Goethe quote

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

- Goethe

Not getting interviews?

Have you sent out plenty of resumes but haven’t heard anything back? Where does the problem lie? Is your resume not well written? Is it just due to the tight job market?

1. Your resume is the one thing you can control. It should indicate why you can excel at this job.

A poorly written resume is most often the reason why applicants do not get interviews. Do not just list the jobs you have done. Also indicate how you performed at those jobs. The candidates who are getting the most interviews list what they achieved at each job.  You may also explain why you loved a particular job or task. Employers are not much interested in the jobs you have held, but they do want to know what you achieved there.  Your resume needs to show them that.

2. Your cover letter must be interesting and focused.

If all your cover letter does is summarize the information in your resume, it's not helping at all. Write a cover letter which is specific to each job you apply for, rather than a generic one.                                                                                                 A cover letter should add something new to your application about why you'd be great at the job; it should not just recite your employment history. If you add personality to your cover letters, you should start getting phone calls for interviews.

3. Ask senior colleagues to comment on your resume.

Friends, parents and school teachers may not be familiar with the veterinary industry, and may think your resume looks “fine”, but that is not good enough in today's tight market. Your resume needs to be great. I regularly hear job seekers say, "I've had my resume reviewed dozens of times, and everyone has told me it's fine." First, in a crowded job market, "fine" isn't enough; it needs to be great. You need people with significant hiring experience in your industry to give you feedback.

(One good test: Give them a resume that's full of duties rather than achievements and see what they say. If they tell you it's a good resume, you'll know that their advice is not useful)

4. You're applying for jobs for which your job history is not appropriate.

In this case, you need to explicitly demonstrate to employers why you'd be a great match. Perhaps you have only worked in small animal practice, but want to apply for a job in equine practice. If you have riding experience or other horse related experience, make it clear to the prospective employer.  

If you get the interview, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Being unprepared.

Spend several days researching the job requirements, the practice and the employer(s). Be aware of all the requirements and skills listed in the job advert and how you are able to fulfil those.  Consider possible questions and how you will respond to them. Think back on specific examples that demonstrate how you excelled at previous jobs.

2. Failing to research your interviewer.

A quick glance on LinkedIn might give you advance warning that your interviewer used to work with a previous boss who hated you. This way you won't be caught off guard if asked about it in the interview. Read the company website. it may give you information on the interviewer’s special skills or outside interests. Social websites and “googling” the interviewer’s name can also provide useful information.

3. Arriving late (or too early).

You might think that you're playing it safe by leaving for your interview a few minutes earlier than you need to. But hit a traffic accident and that buffer will fly out the window, which means you could end up being late. Give yourself plenty of extra time —meaning an hour or so—because it's nearly impossible to recover from being late for an interview. You can always kill the extra time in your car or a nearby coffee shop if you arrive early. Do not arrive at the actual interview location more than 5 minutes before the arranged time. Hanging around in reception for 30 minutes, puts pressure on your interviewer.

4. Wearing inappropriate clothing.

In most industries, you should wear a suit to a job interview. It doesn't matter if your interviewers are more casually dressed themselves; wearing a suit, as the candidate, is still an expected convention typically. In the veterinary industry, one may wear smart casual work appropriate clothing. Always look polished and groomed. Your clothes should fit you well, your hair should be neat and in place, your makeup professional and not heavy-handed. It's also important to feel comfortable in what you're wearing; you don't want to be constantly adjusting your neckline or fidgeting with your cuffs. Be aware of smells - be clean and free of body odour or bad breath, but do not go overboard with perfume or aftershave either!  If you chew gum before the interview to freshen your breath, make sure to discard it appropriately before entering the building

5. Not being ready to talk about salary.

Job seekers are often uncomfortable with conversations about salary.This is a huge disservice to yourself. If salary does come up and you are not prepared, you're likely to end up with less money in your offer than if you knew what you could expect. Research the veterinary award. Ask friends working in the vicinity or in similar practices what they earn.  This way you can field salary questions confidently.

