We are a large mixed animal practice (Predominantly bovine, canine, and feline. Limited swine and small ruminant).
We have 8 veterinarians (4 are mixed animal, 2 are predominantly small animal, 1 is predominantly cattle, and 1 is swine and small animal). We also have 7 full time technicians. Our main location is in Maria Stein, OH but we also have small animal satelite clinics in Wapakoneta, Minster, and Versailles.
There is plenty of opportunity for pregnancy checking cattle. DA (roll and tack as well as surgery) and sick cow work as available. The student can participate in large dairy team meetings and milk quality (milking system analysis, looking at milking procedures, etc.) work if that is going on while they are here for their externship.
There is also plenty of opportunity to observe/help with small animal routine and sick appointments, as well as small animal surgery. We do many routine surgeries (spay, neuter, dental, lump removals) but also offer other surgical services (abdominal exploratory, cystotomy, enterotomy/resection and anastamosis, etc.)
Staffing: see above
Large Animal: We all ultrasound (easi scan) when checking cattle for pregnancy and a spare machine is potentially available to a student who is comfortable palpating by hand and is ready to start using an ultrasound. We run in house milk cultures and have several pieces of equipment to help with milking systems evaluation.
Small Animal: We have in house blood machines, surgery monitoring equipment, digital xray, and an ultrasound we use for small animal imaging and IVF.
We strive to be a progressive practice offering the best services that we can to our clients here in rural Ohio.
Students are expected to be present M-F 7:30am to 6/7pm (or whenever we are done) and Saturday 7:30am to 1pm. We offer emergency services and to get the most of the experience students should be willing to be on call as much as possible (weekday evenings and weekends).
Hospitalized cases are monitored by students if necessary (if the student is comfortable montoring the patient). This normally consists of checking in on the patient(s) around 9/10pm during the week and throughout the weekend as necessary.
Vet students are pretty much always with a doctor (time for discussion in the truck, before and after SA appointments, etc.). We involve students in all small animal appointments and herd checks/sick work. Depending on student experience they can assist in surgery. We can cater the experience to the student's comfort level and experience.
Spay and neuter opportunities for the student sometimes arise
Housing is provided but we ask that students do not bring their pets. Depending on availability this may be an apartment the student has to him/herself or they may be living with one of our doctors. If a student elects to do their externship here more details about housing will be provided.