Bertie Lau, a fourth-year veterinary student at Washington State University (WSU), participated in providing basic care for 66 horses rescued from a neglect case in north Idaho. Lau emphasized the valuable learning opportunities this experience presented and the significance of collaboration between veterinarians and animal rescue organizations.
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Lau explained that, due to the limited medical history of the horses, their team focused on offering fundamental medical care to prepare them for adoption. Her specific responsibilities included conducting physical exams, administering the first dose of a 5-way vaccine, deworming, and microchipping the horses.
She highlighted the rarity of opportunities to work with so many animals outside of a clinical setting, noting the experience allowed her to observe resource management in a different environment. The stockyards were not equipped like a medical facility, which required veterinarians and technicians to adapt their skills to the situation.
Working alongside faculty veterinarians and rescue workers enriched Lau's educational experience, as she gained insights not typically covered in textbooks or presentations.
Lau emphasized the importance of partnerships between WSU and organizations like Idaho Animal Rescue. She noted that such collaborations foster community, as both veterinarians and animal rescuers share a common goal: ensuring the well-being of each animal.