Team Roatan 2009

It is tough to describe a day in Roatan. Today began with an early
morning snorkel in the ocean. It is a great way to start the day. The
team headed out to the clinic beginning at 8:15. We were greeted by
patients waiting to been seen and surgeries to be done. Today was a very
productive day. We have really come together as a team and are able to
function very efficiently. Total animals seen today was 104. Mainly dogs
and cats were treated but Dr. Dave saw one white tailed deer. Forty eight
animals were sterilized and 1 surgical abscess was treated. The surgery
area is a busy place to exist typically three to four surgeries are going
on, catheters are being put in and animals are waiting to for sedation to
kick in. This has been quite the learning experience not only for
volunteer and technicians but also for the doctors. Our vet students have
had the opportunity to do some supervised surgeries. The volunteers are
learning how to restrain and prepare animals for surgeries. There have
been learning experiences left and right- I personally have learned how to
do a flank spay-this is generally how spays are done in the UK but some
surgeons are performing them in the US. The attitude of the group is
incredible - we look forward to our nightly gatherings at the house by the
pool with refreshments in hand while dinner is cooked. Tonight we will be
having a scrumptious dinner of grilled steak by Dr. Dave, garlic mashed
potatos by Artie alias “Niner”, and zucchini by Abby. Reggae music is
playing in the background and we truly feel that “Everything is going to
be alright”--------

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