Buffetting : Penang Eating Out

The only thing which I look forward to every night in Penang is the eating out experience! Thanks to Lady Boss and her new Iphone 6 Plus, we are only few clicks away from renowned good food in the island!

PS: did I mention Lady Boss and Sea are now a couple? Add that to another pair of Stubby and Monkey I'm literally the largest and most annoying light bulb existed in romance history.

PPS: The feeling of missing T is back lately. I concluded its because of the free time I have without the need to study.

Sunday 11/1/15
We began our day in Bukit Mertaham for the famous Sentosa Portuguese Tart with Yam Rice and Pork Confetti Soup. Lady Boss has been in BM long enough to know how to go without a GPS, and the food is indeed, tantalizing.

The Portuguese tart was my personal favorite because the caramel custard was extremely thick while the tart base had butter oozing out every bite. Worth the travel if you can get into BM in an early morning travel!

Our dinner wasn't memorable or fantastic so I've decided to skip it. Actually I forgot to snap photos but it was a failed Pasar Malam and a dai pai dong nearby.

Monday 12/1/14

Lunch was at Queensbay Mall because we had to run some errands for the week as well as getting formal attire; we weren't pressed on about how important dress code is in the turf club. Dave's Deli served a great array of good western food, while I ordered something called Chicken Schilner(very German name). The mash potato was AWESOME, and getting an extra side is definitely a good idea, but the chicken and the sauce weren't all that great to begin with.

The chicken actually tasted like KFC nugget Their mushroom pasta was uber good as well, while their salmon grill retain a high quality of oceanic juiciness. 

Qbean may seemed to be over-rated with its retail, but its extremely good! The milk itself was so so, but the ice cream and curd were a BOMB. Must try if you have about RM5 to spare for a good dessert experience before or after food!

Night was fun tonight, exploring Penang using GPS and all. We managed to find a place, which I don't really remember but their food was just really so so, hence I didn't really remember the place. The safe bet is one of the places near Air Itam with Shell. I honestly don't remember the area because it was night and I just have a fuzzy memory. It was the first time I tried Laksa Siam and damn it was so good because of the santan and closeness to green curry.

Tuesday 13/1/15

Lunch was pretty simple because we had it from the food court below the guest house, but what was good was the cheap Lok Lok near the padang around Chung Ling High School after working hours for tea time. The best part was, the cockles were really cheap for RM0.70 only where other places go up to RM1.50 per stick. This was Lady Boss' dad's childhood memory so we've decided to have a go to honor his memory

The lobak at the same place was okay, but I have definitely had better ones.

Dinner was the ultimate conquest for today. We headed to 888 for the hokkien mee in Georgetown opposite First Avenue and it was awesome.

What is a must is the add-ons apart from the thick broth along with the noodles which includes the roasted pork, bbq pork as well as the pork trotter. Each add on is about RM2 which sums up the meal to RM6 for a large bowl. To me I have add thicker broth with a more concentrated prawn stock before so the soup was so so to me, but it was still quite good with the pork add-ons. The ambarella juice was as good as well, while the shared Ais Kacang (aka Red Bean Ice) totally ended the meal perfectly, because the atapchi(aka pine-seed) was something I really missed a lot.

The night didn't end because we were still hungry thanks to my black hole activation button on everyone, hence we headed to Lebuh Kimbery for Kuey Chap.

The simple RM 8 bowl was pretty decent for 3 persons' share after a heavy dinner, with all the goodness of pork blood, pork inlets and porky stock to warm us up in the night.

The dessert shop beside too offer a wide variety of Chinese traditional dessert, while the red bean soup just managed to satisfy my sweet teeth for the night. This night has certainly exceeded my quota for food by multiple folds.

Wednesday 14/1/15

Today was pretty mellow on the picture side because the attending vet brought us out for a simple lunch near the turf club, but the recommended dish is the wan tan mee in the food court because it has been there for a long while. The catch is to only order small, not medium or large because the soy sauce proportion for the small size is best calibrated, not the other sizes. Just head straight from the exit of the Penang Turf Club into Jalan Lumba Kuda and you will see the food court on your left. 

Dinner was at House of Steamboat, which is pretty much very common. Students probably will find it good because it offers buffet bellow RM20, with even dim sum available.

