By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.- ‘Gator? is not a very cooperative patient.
The 6-year-old Corgi whines and squirms and requires two veterinary technicians to hold him down on a surgical table as Dr. Mike McLaughlin removes 16 staples from the dog’s stomach.
‘Gator? has three staples that prove more difficult to remove, as the dog’s skin has grown over them in the two weeks since he had emergency abdominal surgery after consuming a hambone.
‘He’s a fast healer,? says McLaughlin. Gator’s stomach area is numbed and the vet techs draw blood from a front leg for a complete blood count (CBC) to check for infection.
As Gator whimpers, McLaughlin holds his head and reassures the dog, ‘It’s OK, hot shot.?
Minutes later, staples successfully removed, the Corgi returns happily to his owner, ready to go home. McLaughlin, dressed in a hunter green lab coat, khaki pants and brown loafers, sits in a chair in his office at the Ortonville Animal Clinic, relaxing for a few minutes before taking his next patient.
McLaughlin, a 55-year-old Oxford resident, said he made his decision to become a veterinarian while still in high school.
‘I always enjoyed the sciences and always had pets and enjoyed animals and it seemed like a good combination,? he says.
McLaughlin attended Michigan State University for four years and graduated with a doctorate of veterinary medicine (DVM) in 1973. He worked at an animal clinic in Dearborn Heights for four years before joining the staff of Waterford Veterinary Hospital and becoming a partner. With those partners, he opened the Ortonville Animal Clinic 20 years ago. They have been in their building at 959 S. Ortonville Road for the past 15 years, with McLaughlin alternating weeks between the Ortonville and Waterford businesses.
McLaughlin’s patients are strictly dogs and cats. Caged animals such as birds, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs and all other animals which he calls ‘pocket pets? are referred elsewhere.
In the morning, McLaughlin commonly sees healthy patients. He performs wellness exams, vaccinations, and heartworm tests, among other procedures.
In the afternoon, patients needing surgery are brought in. The most common surgeries include spays, neuters and growth removals. McLaughlin resets broken bones and removes spleens and bladderstones. McLaughlin also performs abdominal surgery often to remove strange things.
‘Gator? ate a hambone, what some might think at least sounds somewhat appetizing. But other items he has found while operating on a sick animal were never meant for consumption? including socks, sponges, toys, a serving spoon and even a condom.
Intestinal upset in an animal can also come from eating too much food, or a food they shouldn’t have at all.
McLaughlin also treats in animals diseases that are commonly seen in humans, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
McLaughlin’s next patient, ‘Shotsy? is being treated for scabies, a skin condition which has made the 12-year-old female Lab/Bassett mix itch repeatedly. McLaughlin kneels down on the floor and checks her ears. The dog is cooperative, as the vet says 95-percent of the dogs he sees are.
‘They might be nervous and don’t want to be here, but they’re OK,? McLaughlin says, noting that the staff doesn’t get bitten often. Cats are another story. ‘Cats who don’t want to be here can make life difficult. We get scratches from cats. They get you pretty quick.?
Other hazards of the job include being peed on, which McLaughlin is careful to avoid.
McLaughlin dislikes the business end of his job and uses as an example dealing with building maintenance. He also notes it is hard on him and the staff when a pet they have been treating for years needs to be euthanized.
‘Sometimes it’s necessary, because they’re suffering,? he says. ‘I tend to spend a fair amount of time with clients assuring them they’ve made the right decision.?
McLaughlin’s favorite part of the job also involves his human clients.
‘What really is enjoyable is interaction with people and their pets, seeing the relief of the people as you resolve a problem with their pet,? he said. ‘I got into it for the animals, but I enjoy the people… I’ve really enjoyed being a vet. It’s a very rewarding and gratifying profession to be in.?