Quick Update

Hi everyone. As usual school has been taking up all of my time. This block I have been learning a lot about metabolic disorders along with continuing with Neurology, Virology, Oncology, and Orthopedics. In addition I have had my first Lizard and Llama case which means that I've had to learn the anatomy and phsiology of both of those species. The picture above is of the Clinical Skills Lab where I learned to place hard casts on Lizards. As you can see my classmates and I practiced applying the casts on each other as well.
This weeks problem based learning case is a neurological Llama. The major differentials of the case include: Polioencephalomalacia, Rabies, Lead (or other heavy metal) toxicity, Vitamin A deficiency, Ethylene Glycol toxicity, Salt toxicity and an infection with a Meningeal Worm. So needless to say I am busy learning about all of these differentials along with studying the normal anatomy and physiology of Llamas. Neurology is one of my least favorite things to study, not because it isn't interesting but becauseI am having a hard time learning how to localize the lesion. If anyone has any tips please let me know! On Friday I will be doing my very first physical exam on a Llama, I can't wait.
I can't believe that I will be out on 3rd year rotations in 10 weeks! I only have 10 more problem based learning cases, 3 Banfield Rotations, 2 Hills Wellness Rotations and 1 VACS rotation to go! The 2nd year rotations that I just mentioned are getting a lot harder in order to prepare us for our 3rd year rotations in hospitals scattered throughout California. For example, one of my classmates was able to close up one of the surgery patients at our rotation the other day. As far as I know, most other veterinary schools don't have students do that until the 3rd or 4th year.
Well I have to get back to writing my Learning Issue on the Pathophysiology of Tremors. I will try to write again soon.