Veterinary Technician and Nurse's Daily Reference Guide: Canine and Feline

Mandy Fults, MS, LVT, CVPP, VTS (Clinical Practice), Liberty Hill, Texas, USA.

Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC), (SAIM), is the Chief Veterinary Nursing Officer at Veterinary Emergency Group, Valhalla, New York, USA, and is the Program Director for the RECOVER Initiative.

Figures

Preface

Acknowledgments

Summary of Key Features

Contributors

About the Companion Website

Section One: Anatomy

Chapter 1: Anatomy

Muscles

Anatomy of the Muscle and Associated Connections

Types of Muscle Action

Muscles and Location

Skeleton

Sections of the Spine

Thoracic Limbs

Pelvic Limbs

Circulatory System

Function of the Heart

Structure of the Heart Wall

Pulmonary Circulation

Systemic Circulation

Blood Vessels

Cardiac Cycle

Conduction System

Arterial Circulation

Venous Circulation

Nervous System

Digestion

Sequential Stages of Digestion

How Digestion Works

Accessory Organs

Integument

Functions

Layers of the Skin

Hair Formation

Foot Pads

Claws

Respiratory System

Structures of the Respiratory System

Lungs

Muscles of Respiration

Respiratory Terms

Section Two: Preventive Care

Chapter 2: Preventive Care

Physical Examination

Initial Examination

Pediatric Physical Examination

Normal Parturition

Geriatric Physical Examination

Cardiac Examination

Pulmonary Examination

Abdominal Examination

Otoscopic Examination

Regional Lymph Node Examination

Neurological Examination

Orthopedic Examination

Vaccinations

Guidelines to Follow When Vaccinating an Animal

Vaccination Protocols

Titers

Adverse Events

Animal Care

Client Education: Home Dental Care

Grooming

Bathing

Nail Trimming

Anal Sac Expression

Ear Cleaning and Flushing

Section Three: Diagnostic Skills

Chapter 3: Clinical Pathology

Blood Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips

Collection

Handling

Storage

Transport

Acid-Base Balance Evaluation

Blood Chemistry

Chemistry Function Tests

Miscellaneous Diagnostic Tests - Therapeutic Monitoring and Toxicity

Cytology

Cytology Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips

Collection

Handling

Storage

Transport

Cytology Evaluation

Interpretation

Effusion Cytology

Ear Cytology

Fecal Cytology

Vaginal Cytology

Hematology

Red Blood Cell Morphology and Alterations

White Blood Cell Morphology and Alterations

White Blood Cell Alterations

White Blood Cell Population Changes

Platelet Morphology and Alterations

Coagulation Tests

Blood Transfusions

Blood typing

Immunology and Serology Tests

Microbiology

Microbiology Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips

Collection

Handling

Storage

Transport

Most Commonly Used Culture Media

Culture Media Inoculation and Incubation

Culture Growth Evaluation

Staining Solutions and Procedures

Staining Problems

Parasitology

Fecal Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips

Collection

Handling

Storage

Transport

Fecal Evaluation

Fecal Flotation Solutions

Endoparasites

Ectoparasites

Urinalysis

Urine Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips

Collection

Handling

Storage and Transport

Urine Examination/Urinalysis

Chemistry Strip Examination

Sediment Examination

Reporting of Bacteria, Yeast, Mucus, Fat, and Other Urine Sediment Elements

Urine Artifacts

Chapter 4: Diagnostic Imaging

Radiography

Radiographic Equipment

Radiographic Technique Chart for Film Radiography

Digital Radiography Technique Charts

Digital Image Quality

Evaluating Radiograph Technique

Density Evaluation

Contrast Evaluation

Radiographic Alterations and Artifacts

Radiographic Safety and Positioning

Positional Terms

Head Positioning

Spine Positioning

Shoulder and Forelimbs

Pelvis and Hind Limb Positioning

Radiographic Contrast Studies

Gastrointestinal Tract Contrast Studies

Urinary Tract Contrast Studies

Urethra Contrast Studies

Spinal Contrast Studies

Ultrasonography

Further Imaging Techniques

Section Four: Diseases and Conditions

Chapter 5: Dermatologic Diseases and Conditions

Acne

Acral Lick Dermatitis

Atopy

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Food Hypersensitivity or Adverse Food Reaction

Otitis Externa

Pyoderma

Deep

Superficial

Surface

Demodectic Mange

Scabies (Sarcoptic, Notoedric Mange)

