Between July 12 and July 26 2026, I completed an independent clinical internship at Lembah Maju Veterinary Clinic, where I gained valuable practical experience in small animal medicine and surgery. This internship allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired during my veterinary studies and its application in a real clinical environment. Under the guidance of experienced veterinarians and veterinary staff, I observed a wide range of medical and surgical procedures while developing my understanding of patient care, clinical decision-making, and veterinary professionalism.
At the beginning of the internship, I attended an orientation session to become familiar with the clinic’s facilities, workflow and daily operations. I learned about the clinic’s standard operating procedures, biosecurity measures and workplace safety protocols. I also observed how patient records were managed, how medications and medical supplies were organized and how the veterinary team coordinated consultations, treatments and surgical procedures to ensure efficient patient care.
Throughout the internship, I observed physical examinations of both dogs and cats and learned how veterinarians evaluated patients by assessing their clinical signs and measuring vital parameters, including temperature, pulse and respiratory rate (TPR). I also gained practical experience assisting with animal restraint during examinations and treatments. Proper restraint techniques were emphasized to ensure the safety of both patients and veterinary personnel while minimizing stress for the animals. In addition, I observed the administration of medications through oral and topical routes and learned the importance of accurate drug handling and patient monitoring.
One of the surgical procedures I observed was castration or also known as orchiectomy in a male cat. The patient underwent general anaesthesia after a physical examination confirmed that it was fit for surgery. The scrotal area was clipped and aseptically prepared before a small incision was made to exteriorize each testis. The spermatic cord and associated blood vessels were ligated before both testes were removed. The procedure demonstrated the importance of proper surgical technique, aseptic principles and postoperative monitoring in ensuring successful recovery while contributing to population control and reducing reproductive-related behaviours.
I also observed an ovariohysterectomy (OHE) performed on a female cat diagnosed with pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. After stabilization with fluid therapy and preoperative assessment, the patient underwent general anaesthesia. A ventral midline abdominal incision was performed to access the abdominal cavity and both ovaries together with the infected uterus were surgically removed following ligation of the ovarian pedicles and cervix. The abdominal wall and skin were closed in layers using a subcutaneous suturing technique. Observing this procedure allowed me to appreciate the importance of timely surgical intervention in preventing systemic infection and improving patient prognosis.
Another valuable experience involved observing the suturing of a traumatic laceration in a dog. Before wound closure, the patient received appropriate sedation or anaesthesia based on its clinical condition. The surrounding hair was clipped, the wound was aseptically prepared and damaged or contaminated tissue was removed through debridement. The wound edges were then carefully opposed using a subcutaneous suturing technique to promote optimal healing. The patient subsequently received postoperative pain management, antibiotics when indicated and instructions for wound care to minimize the risk of infection and support tissue repair.
I also observed the placement of a urinary catheter in a cat suffering from Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) with urethral obstruction. The patient underwent clinical stabilization before catheterization. In cases where the urinary bladder was severely distended, cystocentesis was first performed to decompress the bladder by aspirating urine with a sterile needle before catheter placement. Following aseptic preparation of the preputial area, a urinary catheter was gently advanced through the urethra into the bladder to relieve the obstruction and restore urine flow. The bladder was flushed when necessary, and a temporary urinary catheter was maintained during hospitalization. I also learned that medications intended to increase urine production should not be administered before relieving the obstruction because they may worsen bladder distension when urine cannot pass through the blocked urethra. This experience reinforced my understanding of emergency management for urinary obstruction and the importance of appropriate treatment sequencing.
Beyond clinical procedures, the internship strengthened my communication skills by allowing me to observe how veterinarians explained diagnoses, treatment plans and postoperative care instructions to pet owners using clear and empathetic language. I also gained a greater appreciation for teamwork, professionalism, accurate medical documentation and adherence to aseptic techniques throughout all aspects of clinical practice.
This internship aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting animal health through disease diagnosis, surgical intervention, pain management and postoperative care. It contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education by providing supervised experiential learning that enhanced my clinical competence and practical skills. The emphasis on proper medication administration, adherence to standard operating procedures and responsible use of medical resources reflects SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Furthermore, improving the welfare of companion animals through preventive and therapeutic veterinary care supports SDG 15: Life on Land, while the collaboration between Universitas Airlangga and Lembah Maju Veterinary Clinic demonstrates SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering meaningful cooperation between academic institutions and professional veterinary practice.
Reflecting on this internship, I recognize that it significantly strengthened my clinical knowledge, technical skills and professional confidence. Observing real veterinary cases and working alongside experienced veterinarians allowed me to understand the practical application of veterinary medicine while reinforcing the importance of compassion, communication, teamwork and lifelong learning. This experience has further motivated me to continue developing into a competent, ethical and compassionate veterinarian capable of providing high-quality care for animal patients.
By: Dorisha Alfred (161241208)