Source http://www.askamanager.org/

Dr Joan Jordaan

Practioner in Residence

Common haematology terms and abnormalities

Common haematology terms and abnormalities

Anisocytosis Anisocytosis means that the red cells are of unequal size. It is a feature of many anaemias, and other blood conditions, and does not have much diagnostic value. The 'red cell distribution width' (RDW) is a quantitative measure of the degree of anisocytosis. The RDW is useful in the differential diagnosis of microcytic anaemia Acanthocytes Acanthocytes (also known as "spur cells") may be described as red cells with finger-like projections - typically 5-10 irregular, blunt projections (which vary in width, length and surface distribution and should not be confused with echinocytes). These cells have a decreased survival time and may be observed in liver disorders, increased blood cholesterol content or from the presence of abnormal plasma lipoprotein composition . Dohle bodies Dohle bodies appear as single or multiple light blue or grey staining areas in the cytoplasm of a neutrophil. They are rough endoplasmic reticulum containing ribonucleic acid (RNA) and may represent localised failure of the cytoplasm to mature. Dohle bodies are found in infections, poisoning, burns, and following chemotherapy. Echinocytes Echinocytes (also called "crenated cells") are morphologically altered red blood cells that appear to have numerous, fine, uniform spicules throughout the cell membrane. Echinocytes are often overlooked as an artifact of preparation e.g. due to storage or slow drying bloodsmears, however several disease processes (e.g. lymphosarcoma (partially as a result of chemotherapy), pk deficiency, uremia) and toxins have been found to alter the red blood cell membrane which leads to the formation of echinocytes. Haemobartonellosis Feline infectious anaemia (FIA) also known as Mycoplasma felis The most common red cell parasite in the UK is Haemobartonella felis which is a gram negative epicellular parasite found in feline erythrocytes. Red blood cell destruction is due primarily to immune-mediated events and direct injury to red blood cells induced by the organism is minimal. The attachment of the organism to erythrocytes commonly leads to the development of antibodies against the organism as well as to erythrocyte antigens so positive Coomb's tests are common. Clinically haemobartonellosis and primary immune haemolytic anaemia are difficult to differentiate. For the diagnosis of both these conditions an EDTA sample and fresh air dried blood film are required. Howell Jolly Bodies Howell-Jolly bodies are round, purple staining nuclear fragments of DNA in the red blood cell. They are usually observed singly in haemolytic anaemia, following splenectomy, and in cases of splenic atrophy. Multiple Howell-Jolly bodies may be observed in cases of megaloblastic anaemia. Macrocytes Macrocytes are red cells with an increased size, 9-12µm in diameter. They may be found in liver disease and megaloblastic anaemia, when associated with vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, the macrocytes may appear slightly oval in shape. Normochromic Normochromic describes the red cells as being of normal colour i.e. indication of haemoglobin content, for the species Normocytic Normocytic describes the red cells as being of normal size i.e. diameter for the species. Poikilocytosis Poikilocytosis is a term which indicates that red cells of abnormal shape are present on the blood film. Of itself it is fairly non-specific. Some particular types of poikilocyte are very informative, however. The 'tear-drop' poikilocyte is a characteristic feature of marrow fibrosis, but it can also be seen in other conditions. Schistocytes Schistocytes are red blood cell fragments that result from membrane damage encountered during passage through vessels. They occur in microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, severe burns, uremia, and haemolytic anemias cause by physical agents, as in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). They are sometimes referred to as "bite cells". Spherocytes Spherocytes are red cells which are almost spherical in shape. They are not biconcave like a normal red blood cell and do not have the central area of pallor which a normal red cell shows. These cells are associated with haemolytic anaemia

Pet Safety at Home

“Petproof” your home.

