Animals and people dictate what happens every day for me. Simple routine appointments can turn out to be complex once the unpredictable yet potent potion of human personality is added to the mix.

A few months back an elderly woman came in to the clinic. Her cat had been suffering for weeks with non-stop itching. As I examined the cat I noticed that this itch was insatiable. The poor cat had scratched and irritated nearly every inch of its body in an effort to satisfy the intense itch. The scratching was so intense, that nearly her entire body was covered with bleeding sores.

A diagnosis of mites was made after taking a skin scrape and looking at it under a microscope. This particular mite is elusive and difficult to find even for the most experienced veterinary dermatologists. However, it is highly contagious.

As I began speaking with the owner about the severity of the diagnosis and the need for immediate treatment, I could tell that her mind was wandering. She was clearly not focusing on what I was saying. I politely asked if I had said something that did not make sense or if she had any questions. Often, the open ended questions will allow a client to discuss their concerns, however, I was not prepared for what happened next.

“Doc, do you think I have what she has?”, her voice was inquisitive. “Excuse me?”, I replied, “What do you mean?” Before I could say another word, this elderly woman dropped her pants. Literally right to the floor. Her legs were covered in large red lesions. They actually looked like checker boards. I learned that day, albeit involuntarily, what “granny panties” look like.

I am easily embarrassed, and when this happens my face turns a deep red. I stammered, “I…. I’m… a… I am sorry ma’am, you will have to go to your doctor for that”. The beet-red shade on my face persisted even after I exited the room.

As crazy as this may seem, I have had worse things happen while going about my daily appointments. However, those are saved for another My Take Tuesday.

My job is never boring. The two legged creatures that come in keep it from ever being so.

And that is my take.

N. Isaac Bott, DVM

 

 

#DocBott

For those of you following the story of Miss Kiss, here is an update on her touching story. I am so happy that she is doing so well. We thank Utah Valley Animal Rescue, PoundWishes and Levitate Med…

Source: Videos

 

My Take Tuesday: I thought you were a salesman!

Sometimes the obvious is subjective.

It was a beautiful spring morning. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the red sun was just beginning to peek over the majestic rocky mountains.

It was the perfect start to the day for most folks. My day however, had started much earlier. It was preg checking day on the dairy.

The diagnosis of pregnancy in cattle is made via trans-rectal palpation. A shoulder length glove is worn by the veterinarian. The glove is well lubricated and then the arm, at least up to the elbow, is inserted rectally. The veterinarian palpates through the rectal/uterine walls for fetal membranes, an amniotic vesicle, cotyledons and/or a fetus. This method is very reliable and an experienced veterinarian can determine pregnancy as early as 30 days.

This particular morning, I had performed this procedure on over 150 cows. I was tired, but was only half way finished.

As I continued with the long line of cows, a gentleman in a cowboy hat came up to me.

“What are you selling?,” he asked. “Excuse me?,” I responded.

He continued, “what company are you with?”

“I am Dr. Bott, the veterinarian,” I responded.

“Oh,” he continued, “I thought you were a salesman.”

I didn’t know how to respond to this. The situation became awkward really fast.

I have yet to meet a salesman elbow deep inside a cow.

If you ever do meet one, I would most definitely be skeptical.

And That is My Take
N. Isaac Bott, DVM