Buffetting : Ending 2014

I'd figure I should do this now and get back to my finals cramming before the 4.0 just fly out of my lap.

2014, has been a long year. I think I grew up emotionally a lot this year, because of so many things happening with so many parties getting involved in my life. I would say I grew at some point, managing things is now a little different while I have made several bold moves along the way.

January 2014:

The semester ended with another wedding in-line which my cousin brother had with me being the driver cum bridegroom brigade*or is there another term for this?* Nothing much except for the fact that a lot of our cousins in our generation is slowly heading towards the next stage of their lives in building a family and being parents themselves. Responsibility much?

February 2014:

3 weeks stuck in the breeder chicken farm in the middle of Karak was crazy. Daily morning shower with water as cold as ice and being completely naked in front of the foreign labor was, just something I probably will avoid forever. However, the nights spending to watch The Little Nyonya, trying the fill the gaps in between egg collection during work and the moments killing each other in the dorm with the girls were just fun.

March 2014:

Getting back to the faculty in this time of the year means Vetsports and Vet Dinner. After all the heavy work last year its time for my batch to chill out this year. Our batch is pretty famous for our lack of skills in sports, but we still do very great in tug-o-war, cheer leading as well as indoor games. Vet Dinner was pretty quaint this year, but only a few of us attended simply because we had to as directors and presidents of various interest clubs in the faculty.

April 2014:

This was a very special month no doubt. Apart from Majlis Silaturahim which my batch definitely have done a splendid job as the organizer with me being the crazy Chinese vampire, I took a bold step to fly and meet T in Chiang Mai; with my interest of wildlife practical as well. 

Spending time, cuddling for the first time, had my first kiss taken away all in the same week fueled the happy hormones in my body. I was actually living the dream relationship I thought I never could have. At the same time, I was also glad I was able to be part of T's life.

May 2014:

It become the worst month of the year. I had plenty of unnecessary commitments in clubs which I never begin to imagine I would join. The last call was for T to drop in a bombshell of all days Wesak day to break up with me. This is probably the worst Wesak I had with immense anger and fear clogged up in the whole afternoon. I was alone because I had no one to talk to, and thank goodness Biolexus was there to hear out before I implode. On the same night, I took the bold move and became the president of the club I never imagined I would.

On the contrary, my sister too moved into the next stage of her life and got married as well. Talk about double blow. But it was a good thing because it became the very tool that changed my relationship with my family as well.

June 2014:

Ending yet another semester means to step into another practical. 3 weeks of practical in the goat farm was pretty fun, as they are really cute yet annoying. Although I know less from the other girls because of my academic year, I proved myself to be an asset in restraining the animals while learning plenty about the debridement, artificial insemination and general management for a typical meat goat farm. The relationship between the girls and I definitely flourished even more, as we had the same problem with the drama source of our practical.

July 2014:

The month seemingly spent a lot on relaxing and enjoying life. The practical by the east coast with the Turtle Sanctuary was just soothing and mentally relaxing. Although the strolls at night can be a pain in the ass because of the long hours and cold weather, not to mention sand flies killing our feet, it was a great place to take our minds off hectic life of the urban areas with a decent amount of jobs to be done like getting rotten eggs out of the hatchery. A good time to relax, but definitely can't be my whole life.

PS: I forgot the most important thing happened this month. I became an uncle!

August 2014:

August is probably the crazies month with a lot of flights in and out of the airport! Again, spending my birthday out of the country, this time it was Sri Lanka! Its the Vetsoul annual trip again and it was definitely worth every sen and second spending our quality time there. Stubby was a great hose, while her dad probably forked out thousands of USD to make sure we are actually enjoying our trip. 

A week back from Sri Lanka, 8 of us headed to Chagar Hutang for yet another turtle sanctuary. A different group with a different managerial system, its pretty exciting to see how 2 different entities manage a same species of ecosystem. It is obvious UMT had better management and funding, but Cherating is probably very much restricted by the federal government policies.

September 2014:

A new academic year begin where I stepped into my official 3rd year. Thinking that it would be much of a less burdening semester I was wrong, because being a president of a new club is not easy, AT ALL. We had to go all out to establish contacts, get into the good side of all equestrian entities out there, trying to work with the resources we have to develop our members; things are just not easy at all. But with perseverance and support from the high committee, the club managed to pull over with our first work with Selangor Turf club in the International Horse Show 2014. 