Chapter 6: Internal Medicine

Cardiology

Congestive Heart Failure

ACVIM Heart Disease Classification System (Paraphrased)

Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic (Diastolic Dysfunction)

Restrictive (Diastolic Dysfunction)

Dilated (Systolic Dysfunction)

Congenital Heart Diseases

Obstructions

Shunts

Endocardiosis

Heartworm Disease

Hypertension

Myocarditis

Pleural Effusion

Symptomatic Bradycardia Arrhythmia

Endocrinology

Acromegaly

Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin Types

Constant Rate Regular Insulin Infusion Protocol

Hyperadrenocorticism

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Hypoadrenocorticism

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease

Anal Sac Disease

Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis

Constipation and Megacolon

Diarrhea

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Gastric Dilatation Volvulus

Hepatic Disease and Failure

Hepatic Lipidosis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Megaesophagus

Pancreatitis

Peritonitis

Protein-Losing Enteropathy

Vomiting

Hematologic and Immunologic Disorders

Anemia

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Thrombocytopenia

Innate and Adaptive Immune System Dysregulation

Anaphylaxis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis

Pemphigus Complex

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Infectious Diseases

Canine Transmissible Diseases

Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease

Coronavirus

Distemper

Leptospirosis

Borreliosis (Lyme Disease)

Brucellosis

Ehrlichiosis

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Salmon Poisoning Disease

Canine Parvovirus

Rabies

Feline Transmissible Diseases

Feline Calicivirus

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Rhinotracheitis

Tetanus

Toxoplasmosis

Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions

Arthritis

Cruciate Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Osteochondrosis

Osteomyelitis

Panosteitis

Patella Luxation

Neurology

Neurology

Lesion Localization

Diseases Affecting the Brain

Vestibular Disease

Epilepsy

Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Origin

Diseases Affecting the Spinal Cord

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Fibrocartilaginous Embolism

Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Disease)

Degenerative Myelopathy

Discospondylitis

Steroid-Responsive Meningitis Arteritis

Diseases Affecting the Peripheral Nervous System

Myasthenia Gravis

Polyradiculoneuritis

Oncology

Neoplasia

Histiocytoma

Mammary Gland Neoplasia

Mast Cell Tumor

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy Toxicity

Oncology Resources

Respiratory Diseases

Asthma, Bronchitis, and Feline Bronchopulmonary Disease

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Laryngeal Paralysis and Laryngitis

Mediastinitis, Pneumomediastinum, and Mediastinal Masses

Bronchitis

Other Pulmonary Diseases and Conditions

Pneumonia

Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Tracheal Collapse

Urinary and Renal Disorders

Cystic Calculi

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Pyelonephritis

Renal Failure

Common Causes of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease

Classification of Azotemia

Classification of Urine Specific Gravity

Staging of Chronic Kidney Disease

Urine Protein : Creatinine Ratio

Systolic Blood Pressure

Urinary Tract Obstruction and Infection (Cystitis, Urethrocystitis)

Protein-Losing Nephropathy

Classification of Proteinuria

Prostate Disease

Urinary Incontinence

Chapter 7: Nutritional Diseases and Conditions

Gastrointestinal Disease

Water

Electrolytes

Protein

Fat

Fiber

Food Form and Temperature

Vitamins and Trace Minerals

Acid Load

Obesity

Key Nutrients in Weight Management

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Key Nutrients in Managing Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease

Water

Energy

Protein

Phosphorus

Alkalinizers and Buffers

Sodium and Chloride

Potassium

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

B Vitamins

Soluble Fiber

Cancer

Soluble Carbohydrates and Fiber

Protein

Arginine

Glutamine

Fat and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Cardiac Disease

Sodium and Chloride

Taurine

L-Carnitine

Phosphorus

Potassium and Magnesium

Protein

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Water

Chapter 8: Ophthalmologic Diseases and Conditions

Anterior Uveitis

Cataracts

Conjunctivitis

Entropion

Cilia Disorders

Glaucoma

Keratitis

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Lens Luxation

Prolapsed Gland of the Third Eyelid

Chapter 9: Reproductive Diseases and Conditions

Abortion

Dystocia

Eclampsia

Mastitis

Pregnancy

Pyometra

Brucellosis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Cryptorchidism

Chapter 10: Emergency Medicine

Medical Preparedness

Crash Cart

Supplies

Emergency Area

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Basic Life Support

Advanced Life Support

Post-Cardiac Arrest Care

Telephone Triage

Triage

Primary Survey

Hemostasis

Secondary Survey

Shock

Trauma Emergencies

Respiratory Emergencies

Cardiovascular Emergencies

Neurological Emergencies

Ophthalmic Emergencies

Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Kidney and Urinary Emergencies

