The very busy operating room
Most veterinarians would shutter at the thought of performing 37 surgeries in one day. But doctors Hope Teyler and Daniel Johnson aren’t most veterinarians.
The third spay and neuter day performed by the West Jordan campus exceeded expectations . Each one has out-done the other, but no one was thinking anywhere near 37 surgeries. The most accomplished in one day was 24, all completed by Dr. Teyler.
During the planning stages of the recent spay and neuter day, the shelters asked if the group would be willing to take on 30 animals. When the final deliveries were made however, 39 animals had filled the vet tech building. Because of health issues, 2 of those animals weren’t able to undergo surgery, leaving the docs with 37.
“I’m glad there were two of us today,” Teyler expressed. “I don’t think there is any way I could have done all 37.”
When asked how he ended up being involved in such a monumental task, Johnson responded, “They just asked nice and I said yes.”
Program chair, Jill Bruneau, loving on one of the kittens being prepped for surgery
That is the kind of staff dean of education, Malinda Daniel, says makes up her vet tech department. “It is a credit to the kind of people they are. To come in, on a day most usually have off, and work for over 10 hours, just to give these animals a better chance at adoption is who they are. They are fantastic!”
Students played a critical role in the success of the day. They were on hand to help with every step along the way. They were divided between labs, surgery prep and post-op monitoring. Allowing them to participate was a good way to help them see the practical application of the skills they are learning, while also giving back to the community.
Students practicing their skills by helping do blood draws for labs.
It is estimated that over $5,000 worth of services were provided free-of-charge to the local shelters in the one day event.
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