October 2014:

Wrapping up several commitments this month, I am pretty surprised I'm still on track with the lectures and information in class. I spend a hefty 3 days in Bangkok earlier on for the APVC 2014 in the quest to get more knowledge and exposure on the veterinary side in our region; which turned out to be splendid. 

On the other note, Dogathon 2014 managed to break the Malaysia Book of Record in achieving 1200 dogs as the largest dog gathering in Malaysia! Great work to be direct mentor of the co-directors, and I'm sure they have churned a lot of effort in succeeding this achievement!

November 2014:

Mundane month with a lot studies and birthday celebrations; making me to have more posts this month anyway. Did a lot of thinking and planning for the practicals in 2015, making me having access to Japan and Thailand, hopefully with a lot of knowledge gained back home. A crazy little thing happened in the mundane month is probably the theft of my wallet. That probably sucked up the whole month

December 2014:

Contrary to November, although the month was filled with tests and assignment deadlines, plenty of events and outings were thrown around my life. Christmas season fun was everywhere, though I actually celebrated Christmas not on the day itself. 

These celebrations too make me realize, I have managed to get the best of both worlds. Vet souls, and Kaki Jalan. It is a blessing truly, because I never imagined I would be able to attain friendship crossing both academic years so strong.

PS: Another wedding this year, I guess my friendship with Queen probably will go on until life ends in both our sides; only if my parents would stop assuming I'm actually seeing her romantically.

2014 definitely was good, and crazy. 

I was lucky to have spent time with T.

I was lucky to have people being there when T broke up with me.

I was lucky to have people aiding me with academics and clubs.

I was lucky to have my niece coming into my family, patching up those holes I have with my family.

I was lucky to not stay in the limbo of losing T, now back up and moving again.

I was lucky to just be safe, well and happy always; even though there were multiple occasions when my blood pressure could have killed me.

Now, to get back to finals.

Buffetting : Course Taken on Sem 7

This semester has been pretty light for me, but it doesn't mean its toll wasn't heavy.

Although there were 7 registered courses, the course which I have actively attended classes were:
1- Veterinary Pathology 2
2- Veterinary Virology
3- Veterinary Parasitology 1
4- Pharmacology and Toxicology
5- Veterinary Problem Investigation

The other 2 courses were extra mural Clinical Rotation and Laboratory Rotation; but they are only going to be assessed during the semester breaks when we go for the practicals.

1- Veterinary Pathology 2

Continuity from Veterinary Pathology 1, this time round we focused a lot more the systems rather on basic general pathology. Although we have limited practicals with extensive tutorials and lectures, I begin to love the subject when I cram my nights with the information from various texts and references. Anatomy and physiology were fun, but pathology makes the whole course some sense because of the approach we need to take for diagnosis and treatment. From haematopoetic system to respiratory system, I should say this subject was really fun.

2- Veterinary Virology

Virology started out extremely boring, conceptual and imaginative because of the subtle size of the microbes we are dealing with. The mechanism of entry and its development over the years of research did bore me somehow, but when it came to the specific viruses and diseases I couldn't have had more fun. Pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, prevention, control and treatment for each viruses made everything we have studied for the past 6 semesters some sense. Saying this, I couldn't have to express more that the medicine between both veterinary and human had never been this close. From HIV to Ebola, Avian Influenza to Japanese Encephalitis, everything that the public think wasn't of interest of veterinarians is. As far as a lot(not all) of the medical graduates think high and mighty of themselves in Malaysia, it makes it even more pathetic for their ignorance as all zoonotic diseases are really cured by us, veterinarians.

3- Veterinary Parasitology 1

The 1st course deals with the overall morphology, lifecycle, pathogenesis and clinical signs manifested by host infected by the parasites. Unlike viruses, parasites do not want their hosts to die fast or die at all for that matter. However, apart from the animals and species of parasites of interest; we have to consider those which are zoonotic as well; meaning the ones which can be transmitted to human. It's really funny because I don't think medics actually consider any diseases which can be transmitted to animals; while we have to secure the public interest so that our patients are not being penalized when any outbreaks happen. There were numerous names, shapes and sizes to be memorized and known; but it was fun.

4- Pharmacology and Toxicology

Originally thinking that it would be my favorite subject and my best subject to score; only to feel that it is still but my favorite subject but I have better scores for other subjects. Yet, this doesn't deject my love for the subject simply because chemistry is in play. From the different drugs used to before,during, and after surgery to the antidotes for drug overdosing, the subject is pretty essential as we will be using these extensively as a professional man legally. Some bloggers have asked why my sudden posts on various intoxications in the companion animals, walaa!

