Small Animal Care

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Small Animal Care Michael Lavoie B.S. Middlesex Community College Veterinary Assistant Program October 2011

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Small Animal Care. Michael Lavoie B.S. Middlesex Community College Veterinary Assistant Program October 2011. Breeds- Dogs. American Kennel Club (AKC) 155 Breeds of dogs Seven categories Working dogs Sporting dogs Hounds Toys Terriers Nonsporting dogs Herding dogs. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Small Animal Care

Page 1: Small Animal Care

Small Animal Care

Michael Lavoie B.S.Middlesex Community College

Veterinary Assistant ProgramOctober 2011

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Breeds- Dogs

American Kennel Club (AKC)

155 Breeds of dogs Seven categories

Working dogs Sporting dogs Hounds Toys Terriers Nonsporting dogs Herding dogs

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Breeds to Know- dog

Golden Retriever Boxer Poodle Greyhound Great Dane Border Collie Labrador Retriever Airdale Chihuahua Dachshund

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Breeds- Cats

Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) Promotes the health and

responsible breeding of cats 30 different breeds recognized US= over 70 million cats as

pets Longhair or shorthair Miscellaneous breeds The domestic cat Variety of sizes (5-25 pounds)

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Breeds to know- cats

Siamese Ragdoll Siberian Abyssinian Maine Coon Scottish Fold Persian Devon Rex Exotic Shorthair

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Vaccinations

Provide Protection from common diseasesCats and dogs receive a vaccine series, or

multiple vaccines, in one doseVaccine series= series of letters that

represent the disease from which the vaccine protects against

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Vaccinations- Dog

Start at 6-8 weeks of age Given multiple times-

boosters- to build up the immune system’s protection

Boosters are given approximately 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age

Adult vaccinations are scheduled every 1-3 years.

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DHLPPC- dog

Most common series in dogsKnown as the “distemper” vaccinesD= distemperH= hepatitisL= leptospirosisP= parainfluenzaP= parvo virusC= corona virus

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Rabies vaccine (RV)- Dogs

Given between 12-16 weeks of age“rabies on the right”Valid for 1-3 weeksBooster yearly or moreRequired by law

Be familiar with the laws of the state that you are working in

Rabies tag and certificate given to the owner at the time of vaccine

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Other vaccines- dog

Lyme disease Kennel cough

(bordetella) Become familiar with

the vaccines offered by the clinic you are working in

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Vaccinations- cats

Start at 6-8 weeks of ageGiven multiple times- boosters- to build up

the immune system’s protectionBoosters are given approximately 3-4

weeks apart up until 16 weeks of ageAdult vaccination schedule every 1-3

years

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FVRCP- Cat

Most common feline vaccine series

The “distemper” series

FVR= Feline Viral Rhinotracetis

C= calicivirus P= panleukopenia

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Rabies vaccine (RV)- cat

Given at 16 weeks of age“rabies on the right”Rabies tag and certificate given to the

owner at time of vaccineFamiliarize yourself with your state lawsYearly booster3yr vaccine

fibrosarcoma

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Other Vaccines- cat

Vaccines against other feline diseasesFeline leukemia (FeLV)

Indoor cats vs. outdoor cats

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)Be familiar with vaccines offered by the

clinic you are working in

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How vaccines are given

Subcutaneous (SQ) Under the skin Easier to administer Most frequently used for vaccines and antibiotics

Intramuscular (IM) Into a muscle Placed deeper into the body Many different sites/muscle groups

Be familiar with your clinic’s practices

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An injection/vaccination

Need a needle and syringe

Select the proper size of the syringe and needle

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Selecting a syringe size

Select a syringe that has a volume slightly larger than the dose being administered

Allows for space to remove any air bubbles that may be drawn into the syringe

Allows space for aspiration

A vaccine is typically 1 mL so a 3 mL syringe would be an appropriate choicem

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Selecting a needle size

Needle size or gauge Patient size Rate at which the injection is being administered Thickness of the liquid being administered Measured by the diameter of the needle The greater the diameter of the needle, the

lower the gauge size A 20 gauge needle has a greater diameter than the 25

gauge needle

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Needle gauge- continued

More rapid administration- lower gauge needle

A thick liquid drug (viscous)- lower gauge needle

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Selecting needle length

Type of injection Depth of the

medication will be administered

Short length needle; cats, thin skinned

Longer needle for an IM injection

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Some things to remember:

