| ||||||
|
SHS Home Page
|
 A microscope is an instrument with a magnifying lens that helps us inspect objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Thanks to a grant from the Meacham Foundation, the Sequoia Humane Society was able to purchase a microscope to help us identify bacteria, parasites and other microscopic organisms.SHS Lead Animal Care Specialist, Valerie McIntyre - who worked as a veterinary technician many years ago - is familiar with the use of microscopes in a veterinary setting. "Our microscopes were in daily use checking biological samples taken from clients' dogs and cats," says Valerie. "We used simple procedures like swabbing a cat's ear to look for ear mites, as well as fecal and blood smears to locate more serious conditions." Using a microscope is not difficult, but it does require training in both usage (how to prepare the specimen, set the eyepiece, move the slide, etc.) and identifying what is you are looking at. "Some of the matter being searched for takes time and patience to find," says Valerie. "But it's exciting to locate your target because it aids in the treatment of the cat or dog, which means they can get adopted more quickly!" It is common for animals that come to SHS to be infected with parasites such as ear mites and intestinal worms. Kittens often have coccidia - a bacteria that causes diarrhea. By identifying these ailments early we can treat them in house so the animals recover more quickly. humane@sequoiahumane.org |
Online Credit Cards or PayPal
 Vote often, vote every day! Visit the SHS
National Animal Poison Control Center Plants for Pets: Hazardous and Safe
 |
||||
Sequoia Humane Society