Straits Quay was a quaint place to go, definitely a great place for couples who want to have privacy from the bustling places because its pretty dark and low in human density as it enters 11pm. I would totally get hanky over here because of the shades it offers, but probably anything beyond kissing requires a room.

This is probably the only group picture we had in the whole trip, and man I don't like to be a freakin light bulb.

Thursday 15/1/15

Today was probably the craziest day among the week. So that the unfortunate thing happened today. It happened after lunch so lunch was still fine. We had mee goreng mamak in Bangkok Lane. They offer Nasi Kandar, Mee Goreng, Mee Rebus and Pasembur. 

But I would strongly suggest just go for the Mee Goreng and Pasembur because the Mee Rebus really sucked. I didn't try Nasi Kandar but from an order beside us it looked really good.

Dinner was really tasteless because of the drama from our ignorant. But there's this place with an awesome pancake (aka ban jan kuih in hokkien) stall. 

We had peanut butter, egg, corn and butter varieties and they were all good while digging in fresh out of the pan. Definitely worth the money and try if you managed to come by!

Friday 16/1/15

Friday noon was pretty good but we managed to locate everything close to our hostel in Air Hitam, hence we went for the typical Air Hitam Asam Laksa as well as Sister Curry Mee. The Air Itam Asam Laksa wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but its still the okay one considering the vast option we have on the island.

The sister curry mee was an exceptional experience because the type of broth was different from the curry mee I had. The curry mee I had in Penang mostly had a thick santan stock base which heavily depends on the sambal to churn the curry flavor out, which I didn't like. 

Sister Curry Mee had the curry stock by its own with a very easing curry flavor, while the oil content retained at minimal unlike conventional curry mee with extremely thick layer of curry oil. It's simple, cheap yet the taste still stains the mind and brain vividly. Arm yourself with decent over-the-counter Hokkien as they ain't young anymore!

We spend the evening in Kek Lok Si for a short visit since we haven't been there for a long time, while making some wishes over the drama we had. As for dinner, we had a great night out in James Foo Westerns

The portion ain't super huge but just nice, while the quality is of typical family restaurant. Most of the selections we had on the table were good for a simple night out, yet not posh enough for an impressive date; unless the date is all you need.

Potato salad is a must order side because it totally prepares you for the main course while chat over how creamy and well the onions go with the peas and potatoes is simply homey.

I had dilemma over either choice, but the mixed Lamb and Chicken grill was good. It's simple, yet its still better than the cheap alternatives in food courts outside with the same price. The fries are made of real potatoes while the green peas, ain't frozen in the inside. The other selections in the menu including salmon, chicken cordon blue and fish with chips were equal scrumptious as well!

Get your hands on the jumbo size fresh fruit juices because they are only RM8 each with pure juice in there! The watermelon and carrot with milk are both good, and its definitely a good excuse to share the drink with your date!

Lady Boss suggested a dessert night out with a stroll down Gurney Drive near Gurney Paragon in Caffe Bene for the famous Bing-Su everyone is hoarding for. 

The caramel french toast was really good because the cream, toast and maple syrup all blended in well without an overwhelming sugary surge. Definitely a good recommend!

We had the green tea and cookies & cream Bing-Su, but Stubby was really upset with the red bean in the Cookies and Cream. I was pretty dumbfounded too; why not replace the red bean paste with cookies and cream? The green tea was okay, but I really wanted to try something which ain't offered yet in the store, the triple choc fondue. 

Saturday 17/1/15

Today was the ultimate quest for food spanning over several different places for different dishes. But our main central was Balik Pulau, a hefty 45 minutes drive from Georgetown. A great area secluded from the bustling town with great greenery and ample space fro agriculture yet with ample modern facilities to sustain the growing population. .

Stop no.1:

 Laksa brothers in Nan Guang near the old pasar. Just look for Ceria 99 mart and you will see the shop. Closed on Wednesdays and opened from 11.30am onwards, the place offers 3 variations of Penang Laksa of Asam, Lemak and Mixed.

The original was so so, but I strongly suggest the Lemak Laksa which actually taste like Siam Laksa. But this one is indeed the BEST Siam Laksa I had in Penang Island, hence this is a MUST try if you have time to spare in Balik Pulau. 