Reproductive and Genital Emergencies

Neonatal and Pediatric Emergencies

Hematologic Emergencies

Metabolic and Endocrine Emergencies

Environmental Emergencies

Toxicological Emergencies

Decontamination

Inducing Vomiting at Home

Chapter 11: Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions

Arthritis

Cruciate Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Osteochondrosis

Osteomyelitis

Panosteitis

Medial Patellar Luxation

Section Five: Patient Care Skills

Chapter 12: Animal Behavior

The Technician's Role

Genetics and Behavior

Normal and Abnormal Behavior: Puppies and Kittens

Behavioral "Vaccination"

Normal and Abnormal Behavior: Presentations and Disorders

How Animals Learn

Classical Conditioning

Counterconditioning

Desensitization, Habituation, and Sensitization

Operant Conditioning

Punishment Problems

The ABCs of Behavior

My Patient Won't Eat

Prevention and Intervention for "the Big Three"

Inappropriate Elimination: Dogs

Housetraining

Guideline #1 : Have Realistic Time Expectations

Guideline #2: Have a Supervision, Management, and Reinforcement Plan

Guideline #3: Housetraining is a Habit

Guideline #4: Consistency Helps!

House Soiling in Housetrained Dogs

Inappropriate Elimination: Cats

Housetraining for Cats

Litter Box Etiquette

Guideline #1: Size Matters!

Guideline #2: Substrate Matters

Guideline #3: Litter Tray Hygiene

Meeting the Needs of Cats

Urine Marking

Destructive Behavior: Dogs

Guideline #1: Healthy Options

Guideline #2: Management, Training, Supervision, and Guidance

Guideline #3: Meeting a Dog's Needs

Destructive Behavior: Cats

Guideline #1: Give Cats What They Want

Guideline #2: Management, Supervision, and Training

Guideline #3: Meeting a Cat's Needs

Aggression: Dogs and Cats

Inappropriate Play

Behavior in the Veterinary Hospital

The Hospital Environment

Talking to the Animals: Body Language of Dogs and Cats

Body Language Cues

Relaxed Body Language

Mild Stress: Welfare and Safety Monitoring Indicated

Moderate Stress: Welfare and Safety Likely Compromised

Severe Stress: Welfare and Safety Significantly Compromised

Handling Strategies: Tips and Basics

Before You Begin: Collecting Valuable Data

Guideline #1: Work Where the Pet is Comfortable

Guideline #2: Use the Fear Freesm Touch Gradient Method

Guideline #3: Gentle Control and Stabilization

Guideline #4: Family Presence is Often Helpful

Guideline #5: Thick Towels, Blankets, Cones, and Basket Muzzles

Guideline #6: Rehearsing Conversations

Guideline #7: Write it Down!

