First Clinic Day

We arrived at the clinic early and went right to work setting up stations for pre-medicating animals with pain medication and antibiotics, induction of anesthesia, surgery and recovery. The first clinic day always starts a little slow to allow time for people to get used to the system and to solve any unforseen problems. There were a total of 36 surgeries completed today. Most people gat a chance to work in one area and still move to the other areas to see how the various stations work.

Unfortunately, the day was not without its drawbacks. A problem was found and repaired in one of the anesthesia machines when it was discovere that the machine was not effectively delivering oxygen. One patient from that machine had a slow recovery and it was discovered later that in addition to the problem with the machine, the little dog was hit by a car earlier in the week and the owner had neglected to tell us when she was dropped off for surgery. After the machine was repaired, the remainder of the day went smoothly.

Another one of the dogs that was brought in to be neutered was very ill. Choco had severe diarrhea, dehydration and vomiting. Surgery was postponed and he was given IV fluids and antibiotics to help rehydrate him and resolve the dirrhea.

A chihuahua arrived that was the same age and look as Queso. We believe that they are litter mates. We named him Guapo (Spanish for handsome). He will be traveling to a new life in the US with his brother.

Arrangements began to be worked out with the airlines for transportation of animals to the US. Alaskan Airlines has always been very helpful with getting animals out of Loreto, usually without charge.

At the end of the day, dinner was arranged for us at one of the local restaurants. The food was great.

---

---