5 minutes with James Horner....

This month we put your questions to practice owner and vet James!

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have a little terrier dog called Darcy and 2 cats called Eric & Hamish. Darcy is a rescue that I re-homed when she was found as a stray at a practice I used to work at. Eric & Hamish are ragdoll crosses. Eric is a hunter whereas Hamish prefers his home comforts. At home I’m more a dog person and my wife is a cat person but then Darcy is more of a cat dog and Hamish & Eric are more like dogs than cats!

What made you choose to become a veterinary surgeon as opposed to becoming a human doctor?

My older brother is a human doctor and I remember that it isn’t actually a very ‘hands on’ job. I’d grown up around animals and enjoy them and the challenges they can bring. My impression was that veterinary was more complicated and I like the ‘hands on’ aspect. Plus a bit of healthy competition with a sibling!

Do you have any experience working with exotic animals or wildlife?

I did what I can only describe as ‘weird and wonderful’ stints in both South Africa and Tanzania. During my time working in an equine hospital we undertook surgical work for Chester Zoo. We had to do a CT scan on a Komodo Dragon once. Beyond any fun stories I don’t have that much interest in and don’t actually know that much about them either.

Have you had any veterinary experience overseas, and if so, what was your most memorable moment?

Yes; both in South Africa and Tanzania. I can recall performing an operation in a slum in the rain (which was considered to be ‘normal’ over there). There is a huge difference in the standard of care and I much prefer working inside in the warm!

What made you want to become a vet?

Growing up we always had animals and Mum was horse mad. When I was at school we moved to a farm and had a menagerie of chickens, sheep and horses so I’d always had an interest in animals.

What is your favourite breed of dog?

That is a difficult one but I do love working dogs like Labradors, Spaniels and Pointers. I think I’ve got the personality of a labrador!

What is the most complicated surgery you have done in your career?

Probably removing an oven glove from inside my parents ridgeback. It involved 5 cuts into the intestine and 1 in the stomach. Recovered well and 2 weeks later went on to eat a sock! Thankfully the sock passed through and surgery was not required.

If you hadn’t gone into veterinary what would you have done?

I’d have liked to be a helicopter pilot. At 14 I had a helicopter lesson and loved it! I think I would have joined the military air corp. Now I’d say I’d be a ‘stay-at-home’ dad!