Title Details

Candyce M. Jack, LVT, has a Bachelor of Science in zoology from the University of Washington and an associate degree in veterinary technology from Pierce Community College. She is currently licensed and working in Washington State and is a member of her state and national technician associations.

Patricia M. Watson, LVT/Hospital Manager, has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from James Madison University and an associate degree in veterinary technology from Pierce Community College. She is currently licensed and working in Washington State and is a member of her state and national technician associations.

Consulting Editor
Valissitie Heeren, DVM, is an Associate Veterinarian at Seattle Veterinary Associates in Seattle, WA.

Figure List xix

Preface xxv

Acknowledgments xxvii

Contributors xxix

About the Companion Website xxxi

Section One: Anatomy 3

Chapter 1: Anatomy 5

Anatomy 6

Overall 6

Musculature 8

Skeletal 8

Internal Organs 9

Circulatory System 11

Nervous System 13

Urogenital System 14

Eye 16

Ear 16

Section Two: Preventative Care 17

Chapter 2: Preventative Care and Vaccinations 19

Physical Examinations 21

Initial Examination 21

Physical Examination 23

Pediatric Physical Examination 26

Normal Parturition 29

Geriatric Physical Examination 30

Cardiac Examination 31

Pulmonary Examination 33

Abdominal Examination 34

Otoscopic Examination 34

Regional Lymph Node Examination 35

Neurological Examination 35

Orthopedic Examination 39

Vaccinations 40

Guidelines to Follow When Vaccinating an Animal 40

Canine Vaccination Protocol 41

Feline Vaccination Protocol 42

Canine Transmissible Diseases 43

Corona Virus, Distemper 43

Hepatitis, Infectious Tracheobronchitis 45

Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease 47

Parvovirus, Rabies 48

Feline Transmissible Diseases 50

Feline Calicivirus 50

Feline Infectious Peritonitis 51

Feline Panleukopenia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus 53

Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus 54

Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis 56

Animal Care 57

Client Education: Home Dental Care 58

Grooming 59

Bathing 59

Nail Trimming 60

Anal Sac Expression 61

Ear Cleaning and Flushing 62

Chapter 3: Nutrition 63

General Nutrition 65

Patient Evaluation 65

Diet History 65

Body Condition Scoring System 67

Daily Caloric Requirement Worksheet for a Healthy Animal 68

General Life Stage Feeding Guidelines 70

Key Nutritional Factors (Calculated on a Dry Matter Basis) for Puppies and Kittens 72

Feeding Methods 72

Feeding Methods 72

Feeding the Reluctant Eater 72

Feeding the Overexcited Eater 73

Pet Food Evaluation 74

Pet Food Label Evaluation 74

Comparing Nutrient Levels on a Dry Matter Basis Worksheet 75

Estimating and Comparing Calorie Content Worksheet 76

Home-Prepared Diets 77

Nutraceuticals 77

Common Nutraceuticals 78

Disease Nutritional Requirements 79

Obesity Management 84

Weight Loss Plan Worksheet 85

Nutritional Support 86

Enteral Nutrition 86

Coax Feeding and Orogastric Tube 86

Nasoesophageal and Nasogastric Tube 87

Esophagostomy Tube 89

Gastrotomy Tube: Without Gastropexy 90

Gastrotomy Tube: With Gastropexy 91

Jejunostomy Tube 93

Feeding Tube Options 94

Enteral Nutrition Administration 94

Enteral Nutrition Administration 95

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) 96

Parenteral Nutrition 97

Parenteral Nutrition Administration 98

Worksheet: Calculation of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) 99

