User Story

Veterinary Care and Education in the Wild

byZEISS Microscopy 7 June 2022 2 min read

Introduction

ZEISS Primostar used for remote diagnostics and instruction

In the remote expanses of northwest Canada and Alaska, Dr. Michelle Oakley travels thousands of square miles to bring veterinary medicine to those living in the desolate wilderness. Her travels are documented in the television series Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet, on Nat Geo Wild with previous seasons available on Disney+.

Equipped with a ZEISS Primostar microscope, Dr. Oakley performs a wide range of diagnostics while out in the field. The microscope’s wireless capabilities help Dr. Oakley engage and educate animal owners, students and her television audience by letting them see and experience details not visible to the naked eye.

I treat all creatures wild and woolly, everything from mice to moose and bears, along with farm animals and pet dogs, cats and hedgehogs.

Dr. Michelle Oakley Wildlife Veterinarian

Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Oakley working with her ZEISS Primostar clinical microscope — Dr. Michelle Oakley, veterinarian, with her ZEISS Primostar microscope

Remote Veterinary Medicine

Collecting Clinical Data in the Field for Telehealth Diagnostics

When traveling to remote villages, collecting accurate sample data for telemedicine with specialists can be essential. She explains: "I see a lot of dogs with various lumps and masses. I would love to be able to send samples to an oncologist, but that would usually take a week or more. I need a timely diagnosis so that I can treat the animal without delay."

Dr. Oakley and her team are able to transport the mobile ZEISS Primostar microscope with ZEISS Axiocam 208 camera, even by boat in sometimes treacherous conditions, and capture crisp images of patient samples, enabling her to effectively consult with far-away specialists.

Ear infection
Roundworm egg
Cystic mass
Ear mite

Cytology ear discharge identifying yeast and bacterial infection

Cytology ear discharge identifying yeast and bacterial infection
Fecal floatation identifying a roundworm egg

Fecal floatation identifying a roundworm egg
Fine needle aspirate of a benign cystic mass

Fine needle aspirate of a benign cystic mass
Ear mite

Equipped for Everything

From Urinalysis to Parasitology and More

Although veterinary medicine is becoming increasingly specialized, Dr. Oakley is an example of a self-sufficient, all-purpose generalist.

With ZEISS Primostar, she is equipped to accurately and quickly perform a broad range of techniques including urinalysis, parasitology, microbiology and cytology in the field. This avoids the delays and risks of transporting samples. For example, urine samples, fresh hair plucks and skin scrapings may not travel well to distant laboratories.

Educating and Inspiring Pet Owners and Students

Microscopy Provides Motivation for Animal Care and Future Studies

Dr. Oakley's ZEISS Primostar microscope, like her television series, inspires and engages. She observes a noticeable difference in animal care compliance with pet owners and farmers when she is able to show them details using images from the microscope. They can see and understand, rather than just listening to her explanations. She notices an even more dramatic impact on students, as the microscope ignites their interest in science and medicine.

The microscope opens up whole new worlds to them. They become engaged and excited by the opportunity to participate in my work with animals. I am happy to be able to pass on this wonderful gift to them.

Dr. Michelle Oakley Shows a kitten’s owner an image of ear mites that were collected from her pet