Today Max had surgery to remove a mast cell cancer tumor at the Community Surgery Clinic at the University of California, Davis. He was operated on by a 4th year veterinary student named Patrick and a UC Davis veterinarian.
Patrick called to let us know that surgery went very well for Max today. They were able to remove the cancer tumor. They saved the little tumor and will look at it underneath a microscope to learn more about the cells-- similar to what we've studied in science this year! Once they can look at them very carefully with a microscope & other tools, they will let us know what they learned about the tumor.
Patrick also told us that Max is recovering well, that he's "up and about" in his cage and seems to be feeling okay. Isn't it strange to think of Max in a cage though? Luckily he has a nice scarf to get cozy next to. I'm sure that Max misses all of you very much and will be happy to be back at school on Monday!
In the top picture, Mrs. G. (Mrs. Bair's mom) is telling Max that he has to stay here and that she & Mr. G are leaving!
The bottom picture shows you what the waiting room of the hospital looks like and also shows you who operated on your classroom pet. The hospital is called an Oncology Hospital. You can say the word like this: ON-CALL-O-GEE. Oncology means the study of cancer and tumors. Maybe you know of other subjects that have the -ology ending? How many can you think of? Let me know what you find out.
If you are interested in learning more about where Max has had his surgery, you can visit the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine website. I have provided a link to it in our list of links to the right.
Are you interested in becoming a veterinarian?
here is a path to take to get there.
1) While in high school, volunteer at the SPCA or a shelter for animals. If you meet someone who works with animals, talk to them so you can learn more about their career. It is important to really like animals a lot if you want to do this as a career. Pay attention in science class!
2) After high school, attend a university.
2) While in college you could major in: pre-veterinary medicine if the school offers that program. Other subjects you could major in might be biology, biochemistry or another science. Work to keep your grades up high. When you graduate, you will have a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree usually takes 4 years.
3) After you graduate from a university, attend veterinary school. This also takes 4 years. When you graduate, you will have earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. For short, it is called a D.V.M.
4) Take the North America Veterinary Licensing Test so you can earn your veterinary license.
5) Take another test to make sure you know the state laws for being a veterinarian.
6) Pass the tests and you're ready!
