My Take Tuesday: Don’t worry Doc, he won’t bite
“Don’t worry Doc, he won’t bite.” If ever a red flag was raised, these simple words would surely do it. I worry every time I hear the phrase. It reminds me of the required vet school class that covered the autonomic nervous system. The fight or flight impulse is part of that system. And in most cases, the fight response prevails. Invariably, when someone says this, I am going to be bitten.
It was a routine appointment, simple annual vaccinations. It should have gone smoothly.
As I administered the last vaccination, all seemed to be going smoothly. When all of the sudden, this unseeingly sweet little dog became, without warning, a biting, raging canine tornado.
This form of aggression can be defined by the word “IATROGENIC”. The definition of this fancy word is simple, it was caused by ME. This little guy was furious, and come hell or high water, he was going to let me have it.
His attack was swift. He had sunk his teeth deep into my left hand. I instinctively pulled back as he loosened his grip. I thought for a brief moment that it was over, but before I could remove my hand, he chomped down a second time.
Blood poured from my lacerated fingers.
The owner looked up, shook her head, and said, “Come to think of it, he did that to the last vet also.”
“Gee thanks,” I muttered.
If anyone ever tells you, “Don’t worry, he won’t bite.”
Take it from me – BEWARE!
You are about to be bitten!
And That is My Take
N. Isaac Bott, DVM
DocBott 