Handle syringes and needles with care

Avoid contamination Clean injection vial with

alcohol prior to inserting needle

Never mix liquids in the same syringe unless otherwise instructed (label)

Label syringes with: Drug or vaccine type/name Amount or dose prepared Date Patient name Your initials

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Aspiration

Process of a syringe when the plunger is drawn back slightly to make certain no blood vessel has been accidently penetrated prior to administering an injection

Done immediately prior to injecting an medication into a patient, regardless of route

Avoid accidental injection of a medication into the blood stream

“draw back”

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Vaccine reconstitution

Select appropriate syringe size and needle gauge/length Hold vial upside down in one hand while other hand

controls the syringe which is pointing upward into the vial Needle should penetrate the rubber stopper of the vial at

the level of medication Pull the plunger of the syringe back to withdraw the

proper amount of contents Withdraw the needle from the vial Tap or snap with the finger to remove any air bubbles Or gently push on the end of the plunger

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Vaccine reconstitution- continued

Hold vial in one hand and use your other hand to use the needle to puncture the top of the vial

Put gentle pressure on the plunger to inject the syringe contents into the vial

Once all the liquid is expelled from the needle gently shake the now reconstituted vial

Once all of the powder is mixed well with the liquid you then pull back the plunger to withdraw the contents at the level of the reconstituted vaccine

Withdraw the needle from the vial Snap or tap with a finger to remove any air bubbles Or gently push on the end of the plunger Recap the needle and label the syringe appropriately

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Subcutaneous injections (SQ)

Easiest to administer Most frequently used site for vaccinations Most common site- loose skin over the base of

the neck and between the shoulder blade Clean site with alcohol Hold the syringe with one hand and the free

hand pinches the skin over the shoulder blades and lift gently to form a triangle or tent

Insert the needle at the base of the tent parallel to the body

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SQ injections- continued

Short needle- fully insert Long needle may only be partially inserted Once the needle is placed, release the skin Use your free hand to palpate the needle below the skin

(note that the needle has gone through the skin) Aspirate the end of the plunger If no blood enters the syringe administer the injection Withdraw the needle and place in a sharps container Rub the injection site

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Don’t forget…

After the injection PRAISE the patientTry to keep positiveDistract puppies with treatsDistract kittens with treatsMake it as pleasant as possible especially

with young and impressionable patients

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SQ Injections

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IM injections

Given into a muscleMany different sites

Quadriceps: the cranial part of the thigh (hind leg)

Hamstrings: mid to distal part of the thigh (hind leg

Epaxials: band of muscles along either side of the spinal column near the back end of the animal

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SQ vs. IM injections

SQ Usually well tolerated Very common site for

vaccines No risk of injuring the

sciatic nerve

IM More rapid onset Patient may react

more to injection Risk of injury to

sciatic nerve with hamstring/quadriceps injection

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Caution

Caution must be taken with giving an IM injection in the hamstring or quadriceps of the thigh

Sciatic nerve- can be easily injected= irreversable damage and potential paralysis

Alternate sites to avoid pain and trauma

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IM injection

Hold the syringe/needle like a dart Direct the needle below the skin parallel into the

muscle mass (be careful not to inject as you are placing the needle)

Aspirate the plunger on the syringe Inject the substance slowly if no blood is noted Withdraw the needle and place in a sharps

container Massage the area and praise the patient

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Quadriceps/Hamstrings

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Epaxial Muscles

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Intravenous (IV) injections

Administering directly into a veinUsed for fluids or medications that must

rapidly reach high blood levels or if given another route is irritating to the skin or tissue or insufficiently absorbed

Dog: cephalic, lateral saphenousCat: medial saphenous, cephalic, femoral

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Oral medications

Administration of food or medication by direct placement into the oral cavity

Easily performed (usually)Liquids, capsules, tablets, pasteHyperextend the neckDon’t get bitCan use your fingers, pill pockets, small

amounts of food, syringe, “pill guns”

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Rectal medications

Way to administer therapeutics to a patient that cannot tolerate oral medications or to deliver an enema

