Interesting work experience for prospective vets?

What kind of questions should I be asking while on work experience at a vets?

• I started my first day's work experience today. Mostly I observed things, consulations and operations, and they commented that I was very quiet. What questions should I be asking the vets, and when? Should I wait until the patient has left? Also, if I'm alone with a patient while the vet is fetching medication or whatever, what should I chat to the patient's owner about?

• Answer:

  Yes, I would think you should ask questions after the owner of the patient has left (my vet calls that person the "client"). It's O.K. to be quiet on your first day, but you should have questions come to you naturally. If you're not curious about what you see, this is probably not a good area for you to work in. Maybe you do have questions in your head but you're too insecure or shy to voice them. That's O.K. in the beginning, but you should get over it. I can't tell you what to be curious about, but it might be things like details of the operation, or something about a consultation that might seem a little vague to you. While you are alone with the client, the best thing to chat about is the patient. "That's a very pretty cat" or "Is your dog very affectionate?" or "I've never had a bird -- what made you decide to have one as a pet?" are nice all-purpose openers that will likely make the person do most of the talking. Stay away from the medical problem -- that's the vet's job.