Just as parents ‘childproof’ their home, pet owners should ‘petproof’ theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not... so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

All around the house

• Screen windows to guard against falls.
• Don’t let young pets out on balconies or high decks.
• Many house plants, including Lilies/Liliaceae family, Dieffenbachia (dumbcane), Philodendrons, Ivy (various species), Creeping Charlie, Umbrella Plant and many more are extremely poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
• Rat bait is extremely tempting for dogs to eat, yet is highly poisonous and potentially fatal, and should not be accessible at any time. Snail bait is also readily eaten and most often fatal.
• Puppies & kittens love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
• Don’t leave a room where a fire is lit or a space heater is being used unattended.
• Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.
• If your pet can put something in their mouth, they probably will. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

In the garage

• Cats enjoy naps near a warm engine so, before you drive off, honk your horn and make sure your pet is not under or near the car.
• Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windscreen washer. Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills.
• Paint, petrol and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.

In the kitchen, laundry & bathroom

• Never leave hotplates or irons on unattended.
• Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
• Close washing machine and dryer lids – your pet might climb in and become trapped.
• Keep toilet lids down – small pets can actually drown if they fall in.
• Medicines, shampoo, sunscreen and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure they can’t get hold of them.

Out in the yard

• Some outdoor plants, like Brunfelsia (Yesterday Today & Tomorrow), Lilies, Ivy, Oleander, Azalea, Foxglove, Hydrangea, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Rhododendron, Yew and many more can be poisonous to pets. Many plants can also be responsible for allergies in our pets.
• Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with snail bait or chemicals.
• Store garden tools, baits and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.
• Cover swimming pools, spas and ponds- your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.
• Keep pets away from spiders and snakes.

Dog-gone disasters

• Eliminate hooks or similar objects placed at your dog’s shoulder height – their collar or harness could become tangled and they could choke. Fast running dogs may also impale themselves on stakes in the garden.
• A tall, secure perimeter or invisible electrical fence around your property will minimize the risk of your dog running out into traffic or roaming far from home.

Reference: mvol.com.au

.

I can fly.

1994/95

“Why do you fly?” my friends and acquaintances often ask, as if there has to be a rational explanation for this aberrant behaviour! I don’t do it for business or profit. So why do I fly? For fun – I guess. Are gholf players asked why they play gholf?

What I get from my flying is far more than mere fun, though! Although I have always wanted to learn to fly I was intimidated by all the remarks of the earthbound :

“But what will you use it for?” “It is so expensive”, “I know someone who spent all that money to get a licence and then let it lapse because maintaining it was too expensive”, etc.…

Then my fortieth birthday approached and I came to the conclusion that my life was nearly over. However my birthday came and went, and with  it came the realization that if I still wanted to do all the things I had always wanted to do, I had better start doing it now. Though my life was by no means over, it wasn't unlimited anymore!

So I learn’t to fly. It wasn't easy. In fact it was terrifying – so much so that I lost several kilograms in the first few weeks from sheer naked terror.  The only thing that kept me going was my very enthusiastic instructor. He was rather cute as well.

I will never forget the feelings I experienced during my first solo. Initially l felt relief that I was doing this without the instructor’s non-stop commentary. As I climbed away from the runway the full realization sank in. I was in this little aeroplane all alone with no-one to help! I survived the circuit, even landing rather well, I thought! I taxied off the runway and parked the plane on the taxiway. I felt quite euphoric and very proud of myself, but as I tried to disembark, I found that my legs would not work – my knees were shaking so much.

I soon found that flying without an instructor’s constant commentary in my ears was wonderful, although to this day I can still hear him when I fly: “Watch your speed, if you run out of speed at this height you will kill yourself!”

The feeling of achievement I have at actually having learnt to move freely in this new medium – air – is incredible! If life gets me down, I say to myself “I can fly”. 

AS JY DALK 'N LEEU WIL JAG......

AS JY DALK ‘N LEEU WIL JAG……..

13:00. Okavango. Nee nie moeras nie –songebakte savanna. Twee meter van my ‘n ¾ wakker leeu. Drie van ons bo-op die landrover, vyf binne. Die term “canned lion hunt” neem ‘n total nuwe betekenis aan. As enigeen beweeg, staar leeu se kind direk na hom en lek haar lippe af. Die son steek, die vlieë byt, die dak is hard en die leeu staar. My hand is buite haar gesigsveld, maar my vingers is al wat ek durf beweeg.

