December 1, 2005

It probably started with a case of heartworms. A beautiful, tan Labrador mix was brought to the Asheville Humane Society's shelter with no chance of being adopted because of the parasites.

Allyson Hall, a second-year Veterinary Medical Technology student, couldnít bear to see her euthanized, so she made arrangements to have her treated, at cost, at the veterinary clinic where Hall works. “It’s a natural instinct to want to help,” she said. “This is what we are going to school for.”

“Some of us pitched in a little money to help with the bill, but Allyson has by far paid for most of it, even at cost,” said Dianne Cotter, Veterinary Medical Technology chair.

Then came Buster, a black Labrador mix stray, who had been hit by a car. He received injuries to his pelvis, and his tail no longer wagged due to damage to the spine. Dogs in Buster's condition are usually euthanized at the shelter.

Andrea Byrd is an animal caretaker at the shelter who fell in love with Buster and wanted to do what she could to save him. “I just really wanted to do something for him. I called around to different vets to see if we could get an x-ray of him,” she said.

Charlotte Street Animal Hospital did the x-rays and the North Carolina ASPCA came up with some funds to help pay for them.

“The dog is just so cool. He was just a really happy dog and we were hoping we could get him into adoption. Buster loves other dogs and animals and wants to play so badly,” Byrd said.

She asked if there would be any chance of A-B Tech’s Veterinary Medical Technology program being able to look at Buster with a view to surgery.

Currently, the Vet Med Tech program works closely with the Humane Society to do work ups on animals heading for their adoption program. The students get practical experience in obtaining specimens for testing purposes as well as the "hands on" contact essential in developing good handling skills.

The animal shelter receives, in return, dogs that have usually been bathed, have their nails trimmed, ears cleaned and received a de-worming treatment. Cats are tested for various diseases, have their ears cleaned and nails trimmed.

“We provide a basic health exam for animals from the shelter,” said Cotter. “The goal of the program is to work with the shelter and make the animals adoptable.”

The Veterinary Clinical Practice II class meets for its practical work at REACH, Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital, under the direction of Dr. James Guenther. Dr. Guenther, who has been in the community for 30 years, started working with the class taught by Cotter and Dana York this semester. “It was a way for me to support the community,” he said.

Dave Hinton, a student in the class transports the animals between the shelter and REACH. He discussed Byrd’s request for Buster with Dr. Guenther, Cotter and York.

Dr. Guenther carefully looked at the x-rays of Buster and after discussions with the instructors, he agreed to carry out a neuter, tail dock and femoral head ostectomy. The injuries were recent and, in cases like that, time is of the essence so surgery was scheduled for two days later.

Buster arrived bright and early for his surgery with a whole team ready to see him through from beginning to end.

The morning class had the opportunity see a surgery and tail dock as well as some of the class being involved in the work up, premeds, anesthesia, surgical assisting and recovery.

“The students are fortunate to have this kind of hands-on experience,” said Cotter. “We have a great relationship with the shelter and REACH. Dr. Robert Freeman, a local veterinarian was gracious enough to allow us to use his instruments. We still have a need for orthopedic instruments, which are specialty instruments and quite expensive.”

“I took Buster back to the shelter and already he is happily putting weight on his left leg. I hope to get pictures in a few months time to show his recovered condition,” said Hinton.

Buster is now adoptable, rather than being put to sleep. “It’s very gratifying to be able to do this. It keeps us motivated to see we made a difference,” said student Laura Dendy.

Student Beth Theida said the program makes pet lovers out of everyone. “It’s probably why we all have about 500 animals,” she said.

“Not many people in this program own normal, healthy animals,” said student Lauren Hawkins.