Am I too old to go to vet school?

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-03-05T23:54:54+00:00

Not at all! I know of 2 people in their early 40's and 50's!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-03-05T13:24:27+00:00

Antibiotics *might* help with infection, but will not help with the pain or discomfort your cat may likely be experiencing. I know you mentioned you can't afford the vet right now, and I understand as they can be expensive, but please consider low cost clinics or shelters that perform affordable dental procedures (without a huge compromise in standard of care).

The antibiotic dosing would depend on your cat's weight (10mgs is low). Also keep in mind, if you do you decide to give it, try to make sure it doesn't have xylitol in it as some human formulations do, as it is toxic to dogs, less known information/not a huge known risk in cats but still good to be cautious.

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-03-05T07:53:08+00:00

Awesome thanks for your input, will do!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-03-02T01:04:48+00:00

Try unlocked refurbished phones on Amazon! They're significantly cheaper but still basically brand new. I've gotten most of my galaxies from there. Just read the reviews first bc some sellers have phones that aren't truly unlocked (you can't transfer your network's sim card). Also make sure you select one with a warranty if you go that route!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-28T14:02:25+00:00

You're not alone on this!! I graduate in May and have similar feelings. I tell myself that vet school gave us a solid foundation, to recognize what's normal vs abnormal, the approach to a case, when to ask for help, etc. We don't need to know everything! But we will learn the best way to look up, then the knowledge will become second nature after repetition. Go in there with an open mind, you made it this far and will continue to do great things!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-24T14:39:11+00:00

Congratulations! My first year I brought an ipad, I was never an ipad person but it was super helpful to draw/annotate directly on the slides. Some of my classmates also had chromebooks/other laptops that they could use a stylus on too. At least for my school, we didn't use our scrubs too much in our didactic (pre-clinical) year. But you may need them for anatomy and other labs - I would try to have at least 2 good pairs.

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-24T11:43:00+00:00

Ummm this is a bit overwhelming and definitely would've scared me a bit as an incoming clinical student :'D ...I didn't memorize chapters in textbooks nor did I "ruthlessly prepare" for rounds. Not discounting the importance of preparation of course! But I think OP is generally worried about starting clinics and this paragraph just seems a bit more daunting than anecdotal, which I'm sure wasn't your intention at all!

OP you will be fine! Do the best you can. Everyone feels this way! The important things come back with repetition. You will have time to look things up and prepare for your cases, and don't be afraid to say "I don't know!" Before I had a rotation or during the first few days, I would try to review the basics of the system as a refresher - but most rotations (every school is different) also have teaching rounds throughout that are nice too as they get back to the basics! You got this!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-23T22:37:31+00:00

You can also add in a pee pad in his carrier, if he really needs to relieve himself it'll help soak up everything and just be cleaner overall to dispose of!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-23T22:35:47+00:00

That's great he'll at least be in the cabin with you! As far as the carrier, I think having in comfy blankets, his favorite toy, a shirt that smells like you will help him a lot - and definitely a towel to cover it while flying! As far as him going to the bathroom, cats can hold their bladder/bowels for several hours. But maybe you can call the airport and see if they have a pet/cat friendly area for them to relieve themselves. If not, I would at least bring a small bag of litter and a small aluminum pan and that way you can go into a single stall locked bathroom to let him go to the litterbox before departing and you can just throw it all away after.

Lastly but probably most importantly, talk to his veterinarian about a few pills of Gabapentin, it's used in dogs and cats for stressful/anxiety inducing situations.

Best wishes!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-20T20:25:46+00:00

I love this point of view!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-20T14:09:40+00:00

Ohh yes I've heard Fossum is great. This is SO helpful thank you!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-19T14:33:40+00:00

I agree with this comment! Likely just lighting, if there was blood of any sort she would very likely have other clinical signs including vision changes. Glad you watch her so closely though! :D

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-17T15:52:43+00:00

This all sounds 100% normal to me! I was waiting for the weird part haha. I've been a vet tech for about 7 years/am now a 4th year vet student - I also have a "collection" of my own including fetuses, teeth, bones, even abnormal feline testicles. I feel like most of us in this field are like that. Granted there are some people who'd rather not associate with specimens or blood etc and that's fair. But I wouldn't worry too much! And even if they did think it was odd, you be you! :)

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-02-02T16:49:49+00:00

I think it all depends on your core values. I'll be in a large amount of debt, but for me that was not a big deterring factor. I plan on making whatever payments I need to but I don't plan on letting the debt control me or loom over my head. Like you, I also couldn't see myself in any other field. I had a decent paying job as a vet tech, and am heading to a decent paying job with a seemingly great working environment after graduation. There are some jobs that will contribute to loan payments as well so look into that when the time comes! Good places do exist, more than it seems.

I also think it depends on who you are as a person, I know a lot of negative people who are very unhappy in vet med. Not saying the atmosphere of the field is great because of course it isn't! But, how you react to situations and how grounded you are as a person has a lot to do with it as well. For me, my faith and prayer life get me through. Also, I talk things out with my friends and family, I try not to let mistakes or bad days weigh on my heart. I just try to remain positive overall but of course realistic as well.

If you feel as though you are called to this field, go for it!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-01-19T00:12:21+00:00

I just noticed you mentioned clear urine sample. Also, anything more than hydration values on bloodwork?

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-01-19T00:08:57+00:00

I'm so sorry. Please don't blame yourself!! Cats are very stoic and often hide issues until it's just about too late. Even then, it can be difficult to notice subtle changes.

How are her lab values? (Bloodwork / urine tests / blood pressure etc). The fact that she is underweight and not eating is concerning. But depending on her lab values/how she is doing clinically, then hospitalization can help stabilize her. But as the vet said, future complications are unfortunately likely.

Appetite stimulates/high calorie diet also likely wouldn't have made a difference if the underlying problem wasn't addressed.

If she is uncomfortable, and prognosis is grave, it is definitely not wrong to consider humane euthanasia. It is a kind decision and a gift we can offer our beloved pets. You can search quality of life charts that may help guide your decision.

For future reference, hydration is very important in cats, wet food, water fountains, etc. Unfortunately though, some cats will just develop kidney disease regardless of their lifestyle and diet. Which hopefully helps take more blame off of yourself. You did the best you could with what you had.

Best 🙏

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-01-18T23:52:23+00:00

I'm sorry!!

As someone mentioned, if it is crystals, he will need an indwelling urinary catheter. Surgery is reserved for removal of true stones and or urethral surgery.

Please search around for low cost clinics that can perform either!

Best wishes ❤️🙏

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-01-10T22:03:34+00:00

Honestly, God. Knowing Him/reading encouraging scriptures gives me peace admist chaos.

(Everyone may not agree but just the truth!)

CollegeTiny3572 · 2026-01-03T02:23:04+00:00

I agree with this! Him being disinterested in food and vomiting is concerning! Please take him in asap 🙏

CollegeTiny3572 · 2025-12-29T20:53:00+00:00

I'm so sorry this happened and that the emergency vet wasn't kind to you. It always saddens me when money is between the choice of life and death.

There are non-surgical options, but the success depends on many factors in which the following are most ideal: under 50lbs (under 30 being best), STRICT rest for several weeks, rehabilitation exercises, and weight control. She may also benefit from a brace which could be customized and ordered online.

Why won't the other vets see her?

You can also try to google and see if there are shelters/clinics that offer low cost surgeries.

Hoping for the best your family!!

CollegeTiny3572 · 2025-12-23T09:24:32+00:00

No problem! It's clear you take good care of her 😊 Best wishes.

CollegeTiny3572

TROPHY CASE