5- Veterinary Problem Investigation

Pretty much like CSI, we are given clues on the signs, management practices and history of the problem in a case about one host while we need to make diagnosis and presentations based on the given information. It is very much like a revision of our management and pre-clinical subjects, so we get to think more and learn how to deal with similar issues when we graduate or practice in the hospital one day. It was kind of a kill-time course, and well all it did was really to kill time.

Everything we took this semester became a very important bridge from the preclinical to clinical studies; naming in the para-clinical studies. Important aetiology of diseases, how the problems are caused, the signs we see and ultimately how to treat and prevent them were extensively discusses and learned.

I hope I will be able to remember them and put them into good use in the upcoming semesters and as a veterinarian as well.

Now, a 4.0 for finals!

Buffetting : 必须

生活上种种的必须，你有几个？

必须上进；
必须坚持；
必须知道；
必须理智；
必须懂事；
必须善变。

而在种种的必须里，我们真的需要必须么？

现在的我，必须坚强。

然而，咬紧了眼泪不留；

还是会问，真的必须撑下去么？

必须。

Buffetting : Animal Handling 101- Chocolate and Animals

Disclaimer: This is an article written by a veterinary student. All information is based on non-professional interpretation of the student and is not subjected to any responsibilities of the readers' disposal.

THE MYTHBUSTING

Chocolates are close to have drug-induced property; for man who craves and succumbs into the sweetness and heavenly taste the exquisite confectionery offers. From the sweetened to unsweetened dark chocolate, today offering different percentages of sweetness on rack; it is close to impossible for any living man to have not tasted, or indulge in the modern goodness of chocolate.

Constituting an array of organic substances which affects our brain through different biochemical reaction; such as the pheneylethylamine(PEA) and theobromine; man loves chocolate for a reason not because of the sugar content, but PEA which acts on the brain to stimulate a very important neurotransmitter
(endogenous biochemical matter aiding in stimulating neurological effects in the body and brain)- dopamine which elevates the feeling of pleasure in the body. It is unknown if animals, especially companion ones are able to appreciate such indulgence in chocolate, but if you are thinking of sharing your piece of mind of that piece of chocolate with your companion dog or cat; stop it. 

YOU ARE WRONG.

As far as food is concerned, dogs and cats cannot naturally gain access to cocoa fruit, let alone process them in their body. A tiny bit of chocolate off that bar you have gained so much happiness from will be your worst nightmare when they get into the mouth of your furry friends. 

WHY? The mechanism

Chocolate contains a high level of theobromine, a biochemical matter similar to that of caffeine which brings a about the same effect in our body; diuresis- meaning you hit the loo more, better concentration and sometimes ever a higher heart rate. 

courtesy of : dogs and cats

Theobromine, once metabolized by the liver liberate a group of metabolite named methylxanthine; in a series of event leading to increase of free muscle cell calcium level; which induces higher contraction of the heart muscles and skeletal muscles.Apart from that, theobromine will also act on the smooth muscles of our bodies, leading to their relaxation contributing to a relaxed brochi(thoat) as well as renal diuresis(frequent urination).Apart from that, theobromine also competes with endogenous receptors in the brain resulting in higher rate of central nervous system stimulation; which may trigger a higher release of adrenaline and noradrenaline; stacking the effect on increased heart rate and diuresis.

Sounds good? Nope.

courtesy of: modern dog

Methylaxinthine in dogs, unlike in human are not being further metabolized; meaning they stay in the body and will be excreted in the urine as they are; in human methylxanthins are metabolized via CYPA12, absent in dog's and cat's liver, and secreted in the urine as other non-toxic metabolites.

Meaning, dogs have a lower threshold of chocolate toxicity tolerance compared to human. While humans require about 10 to 20g to induce toxicity(about 100 cups of chocolate milk); and ounce of chocolate milk(100mg) can do the job to kill the dog.

The overt concentration of methylxanthine in dogs will cause an overdrive in the CNS stimulation, often leaving the animal in a convulsion(fits) state post emetic episodes- leading to death. The overly stimulated heart ,respiration apparatus and urinary system may also lead to death due to multiple causes including hemorrhage, respiratory alkalosis, dehydration which all leads to death.

