The Animal Vets Secretly Fear Most? Number 1 Might Surprise You!
When people talk about the veterinary profession, they often picture heartwarming scenes of caring for adorable puppies and kittens. And indeed, for me, connecting with lovely animals and safeguarding their health is the greatest joy and reward. However, our daily lives hold other facets less known to the public. Sometimes, we face tense moments dealing with animals as potentially intimidating as pit bulls, snakes, or even alligators.
Among them, there is an animal that veterinarians inwardly feel a unique sense of tension towards – an unexpected one. It's the monkey. Perhaps you find this surprising. Monkeys, often seen as playful and even resembling humans, making them feel familiar, yet why are they a subject of caution for veterinarians?
Unpredictable Wildness, Sharp Guardedness
Monkeys exhibit a wide range of personalities depending on the species, but individuals that retain their wild nature can display unpredictable behavior. Especially when placed in unfamiliar environments like a clinic or feeling pain, they can become extremely anxious and guarded, turning aggressive. Whenever I've had the opportunity to restrain monkeys for treatment, it demanded a level of focus and caution entirely different from routine check-ups. Thick protective gloves were absolutely essential.
One of the threats they pose comes from their long, sharp canine teeth. A single bite can inflict a deep wound, and furthermore, certain monkey species, particularly macaques, carry the risk of transmitting the potentially fatal Herpes B virus to humans, requiring extra vigilance. If a bite incident occurs, beyond the immediate treatment, thorough testing for potential viral infection becomes necessary – a true emergency situation.
The pain from a bite is also considerable. A monkey's bite force is incredibly strong, capable of rendering even thick leather gloves ineffective. The bite marks leave not only wounds but also severe bruising and swelling, sometimes transforming the hand into something almost unrecognizable. I, too, was bitten by a monkey in the past; it took a considerable time for the wound to heal and the bruising to subside, and I remember the anxious wait for the virus test results vividly. It was not uncommon to see fellow veterinarians or technicians experience such frightening incidents.
Another Instinct Hidden Behind Intelligence
Monkeys are highly intelligent primates with a keen ability to perceive human emotions and actions. If a veterinarian shows even a slight hesitation, fear, or awkwardness while handling them, monkeys can sense this and react with aggression. This underscores how crucial it is for a vet to maintain a calm and confident demeanor when treating a monkey. The same, of course, applies even more so to larger primates like chimpanzees and gorillas. Their immense strength and complex social dynamics present a different level of challenge to a vet. Hearing a gorilla beat its chest in the quiet of the early morning at the zoo would always make me feel a sense of solemn respect for their presence.
Beyond Fear, A Bond: The Orangutan Encounter
However, not all primate encounters are fraught with tension. Sometimes, unexpected heartwarming connections can form. While working at the zoo, I met an orangutan who, during our first encounter, seemed so large and powerful that we performed the examination under anesthesia. But after he woke up, he turned out to be the gentlest, most affectionate friend. When offered milk, he'd pout his lips for me to feed him, and he seemed so fond of me that he'd press himself against the enclosure bars, reaching out for a handshake (safely, of course!). Meeting animals with such surprisingly gentle sides reminds me once again that every animal is not just a potential threat, but a precious life with its own unique personality and emotions.
The Weight of Being a Veterinarian
Being a veterinarian is not just about tending to pretty and docile animals. At times, it involves facing dangerous and unpredictable situations, requiring us to overcome fear and gather courage to alleviate an animal's suffering. Sick animals can become much more sensitive and aggressive than usual, necessitating specialized knowledge, skilled handling techniques tailored to each species, and above all, a calm and unwavering mindset.
Perfect teamwork with fellow technicians and a continuous pursuit of learning and research are the driving forces that allow us to safely treat animals and achieve successful outcomes even in risky situations. Doing our best for an animal's recovery in unexpected circumstances – this is precisely the deep meaning and allure of the veterinary profession.
Through these stories about the diverse animals veterinarians encounter, I hope you've gained a glimpse into the preciousness of life and the other, less visible, faces of our profession.