Wat soek ek hier, vra jy? Avontuur? Beswaarlik. Na ‘n uur of wat se stamperige ry, ‘n paar minute van kniee lam maak angs tot sy suksesvol gepyl is, ‘n paar minute opwinding tot die ander leeus padgee en sy rustig slaap, ‘n paar minute se werk, dan ure se wag tot sy opstaan en loop, raak dit redelik vervelig. Ons is boonop almal diereliefhebbers wat sonder gedagte aan ons eie gerief of veiligheid die voertuig so parkeer het dat die skaduwee op die leeu val. Dit was so net na elf en die skaduwees was al kort en die leeu lê baie naby!

Dit lyk of die leeu darem nou besluit het ons is nie ‘n bedrieging of ‘n delikatesse nie, maar niemand waag dit om te roer nie. Hoe langer sy lê tussen opvlie en mense aanstaar episodes, hoe sterker raak sy.  Haar oë is baie geel – haar tande ook – en sy kyk baie stip. Haar maats proes so nou en dan in die bosse hier naby.  Ons is dors, maar Christiaan, die bebaarde leeu navorser, sit op die koelhouer en durf nie beweeg nie.

Hierdie is ons tweede leeu. Sy is deel van ‘n groep van drie wyfies met ‘n aantal opgeskote welpies. Ons het haar radio halsband afgehaal sodat die batterye in Pretoria herlaai kan word. Dit is vir my heelwat makliker in die dag, behalwe vir die hitte. Minstens kan mens die ander leeus beter sien, solank hulle nie plat op hulle pense in die lang gras le nie.

Gisteraand het ons ‘n wyfie gepyl wat deel was van ‘n groep van drie – nog ‘n wyfie en ‘n jong mannetjie. Ons het hulle nader gelok met ‘n bandopname van ‘n skreeuende vark. Die leeus het sommer gou kom ondersoek instel.  Ons het die een wyfie gepyl en terwyl Christiaan wag gestaan het met die geweer, het ek bloedmonsters geneem terwyl Hanlie,  Christiaan se vrou , en Graham, ‘n jong navorser die  halsband aangesit het.  Graham is ‘n forse, aantreklike, blonde, jong man met ‘n ongekamde maanhaar soos ‘n leeu, maar vir die leeus is hy so skrikkerig soos die duiwel vir ‘n slypsteen.  Elke keer as die leeu haar oor wikkel, spring hy ses voet in die lug op!

Toe die wyfie begin bykom en steier-steier na die ander leeus beweeg, het hulle baie aggressief nader gekom. Ons was bang hulle byt haar en maak toe ‘n geraas om hulle te verwilder. Daar spring die gepylde leeu toe kortom en storm weg van die ander leeus – reguit na ons toe. Gelukkig het sy omgeval en eers weer ‘n rukkie geslaap voor sy te naby gekom het. Die nag was baie koud en baie donker en verbasend stil. Behalwe vir paddas in die verte, was daar nie ‘n geluid nie. Tog krioel die Okavango van lewe.

Die dag daarna het ons vroeg begin. Dit was nog donker en ysig koud. Reg voor die kamp het vars leeuspore in die stof gele. Die trop wat ‘n halsband moes kry was dus in die omgewing.  Ons sou ry tot waar hulle die vorige dag gesien is en weer die skreeuende speenvark sonata speel. Op pad wou ons egter sommer sien of ons die vorige dag se trop kan opspoor en moontlik nog ‘n halsband ook afhaal vir herlaaing.

‘n Hollandse student genaam Jesse sit op die dak. “Stop, stop, stop, stop, ek kry ‘n baie sterk sein. Dis regs voor, omtrent op 1 uur”. Ons draai van die pad af en vaar die bosse in. Dit stamp en skud en kreun. Na ‘n rukkie sê Jessie “ Stop, stop, dis nou agter ons. Ons draai weer. Nou hoor hy die sein regs, dan links, dan agter, dan voor. Skielik se Hannie “Hoor hierso, waar is daardie halsband wat ons gister afgehaal het?” Ons is toe heeltyd besig om ons self te agtervolg!

