Stomatology

This semester we are able to take Stomatology as an optional course. The lectures were done a few weeks ago but due to the class size and timetable we had the practical on a Saturday.

Stomatology or dental medicine is the study of the mouth and it's diseases.
We started with Radiography, taking intra-oral x-rays with parallel views

and bisecting angles

and then processed the dental films in a dark room!

Next up we practiced scaling and polishing which I've seen done lots in practice but only had a chance to do a few times; it's surprisingly therapeutic once you get into it!

Scaling is really important as it affects around 90% of adult dogs and dental plaque or tartar is the main cause of gingivitis. Gingivitis can be treated but if left can lead to peridontal disease which is irreversible.

We practiced performing root canals and peridontal surgery to repair teeth and deal with chronic infections of the root apex as well as amalgam (containing mercury) and composite fillings which I've never seen, or even heard of, in the UK.

Trip to the Shelter; Útulok UVP Košice

Today we went on an Ethology trip to the Utulok UVP dog shelter.

We were each given a dog to assess their behaviour and do temperament testing. The shelter houses around 200 dogs, many in large groups so they adopt a pack mentality which can be challenging when socialising and integrating them with other dogs.

I know Vicky from the shelter having been to some of their adoption days so she gave me a puppy, meet Pongo...

He was so sweet! He's being kept inside with a few other pups, away from the older dogs, until they have completed their vaccinations, particularly for Parvo virus.

The shelter took on a bitch on Saturday and on Sunday she produced these two puppies, bit of a surprise!

 The pups are also being kept inside in the warm away from all other dogs and they will be fostered out to homes wither with or as soon as they can be separated from their mother.

Two New Chickens

Over the last couple years I've gotten into taxidermy ...I guess as a vet student it comes with the territory! I prefer skulls and skeletons to full mounts as the anatomical differences are really interesting.

Anyway, a friend messaged me as Uni were throwing out four taxidermy chickens. I went down to have a look with a couple friends and brought two back to dorms!