Enema: given to constipated animals in encourage defecation Specific fluids, volumes, and tubes to be used Retention enemas

Valium administration to seizuring patients at home

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Sharps

“Sharps”; sharp instruments and equipment that can injure a human or animal May cause a wound or cut Possible transmission of a contagious disease

due to contamination Needles, glass, surgical blades Sharps containers: prevent contamination and

spread of disease Need proper disposal/incineration

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Anal glands

Scent glandsLocated on either side of the rectumSacs that hold small amounts of fluids

from a bowel movementEventually fill and put pressure on the

rectumSometimes expressed during a bowel

movement

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Signs the anal glands need expression

Scooting their rear on the floorExcessive licking at the rectumDiscomfort in the rectal areaCan be expressed internally or externally

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Anal gland location

Sacs located on either side of the rectumLocated at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock

positions

Odorous fluids

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External anal gland expression

Will need exam gloves, paper towels, soapy water or waterless shampoo

Locate the sacs on either side of the rectum Gently apply pressure to the sac area by

massaging the site using your thumb and pointer finger

Sacs should press against each other and release the fluid

*do not stand behind the dog *odorous fluid may project several feet Clean rectal area

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Internal anal gland expression

Performed by a veterinarian or veterinary technician

Glands may become impacted (difficult to express due to thickening)

Expression of the sacs via the inside of the rectum Wear gloves with lubricated finger Place finger just inside the rectum Locate each sac separately and “milk” the contents out Clean the rectal area

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Bathing

Clean the skin and hair coat of the animal

To apply medicated shampoos or dips to the skin and hair coat

Removes dirt and debris from the skin and hair with the use of shampoo, conditioner or water

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Dipping

Process of applying a chemical pesticide or medication to the skin and hair coat to treat a specific condition

Remain on the skin and hair coat for a period of time to allow them to work as specified (see label instructions)

Fleas, ticks, and mites

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Bathing- continued

Warm waterBathe most dogs/cats every few monthsCareful not to over bathe= strips natural

oils and skin can dry out to become flakyUse a protective eye ointment to lubricate

and prevent injury from shampoo and/or water

Place cotton balls in ears

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Secure bathing

Use a leashHarnessSecure leash to bath area or hold securely

in one handGet help if needed*NEVER leave the patient unattended

when tied in a bathing area.

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Bathing- continued

Wet haircoat thoroughly with warm water

Include the digits, around the rectum and genital area, ears, axillary areas, care around face

Massage shampoo and conditioner into the skin

Keep conditioner on longer (5-10 minutes)

Rinse thoroughly Squeeze excessive water

from coat

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Bathing - Continued

Dry with a towel Dry with hair dryer or cage dryer; high powered

dryer Watch dryer temperature settings to avoid thermal

burns- monitor closely Comb out hair during drying process Make sure all areas are dry (ear flaps, digits,

under the tail) After the patient is dry, comb and brush out Place patient in a clean area and clean the

grooming area

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Bathing- personal protection

Wear an apron or water resistant coatWear goggles or glasses to protect your

eyes

*CAREFUL* when bathing cats Generally do not enjoy bathing/water Avoid injuries to both patient and personnel

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Basic nutrition

All animals require food to live, survive, reproduce and work

Each animal species has needs and requirements based on: Age Health Genetic makeup Work and activity level Animal’s environment

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Nutrition - continued

Nutrient: any single class of food or group of like foods that aid in the support of life, makes in possible for growth, provides energy for physiological processes in life

Ration: amount of food required per day (24 hrs) Fed as one meal or more

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Nutrition - continued

Balanced ration: diet that contains all the nutrients required by an animal in correct and specific amounts

Understand the correct rations for various species of animals

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Essential nutrients

WaterCarbohydratesFatsProteinsVitaminsminerals

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Water

Makes up more than 75% of an animal’s body Newborns= 90% of body weight is water Controls body temperature Maintains body shape Transports nutrients within the body’s cells Aids in food digestion Breaks down food particles Carries waste products

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Water- continued

Makes up major part of all body fluids- urine, feces, sweat, blood, lung vapors

“most critical nutrients in an animal’s diet” 20% water loss and patient may die Cannot live long without water