Worksheet: Calculation of Peripheral or Partial Parenteral Nutrition (PPN) 100

Section Three: Diagnostic Skills 101

Chapter 4: Laboratory 103

Blood Chemistries 107

Blood Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 107

Collection 107

Complications 107

Handling 107

Storage 108

Transport 108

Blood Collection Tubes 108

Blood Chemistries 109

Bone Marrow Evaluation 119

Bone Marrow Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 119

Collection 119

Handling 119

Smear Techniques 119

Storage 120

Transport 120

Evaluation 120

Bone Marrow Evaluation 120

Cell Type Identifi cation 124

Interpretation 126

Cytology 126

Cytology Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 126

Collection 126

Collection Techniques 126

FNB Needle and Syringe Selection 127

Handling 128

Smear Techniques 128

Storage 130

Transport 130

Cytology Evaluation 130

Cytologic Criteria of Malignancy 132

Specific Tumor Cells 136

Interpretation 141

Buffy Coat Evaluation 143

Effusion Cytology 145

Fecal Cytology 146

Fecal Cytology 147

Vaginal Cytology 149

Classifying Vaginal Cells 149

Staging the Estrus Cycle 151

Function Tests 153

Function Tests 153

Hematology 160

Complete Blood Count 160

Hemacytometer Use 164

Calculating a Differential 164

Blood Smear Evaluation 164

RBC Morphology and Alterations 165

RBC Alterations and Morphology 165

WBC Morphology and Alterations 172

WBC Morphology 173

WBC Alterations 174

WBC Left Shift 179

Platelet Morphology and Alterations 179

Platelet Alterations 179

Coagulation Tests 179

Coagulation Screening 180

Coagulation Tests 181

Blood Transfusions 184

Crossmatching 184

Blood Typing 185

Immunology and Serology Tests 186

Immunology and Serology Tests 186

Microbiology 188

Microbiology Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 188

Collection 188

Collection Techniques 188

Handling 189

Storage 189

Specimen Storage 189

Transport 190

Most Commonly Used Culture Media 191

Culture Media Inoculation and Incubation 192

Culture Growth Evaluation 194

Staining Solutions and Procedures 195

Staining Problems 198

Bacteria Identifi cation 198

Fungi Identification 201

Parasitology 203

Fecal Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 203

Collection 203

Handling 203

Storage 203

Transport 203

Fecal Evaluation 204

Endoparasite Examination Methods 204

Fecal Flotation Solutions 207

Endoparasites 208

Blood Parasite Examination Methods 218

Ectoparasite Examination Methods 219

Ectoparasites 220

Urinalysis 224

Urine Collection, Handling, Storage, and Transport Tips 224

Collection 224

Handling 224

Storage 224

Transport 225

Urine Examination/Urinalysis 225

Gross Examination 225

Chemistry Strip Examination 227

Sediment Examination 229

Sediment Examination 229

Urine Artifacts 242

Urine Artifacts 242

Chapter 5: Imaging 243

Radiology 245

Radiographic Equipment 246

Radiographic Exposure and Image Factors 247

Radiographic Technique Chart 248

Veterinary X-Ray Technique Chart 249

Evaluating Radiograph Technique 250

Exposure Evaluation 250

Density Evaluation 251

Scale of Contrast Evaluation 251

Radiographic Alterations 253

Radiographic Artifacts 255

Radiographic Positioning 255

Directional Terms 256

Positional Terms 256

Abdomen 257

Head Positioning 258

Nasal Cavities and Sinuses 258

Nasal Cavities and Sinuses (Continued) 259

Pharynx 259

Skull 260

Temporomandibular Joint 261

Tympanic Bullae 261

Zygomatic Arch 262

Spine Positioning 262

Cervical 264

Thoracic–Lumbar 266

Sacrum—Caudal 268

Shoulder and Forelimb Positioning 269

Scapula–Shoulder 269

Humerus 270

Elbow 271

Radius, Ulna, and Carpus 273

Metacarpus and Phalanges 274

Pelvis and Hind Limb Positioning 275

Pelvis 275

Femur, Stifles, Tibia, and Fibula 277

Tarsus and Metatarsals 279

Thorax 280

Radiographic Contrast Studies 281

Types of Contrast Media 282

Radiographic Contrast Studies 283

Fistulography 283

Abdominal Contrast Studies 283

Peritoneography 283

Gastrointestinal Tract Contrast Studies 284

Esophagography and Gastrography 284

Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Study 286

Head Contrast Studies 288

Dacryocystorhinography and Sialography 288

Spinal and Joint Contrast Studies 289

Myelography and Epidurography 289

Discography and Arthrography 290

Urethra Contrast Studies 291

Urethrography 291

Vaginal Contrast Studies 293

Vaginography 293

Urinary Tract Contrast Studies 294

IVP 294

Cystography 295

Additional Imaging Techniques 297

Computed Tomography and

Echocardiography 297

Fluoroscopy 298

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Medicine 298

Ultrasonography 299

Ultrasonography 299

Basic Scanning Technique 300

Sites for Ultrasound Scanning 300

Interventional Radiology 302

Chapter 6: General Medicine 303

Cardiopulmonary 307

Asthma and Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome 307

Bronchitis and Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic 309

Cardiomyopathy, Dilated 312

Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive and Congenital Heart Diseases 314

Endocardiosis and Heartworm Disease 316

Congestive Heart Failure 319

Hypertension 321

Myocarditis and Pleural Effusion 323

Pneumonia 325

Rhinitis and Sinusitis and Tracheal Collapse 326

Dermatology 328

Acne 328

Acral Lick Dermatitis, Atopy, and Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) 330

