Between December 22, 2025, and January 4, 2026, I undertook a practical training program at a veterinary clinic specializing in small animals. This internship offered me the opportunity to observe and assist in real clinical settings, allowing me to develop practical skills, gain exposure to a variety of medical procedures, and understand patient management more deeply under the supervision of qualified veterinarians and clinic staff.
At the start of the internship, I spent time getting to know the clinic’s workflow and daily routines. I observed how the staff organized appointments, prepared treatment materials, and managed medical records. I also learned about the clinic’s approach to patient monitoring, emergency readiness, and maintaining a calm and safe environment for both animals and clients.
During the internship, I observed and assisted in several complex clinical procedures. One significant case involved a male cat with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) caused by recurrent urinary obstruction that could not be resolved with catheterization. I observed the perineal urethrostomy (PU) procedure, which was performed under general anesthesia after stabilizing the patient. The perineal area was shaved and aseptically prepared. The narrowed section of the urethra was removed and the wider portion was sutured to the skin to create a permanent urinary opening. A temporary urinary catheter was placed and would be removed once the surgical site healed. This procedure aims to prevent future obstructions and allow the cat to urinate safely through the new opening, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications.
I also observed the management of rectal prolapse in a cat, where the rectum protruded through the anus due to excessive straining. Under anesthesia, the viable rectal tissue was manually repositioned after thorough cleaning and lubrication. A temporary purse-string suture was placed around the anus to prevent recurrence during the healing process. In cases of repeated prolapse, additional surgery such as colopexy which is the fixation of the colon to the abdominal wall was performed. The underlying causes, including diarrhea or parasitic infections, were treated to improve recovery and long-term prognosis.Another critical case involved fetal maceration in a cat, a pregnancy complication where deceased fetuses decomposed in the uterus. The patient showed prolonged pregnancy, lethargy and foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Diagnosis was confirmed using ultrasound and radiographs, revealing fetal bone fragments without signs of life. Under general anesthesia with fluid and antibiotic therapy, an ovariohysterectomy was performed to remove the uterus and decomposed fetal remnants. In cases of uterine rupture, the abdominal cavity was thoroughly washed with sterile 0.9% NaCl solution to prevent contamination. Timely and precise intervention in these cases is crucial to prevent sepsis and other complications.
I also observed the handling of testicular hydrocele in a dog, where fluid accumulation in the scrotum caused testicular enlargement. After previous medical therapies failed, the owner opted for humane euthanasia to ensure the animal’s welfare. The procedure involved administering ketamine and xylazine for anesthesia, followed by Dorminal injection either intravenously or intracardially if vein access was difficult. The process was carried out carefully to ensure the procedure was painless and humane.
In addition to observing procedures, I learned practical clinical skills, including calculating accurate medication dosages for various breeds of dogs, both small and large as well as for cats. I practiced proper restraint techniques, smaller dogs were held by the scruff, larger dogs were restrained using a muzzle and cats required careful handling to prevent bites or scratches when receiving oral or intramuscular medications. I also gained experience in communicating with pet owners, especially during sensitive situations like euthanasia, providing comfort and explaining procedures with empathy.
This internship also reinforced the importance of adhering to SOPs, maintaining sterile techniques, and ensuring both patient and staff safety in all clinical procedures. The experience enhanced my confidence, clinical reasoning and understanding of veterinary care in real-world settings.
This internship experience is closely aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by contributing to animal health through disease prevention, clinical treatment, surgical intervention, pain management and humane euthanasia, which also indirectly supports public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases. The internship also reflects SDG 4: Quality
Education, as it provided structured, supervised clinical training that enhanced my practicalskills and professional competence through experiential learning. In addition, the application of proper medication dosage calculations, adherence to standard operating procedures and responsible use of medical resources align with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The focus on animal welfare and clinical care for companion animals further supports SDG 15: Life on Land, which emphasizes the protection and well-being of terrestrial animals. Finally, this internship demonstrates SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the collaboration between educational institutions and veterinary clinics in providing meaningful hands-on training for future veterinary professionals.
Reflecting on this experience, I recognize how much it contributed to my growth as a future veterinarian. I gained technical expertise, hands-on experience, and insights into patient management and owner communication. The guidance and feedback from supervising veterinarians strengthened my skills and motivated me to continue developing as a competent and compassionate veterinary professional.
By: Dorisha Alfred (161241208)
