Hillcrest award-winning vet retires
Dr Lawson Cairns said he will be happy to advise people if they have any problems with their pets as he will be spending time at Pet Shop Vet2Vet Deli in Hillcrest on specific days.
A VETERINARIAN who has saved many animal lives, Dr Lawson Cairns, has retired after 45 years of service to the Highway community’s pets.
Dr Cairns started practising in Pinetown for a year before buying a branch in the Hillcrest area.
“When I first started, I was working with all animals including horses, pigs, sheep and goats and then 20 years ago, I focused on companion animals mainly dogs and cats.”
His interest in animals began at a young age as there were always pets at home. “I have always had an interest in animals so it was my wish to take care of them and be around them.”
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Dr Cairns studied to become a vet in Edinburgh, Scotland, a country where he grew up. “Two years after I qualified, I moved to South Africa and I have been here since.
“My brother asked me to come for a visit to Durban and I bought a one-way ticket and rented a three-room clinic. I then bought a house next to the clinic where I built a full hospital, Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.”
For about 42 years, Dr Cairns solely owned the hospital and managed its staff.
He said the digestive system of different species or animals differs and their sensitivity to drugs also differs. “It sometimes become a challenge to all vets which is the reason vets started specialising in a certain field.”
Dr Cairns said in general he enjoyed performing cesarean sections, “being able to save those animals who would have died if it was not performed.”
As a doctor, Cairns has shared many tears after losing an animal. “Putting down animals is one of the hardest things to do, especially if there is still a chance that the animal could still live.” His job sometimes required him to work day and night.
“In hindsight, I regret not being able to spend enough time with my two children,” he said.
He has received awards for his outstanding work and dedication in his profession, one of them being a Global Merit Award which he received at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s 39th annual convention. Dr Cairns was the first person to receive a Global Merit Award.
The doctor with a big heart also worked with animal shelters and said he would like to give pet owners advice on animals and people can find him at Pet Shop Vet2Vet Deli in Hillcrest on specific days where he will be happy to discuss problems the owner may have with their pets.
Dr Cairns added that he will continue with the lectures he has been giving in 10 African countries where he teaches vets about treating small animals.
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