Dehydration: water loss through vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, panting and lactation Can be a serious problem

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Carbohydrates

Provide energy for body fuctions and allow for body structure formation

Compose about 75% of an animal’s food supply Starches, sugars, fiber materials Combos of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen Required on a daily basis- not stored in the body Can be converted into fats Maintain blood sugar levels, store fat,

metabolism, and create lactose in milk

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Starches

Plant or grain materialsProvide fibers and bulkConvert to sugar during digestionOats, corn, cereal grains

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Sugars

Simplest example of nutrient in an animal’s diet

Fruits, milkSimple or monosaccharides (glucose)Double or disaccharides (table sugar)Polysaccharides (chain of simple sugars)Easily digested in the stomach and

intestine

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Fiber

From plant cellsLeft after other nutrients are digestedAids in the digestion of food and helps

produce positive bacteriaHay, grassHelps to slow down the process of

digestion and helps protect the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract

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Fats

Concentrated source of energy Highest amount of energy of all nutrients Found in every cell Provide insulation Protect vital organs Flavor in food Energy reserves Form cholesterol, steroids and other hormones

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Fats- continued

Absence- hair and skin problems Increased amounts- obesity and other health

problems Measured by calories (defines energy in food) Animal feed measured in kilocalories (kcal) Fat increases palatability Fatty acids (oils- products of fat sources)

Essential- necessary in diet and produce natural hormones

Nonessential- not necessary; used as additions to diets

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Proteins

Essential for growth and tissue repair Helps in the formation and development of muscles,

internal organs, skin, hair, hoofs, horns and feathers Forms the basis of the structure and function of cells Vital to growth and development of young animals and in

reproduction and breeding Amino acids- building blocks of proteins (10 are

essential) Eggs, milk, meat, fish Beware of protein deficiency

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Minerals

Found mostly in bones and teeth Calcium- 50% of the body’s mineral source Found in blood and tissue Maintains regular rates (heart rate, respiration

rate) Macro minerals- needed in large amounts

(calcium, iron, phosphorous) Micro minerals- needed in small amounts

(sodium, potassium, magnesium); aka trace minerals

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Vitamins

Needed in small amounts for the life and health maintenance

Provide a defense against disease Promote growth and reproduction Regulate body functions Antioxidants- boost the immune system Fat soluble- stored in fat and released when

needed (A, D, E, K) Water soluble- not stored in the body and are

dissolved in water, needed daily (C, D)

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Types of diets

GrowthMaintenanceReproductiveLactationWorkReduced caloriesenior

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Growth diets

Specialized and formulated to: Increase the size of the

muscles, bones, organs and body weight

Large amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals

Each animal will have specific needs and requirements

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Maintenance diets

Given to adult animals that are in the prime age and health

Goal is to keep a specific body weightHigh in fats and carbohydratesSmall amounts of proteins, vitamins, and

minerals

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Reproductive diets

Given to breeding animals for additional nutrient needs

Increase energy needs for beginning the lactation phase and embryonic formation

First trimester of pregnancy is most criticalQuality sperm production

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Lactation diets

Provided to lactating females who are nursing young

Large amounts of water, high amounts of protein, vitamins and minerals

Calcium and phosphorous improve the milks quality and quantity

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Work diets

For animals that use a large amount of energy for some type of work activity

Increased carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals

Show animals, hunting dogs, draft animals, competition animals

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Reduced calorie diets

Are used for overweight or less active animals

Specific for low energy needs

Decreased amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins

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Senior diets

Specific to age and healthFormulated for geriatric animals over a

specific age for their speciesLow in carbs and fatsModerate in protein (healthy bone and

skeletal mass)Increased vitamins and minerals (protects

body and immune system)

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Ideal Weight

The breed standard is based on the animal’s age, species, breed, purpose, or use and health

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Body Condition Scoring

An ideal body appearance

Rating on how an animal appears in looks based on an ideal weight

Scale of 1-10; 5 being average

Larger than ideal- overweight or obese 7-10

Thin; lack of body fat- <4

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Feeding schedules

Free choice- good for livestock, animals eat whenever they want

Scheduled feedings- most companion animals, a set of amount of food given at specific times during the day

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Questions?