Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

Editors Paula Pattengale, DVM, MA, developed the Veterinary Assistant program at North County Regional Occupational Program in San Jose, California and Mission Valley Regional Occupational Program in Fremont, California, USA. She is now retired from teaching. Teresa Sonsthagen BS, LVT, is a Co-director and Senior Lecturer in the Veterinary Technology Program at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. She is an author of other veterinary technology textbooks and has been educating veterinary technologists for over 30 years.

Contributors xvii


Preface xix


Acknowledgments xxi


About the companion website xxiii


Chapter 1 Foundation Skills 3
Tregel Cockburn


Task 1.1 Self-Assessment and Understanding of Foundation Skills 5


Task 1.2 Analysis of Veterinary Medical Terminology 6


Task 1.3 Review of Basic Math Skills 9


Task 1.4 Solving Common Veterinary Medical Math Problems 10


Task 1.5 Computers and Information Literacy 15


Task 1.6 Developing Technocompetency 17


Chapter 2 Professional Conduct 21
Oreta M. Samples


Task 2.1 Meeting Employer Expectations 23


Task 2.2 Using Common Courtesies 24


Task 2.3 Uses and Misuses of Social Media 26


Task 2.4 Applying the Human–Animal Bond 27


Task 2.5 Professional Appearance 29


Task 2.6 Using Appropriate Language 31


Task 2.7 The Role of the Veterinary Assistant 33


Task 2.8 Anticipating Work Flow 36


Task 2.9 Applying Veterinary Ethics 37


Chapter 3 Laws Affecting Veterinary Practice 41
Barb Burri


Task 3.1 Common Law 43


Task 3.2 Statutory Laws 44


Task 3.3 Substantive Law 44


Task 3.4 Federal Laws 46


Task 3.4.1 Occupational Safety and Health 48


Task 3.4.2 Product Safety Labels 49


Task 3.4.3 Personal Protective Equipment 51


Task 3.4.4 Universal Precautions 52


Task 3.4.5 Gloving and Ungloving 53


Task 3.5 State Laws 56


Task 3.5.1 Veterinary Practice Acts 56


Task 3.5.2 Public Health and Vaccination Laws 59


Task 3.5.3 State Animal Laws 60


Task 3.6 Local Ordinances 61


Chapter 4 Front Office Procedures 65
Paula Pattengale


Task 4.1 Medical Record Assembly 68


Task 4.2 Color Coding Medical Records 70


Task 4.3 Filing 72


Task 4.4 Appointment Scheduling 74


Task 4.5 Updating Client Information 77


Task 4.6 Intake Procedures 78


Task 4.7 The Signalment 80


Task 4.8 Release of Patient Information 82


Task 4.9 Rabies Certificates 84


Task 4.10 Health Certificates and Interstate Shipment of Animals 86


Task 4.11 Consent Forms 88


Task 4.12 Client Communications 90


Task 4.13 Patient Discharge 92


Task 4.14 Telephone Techniques 94


Task 4.15 Handling Difficult Clients 97


Task 4.16 Hospital Closing Procedures 99


Chapter 5 Disease Transmission, Control, and Prevention 103
Jennifer Serling


Task 5.1 Disease Transmission 105


Task 5.2 Levels of Sanitation and Sanitation Agents 108


Task 5.3 Cage and Kennel Cleaning 112


Task 5.4 Isolation Ward Rules and Sanitation 116


Task 5.5 Cleaning the Other Areas in the Veterinary Clinic 118


Task 5.6 Handling Hospital Laundry 121


Task 5.7 Hospital Waste: Hazardous and Nonhazardous 123


Chapter 6 Introduction to Animals 127
Tammie Pearce


Task 6.1 Scientific Classification 129


Chapter 7 Anatomy and Physiology 137
Barb Burri


Task 7.1 External Landmarks 139


Task 7.2 Directional Terms 141


Task 7.3 Cells and Tissues 142


Task 7.4 Skeletal System 143


Task 7.5 Muscular System 144


Task 7.6 Cardiovascular System 146


Task 7.7 Immune System 147


Task 7.8 Respiratory System 149


Task 7.9 Digestive System 150


Task 7.10 Urinary System 152


Task 7.11 Reproductive System 153


Task 7.12 Nervous System 154


Task 7.13 Endocrine System 155


Task 7.14 Integumentary System 156


Chapter 8 Nutrition 159
Paula Pattengale


Task 8.1 The Basics: Essential Nutrients 161


Task 8.2 How Much to Feed 163


Task 8.3 Determination of Basic Energy Requirements (BER) 164


Task 8.4 Determination of the Maintenance Energy Requirement (MER) or Caloric Needs of a Patient 165


