Rivona rallies behind Kloof SPCA’s cause

ONE of Kloof and Highway SPCA’s committed veterinarians, Rivona Ramnanan, spoke to the Highway Mail about her journey at the animal welfare.

While she is still new to the local branch of the non-profit organisation, she has worked at other SPCAs as well.

Why did you choose to become a vet?
I’ve wanted to be a vet ever since I can remember.

My parents said I had an affinity to animals since I was a child and I love challenges, science, problem solving and animals and this profession has a culmination of all the things that drive me to be my best self.

Is there another career path you may have chosen?
Being a vet is the only career path I can see for myself as it was my only choice as a profession.

What operation was life changing for you and why?
I performed a cystotomy this year and it required removing a bladder stone from a very friable bladder.

The operation was tough but successful and it brought me great joy and reminded me to continue to persevere during tough times as the reward is always worth it.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I am not 100 per cent sure yet, but whatever it is, I hope I’m always making a difference.

ALSO READ: Kloof SPCA’s Sue shares her love for all animals

What are some of the challenges you face on a day-to-day basis?
Clientele with financial constraints. Sometimes there are multiple emergencies where welfare cases are brought in by the inspectors, surgeries, in-house patients and consultations all happening at the same time.

Some clients get extremely upset when they have to wait and it is often beyond our control. Our case load is very high but the clinic team is passionate and we are always ready to give our best.

What is the most common procedure you have to perform?
Definitely sterilisation. It has many benefits, including improving the health of your animals, reducing undesirable behaviours and preventing unwanted animals.

Sterilisation can reduce and even eliminate a number of health problems that are difficult or expensive to treat, like cancer of life-threatening uterine infections (pyometra).

What is a misconception that people have about the SPCA?
As a vet at an SPCA, lots of people think we are like a government hospital and can treat our patients for free. We are a non-profit organisation, we rely on public support and fund-raising.

Often clients get very upset with us when we can’t do surgery or veterinary treatment for free. Our clinic may be an SPCA clinic, but we strive for excellence and always practice at a gold standard.

If your animals are at this clinic, we treat them as our own. We love and care for them and it brings us great joy to see them return to their home healthy.

ALSO READ: Kloof SPCA still seek the ‘baaad’ guy

Is there any advice you would give to pet owners during the lockdown?
Please look after your animals during this time. I know times are financially tough, but if your pet is sick, always take them to the vet sooner rather than later.

It’s our responsibility to love, protect and look after them.

How many pets do you have and what are they?
I have two dogs: Oreo, a Pekingese and Daisy, my recent rescue.

She is a Border Collie cross and I adopted her in October last year.

What is the first thing you are going to do once lockdown is over?
You will find me on one of the beaches in Mauritius. I love to travel and meet new people.

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