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
Resume 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
