Big Animals and Big Heartache

The past two weeks have been some of the widest-in-range when it comes to my emotions. In addition to being exhausted from studying (I failed a physiology exam, and really need to step up my game in that class), I've been ridiculously happy, and horribly heartbroken all within a span of about two weeks.

One of the best experiences I have had in labs thus far has been being able to actually interact with live animals. This week, we were able to learn from both horses and cows, two animals I want to work with as a veterinarian. Midwestern is unique in that it is one of the few schools in the US that currently have models called Haptic Cow and Haptic Horse. These plastic models allow users to experience a virtual reproductive or digestive tract, without having to palpate a live animal. I personally found these to be super cool, but if I am honest, it was actually harder to figure out what things felt like in the virtual world versus actually being inside the animal. However, the faculty was so helpful in guiding us, and it was a great tool to map out where structures should be in the tract. My favorite feature was that you could feel for an aortic pulse, and you actually felt a heartbeat from within the model. I forgot to take any photos of the haptic devices, but you can read more about these tools here.

The school isn't currently set up to allow equine palpation, but they have a plastic model horse with blow-up organs that can be adjusted to mimic colic, impaction, or displacements. We were able to palpate what each of these things felt like, and learn the overall anatomy of the digestive system. In addition, we were able to ultrasound our live horses legs to see their tendons, which was very cool.

Our model (looks like she can skate!)

                                         

In we go...

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what you are feeling! (This is my, "what the heck is that?!" face)

Christine and me with Tank

When you go to vet school, there are several "Rites of Passage" that you will have to go through. One of the messiest (although most fun) is bovine palpation lab. It is important for all veterinarians to know how to perform a basic physical exam on any animal that may come to their clinic. Part of a cow's physical is rectal palpation. I personally want to work with farm animals and small animals, so I was especially excited to learn the technique. While some of my classmates were less than enthusiastic, we all had a fun time with the girls. We have 8 Holsteins and 3 Jersey cows currently at Midwestern, and they each have their own personality. Phyllis is probably the sassiest cow, and she will poo the entire palpation, as I found out very quickly. But hey, it's all part of the experience! My favorite cow, Rose, even look the liberty of peeing on me to show her appreciation! Thanks, Rose!

Go big or go home! Brittany settled for the smaller Jersey

All in a day's work. 

The life of a large animal vet!

Palpating cows was so much fun, and I was surprised at how much easier it was to identify structures the second time around. The first time I practiced palpation, everything felt like poo. This time, I identified cervix, uterine horns, aorta, kidney, rumen, and even an ovary with a corpus luteum! We also got to watch one of our vets administer a lumbosacral epidural, which vets give to cows that are having a hard time calving, or have a prolapse. Did you know that veterinarians perform C-sections on cows while they are standing up? Pretty amazing! 

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I experienced some sadness this week. Now, I am a Minnesota girl, born and raised. I am incredibly proud of my home state, and one thing about Minnesotans is that we have a real sense of community and family for our celebrities. Yesterday, April 21, 2016, I was taking a brief moment to browse Twitter in anesthesia lecture (future vet students, try not to do that), and I saw that Prince had passed away. I immediately texted my dad and asked him to keep me updated. 

My family knows that as a dancer and a Minnesotan, I absolutely adore Prince. I remember attending a show at his club (First Avenue) and I looked over, and saw Prince standing there. I kid you not, it was almost God-like seeing him in person (by the way, he is very short, and even more beautiful in person). 

It was a sad day for Minnesota. Seeing all of the pictures and videos of people flocking to Paisley Park (Prince's home) and First Ave made me miss home more than ever. The outpouring of love from Minnesotans, and even non-residents, warmed my heart. Prince's family even gave pizza to those bringing flowers to Paisley. I will for sure return to Minnesota and visit these places to pay my respects.

As a little extra for this post, I'd like to share my top 3 (technically 4) Prince songs with you. Because you can't be a Minnesotan and dislike Prince!

#3. Raspberry Beret.

I used to listen to this song almost every day walking to class at the University of Minnesota. Listening to it now brings back memories of college, and genuinely just makes me feel happy.

#2. When Doves Cry. 

This is a classic Prince song. With its soulful lyrics, this song reaches right into your core. All the feels. Fun fact, this song lacks a bass line, which was a unique feature for music at the time of its release. In addition to vocals, Prince played all the instruments in this song.

#1.5 P Control.

One of the rare Prince songs, I was introduced to this song by one of my best friends while we were working nights at the hospital. I won't tell you what the P stands for, but go ahead and look up this song. It is the ultimate feminist anthem, and I really enjoy it.

#1. Kiss.

I don't know if it is the song or the music video I adore more, but I have vivid memories of dancing around my house/dorm/apartment to this on repeat. It has been my favorite Prince song for years, and it is excellent to sing while in the shower or tub ala Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman."

Rest Peacefully, Sweet Prince.