Medical Treatment of Fear

Unique Challenges: Emergency/Critical Care Patients

Chapter 13: Physical Rehabilitation

Examinations

Measurements

Benefits of Physical Rehabilitation

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Laser Therapy

Magnetic Field Therapy

Soundwave Therapy

Chapter 14: Patient Care Skills in Clinical Practice





Patient Care Hospitalized Patient Care

The Veterinary Nursing Process

Step 1: Assessment

Step 2: Planning

Step 3: Implementation

Step 4: Evaluation

Establishing Normalcy

Neonatal and Pediatric Care

Rewarming

Cooling

Recumbent Patient Care

Medical Nursing

Patient Monitoring

Blood Pressure

Central Venous Pressure

Blood Gas Analysis

Electrocardiogram

Venipuncture

Blood Sampling

Equipment

Site Preparation

Vein Occlusion

Vein Palpation

Venipuncture General Technique

Problem Solving

Intravenous Catheter Placement

Insulin Therapy

Insulin Storage and Handling

Insulin Syringes

Tuberculin Syringes

U-100 Syringes

Blood Glucose Curve

In-Hospital Protocol

In-Home Protocol

Insulin Constant Rate Infusions

Client Education

Insulin Administration

Monitoring Insulin Response

Monitoring for Hypoglycemia

Fluid Therapy

Calculating Fluid Requirements

Fluid Selection

Monitoring Fluid Therapy

Blood Transfusions

Blood Types

Blood Collection and Administration

Blood Transfusion Reactions

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen Administration

Humidification

Oxygen Flow Rates

Discontinuing Oxygen

Immediate and Temporary Approaches to Respiratory Distress

Oxygen Flow-by

Mask

Oxygen Cage

Routes of Oxygen Administration

Chapter 15: Medical Calculations

Calculating a Dose by Patient Weight

Calculating a Medication Volume by Patient Dose

Converting Percent Solutions to Milligrams/Milliliters

Creating Percent Solutions in Crystalloid Fluids Two Ways

Calculation #1: Cross Multiplication

Calculation #2: Converting Units to Milligrams/Milliliters to Use Standard Calculations

Converting Temperature

Dilution Compared with Ratio

Blood Volume Calculations

Common Fluid Rates for Dogs and Cats

Kilograms to Body Surface Area

Conversion Charts

Chapter 16: Medical Procedures

Abdominal Procedures

Cardiovascular Procedures

Gastrointestinal Procedures

Neurological Procedures

Oncological Procedures

Ophthalmic Procedures

Renal Procedures

Respiratory Procedures

Chapter 17: Nutrition

General Nutrition

Patient Evaluation

Nutritional History

Body Condition Scoring

Muscle Condition Scoring

Daily Caloric Requirements for the Healthy Dog and Cat

Feeding Methods

Feeding the Reluctant Eater

Feeding the Overexcited Eater

Pet Food Evaluation

Pet Food Label Evaluation

Comparing Nutrient Levels on a Dry-Matter Basis

Home-Prepared Diets

Dietary Supplements

Disease Nutritional Requirements

Obesity Management

Prevention Plan

Weight Loss Plans

Nutritional Support

Enteral Nutrition

Nasoesophageal and Nasogastric Feeding Tubes

Nasogastric and Nasoesophageal Tube Placement

Placement Procedure

Esophageal Tubes

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Feeding Tubes

Other Less Common Feeding Tubes

Enteral Nutrition Administration

Nasogastric and Nasoesophageal Feeding

Esophageal Feeding

Feeding Procedure

PEG Tube Feeding Procedure

Parenteral Nutrition

Complications

Chapter 18: Pain Management

Introduction

Pain Drug Categories

History of the Science of Pain

Nociception

Classification of Pain

Acute

Chronic

Subclassifications of Pain

Neuropathic

Pain Management Myths

1. Analgesics Mask the Physiological Indicators of Patient Deterioration

2. Potential for Toxicity or Adverse Reactions is Associated with Drug Administration

3. Pain is Hard to Recognize

4. Pain Keeps an Animal from Moving Around and Injuring Itself

5. The Breed is Just a Wimp

Cancer Pain

Tumors Associated with Pain

The Role of the Veterinary Technician in Pain Management

Pain Assessment and Recognition

How Can Stress Affect Pain?