The cafe's signature nutmeg juice is also worth the try because it ain't as sucky as the conventional ones!

Stop No: 2

Across the parking lot with Ceria 99 in between, here comes the next Balik Pulau legend, the BP Hokkien Mee and Asam Laksa. The asam laksa in this place offers a much authentic taste due to the addition of the flower shreds on top with a much satisfying broth, hence I gave this the best asam laksa on island. But the best Lemak Laksa still goes to Nan Guang.

The stall also offers my pick of the best hokkien mee on Island, because the broth has the thickest prawn taste among all Hokkien Mee I had. Add that with the sambal they had man I just popped into Janna for few seconds for that good Hokkien Mee.

I liked them both probably because they both tasted closest to home-cooked ones my grandma make; without any economical or ingredient restraints.

Tea time was actually the main reason we came to Balik Pulau. Apparently there is this very famous Brown Sugar Bun, extremely popular even among the locals. People would just call 3 days before to book their buns so that they wouldn't be disappointed on the day itself. 

Located at the same parking lot off the road, look out for the lorry with the car plate below for the hot buns for sales! They come usually around 2pm daily, so be there around 1.30pm to get a good spot behind a long line! If you want more, or wanna play safe just get the number from the locals, or email me for the number!

The brown sugar buns are definitely worth the wait and hassle because they really smell and taste good with the brown sugar, dissolved and spread over the bun surface to give a puffy, brown sugary aroma.

Our escape for the afternoon was by the unknown beach in Balik Pulau, just look for Kem Bina Negara Balik Pulau for the access to the beach. Unknown to the public with minimal human density, any couples or quiet gathering outings here will do good. It somehow can even be like a private beach for yourself with the small amount of people along the coast.

See, there were really only 6 people along the banks including me, Sea and Lady Boss.

Dinner on Saturday was pretty random, but we somehow got ourselves an unorthodox Penang food, Pi Pa Roasted Duck in Restoran Chu Yoke Weng near Air Itam medical center.

I highly recommend the yam puff from the hand made dim sum in the shop because it was damn good. It's really indescribable so you really need to try for your own.

The Sai Dou Fish Ball noodle from the stall across the tar road was pretty good as well. The soup was pretty tasty without being too oily, but the duck slices were really not generous.

The Pi Pa duck now, is really good! RM44 for the whole duck, we whacked the whole duck off within minutes. It's probably a little too much for the 5 of us, but we came prepared and we had really minimal main course so it was suffice. The sauce was really sweet and special, while the duck was roasted to a good glossy tinge without losing its meat juiciness.

If you have stomach space to spare, try out the dim sum stall's home made buns as well! I liked the Big Pau, but barely had any space left for others.

So that was the eating out of the whole Penang trip in a week. We probably covered most of the good food. No char kway teow for me simply because its too oily and overrated. I'd like to go for more soup-based. Nasi Kandar was off the list too because I find banana leaf rice near my house more appealing.

Next post is probably on the Klang eating out!

Buffetting : Equine Practical Post-mortem

I have to be honest, the whole practical in the turf club was more towards learning the good food in Penang rather than the practices in equine medicine; reason being:

1- The club itself harbors great management, especially in their prized race horses. The chance of them getting complications requiring surgery is kept to the minimal with good husbandry.

2- The club lacks the facilities for advance surgeries. Even if they were to have cases, they need to send the horses down to Perak instead for the surgeries.

3- The race horses run on maintenance; meaning possible problems are geared towards prevention over treatment, because it is not going to be easy at all to treat any horses; when time, money and effort comes into the picture.

Add that to sensitive issues of non-registered vet student statuses, the chances of us handling or be part of any treatment in the horses were close to nil.

The attending vets guided us throughout the week for us to know more about the basics in equine medicine:

1- All the drugs required and the dosages in horses.
2- Common dynamic diseases in horses and their differentials
3- Endoscopy in respiratory diseases
4- Common practices pre and post race for race horses
5- Important anatomy of the horse and the usage of topography
6- Radiographs of the horse and its interpretation
7- Factors to consider in knowing the performance of race horses
8- Role of veterinarians in race days.

last but not least, a very important quote from the attending vet:

不要一心只想做好一件事，要一心想尽量不要做错一件事。

We committed a huge mistake in the turf club, and it boils down to us being ignorant. When we first wanted to handle the equipment I'd actually asked if we were sure that is disposable. Being the inexperienced one in the ward, I agreed to others' opinion when we decided the equipment is okay to be used. Little do we know, our ignorance and lack of discipline costed us the trust we built from day 1 for the attending veterinarians.