Task 8.5 Feeding the Anorexic Patient 166


Task 8.6 Feeding Prescription Diets 167


Task 8.7 Reading a Pet Food Label 167


Task 8.8 Calculating the True Cost of Feeding a Pet 168


Task 8.9 Feeding Livestock and Poultry 169


Task 8.10 Examination of Forages for Quality 170


Task 8.11 Feeding of Other Species 171


Chapter 9 Ropes and Knots 173
Teresa Sonsthagen


Task 9.1 Knot Tying Terminology 175


Task 9.2 Types of Ropes 176


Task 9.3 Whipping 176


Task 9.4 Hanking a Rope 179


Task 9.5 Types of Knots and Hitches 180


Task 9.5.1 Halter Tie 180


Task 9.5.2 Square Knot 181


Task 9.5.3 Reefer’s Knot 183


Task 9.5.4 Sheet Bend Knot 185


Task 9.5.5 Bowline 187


Task 9.5.6 Bowline on a Bight 189


Task 9.5.7 Hitches 190


Task 9.5.8 Clove Hitch 192


Chapter 10 Animal Restraint 195
Teresa Sonsthagen


Task 10.1 Species Differences and Safety 197


Task 10.2 Deciding on a Restraint Technique 200


Task 10.3 Psychological Restraint 202


Task 10.4 Physical Restraint 203


Task 10.4.1 Patient Identification Procedure 204


Task 10.5 Patient Kenneling Techniques 205


Task 10.5.1 Placing a Dog or Cat into a Kennel 205


Task 10.5.2 Remove a Dog or Cat from a Kennel 206


Task 10.5.3 Placing a Larger Dog into a Run 207


Task 10.5.4 Removing a Large Dog from a Kennel 208


Task 10.6 Lifting Animals 209


Task 10.7 Restraint Procedures for Dogs and Cats 210


Task 10.7.1 General Restraint 211


Task 10.7.2 Head Restraint for Examination or Medications 213


Task 10.7.3 Recumbency Restraint 215


Task 10.7.4 Restraint for Injections 217


Task 10.7.5 Restraint for IV Injections, Venipuncture, and Catheterization 218


Task 10.8 Handling Fractious Patients 225


Task 10.8.1 Fractious Cats 225


Task 10.8.2 Fractious Dogs 227


Task 10.9 Elizabethan Collar, Neck Brace, and Hobbles 230


Task 10.10 Restraint Procedures for Other Species 232


Task 10.10.1 Haltering and Leading a Horse 232


Task 10.10.2 Rabbits 234


Task 10.10.3 Avian Restraint 236


Chapter 11 Patient Care I 241
Oreta M. Samples


Task 11.1 Medical Records 244


Task 11.1.1 Treatment Plan 245


Task 11.2 Working in the Treatment Room 248


Task 11.3 Examination Room Preparation 249


Task 11.4 Patient Discharge or Hospitalization 253


Task 11.5 Meeting a Patient’s Basic Needs 255


Task 11.5.1 Environmental Considerations 257


Task 11.5.2 Feeding the Hospitalized Patient 259


Task 11.5.3 Water Availability and Consumption 262


Task 11.5.4 Socialization and Exercise 264


Task 11.5.5 In-Hospital Grooming 267


Task 11.6 Caring for the Feral or Quarantined Animal 268


Chapter 12 Patient Care II 271
Paula Pattengale


Task 12.1 Grooming of Outpatients 273


Task 12.2 Coat Grooming Tools 273


Task 12.3 Ear Cleaning 276


Task 12.4 Nail Trimming 278


Task 12.5 Expressing Anal Sacs 281


Task 12.6 Bathing and Dipping 284


Task 12.7 Clipper Maintenance 287


Task 12.8 Clipping a Bird’s Flight Feathers 290


Task 12.9 Administration of Medication 291


Task 12.9.1 Administration of Medication: Oral 291


Task 12.9.2 Administering Medication: Aural 295


Task 12.9.3 Administering Medication: Topical Medications 297


Task 12.9.4 Administering Medication: Ophthalmic 299


Task 12.9.5 Administration of Medications: Parenteral 300