Signs:

If you have suspected the culprit of the nibble on your chocolate bar is not your meddling kids but your furry friends; look out for:

courtesy of : Leo's Pet Care

1- Frequent urination

2- Hyperventilation

3- Vomitting

4- Neurological signs or abnormal behavior

5-Muscle rigidity or spasmic episodes

The right thing to do:

Send your dogs to the vet immediately. Do not attempt to treat your animal because you will only make it worse. In most cases, the vets will try their best to accomplish these goals:

1-Prevent further absorption of the chocolate in the animal. If the animal suspected is pretty recent up to 4 hours of exposure, emetics or gastric lavage maybe attempted. An activated charcoal may also be prescribed to absorb the remaining chocolate residue in the stomach if the exposure goes beyond 4 hours

2- Antidotes are absent in theobromine toxicity; hence a symptomatic treatment approach is usually used. Muscle relaxants such as methocarbamol may be attempted to reduce the muscle hyperactivity in spasm usually to reduce nervous impulse trigger.

3- Supportive treatment such as IV fluids to maintain the hydration status of the dog or cat from the toxicosis episode; as emesis will incur high loss of fluids and water from the body.

The Summary:

Responsible pet ownership does not stop at providing food and shelter and love to the animal. It includes understanding the general physiology of the animal as well as dos and don'ts in making sure the veterinary health of the animal is up to par. Never anthromorphize animals.

Next post: onions and cats.

Buffetting : Speculating

With the amount of meetings and activities from the current presidency I'm holding, I can barely stay longer than 3 days at home without having the need to get back to the university.

If I were to be a sucker president, probably I can stay more than 3 days; but I am not.

Mom finally acknowledged my role as a veterinary student, no longer pressuring me with "you should have studied medicine" issue.

More news on the issues with the Malaysian health system in the coming years will probably enlighten her more.

And the fact that veterinary medicine actually based out from human medicine; for which I know almost all the physiology and anatomy of human similarly in prescribing drugs and dealing with signs and symptoms probably even balance out the odds of her biased opinion.

Saying this, I'm now much more determined to change the views of the public opinion in Malaysia on veterinarian's roles in the society in the future.

And mom asked and speculated if I'm actually seeing someone(or some girl) in the university grounds because of my frequency in going back to the university.

I denied it of course; only to have a good thought about it.

I'm not the best looking guy;
I'm not the smartest guy;
I'm not the richest guy;
I'm not the most charming guy;
I'm not the most patient guy;
In fact I have so many flaws I can barely count them with my fingers alone;

Which girl in the right mind would want to be with me?

As of now I'm probably having an extremely LSE(low self esteem) issue, I wouldn't be able to actually go and get into a relationship or even flirt; let alone be with another person.

I guess mom didn't see that in me.

That aside, an episode of drama popped out in the club again.

Apparently a person who volunteered to make print outs for the workshop tomorrow didn't do it; she couldn't hear what the instruction was because she was out whole day in a very busy and noisy dance event.

I was pissed off because all she had to do was to say she can't do it, I could have take up matters my own and settle in hours before the meeting. I was dumbfounded when I saw her coming towards the table without any printouts.

It's just hard to get a reliable workforce these days.

I don't even mind if she'd asked me to do it instead if she were to be busy. It sure hell is less much of a problem that her making us staying up all night cleaning up after her mess for she didn't manage to do her part.

Its a good thing these girls are really good to work with in practicals.

Or maybe I'm just expecting too much?

I believe in a good workforce means to give solution, not to create problem.

She just became a huge source of problem.

If you can't work, don't even bother.

I just hope I wouldn't be meeting people like this when I own a business or a working team in the future.

Buffettting : Damping

All the hassle of tests finally came to slow motion after the hectic 11 weeks.

Odd that I'd actually find the semester gone by faster than I thought it would.

Thinking that letting go as the co-director position for Dogathon would put me on halt for student activities but hell no it doesn't stop there.

I wonder if it were the impulse I had because T broke up with me, so I decided blatantly 7 months ago to just take up the position.

But it's fine; the club smothers me while I can barely see what I actually get out of it yet knowing that the club is better than it was before because I worked with a good team to build it is still satisfying.

It makes me know that I'm still the management and organizational type of person; resourceful to send people into right direction.

I think.

December means Christmas is around the corner; but this year its probably going to be a family gathering dinner again in the study week. Let's hope I don't screw up my finals again.

One more practical test, one more theory test 3; and finals all the way.

Did I mention there is also another equine workshop along the way?

Time to charge up for finals!