Ten spyte van die twyfelagtige wegspring, vind ons die trop wat ‘n halsband moet kry redelik gou, nie te ver van die pad af nie. Dis net leeus waar jy kyk. Daar is drie wyfies, 5 opgeskote welpies, wat vir my maar nes groot leeus lyk, en een baie klein welpie. Maar hulle is op ‘n missie en beweeg met mening dieper in die bosse in.  Die skreeuende vlakvark laat hulle egter vassteek in hulle spore. Een wyfie staan met haar boud mooi na my gedraai. Dis effens teen die son, maar ek neem dooierus, mik versigtig en skiet. Dis mis. Ek voel baie afgehaal. Ek het dan so mooi gemik! Die wyfie vloog weg, maar swaai om en gluur ons aan. Toe ons vorentoe ry, bestorm sy die voertuig, maar bedink haarself en stop betyds. Ons volg hulle stadig tot hulle in die koelte van ‘n miershoop gaan lê. Hulle lê oor ‘n groot area versprei en dis baie bebos. Die omstandighede is ver van ideal. Ons skuif die voertuig versigtig tot ek een se nek mooi in die visier het. Ek mik versigtig. Die kruis van die teleskoop le mooi sentraal op haar nek. Niemand roer nie. Ek skiet. Dit is mis. Die gemiste leeu storm weg, die ander wyfie storm nader. Ons besluit om te retireer tot laatmiddag wanneer die leeus rustig is en die veearts hopelik beter skiet.

Terug by die kamp stel ek ‘n teiken op en skiet ‘n paar oefenskote. Dit is elke keer tussen 12 en 15 cm regs van die teiken. Ek vra vir Christiaan om ook te prober. Hy skiet ook regs van die teiken. Van al die geskud en geskommel is die teleskoop uitgestel in die voertuig.  Ons verstel hom totdat ons albei herhaaldelik die pyl deur die dieselfde gat in die middel van die teiken op die kartondoos skiet.

Laatmiddag sit ons weer af, die bosse in.  Die keer sleep ons ‘n vlakvark aan ‘n ketting om die leeus besig te hou.  Ons neem stelling in naby die Xudum aanloopbaan waar ons die leeus vanoggend gelos het.  Hanlie glo hulle sal nie die speenvark  sonata nog ‘n keer vertrou nie en dring aan op die sterwende buffel orkes.  Christiaan vra watte en prop pluisies in sy ore. Hy het duidelik die orkes al voorheen gehoor. Toe ek al byna die wysie uit my kop ken en dit al koud en donker is, sluip ‘n hiëna uit die bosse en vreet binne minute die vlakvark se linkerboud af. Dit neem hom net drie of vier byte.

Ons besluit om verder te ry. Die vlakvark wip oor die bosse en die hiëna hardloop agterna so vining as wat hy kan. Toe ons indraai na die aanloopbaan, sien ons oë weerkaats. Dit is ons leeus! Ons ry versigtig nader en vind dat dit net die welpies is – 5 grotes en een kleintjie. Hulle is baie bly oor die vlakvark en le met mening aan hom weg. Die klientjie brul en knor en vreet met die beste van hulle. Kort-kort klap ‘n grote hom teen die oor, maar wat vreet is hy! So verdwyn ons lokaas voor ons oë. Ons moet ‘n groot leeu pyl, nie een wat nog moet groei nie, want dan moet die halsband kort voor lank vervang word.

Ons bespreek ons opsies. Die ma leeus het klaarblyklig gaan jag en die kleintjies aangesê om hier te wag. Hulle sal sekerlik terugkeer sodra hulle sukses behaal, maar Hanlie sê hulle het al gesien dat wyfies hulle kleintjies vir tot 36 uur los. Ons beste opsie is voorlopig egter om te wag. Dit is donkermaan. Sterre verskiet. ‘n Jakkals sluip nader, maar een leeutjie gewaar hom en jaag hom weg. Daarna sit hy ‘n ent weg van die ander en hou wag, terwyl hulle nog aan die vlakvark se bene kou. Tyd stap aan. Al wat mens hoor is die geknars van bene.