Task 12.9.6 Filling Syringes 302


Task 12.10 Mixing Vaccines 305


Task 12.11 Daily Dental Care 306


Chapter 13 Patient Care III 309
Natalie Clawsen


Task 13.1 Vital Signs 311


Task 13.1.1 Determining the Body Weight and the Body Condition Score 311


Task 13.1.2 Determining the Respiratory Rate 313


Task 13.1.3 Determining the Pulse and the Heart Rate 313


Task 13.1.4 Determining the Core Body Temperature 315


Task 13.2 Pain Evaluation and Monitoring 317


Task 13.3 Sexing Animals 320


Task 13.3.1 Sexing a Cat 320


Task 13.3.2 Sexing a Rabbit 321


Task 13.3.3 Sexing Rats, Mice, Hamsters, and Gerbils 322


Task 13.3.4 Sexing a Guinea Pig 324


Task 13.4 Monitoring IV Fluid Administration and IV Catheter Maintenance 326


Task 13.4.1 Preparation of a Patient for IV Catheterization 327


Task 13.4.2 Maintain Catheter Patency, Site, and Bandage 328


Task 13.5 Wound Care and Bandaging 330


Task 13.5.1 Cleaning a Wound 331


Task 13.5.2 Applying a Simple Bandage 332


Task 13.5.3 Removing a Simple Bandage 337


Task 13.6 Emergency Support 338


Task 13.6.1 Maintenance of a Crash Cart and Emergency Station 339


Task 13.6.2 Assisting Effectively during a Patient Emergency 340


Task 13.7 Veterinary Hospice Care 342


Task 13.7.1 Support of a Patient’s Emotional Well-Being 343


Task 13.7.2 Bedding and Recumbency Changes 344


Task 13.8 Euthanasia 346


Task 13.8.1 Preparation for Euthanasia 346


Task 13.8.2 Role during the Process of Euthanasia 348


Task 13.8.3 Follow-Up after Euthanasia 350


Chapter 14 Laboratory Skills 353
Eloyes Hill and Teresa Sonsthagen


Task 14.1 Maintenance of the Binocular Microscope 357


Task 14.2 Using the Centrifuge 358


Task 14.3 Calibrating the Refractometer 359


Task 14.4 Identification and Sampling for Ectoparasites 360


Task 14.4.1 Preparation of an Ectoparasite Sample Collection Tray 362


Task 14.5 Identification and Sampling for Endoparasites 363


Task 14.6 Collection of Feces 364


Task 14.7 Examination of Feces 365


Task 14.7.1 Preparation of the Fecal Smear 366


Task 14.7.2 Standard Fecal Flotation 367


Task 14.8 Blood Collection and Handling 369


Task 14.8.1 Components of a Blood Sample 369


Task 14.8.2 Complete Blood Count 372


Task 14.8.3 Preparing the Blood Smear 373


Task 14.8.4 Staining the Blood Smear 375


Task 14.8.5 Packed Cell Volume 377


Task 14.8.6 Plasma Protein Determination 378


Task 14.9 Blood Chemistry and Electrolyte Determinations 380


Task 14.10 Using Serological Test Kits 382


Task 14.11 Urine Collection 384


Task 14.12 Urinalysis 387


Task 14.13 Microbiology: Sample Collection 390


Task 14.13.1 The Gram Stain 392


Task 14.13.2 Inoculation of Media 394


Task 14.13.3 Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing 397


Task 14.14 Necropsy: Preparation and Follow-Up 399


Task 14.14.1 Preparing Samples for Shipment to the Reference Laboratory 402


Chapter 15 Diagnostic Imaging 405
Teresa Sonsthagen


Task 15.1 Introduction to Diagnostic Imaging 407


Task 15.2 Radiation Safety 409


Task 15.3 Preparation for Radiographic Procedure 412


Task 15.3.1 Preparation: Radiography Log 413


Task 15.3.2 Preparation: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 415


