Wearing a head torch to assist with surgeries when the power went out was just one of the challenges Warkworth vet nurse Natalie Knight faced during her recent stay in the Kingdom of Tonga. Natalie was one of six vets and vet nurses who undertook a week-long field clinic treating several hundred animals this month. The trip was organised under the auspices of South Pacific Animal Welfare (SPAW).
“On our first weekend, we were invited to Pangaimotu, one of the small outer islands, about a 20-minute boat ride from Tongatapu,” Natalie says. “Two male dogs, Coconut and Uzi, needed desexing so we packed up all our gear and the surgeries were our first two of the week. As well as desexing, the dogs were vaccinated and given flea, tick and worm treatment, which they desperately needed.
“Their owner was extremely grateful and put on a beautiful lunch for all of us as a thank you. We all came away feeling very happy and it gave us a positive vibe to start our busy week.” In total, the team performed 149 surgeries and 213 consultations.
“There is no permanent vet in Tonga so being able to provide much-needed veterinary care to the local animals was very satisfying.” This was Natalie’s second tour with SPAW, having worked for a week on Vava’u last year. She said this trip wasn’t such a culture shock and she was better prepared for the heat, adding that the although the conditions were challenging, the people were so grateful to the team that it was very rewarding.
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