Getting dressed for my last day at the polyclinic was bittersweet. When I went down and ate breakfast it finally hit me. I was going to my favorite place for the last time this month. It didn't help that Raja was thirty minutes late to come pick me up (a huge misunderstanding occurred). When I finally arrived they were treating a puppy for parvo (seems normal right). The owners were policemen and insisted on buying the antiserum for parvo to insure the puppy would live. The antiserum is incredibly expensive, up to 300 US dollars. Everyone at the clinic actually got excited for a parvo case because it was going to be treated in the best way. During its treatment another case came in. A dog had a swollen face which Sangamitra assumed it to be a plant allergy. The next few cases were treated with fluids and antibiotics (the usual). We had two small surgeries today, one a tumor removal and the other one a spay. The tumor was very small and presumably benign. It was removed with a laser!! The skin burned off and the surgery was done it just a few minutes! The spay was actually pretty interesting. The dog was apparently pregnant (but not very far along) and the ovaries were cut our very quickly resulting in another speedy procedure. Before I left, I made sure to take a picture with everyone at the clinic and get their information. After this trip I cannot imagine not coming back to the polyclinic after the great memories and lessons it gave me.
The lucky pup receiving the antiserum
The dog with the possible plant allergy
If you look closely, the lil pink things on the paper were the tumors in his mouth
Ovaries!
I went to the private clinic early today to observe a mammary tumor removal on a rottweiler named Susie. The tumor was tricky because it wasn't just one large hard mass, it was more flexible. The tumor was spreading and the surgery would take longer to insure all of the mass would be eradicated from the body. For this surgery, I had to wear a scrub top, a mask, and a cap. I felt almost like a doctor! The surgery went better than expected and Susie recovered from anesthesia quicker than I've seen any dog recover at the private clinic. Granted she wasn't moving and couldn't really get up but she did try and that is a sign of recovery! The next few cases were my favorite kind: healthy puppies! I got so many puppy kisses to the face, it was glorious!! The last case I saw before I left was a mastiff that was four years old. He had surgery last year to remove these masses from his elbows (refer to the picture). He came back because the masses grew back in one years time. They are going to send it in for a biopsy to see what it really is so they can treat accordingly. I made Saranjeevi (another great doctor), Marty & Manny (best vet assistants) take a picture with me before I left. It was surreal to finally leave but again I am so thankful for all they have taught me throughout this experience. This opportunity has really opened my eyes to what I really want to do in life.
I looked like a total goob but I felt like the real deal.
Masses on the Mastiff
You can't tell from this picture but I really think they did like me!
When I got back Solomon took us to this really nice hotel for dinner. It was incredible and they were actually playing English songs! It was a nice, relaxing way to end the trip. Saturday morning, I packed up all my things and headed over to the polyclinic one last time to say goodbye to the doctors I missed Friday. After that I walked around campus and Trichy a bit more (my way of drinking it all in before I left). Before we headed to the airport, Sahana, Sangamitra, and Dr. Prasanna stopped by the college to say goodbye. Sahana and Sangamitra gave me a lovely ring with a small flower on it and wrote on the box, "to our lovable Jessica". I couldn't be more thankful for these people. They accepted me from day one and never stopped trying to make me feel included. I would have got them gifts but when we went shopping they kept telling me that I was their sister and family doesn't need to get each other anything to say thank you. Little do they know I will absolutely be sending a care package or two to the polyclinic. When Prasanna showed up he gave me a really nice watch! I was surprised and thankful because never in my life have I owned a nice watch. After we took a few selfies and I gave Prasanna an awkward hug (people don't hug here). He told me that his wish for me was that I get a seat in one of the vet schools next year. He said it was all of their wishes and it will be true. I'm not going to lie, I got a little bit choked up. I cannot put into words the impact this trip has had on me. Reflecting back on moments like these I can't help but smile and just say thank you. This journey has opened my heart and mind to so many different things and I can't help but feel I left a big piece of my heart in Trichy. I will keep you all posted on how life is back in America but for now I am just going to try to survive these flights and reflect on all the good this month has brought me.
Our last dinner in Trichy!
My little family in India.
Until next time India!
