Exhausted! That's the only way to describe how I am feeling at the moment. Thrilled though I was to get back to work, laying down and reading for 10 days does not exactly create a lot of stamina. And this week so far has been really, really busy. And heartbreaking, as usual.
Some highlights:

• Two dogs with parvo, which is the worst thing ever. I hate parvo, mostly because it is preventable with proper vaccinations. It usually occurs when people either don't know about the vet care a puppy needs, or they don't think their dog is worth the $15 vaccination. The problem is, by the time the dog gets parvo they are too attached to the dog to just let him die, and shell out $1500 to save their lives. Personally, I'd prefer the $15 vaccine. The other thing I hate about parvo is that you basically have to put them on fluids and medications and pray; it is a virus, so there are no magic antibiotics that will cure them. Fortunately, so far, so good for both dogs, but please people- get the puppy series of vaccines. Yes, it is expensive, but it is much less expensive and heartbreaking than parvo.
• On the parvo note, I took the call about one of those cases at 6:30pm, thirty minutes after our doctor's leave the premises. The people were watching this dog for a friend, and soon after they dropped him off, he started to lose it out of both ends. Explosively. They watched him for awhile because some of the vomit contained parasites and thought it would stop. When it didn't stop and they became concerned. Since they didn't know the vaccine history, I advised them to go to the 24 hour emergency clinic right away. I explained that while a severe parasite infection can make them feel pretty icky, the severity of symptoms could indicate parvo or some sort of toxic exposure, both of which require quick action. I told them that they could continue to watch him, but the safest thing would be to head to the ER. Well, they listened! And it was parvo! It sounds simple, but this was a case where everything worked: I gave the correct advise, they followed it and because they followed it, the puppy has an excellent change of survival! If they'd waited, he's have probably died by morning. Have you ever had one of those moments where is dawns on you how significant of an effect you have on the world around you? Well, I had one of those today. It was a little shocking!
• A puppy with two broken legs from being hit by a car. That has been really sad, since he has to be sedated for each splint change. Luckily, he should be OK within a few weeks.
• Miss Luna started to feel sick again, so we had to do a barium series. Her poor gut is just torn up, most likely from the lack of nutrition and deworming early in her life. Basically, she was so parasite infested and eating God knows what for so long that her poor belly is having trouble recovering. But, the doctors are pretty optimistic that with out current treatment plan she's get to feeling better soon. Although the jokes did fly- "Man, you and your dog are the vomitingest pair I have ever seen!" Thanks, guys!
• Two dogs with severe nosebleeds. It looked like a house of horrors in the back for quite awhile- very gross. However, since things tend to come in threes, I'm sure we'll being seeing one more.
• A dog with a broken jaw- ouch!

Fortunately, I will be off tomorrow to recharge my batteries. Amazing how much three days of work can take out of a person! I'm kind of ashamed, actually!