Signs of Pain and Distress in Dogs and Cats

Dogs

Cats

Behavior is Key

Behavioral Considerations for Acute Pain in Cats

Behavioral Considerations for Acute Pain in Dogs

Behavioral Considerations for Chronic Pain in Cats

Categories for Assessment of Chronic Pain in Cats

Feline Chronic or Neuropathic Pain Conditions

Behavioral Considerations for Chronic Pain in Dogs

Canine Chronic of Neuropathic Pain Conditions

Pain Scales

Acute Pain Scales for Dogs and Cats that Incorporate Behaviors

Multifactorial Clinical Measurement Instruments for Chronic Pain

Owner Compliance

Local Anesthetics

Constant Rate Infusions

Non-pharmaceutical Approaches to Pain Management

Patient Care to Decrease Pain and Anxiety

Conclusion

Chapter 19: Wound Care and Bandaging

Stages of Wound Healing

Classification of Wounds

Wound Characteristics

Factors Affecting the Healing Process

Wound Care

Client Education: Drain Care

Topical Wound Medications

Wound Therapy

Wound Bandaging

Bandages

Splints and Casts

Slings

Section Six: Anesthesia and Anesthetic Procedures

Chapter 20: Anesthesia and Anesthetic Procedures

Guidelines for Safe Anesthesia

Potential Problems Associated with All Anesthetic Procedures

Patient Admissions

Patient Evaluation

Patient Preparation

Machine Preparation

Drug Protocol

Induction preparation

Induction

Perioperative

Recovery

Preanesthesia

Preanesthetic Drugs

Anesthesia

Anesthetic Machine Setup

Dead Space

Ventilation

Ventilator Machine Setup

Ventilation Administration

Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation

Anesthetic Administration

Induction complications

Local and Regional Anesthesia

Local Anesthetic Uses

Perioperative

Anesthetic Monitoring

Stages of Anesthesia

Postanesthetic

Recovery

Extubation

Stages of Anesthesia Recovery

Prolonged Recovery

Emergence Delirium, Pain, and/or Dysphoric Recoveries

Postanesthetic Monitoring

Discharge Instruction

Case-Based Anesthesia

Anesthetic Drugs

Preanesthetic Drugs

Injectable Induction Anesthetics

Inhalant Anesthetics

Chapter 21: Dentistry

Anatomy

Dental Instruments and Equipment

Instrument Maintenance

Sharpening Technique

Mechanical Instruments

Oral Examination, Scaling and Polishing

Dental Charting

Common Dental Disorders

Radiology

Radiographic Anatomy

Radiographic Equipment

Radiographic Techniques

Radiographic Positioning

Positioning Errors and Corrections

Basic Radiologic Pathology

Extractions

Local Dental Nerve Blocks

Advanced Procedures

Chapter 22: Disinfection and Sterilization in Veterinary Healthcare Facilities

Transmission of Infections

Chain of Infection

Etiologic agent

Reservoir

Portal of Exit

Mode of Transmission

Portal of Entry

Susceptible Host

Spaulding Categories

Personnel Considerations

Liquid Chemicals for Disinfection and Sterilization

Liquid Chemical Germicides for Environmental Surfaces

Alcohols

Biguanides

Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions

Iodine and Iodophors

Hydrogen Peroxide and Peracids

Phenolic Compounds

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Liquid Chemicals for High Level Disinfection and Sterilization

Glutaraldehyde Solutions

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Orthophthaldehyde Solutions

Peracetic Acid Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Safe Handling of Liquid Chemical Sterilant Products

Thermal Disinfection

Surgical Instrument Decontamination and Cleaning

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Quality Assurance

Lubrication

Pack Assembly

Packaging Surgical Instruments

Peel Pouches

Central Sterilization Drapes

Wrapping Packs for Sterilization

Steam Autoclaves

Loading the Steam Autoclave

How to Operate a Gravity Displacement Steam Autoclave

Sterilization Process Monitoring

Physical Monitors

Chemical Indicators

Biological Indicators

Low Temperature Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

Item Preparation for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization using Anprolene AN74i and AN74ix Sterilizer Operation

Ethylene Oxide Sterility Assurance

Monitoring Ethylene Oxide Exposure

Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Sterilization

Surgical Huck Towel, Gown and Cloth Drape Care

Folding Gowns for Sterilization

Shelf Life of Sterile Goods

Documentation

Chapter 23: Surgery

Instrument Packs

Basic Surgical Packs

Specialized Surgical Packs

Patient Preoperative Protocol

Surgical Preparation

Hand Scrub

Timed Scrub

Counted Stroke Method

Hand Drying

Alternative to a Traditional Hand Scrub

Surgical Gowning and Gloving

Surgical Procedures

Abdominal Surgery

Aural Surgery

Gastrointestinal Surgery

Integument Surgery

Neurological Surgery

Ophthalmic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Reproductive Tract Surgery

Postoperative Care of Neonates and Dam

Thoracic Surgery

Upper Respiratory Surgery

Urogenital Tract Surgery

Suture Techniques

Knot Tying

Square Knot

Surgeon's Knot

Instrument Tie (Square or Surgeon's Knot)

Postoperative Care Protocol

Alternative Surgical Options

Adjuncts to Surgery

Section Seven: Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine

Chapter 24: Regenerative Medicine

Stem-Cell Therapeutics

Cell Differential

Post-Injection Care

Other Forms of Regenerative Medicine

When is Regenerative Medicine Indicated?

Rules and Regulations

Precautions and Contraindications

Recommendations and Standards of Care

Common Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Us

Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing

Stem Cell Dosing

Regenerative Cell Activation

Section Eight: Licensure and Certification in Veterinary Technology and Nursing

Chapter 25: Veterinary Technician/Nurse Specialist Certifications

Overview of Veterinary Academy Application Requirements

Chapter 26: Additional Certifications Obtainable by Veterinary Technicians

Certification

Certificate Program

Chapter 27: Nursing Theory

Abbreviations

Glossary

Index