I was really glad when Dr C said we were the only batch managed to answer questions on antibiotics without him needing to explain from A-Z, because it meant I'd actually studied my pharmacology well enough.

I was also glad when he commented that I was "smart" when I explained my answer on the action of local anaesthesia to him; even though I did not mention the important key word like the sodium-potassium pump in the impulse generation as per expected in the comprehensive oral test.

But it kills me even more when he said that we were the only batch manage to infuriate the veterinary department in the club to this extent.

I guess everyday is a learning process. I'm pretty sure Dr C meant well to train us up to be a more responsible and cautious vet student, especially when we can afford to ask and practice without being held responsible by law.

I'm sure the others probably are somehow traumatized by the whole series of events, and it still boils down to us being really not careful with all our actions. I am rather empowered by the practical, simply because I would want to be as good, if not better than the vets in the future. It may not necessarily be in the same field, because the concept spanning over the spectrum of species is similar, only with minute difference in details which can easily referred with a formulatory.

The equine rotation in this current semester is probably not ideal, simply because I feel like I'm not to par with Sea or Lady Boss when questions about clinical pathology, surgery or clinical medicine thrown into my face. I really felt like I was a nobody with no basic knowledge throughout the whole practical.

It was extremely clinical, because of the drugs and medicine as well as the surgical procedures coming in with the amount of clinical skills required; which I did not exactly expect. What's worse, the contact time with horses were dampened to minimal until deemed necessary; something which I wasn't even seeing it coming as I was expecting a lot of contact with the horses.

But, because of the nature of the prized race horses which we worked with more, it is something very much understandable.

In a nutshell, equine rotations are deemed much better to be joined in a later period, best after the Equine Medicine course for future veterinary students as the surgical knowledge and medical skills required will be ample to deal with the cases and scenarios thrown by the veterinarians in house. In that case, more discussions can be engaged with more relevance to the rotation.

I have to say I wasn't really happy with the practical simply because I feel that I wasn't competent enough to learn. But since its just to satisfy a course requirement, I might as well invest a much longer and worthwhile equine practical in the future after I have attained adequate knowledge.


PS: Pictures and locations of good penang food in the upcoming posts!

Buffetting : Another Chance

Well, I sure hope that was with T. Dreams have been daunting lately.

Apart from various issues with the family and studies, T apparently became a huge chunk of it.

Maybe its the subconscious of mine, but probably its a way my body is trying to deal with the issue for me to move on, for good.

It is hard, I have no problems now to wipe those emotions off my mind; its just the constant remembrance that is bothering me a little.

Back to another chance; this is pretty Japanese-direct-translate of me.

Another lucky chance for me to land a spot in the upcoming WSAVA conference in Bangkok 2015! I kinda pitched myself a little in the email and it worked out pretty well. Let's hope I do get to learn a lot, aside from volunteering in the booth for WSAVA.

Adding that to the list, I'll be flying a lot in 2015!

February - Japan(OSAKA) for Vet Youth Summit Japan

May- Thailand(BANGKOK) for WSAVA Congress 2015

June- Thailand(BANGKOK) for Ruminant and Large Animal Rotation

August- Japan(YAMAGUCHI) for Laboratory Clinical Rotation

4 flights, 4 places, 4 purposes. Who knows, maybe in the new academic year in September onwards I will be having another few more other flights? But by then I should where should I spend my 15 weeks of additional practical time.

Updates on the previous week practical and current practical later!

Buffetting : 1st Post 2015

This is not easy because I'm typing off my iPad.

So it's the first Monday after finals! But I'm probably gonna be off the chart for 3 more weeks for 3 weeks of practical in Penang Turf Clyb and Small animal clinic.

First stop is Penang, which I'm probably gonna gain weight like crap.

First day was funk with a lot of drugs name and dosages.

Let's hope the next 3 weeks wouldn't be too crazy!!!

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!