Dr. Lisa’s observations and feelings about what she observes in the work environment at Companion Animal Wellness Center, her veterinary practice serving the Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island communities.

A Dedicated Employee’s Labor of Love

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At CAWC, we have many dedicated, special employees.  I would like to tell you about a former employee that took on a particular cause almost 10 years ago, and continues to champion it every year, even from retirement.Ginny and her golden

Many of you know and fondly remember Ginny Partridge.  She worked at our front desk for many years, and is an agility and golden retriever enthusiast of the highest order.  She is also one of the kindest, compassionate people I have ever met.

Our First Golden Retriever Anterior Uveitis Case

In September 2005, a client brought in an 9 year old Golden because her eye appeared red and uncomfortable to the owner.  I examined this very sweet dog, and found that her eye was indeed very red, as well as some very unusual changes within the front chamber of the eye.  I was perplexed and concerned.  I contacted Dr. Tom Sullivan, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the Animal Eye Clinic in Seattle.  I described the eye to him and he sighed.  He went on to tell me that he believed this dog had Golden Retriever Anterior Uveitis. This is a hereditary disease specific to this breed that causes inflammation of the front chamber of the eye that owners and even their veterinarians can not detect.  Over time, this inflammation worsens and causes scar tissue to form.  When the eye disease is finally detected, it has often progressed to the point that medical therapy is not effective.  The eye develops a very painful glaucoma that can only be resolved by removal of the eye itself.

I was very dismayed to hear this. Dr. Sullivan told me he was seeing many golden retrievers for this disease, and sadly removing many eyes.  This is indeed what ended up happening to my patient.  She adjusted very well to only having one eye, but it was a very unfortunate situation.  I asked Dr. Sullivan if there was anything that could be done.  He stated that if Goldens were screened by an ophthalmologist earlier in their life, the disease could be detected and anti-inflammatory eye drops could be given to prevent progression of the disease.

Our GRAU Clinic is Born

Ginny had been following our patient’s case very closely and was shocked and concerned to hear of this epidemic in her most favorite of breeds. She immediately asked if there was anything she could do to help out patients.  I said that I would like to get a letter to our clients that have Goldens and recommend screening.  Ginny contacted Dr. Sullivan to discuss the best way to refer and the cost.  Dr. Sullivan was still in the process of understanding the disease and its prevention, and graciously offered to come over on a Sunday to do screenings of all of our Golden patients.

Goldens awaiting their screening at the annual clinic

Goldens gather in our parking lot awaiting the annual GRAU screening.

Ginny seamlessly took the reins of this project.  She drafted a letter to the clients, worked with Dr. Sullivan to have all our patients screened on one Sunday morning in March, and followed up with me the next Monday.  We were all stunned when 25% of our Goldens screened positive for the disease!

We realized that this was a screening process that we wanted to continue.  How often are we able to prevent the loss of sight and an essential organ, just by a simple eye exam and daily treatment?  Ginny has tirelessly organized this annual event.  It is a time consuming project, and she makes it as easy as possible for Dr. Sullivan and myself to be involved.  When she retired from CAWC, the first thing out of her mouth was that she wanted to continue to organize the Golden Retriever clinic.

Our Gratitude for their Dedication

Ginny's goldens

Ginny’s girls, Faith & Brianna, relaxing at home.

There are many local Goldens that owe their sight and comfort to Ginny and Dr. Sullivan.  I am honored to work with such a dedicated, kind person as Ginny.  She is truly one of a kind.

A link to Dr. Sullivan’s website for Golden Retriever owners wishing for further information on Golden Retriever Anterior Uveitis

 

Teamwork

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Our special team

One remark made by clients is that they notice how well the staff works with each other.  Clients feel that it is noticeable when they walk in the door, that there is no tenseness or hostility in the air.  I feel a great sense of pride that others can appreciate how much we all enjoy and support one another, even though we are a very diverse group.

One thing that really helps us is the cross training we do.  When your pet is checked in for an appointment, it may be by someone that works at the front desk, or a nurse that also does anesthesia, takes radiographs, ect.  Nurses will also often answer the phone or check someone out at the desk and make appointments.  That is not to say they all don’t have their specialties, but by doing others’ jobs, they develop a strong sense of respect and value for what the other staff members are doing.  It is far too often in veterinary clinics that there is a rift between the “front” and the “back”.  It always warms my heart to hear a staff member offering to help another because they believe in the others’ work ethic and intentions.

Staff members learning about injuries to a dog knee.

Dr. Lisa teaching Karen & Joachim about dog knee injuries

That is not to say that we don’t have our moments.  Our jobs are very intense sometimes, with so much at stake.  It is understandable that we sometimes have miscommunications or are at times self-focused because of the job at hand.  What I think sets us apart is our ability to sit down as a group and talk  honestly and openly about what didn’t go so well, and really hear the other people’s perspective.  This is a very difficult and vulnerable thing to do, and I am really impressed with the character of the people I work with.

The other thing that I think bonds us together is humor and humility.  The more we can lighten the mood and not take ourselves too seriously, the more the whole hospital has an air of cheerfulness and positivity.  My coworkers are all dedicated to the patients and people they care for in a very deep way.  I think our fondness and respect for each other flows naturally to the clients and patients we serve.

Doctors reading xray together.

Dr. Lisa and Dr. April work together to read an xray.