Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant

A fully updated new edition of the most complete guide to the veterinary assistant curriculum

The newly revised Second Edition of Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant delivers a complete exploration of the veterinary assisting curriculum and acts as a comprehensive text for students and instructors. The book discusses all aspects of the curriculum approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

The book is thoroughly updated to reflect cutting-edge advances in veterinary practice and includes a new chapter on laboratory considerations and an updated chapter on avian and exotics covering popular exotic pets. Readers get access to an expanded companion website that offers teaching PowerPoints, homework assignments, self-assessment tests and quizzes, multiple-choice questions, teaching activities, breed study guides, and instructional video clips.

Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant also includes:

• A thorough introduction to medical terminology for veterinary assistants, including prefixes, suffixes, and common abbreviations used in veterinary medicine
• Comprehensive explorations of veterinary anatomy, including anatomical directional terms and all relevant anatomical systems
• Practical discussions of the behavior, handling, and restraint of animals, including explorations of animal body language
• In-depth examinations of animal nutrition, including discussions of weight management, body condition scoring, and food assessment

Textbook for the Veterinary Assistant is the ideal resource for veterinary assistant students and veterinary assistants studying for the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant exam, as well as practicing veterinary assistants seeking a one-stop resource that includes up-to-date information on topics such as restraint, behavior, nutrition, anatomy, and laboratory considerations. It is also useful for veterinary technology students in introductory courses.

The authors

Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition) is Founder and Past president of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians, Lafayette, IN, USA. 

Lori Renda-Francis, LVT, BBA, M.Ed, PhD, is the Veterinary Technology Program Director for Macomb Community College in Clinton Township, Michigan, USA. 

Contributors ix

Acknowledgments xi

About the Companion Website xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Veterinary (or Assistant)

Profession

Ethics 3

References 5

Chapter 2 Medical Terminology 7

Medical terms 7

Prefixes 8

Suffixes 9

Root words 9

Common abbreviations used in veterinary medicine 9

References 10

Chapter 3 Anatomy 11

Anatomical directional terms 11

Skeletal system 13

Branches of science 15

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

Canine Animal body language

Feline Animal body language

Fear Free Restraint

Pocket pets, reptile, avian restraint 21

References 26

Chapter 5 Office Procedures and Telephone Techniques 27

Telephone techniques 28

References 29

Chapter 6 Nutrition 31

Overview 31

Proteins 31

Carbohydrates 32

Fats 32

Vitamins 32

Minerals 32

Water 33

Palatability 33

Weight management 35

Patient history 35

Body condition scoring 35

Risk factors 37

Assessing the food 37

Summary 38

Suggested reading 38

Chapter 7 Breeds 39

Cat breeds 39

Dog breeds 48

Determine gender in the cat and dog 50

Reference 51

Chapter 8 Breeding and Genetics 53

Introduction 53

The heat cycle 54

Breeding 54

Whelping 55

Necessary human interaction with newborn puppies 56

Warning signs (when to call the vet) 56

Cats 57

Heat cycle 57

Feline breeding process 58

Breeding management 58

References 58

Chapter 9 General Nursing Care and Physical Exams 59

History and physical exam

Determining and recording temperature, pulse, & respiration

Pain Assessment

Nutritional Assessment

General Nursing Care

Common Diseases

Chapter 10 Exam Room Procedures 63

Recognizing ectoparasites 63

Nail trimming 63

Ear cleaning

Eye Medication Administration 67

Anal glands 68

Bathing animals

Administering Oral Medications

Maintaining Exam Room Equipment 69

Chapter 11 Immunology 71

Innate immunity 71

Acquired immunity 72

Cell-mediated immunity 72

Vaccination 72

Vaccine administration routes 73

References 73

Chapter 12 Laboratory Procedures 75

Laboratory Considerations 75

Safety 76

Equipment 76

Quality Control 77

Sample Collections 78

References

Chapter 13 Pharmacology

Pharmacological Terms

Drug Classifications

Storage and Disposal of Drugs 79

References 81

Chapter 14 Radiology 83

Radiology safety measures and guidelines 83

Cleaning screens 84

Labeling, filing, and storage of radiographs 84

Proper storage of radiographic film 85

Radiographic positioning 85

Conclusion 86

References 86

Chapter 15 Surgical Assisting 87

Introduction 87

The sterilization process 87

Preparing items for the autoclave 87

Wrapping a surgical pack 88

Cold sterilization 88

Instruments 89

Suture Material 90

Gowns and Drapes 90

The sterile field 92

Preparing for surgery 92

Surgical hand scrub 92

Gowning 93

Gloving 93

Opening and passing sterile items 94

Preparing the patient 95

Post-surgical procedures

Surgical Positioning

Surgical Monitoring

Surgical Log

Surgery Room Conduct

Suture Material and Needles 96

Chapter 16 Avian and Reptile 99

Avian 99

Reptiles 103

References 105

Chapter 17 Equine 107

Skeletal system 107

The digestive tract 109

Nutrition 109

Key nutritional factors for horses 109

Types of feed 110

Behavior and handling 111

Nursing care and husbandry of horses 112

References 113

Chapter 18 Preparing for Internships and Employment 115

Interview 115

Resume writing 115

Cover letter 116

References 117

Chapter 19 Inventory 119

What will be inventoried in your clinic or hospital? 119

A well-run pharmacy 120

The want list 120

The veterinary assistant’s role 120

Drug inventory 120

Man versus computer: both needed! 122

Organizing inventory 122

References 122

Chapter 20 Euthanasia and Pet Loss 125

The five stages of grief 127

References 129

Chapter 21 Client Management 131

Evaluating your clients 131

Client management; essential skills for the veterinary assistant 132

Employee roles 132

References 133

Chapter 22 Medical Records 135

References 140

Chapter 23 Occupational Safety and Health Administration 143

What is the occupational safety and health administration? 143

Material safety data sheets 143

OSHA labeling of secondary containers 143

OSHA inspections 144

Common OSHA veterinary violations 144

Fines 144

References 144

Chapter 24

Pet Health Insurance 147

References 148

Glossary 151

Index 159

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.