Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant

Acknowledgments xi About the Companion Website xiii Chapter 1 Introduction to the Veterinary (or Assistant) Profession 1 Ethics 3 References 3 Chapter 2 Medical Terminology 5 Medical terms 5 Prefixes 6 Suffixes 7 Root words 7 Common abbreviations used in veterinary medicine 8 References 9 Chapter 3 Anatomy 11 Anatomical directional terms 11 Skeletal system 13 Branches of science 14 Body systems 15 External anatomy 15 Common veins 16 Muscles 17 Internal organs 17 Urogenital system 18 Internal structures of the thorax 19 Conclusion 19 References 19 Chapter 4 Behavior, Handling, and Restraint 21 Social behavior 21 Animal body language 22 Fear Free® 28 Identification 30 Avian restraint 30 Reptile restraint 31 Rabbit restraint 31 Handling rodents 31 References 32 Chapter 5 Office Procedures and Telephone Techniques 33 Telephone techniques 34 Office procedures 35 References 37 Chapter 6 Nutrition 39 Overview 39 Proteins 39 Carbohydrates 40 Fats 40 Vitamins 40 Minerals 40 Water 41 Palatability 41 Recommendations 41 Weight management 42 Summary 48 References 48 Chapter 7 Breeds 49 Cat breeds 49 Dog breeds 58 References 61 Chapter 8 Breeding and Genetics 63 Introduction 63 Dogs 63 Cats 67 Determining gender in puppies and kittens 68 Breeding management 69 References 69 Chapter 9 General Nursing Care and Physical Exams 71 Taking a history 71 Physical exam 71 Determining and recording vitals 72 General nursing care 75 Common diseases 79 References 82 Chapter 10 Exam Room Procedures 83 Recognizing ectoparasites 83 Nail trimming 83 Ear cleaning 86 Eye medications 87 Anal glands 88 Bathing animals 89 Administering oral medications 89 Maintaining exam room equipment 90 Chapter 11 Immunology 93 Innate immunity 93 Acquired immunity 94 Cell-mediated immunity 94 Vaccination 94 References 95 Chapter 12 Laboratory Procedures 97 Laboratory considerations 97 Safety 97 Equipment 98 Quality control 100 Sample collection 100 References 104 Chapter 13 Pharmacology 105 Drug classifications 107 Storage and disposal of drugs 109 References 110 Chapter 14 Radiology 111 Radiology safety measures and guidelines 111 Cleaning screens 112 Labeling, filing, and storage of radiographs 112 Radiographic positioning 113 Processing 114 Quality control 116 Conclusion 117 References 117 Chapter 15 Surgical Assisting 119 The sterilization process 119 Wrapping a surgical pack 119 Cold sterilization 120 Instruments 121 Suture material and suture needles 122 Gowns and Drapes 123 The sterile field 125 Preparing for surgery 125 Opening and passing sterile items 127 Preparing the patient 128 Postsurgical procedures 129 Surgical positioning 130 Surgical monitoring 130 Surgical log 131 Surgical room conduct 131 Chapter 16 Avian, Exotics, and Rodents 133 Avian 133 Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish 136 Rabbits 138 Guinea pigs 140 Mice and rats 141 Gerbils 142 Hamsters 143 Ferrets 143 Hedgehogs 144 Sugar gliders 144 Chinchillas 144 References 145 Resources 145 Chapter 17 Equine 147 Skeletal system 147 Digestive tract 149 Nutrition 149 Behavior and handling 151 Nursing care and husbandry of horses 152 References 153 Chapter 18 Preparing for Internships and Employment 155 Interview 155 Resumé writing 155 Cover letter 156 References 157 Resources 157 Chapter 19 Inventory 159 What will be inventoried in your clinic or hospital? 159 A well-run pharmacy 159 The want list 160 The veterinary assistant’s role 160 Drug inventory 161 Human versus computer: both needed! 162 Organizing inventory 162 References 163 Chapter 20 Euthanasia and Pet Loss 165 The five stages of grief 169 References 169 Chapter 21 Client Management 171 Evaluating your clients 171 Client management; essential skills for the veterinary assistant 172 Employee roles 172 References 173 Chapter 22 Medical Records 175 References 181 Chapter 23 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 183 What is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration? 183 Material safety data sheets 183 OSHA labeling of secondary containers 183 OSHA inspections 184 Common OSHA veterinary violations 184 Fines 184 References 184 Chapter 24 Pet Health Insurance 187 References 189 Resources 189 Glossary 191 Index 203