Wednesday, May 4, 2011

So Much For That Bio Class

I work as a veterinary assistant at a local vet clinic. During our puppy packages we deworm and check fecal samples for parasites. Many of our clients accept the ensuing worm riddled stool as normal, however, this particular case was a tad different. 
Client: *on the phone several hours after her appointment* Yeah, I had my puppy in there and the vet said he had a lot of those worms? The round ones that puppies get?
Me: Yes, ma'am, round worms. They're very common in puppies, they typically get them from mom when nursing.
Client: Well, he just went potty and there's, like, a million of these things in his poo. Did the dewormer make them hatch? 'Cause I know you guys saw a lot of the eggs in the microscope.
It should be noted that this client has had several biology classes, and that when fecal samples are examined during puppy packages, we look for the eggs in the microscope. This indicates that the parasites are in the intestinal tract and are shedding eggs, not that there is only eggs in the intestinal tract.
Me: *stunned* Uh, no, ma'am. The dewormer kills the worms that he has, which makes them detach from the intestinal walls and be excreted. 
Client: Are you sure? Because there's A TON of them in there. Is he going to survive this?
Me: Yes, ma'am, I'm sure.
Client: If he doesn't, I'm holding you responsible. *hangs up*
Me: *stunned*
 

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