Task 15.3.3 Preparation: Using the Calipers 416


Task 15.3.4 Preparation: Setting Exposure Factors Using Technique Charts 417


Task 15.3.5 Preparation: Cassette Selection and Film Identification 419


Task 15.3.6 Procedure: Taking a Radiograph—Patient Positioning 421


Task 15.4 Developing Radiographic Film 423


Task 15.4.1 Film Handling 424


Task 15.4.2 Developing Film 426


Task 15.5 Film Filing 427


Task 15.6 Darkroom Maintenance 428


Task 15.7 Diagnostic Ultrasonography 430


Chapter 16 Endoscopy 433
Oreta M. Samples


Task 16.1 Endoscope Instrument 435


Task 16.2 Endoscopy Preparation 438


Task 16.3 Endoscopy: Postprocedure 442


Chapter 17 Dental Skills for the Veterinary Assistant 447
Mary l. Berg


Task 17.1 The Assistant’s Role in Veterinary Dentistry 449


Task 17.2 Dental Instruments, Equipment, and Maintenance 449


Task 17.3 Daily Dental Care 455


Task 17.4 Charting the Oral Examination 455


Task 17.5 Dental Anatomy 460


Task 17.6 Estimation of Age Based on Tooth Eruption 461


Task 17.7 A Dental Prophylaxis Can Be Hazardous to Your Health! 462


Task 17.8 How to Clean Teeth 462


Task 17.9 Basics of Pocket Pet Dentistry 463


Task 17.10 Intraoral Radiography 464


Task 17.10.1 Patient Positioning during Dental Radiography 465


Task 17.11 Dental Patient Discharge Instructions 466


Chapter 18 Pre- and Perisurgical Skills 469
Elizabeth Brotherton, Paula Pattengale, and Teresa Sonsthagen


Task 18.1 Aseptic Technique 471


Task 18.2 Surgical Suite Maintenance 472


Task 18.3 Communication with Health-Care Team Members 475


Task 18.3.1 Medical Records 476


Task 18.3.2 Patient Anesthetic Record 476


Task 18.3.3 Surgery Logbook 479


Task 18.3.4 Controlled Substance Log 480


Task 18.4 Preanesthetic Patient Identification and Preparation 483


Task 18.5 Induction of Anesthesia 486


Task 18.6 Anesthetic Equipment and Anesthetic Machine Setup 494


Task 18.7 Surgical Site Preparation 498


Task 18.8 Surgical Packs in Presurgical Period 503


Task 18.8.1 Suture Materials, Needles, and Scalpels 506


Task 18.9 Gloving and Glove Packs 507


Task 18.10 Frequently Performed Surgical Procedures 509


Chapter 19 Postoperative Techniques 513
Teresa Sonsthagen and Elizabeth Warren


Task 19.1 Postanesthetic Patient Care 515


Task 19.1.1 Extubation 517


Task 19.1.2 Emergencies in the Postanesthetic Period 519


Task 19.2 Postoperative Patient Care 520


Task 19.2.1 Client Communication 523


Task 19.2.2 Suture and Staple Removal 524


Task 19.3 Sterilization and Sterilizers 526


Task 19.4 Cleaning and Preparing Instruments and Supplies 529


Task 19.5 Identifying Surgical Instruments 530


Task 19.6 Surgical Pack Assembly 533


Task 19.7 Postoperative Surgery Room Cleaning 540


Chapter 20 Pharmacy Skills 543
Jennifer Serling


Task 20.1 “Five Patient Rights” 545


Task 20.2 Reading a Prescription and Determining How Much to Dispense 546


Task 20.3 Information Contained on the Primary Container or Packing 547


Task 20.4 Prescription Labeling 549


Task 20.5 Prescription Packaging 551


Task 20.6 How to Use a Pill Counting Tray 552


Task 20.7 Handling Medications and Controlled Substances 554


Task 20.8 Explaining Prescriptions to the Owner 556


Chapter 21 Veterinary Practice Routines 559
Paula Pattengale


Task 21.1 Wellness Programs 561


Task 21.2 Using Practice Protocols 564


Task 21.3 Inventory Control 565


Task 21.4 In-House Communications 568


Task 21.5 Client Communication 570


Task 21.6 Letter Writing 571


Appendices 575


Appendix A: SCANS Competencies and Foundation Skills 575


Appendix B: Suffixes, Prefixes, and Anatomical Terms (Roots) 577


Appendix C: Directional Terms 587


Appendix D: Metric System and Table of Equivalents 589


Appendix E: Common Name, Genus Name, Scientific Name, and Gender Term for Common Species 591


Appendix F: Abbreviations Used in Veterinary Practice 593


Appendix G: Normal Vital Signs 595


Appendix H: Body Condition Score 597


Appendix I: Blood Collection Tube Types 599


Appendix J: Blood Collection Protocol 601


Appendix K: Pain Scale for Cats 603


Glossary 607


Index 617