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| The HSUS/Susan Monger |
| Muneca goes home with her family in Manzanillo, Mexico. |
By Susan Monger, DVM
At a recent HSVMA clinic in Manzanillo, Mexico—the first ever in the community—did more than just provide needed care to local animals, it also delivered HSVMA's trademark instruction and guidance to veterinary professionals.
The Manzanillo visit was organized as a teaching clinic for local veterinarians, Mexican veterinary students, and a dedicated group of volunteers. Local residents and their animals provided the groups with an extensive caseload.
Working Overtime for Animals
Dr. Martin, one of 25 local veterinarians and students who participated in the clinic, is a local veterinarian who, like many Mexican veterinarians, works more than one job to support his family. A veterinary inspector at the port of Manzanillo during the day, he has a private practice at night. Martin works six days a week with only Sundays off to spend with his family. He was initially reluctant to participate in the Saturday clinic, but his interest in various clinical techniques became obvious over the course of the day.
Teaching clinics cover a variety of topics such as physical exams, pain management, anesthesia, and surgical techniques. Martin worked with several HSVMA veterinary volunteers in anesthesia and surgery. At the end of the day, he thanked all of the volunteers and said he would return on Sunday, his only day off. At the end of a full day on Sunday, his thanks were reward enough for the HSVMA clinic organizers.
TLC for Manzanillo's Animals
Muneca is a two-year-old cat and who came to the clinic to be spayed. Her surgery went well, and Muneca went home that evening with her 16-year-old owner. The next day, Muneca's owner was concerned the young cat didn’t seem to be feeling well at home and brought her back to the clinic for a recheck. Although her readings were normal, we readmitted her for continued care, fluids, food, and TLC by some great volunteers. We decided to keep her until she was alert enough to go home.
| March 2008 Clinics |
| Animals Treated |
Estimated Value to the Communities |
| 874 |
$150,910 |
With diligent care and concern, Muneca was able to go home the following day. Her owner brought her dad and brother to meet us, and Muneca's family thanked us for taking such good care of their four-legged family member.
Susan Monger is HSVMA’s international director.
HSVMA is a program of The HSUS.
