I’m an equine veterinary technician. I work long days that turn into longer nights.
I sit on the ground and monitor your foal at 2 a.m. when it’s not doing well while also milking your mare every hour throughout the night to make sure her udder doesn’t become painful.
I work outside no matter how hot, cold, rainy or windy.
I run anesthesia. I make sure your horse’s blood pressure doesn’t tank during an emergency colic surgery and that it gets an adequate amount of fluids, pain meds and blood pressure meds so that it can profuse it’s organs and limbs to aid in a successful recovery.
I make sure there are detailed notes in your horse’s file so we can keep track of any health concerns throughout its life and stay on top of managing them.
I work hand-in-hand with some of the best veterinarians to provide top-quality care.
I help lay your best friend to rest when it’s time. I try to keep my composure while you cry and tell me about all the fun times you shared together. I cry for you when you drive away, then wipe my tears and try to compose myself for the next appointment.
I clock in every day knowing I don’t have a scheduled time that I get to go home to my family and pets.
I consistently get asked why I chose veterinary medicine over being a nurse in a human hospital “where the money is”…. well, because I am an equine veterinary technician, and that’s where my heart is.
This article was written by Bryce Morgan, LVT, Desert Pines Equine Medical and Surgical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.
