Zoo InternQuest is a seven-week career exploration program for San Diego County high school juniors and seniors. Students have the unique opportunity to meet professionals working for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, learn about their jobs, and then blog about their experience online. Follow their adventures here. The San Diego Zoo has a state-of-the-art medical facility where everything from common checkups to life-saving surgeries are performed on a daily basis. Interns were given the chance to tour these impressive halls with Dr. Ryan Sadler, a Resident Veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo. [caption id="attachment_115241" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Dr. Sadler gave us a quick run through of the upper offices (where administration, the library, and faculty offices are located), then introduced us to the main treatment rooms. This is where many of the more routine examinations are performed; x-rays, ultrasounds, and other procedures are all done. However, checkups are often done at exhibits, if possible to prevent stress. Many of the animals are trained to perform routine husbandry behaviors. These behaviors include presenting a paw or their chest for the keepers and vets to examine.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115245" align="aligncenter" width="312"] Dr. Sadler demonstrates how the ultrasound works: a dab of gel is smeared on the skin, then the probe is placed on the same spot, and the image appears on the monitor. The ultrasound machine can be used for many things beyond checking up on pregnancies. As Dr. Sadler shows here, an ultrasound as sophisticated as this one can examine arteries, veins, and even swollen tendons. This can come in handy when diagnosing problems, which might not show up on an x-ray.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115246" align="aligncenter" width="269"] X-rays, like ultrasounds, have many uses other than just diagnosing broken bones- the Zoo’s medical staff uses x-rays to detect a large range of internal issues and states. For example, an x-ray can show dental deformities, pregnancies, radio tags, and other anomalies. X-rays are especially useful because animals cannot explain what they’re feeling, so doctors need a way to see what is abnormal before deciding a course of action. All the doctors, including Dr. Sadler, are capable of interpreting radiographs.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115239" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Dr. Sadler shared with us some x-rays depicting a variety of cases. This Andean condor was shot with multiple lead pellets (the brighter the spot, the more metallic the object). Lead is particularly harmful to birds, because they can absorb traces of lead and get lead poisoning. Luckily, this bird experienced no detrimental effects.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115238" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Dr. Sadler explained that keepers were concerned this chameleon had eaten something unhealthy. In order to see its digestive tract, they had this chameleon swallow contrast material. Contrast material is a substance used to highlight the esophagus and stomach. By doing this, doctors found that the chameleon had no visible problems with his stomach.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115240" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Endotracheal tubes are used to administer anesthesia orally. There are many sizes, ranging up to around 26 millimeters for very large animals, like elephants (for reference, human tracheal tubes tend to range only about seven to nine millimeters!). The metal tools shown here are used to peer down the throat. A small light sits at the end of the tool, and the parts are detachable to enable the use of different sizes.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115237" align="aligncenter" width="304"] Dr. Sadler showed interns the tube veterinarians use to maintain anesthesia. Anesthesia is the most humane way to perform procedures and examinations on Zoo residents. All medical procedures are crafted so as to create as little stress as possible for patients. Anesthesia is an important part of ensuring the wellbeing of animals during their medical procedures.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115243" align="aligncenter" width="400"] All doctors are trained in the use of air rifles and air-powered pistols in order to anesthetize animals which would be difficult or dangerous to catch. For example, a fast-moving gazelle, or the species who roam the Safari Park’s vast Asian Savannah or African Plains. In such large exhibits, it is much less stressful for the animal (and keepers) to use a tranquilizer gun. Medical staff take special care to choose the correct size dart and gun to make the tranquilization as safe as possible.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115215" align="aligncenter" width="231"] his room is used to prepare animals for surgery: the table is cushioned, equipped with heating blankets, and another anesthesia machine ensures animals remain comfortably asleep. A number of pre-surgery actions are performed here- doctors take blood samples, insert catheters, and in general make sure everything is ready for the smoothest surgery possible.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_115242" align="aligncenter" width="400"] We ended our tour in the hospital’s extensive library of human and animal medicine. The books are compiled there for easy reference. Doctors at the Zoo are not afraid to look to outside sources for help; they want to be absolutely certain that the Zoo’s inhabitants are receiving the best possible care. Dr. Sadler informed us that the team sometimes even consults with human doctors and anesthesiologists, especially for great ape treatment.[/caption] Jenna, Photo Team Week One, Winter Session 2016