Skielik staan 5 van die 6 leeutjies soos een man op en begin hardloop na die bopunt van die aanloopbaan. Christiaan volg hulle met die soeklig. In die verte blink oë. Dit is die wyfies!

Ons skakel aan en volg hulle. Een leeutjie kou nog aan die bene in die gras. Toe ons nader kom sien ons twee wyfies met bloed aan hulle gesigte. Die kleintjies groet opgewonde, maar hulle wil nie vertoef nie. Hulle sit op ‘n drafstap af in die nag in. Skielik kom die klientjie wat agtergebly met ‘n groot geskreeu agterna. Ons is bietjie naby aan die trop en die twee wyfies steek vas, beweeg agter om die voertuig en begin ons bekruip. Ek het nie geweet mens kan so naak en onbewaak voel op ‘n Landrover se dak nie. Ons swaai weg en val ‘n bietjie terug. Na etlike min of meer reguit  kilometers draai die leeus skielik links af in die bosse in. Ons verloor hulle kortstondig. Toe ons hulle weer sien, lê al 8 groot en jong leeus met mening weg aan ‘n tsessebe. Die arme klein leeutjie kry nie eetplek nie en sit op sy ma se rug en kla soos ‘n kat.

Die leeus vreet dat die bloed spat. Hulle grom en klap na mekaar. Hulle is ‘n krioelende moordbende. Hierdie toneel laat by my geen twyfel oor die feit dat hierdie diere uiters gevaarlik is nie. Binne 20 minute is die tsessebe net ‘n bondel bene. Die leeus begin stukke wegsleep die bosse in. Ons moet nou gou speel, voor almal weg beweeg. Een wyfie lê nog aan die karkas en vreet. My hande bewe. My kniee ook. Ek skiet. Dis raak. Die wyfie vlie op en storm ‘n paar tree weg, om agter ‘n doringbos te gaan lê. Oral is leeus in die donker. Ons weet daar is hiënas ook iewers agter ons. Ons probeer om eers die ander leeus te verjaag, maar hulle wil nie padgee nie. Na ‘n halfuur besluit ons om met die gepylde leeu te werk voor sy wakker word. Die paar minute se werk voel na ‘n ewigheid voor almal weer veilig terug is in of op die voertuig.  Al meer hiënas het intussen nadergekom, gelok deur die tsessebe se oorblyfsels.

Die gepylde leeu slaap nog diep en ek is effens onrustig oor haar welsyn. Skielik kom daar eienaardige geluide van iewers – amper soos ‘n leeu wat versmoor. Ons skrik. Dis die gepylde leeu sê Christiaan. Ons luister. Nee, sê ek, die geluid kom van links en klink of dit verder weg is. Dit klink behoorlik of ‘n dikgevrete leeu aan die slaap geraak en lê en snork! Toe besef ons dis g’n leeu nie, maar Jesse wat wat reg voor ons op die dak die slaapsak oor sy kop getrek het, aan die slaap geraak het en lustig snork. Ons lag hardop. Die leeus in die bos grom onrustig.  

Weer volg stilte in die nag. Na wat voel na ‘n baie lang tyd, begin die gepylde leeu beweeg. Toe sy kan staan, keer ‘n baie moeë, koue en honger trop leeujagters terug kamp toe.

Courage - a poem by Amelia Earhart

Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace,

The soul that knows it not, knows no release

From little things

Knows not the livid loneliness of fear

Nor mountain heights, where bitter joy can hear

The sound of wings

How can life grant us boon of living, compensate

For dull gray ugliness and pregnant hate

Unless we dare

The soul’s dominion? Each time we make a choice, we pay

With courage to behold the restless day

And count it fair.

_ Amelia Earhart