Food Hypersensitivity and Otitis Externa 332

Pyoderma 334

Endocrinology and Reproduction 336

Abortion and Diabetes Insipidus 336

Diabetes Mellitus 338

Dystocia and Eclampsia 340

Hyperadrenocorticism and Hyperparathyroidism 341

Hyperthyroidism and Hypoadrenocorticism 344

Hypoparathyroidism and Hypothyroidism 346

Mastitis 348

Pregnancy and Pyometra 349

Gastroenterology 351

Anal Sac Disease and Cholangitis and Cholangiohepatitis 351

Constipation and Megacolon 353

Diarrhea 355

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) 357

Hepatic Disease and Failure 359

Hepatic Lipidosis and Infl ammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 361

Megaesophagus 363

Pancreatitis and Peritonitis 365

Protein-Losing Enteropathy and Vomiting 367

Hematology 369

Anemia and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) 369

Thrombocytopenia and von Willebrand’s Disease 371

Infectious Diseases 373

Brucellosis and Erlichiosis 373

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Salmon Poisoning 375

Tetanus and Toxoplasmosis 377

Musculoskeletal 379

Arthritis 379

Cruciate Disease and Hip Dysplasia 381

Osteochondrosis and Osteomyelitis 383

Panosteitis and Patella Luxation 385

Neurology 386

Encephalitis and Epilepsy 386

Intervertebral Disk Disease and Meningitis 389

Myasthenia Gravis and Myelopathy 391

Vestibular Disease and Wobbler Syndrome 393

Oncology 395

Neoplasia 395

Histiocytoma, Mammary Gland Neoplasia, and Mast Cell Tumor 397

Various Neoplasias 399

Ophthalmology 407

Anterior Uveitis and Cataracts 407

Conjunctivitis and Entropion 409

Cilia Disorders and Glaucoma 411

Keratitis and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) 413

Lens Luxation and Prolapsed Gland of the Third Eyelid 415

Urology 417

Cystic Calculi, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), and Pyelonephritis 417

