Chapter 23Animal Health Care

Health Care Science Technology

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Chapter 232 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Objectives

Summarize the role and responsibilities of the veterinarian.

Discuss the role and responsibilities of the veterinary technician.

Investigate career opportunities available to veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Chapter 233 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Objectives (cont.)

Summarize the role and responsibilities of the veterinary assistant.

Differentiate between the levels of certification used in the biomedical research field.

Successfully complete 2 animal health procedures.

Chapter 234 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Careers in Animal Health 23-1

The VeterinarianThe Veterinary TechnicianThe Veterinary AssistantTechnicians in Biomedical

Research

Chapter 235 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinarian

Veterinarians study at least five species, the most common being dogs, cats, horses, cows, and sheep.

Some schools focus on species such as poultry, swine, and goats, while others stress pet birds, reptiles, zoo animals, fish, and native wildlife.

Chapter 236 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinarian (cont.)

Job Responsibilities– Diagnose and control animal diseases.– Treat sick and injured animals.– Prevent the transmission of animal diseases to

people.– Advise owners on the proper care of pets and

livestock.– Ensure a safe food supply.– Help in conserving and preserving wildlife.

Chapter 237 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician

Works under the direction of a veterinarian.

Cannot diagnose, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery.

Many states require the veterinary technician to be certified, registered, or hold a license.

Chapter 238 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

You must:– Graduate from a school of veterinary

technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), or

– Complete educational requirements and have a required number of clinical experience hours.

– In most states you must pass a comprehensive examination.

Chapter 239 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Opportunities and Specialties– Most veterinary technicians enter private

clinical practice.– Other job opportunities include:

Biomedical research. Diagnostic laboratories. Zoos. Animal production facilities. Wildlife rehabilitation. Private industry. Education.

Chapter 2310 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities– Obtain and record information.– Perform physical examination of animals.– Collect blood, urine, tissues, and feces

for diagnostic testing.– Perform various diagnostic tests on

blood, urine, tissues, and feces.

Chapter 2311 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities (cont.)

– Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery.

– Administer medications.– Induce and maintain anesthesia.– Clean teeth while animals are under

anesthesia.– Clean and bandage wounds.

Chapter 2312 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities (cont.)

– Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures.

– Position and prepare animals for diagnostic radiographs.

– Expose and develop diagnostic radiographs.

– Communicate with animal owners.– Supervise veterinary assistants.

Chapter 2313 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Assistant

An entry-level position that requires direct supervision. State rules do not apply to workers at this level.

Chapter 2314 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The Veterinary Assistant (cont.)

Job Responsibilities– Restrain, exercise, feed, and bathe animals.– Clean cages.– Collect samples for diagnostic testing.– Greet clients.– Answer phones.– Maintain animal records.– Send reminders.– Collect payments for services.

Chapter 2315 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Technicians in Biomedical Research

The three skill levels are:– Assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT).– Laboratory animal technician (LAT).– Laboratory animal technologist (LATG).

Agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Care (AALAC) regulate biomedical research.

Chapter 2316 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Section 23-1 Apply Your Knowledge

How many species of animals are usually studied by a veterinarian?

Answer: 5 or more.

Chapter 2317 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Animal Health Procedures 23-2

Additional Career Skills

Chapter 2318 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Additional Career Skills

Performing a Fecal Exam– A fecal exam is commonly performed as a

diagnostic test for parasites.– A veterinary technician should be able to

operate a microscope and centrifuge. Performing a Urinalysis on a Dog

– A urinalysis is a series of tests performed on urine.

– You need to be familiar with a refractometer (TS meter).

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Section 23-2Apply Your Knowledge

What instrument is used to perform a urinalysis?

Answer: Refractometer (TS meter).

Chapter 2320 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Procedures in Student Text

23A Bathing a Dog

23B Giving a Pill to a Dog

Chapter 2321 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Additional Procedures in Lab Activity Manual

LM23-1 Performing a Fecal Examination

LM23-2 Performing a Urinalysis on a Dog

LM23-3 Administering a Medication by Subcutaneous Injection

Chapter 2322 Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Chapter 23 Credits

Slide 13 Charles Gupton/CORBIS