that was infected, and the owners were the nicest people. I also repaired a calcaneal fracture on a cat, and even got to drive the IM pin.

Week 2 has started off a little rougher however. Monday we had a very slow caseload, and I was tired from attempting a 5:30 am crossfit class. We were released early and I took a nap, studied for boards and rounds and still went to bed at 9:30. Today I admitted my one patient for a cranial cruciate partial tear (expected), and took on a GDV on emergency (unexpected). Sadly, she was euthanized on the table. I practiced suturing her up by myself and returned her to her owner.

After surgery I was hypoglycemic, tired, and disappointed. Ortho was not suppose to be a sad block and I was expecting a better outcome, despite that GDV is often life compromising. I was so excited to see a surgery, I asked for the case. Afterward, I thought to myself why on earth did I want that case? I enjoyed learning about how to proceed with this surgery and emergency care beyond just passing the stomach tube which I have done in the past. I just could use some more happy outcomes than sad outcomes these days. I am beginning to think I am bad luck in cases with a poor likelihood of recovery.

I truly hope there will be many better days with better outcomes. I may defer treating future dogs named Maggie for a while. I am 0 for 2 in just 2 weeks.

I hope tomorrow has a better ending. Joys of 4th year continue...