It’s hard to describe an average day in veterinary practice as each patient and their problems are so individual.
The morning is spent seeing ill patients, examining and vaccinating healthy patients and admitting operations. Following morning consultations, surgery is performed. This can be the routine neutering of animals, repairing fractures or removal and reconstruction of various tumours or wounds.
At any moment during the day an emergency can be rushed in without warning; a cat or dog run over by a car, a seizuring patient, a caesarean, patients with large bleeding wounds and poisonings - the list is endless.
The patients are so variable in temperament and size, from a 2kg Chihuahua to a 60kg Rottweiler. Surgery can also vary from delicate eyelid surgery to removal of a sock from the intestine. Avoiding bites and scratches comes with experience as years spent in a room with dogs and cats helps you to read their body language.
Trying to work out what is wrong is like detective work. The initial approach is to listen to the owners for clues, asking questions and trying to work out a likely diagnosis. The next stage is to perform forensic tests, blood samples, X-rays or ultrasound to determine an accurate diagnosis. The very latest treatment for that condition can be undertaken - surgery, medicine or a combination of both.
Each day in the veterinary practice is very busy and often results with me eating lunch while reviewing x-rays, making phone calls to owners or discussing a patient’s care with one of the nurses. Business decisions have to be made, house meetings to chair to aid the smooth running of the practice, and ordering of new equipment to improve the care and comfort of our patients.
Having 20 years experience as a veterinary surgeon and two post-graduate certificates (one in general practice and one in surgery), make veterinary life much easier when compared to my first few years as a young vet. My enthusiasm and enjoyment have not diminished at all thoughand there is not much that fazes me now either as an emergency or as a difficult case.
Dress:
Surgical attire is essential and includes scrubs, hats, shoes, masks, sterile gowns and sterile gloves.
What is the favourite part of the job?
Meeting new people and families, being able to guide them with their new pet, and helping people who feel helpless and upset with their poorly pet.
What is the least favourite part of your job?
Honestly it is running out of time on a busy day. People would often consider euthanasia to be the least favourite part of my work but it can truly be the most beautiful, being there for support at a most difficult time is very special.
What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing it now?
I have the dream job, being able to help so many people everyday who need support and a friendly experienced face at their time of need. It’s great!
How do you relax when you are not working?
I love the outdoor life, whether it is chopping logs with my two boys, washing the cars or riding bikes.
What is your favourite book?
Papillon by Henri Charriere, a real inspiration of how to overcome hardship.
What is your favourite song?
Your Childhood by The Proclaimers as it reminds me of what it is like to have a beautiful baby daughter.
If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you?
Tom Hanks, a fantastic actor who I think could get the fun side across as well as all the emotional stuff.
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet?
Having been involved with eight of the 11 series of Vets in Practice, which finished in 2002, I have definitely done my bit.
Fact File:
●Name: Tom Leonard
●Job: Veterinary surgeon and director of Leonard Brothers Veterinary Centre
●Born: Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
●Lives: Ightfield, near Whitchurch
●Education: St Thomas More Catholic High School, Crewe, The King’s School Chester, Glasgow University Veterinary School
●Family: Married to Leah with three children, Finn 7, Angus 3 and Amber 14-months-old
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