NEW BOLTON: A typical week caring for baby animals

On March 24 Dr. Emilie Setlakwe gave a fascinating lecture at New Bolton Center, describing a “typical” week in the life of a veterinarian in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She told us in detail about four of her patients: a pregnant goat who couldn't stand up (her treatment included a "goat float"), a premature foal with "dummy foal syndrome" and other problems, a sow who needed a cesarean section, and a cria (a baby alpaca) with seizures. Judging from her account, NICU vets need ample amounts of stamina, technical know-how, creativity and compassion. I was glad to see a few youths in the audience -- perhaps future veterinarians?