Renal Failure 420

Urinary Tract Obstruction and Urinary Tract Infection 423

Chapter 7: Emergency Medicine 425

Emergency Medicine 427

Medical Preparedness 427

Emergency Supplies 427

Telephone Assessment and Emergency Transportation Recommendations 430

Inducing Vomiting at Home 432

Triage 432

Primary Survey 433

Modifi ed Heimlich Maneuver 434

Hemostasis 435

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) 436

Secondary Survey 443

Shock 444

Types of Shock 445

Cardiovascular Emergencies 447

Environmental Emergencies 448

Gastrointestinal Emergencies 449

Hematologic Emergencies 450

Metabolic and Endocrine Emergencies 451

Neonate and Pediatric Emergencies 452

Neurological Emergencies 453

Ophthalmic Emergencies 454

Renal and Urinary Emergencies 455

Reproductive and Genital Emergencies 456

Respiratory Emergencies 457

Toxicologic Emergencies 458

Toxins 459

Trauma Emergencies 462

Section Four: Patient Care Skills 463

Chapter 8: Patient Care Skills 465

Patient Care 468

Monitoring Levels 468

Hospitalized Patient Care 469

Neonatal and Pediatric Care 471

Heat Administration 474

Cold Administration 475

Recumbent Patient Care 476

Medical Nursing 477

Patient Monitoring 477

Blood Pressure 477

Blood Pressure Procedure 478

Blood Pressure Evaluation 479

Central Venous Pressure 479

Passive Test 479

Active Test 479

Central Venous Pressure 480

Blood Gas Analysis 481

Blood Gas Analysis 481

Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation 482

Acid–Base Disturbances 483

Electrocardiogram 483

ECG Procedure 483

ECG Leads 485

ECG Interpretation 486

Normal Canine ECG 488

Heart Rate Calculation 489

Common Rhythm Abnormalities 490

Atrial Premature Contraction/Complex 492

S-T Elevation 492

Ventricular Premature Contraction/Complex 493

ECG Problems and Artifacts 494

Venipuncture 494

Venipuncture Vein Choice 495

Blood Sampling 495

Venous Blood Collection Techniques 496

Drug Administration 497

Injections 497

Intravenous Catheter Placement 498

Peripheral and Jugular 498

Arterial and Intraosseous 500

Monitoring and Maintenance 501

Chemotherapy 502

Chemotherapy Administration 502

Extravasation Injury 505

Chemotherapy Toxicity 506

Client Education: Monitoring Treatment Response 509

Insulin Therapy 510

Insulin Types 510

Insulin Handling 510

Insulin Dilution 510

Insulin Syringes 511

Blood Glucose Curve 511

Insulin Constant Rate Infusions (CRI) 511

Client Education: Insulin Administration 512

Client Education: Monitoring Insulin Response 513

Client Education: Monitoring for Hypoglycemia 514

Fluid Therapy 514

Hydration Assessment 515

Calculating Fluid Requirements 517

Routes of Fluid Administration 518

Commonly Used Fluids 519

Fluid Additives 521

Calculating Drip Rates 522

Monitoring Fluid Therapy 522

Blood Transfusions 524

Blood Types 524

Feline Blood Types 524

Blood Collection 525

Blood Products 527

Blood Administration 529

Blood Transfusion Reactions 530

Oxygen Therapy 531

Oxygen Administration 531

Routes of Oxygen Administration 532

Oxygen Hood and Nasal Catheter 532

Transtracheal and Tracheostomy 533

Chapter 9: Pain Management 535

Pain Management 537

Pain Management Myths 537

Types of Pain 537

Acute and Chronic Pain 537

Chronic Pain Evaluation 538

Pain Assessment 539

Expected Pain Associated with Illness, Injury, and Surgical and Hospital Procedures 539

Pain Scales 540

Instructions for Using the CSU Acute Pain Scale 542

Behaviors Suggesting Pain and Anxiety 545

Patient Follow-Up 548

Pain Management Drugs 548

Pain Management Drugs 549

Pain Management Techniques 555

Local Anesthesia 555

Constant Rate Infusions 555

Constant Rate Infusions Drugs 556

Constant Rate Infusion Calculations 558

Constant Rate Infusion Tips 559

Setting up an MLK Constant Rate Infusion 559

Nondrug Approach to Pain Management 560

Nondrug Approach 560

Patient Care to Decrease Pain and Anxiety 561

Chapter 10: Wound Care and Bandaging 563

Wound Treatment and Bandaging 565

Wound Healing Process 565

Classifi cation of Wounds 566

Factors Affecting the Healing Process 567

Wound Care 568

Client Education: Drain Care 570

Wound Cleaning Solutions 571

Topical Wound Medications 572

Wound Therapy 574

Wound Bandaging 575

General Bandaging Tips 577

Client Education: Bandage Care 578

Bandages 578

Head or Ear Bandage 578

Chest/Abdominal Bandage 579

Extremity Bandage 581

Robert Jones Bandage 587

Tail Bandage 589

Tie-Over Bandage 590

Splints and Casts 591

Distal Limb Splint 591

Casts 592

Slings 593

Ehmer Sling 593

90-90 Flexion 595

Velpeau Sling 596

Hobbles 597

Chapter 11: Medical Procedures 599

Bone Marrow Collection 601

Bone Marrow Collection 601

Gastrointestinal Procedures 603

Stomach Tube and Gastric Lavage 603

Gastrointestinal Tube Placement Verification 604

Abdominocentesis and Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage 604

Enema, Warm Water, DSS 605

Ophthalmic Procedures 606

Schirmer’s Tear Test, Fluorescein Sodium Stain, and Tonometry 606

Respiratory Procedures 607

Thoracocentesis and Thoracostomy Tube Placement 607

Nebulization, Coupage, and Metered-Dose Inhalers 608

Urogenital Procedures 609

Urine Collection: Voided, Manual Expression, and Cystocentesis 609

Urine Collection 610

Urine Collection Devices 610

Urinary Catheterization 611

Urinary Catheter Maintenance 612

Section Five: Anesthesia and Anesthetic Procedures 613

Chapter 12: Anesthesia 615

Guidelines for Safe Anesthesia 617

Preanesthesia 619

Preanesthetic Evaluation 619

Preanesthetic Drugs 620

Steps to Choosing a Preanesthetic Combination 621

Anesthesia 621

Anesthetic Equipment 621

Anesthetic Machine 621

Anesthetic Machine Setup 623

Dead Space 624

Anesthetic Breathing Systems 625

Ventilation 626

Ventilator Machine Setup 628

Ventilation Administration 628

Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation 630

Anesthetic Administration 630

General Anesthesia Induction 630

Endotracheal Intubation 632

Anesthetic Induction Complications 634

Local and Regional Anesthesia 635

Commonly Used Local Anesthetics 635

Local Anesthetic Uses 636

Perioperative 642

Anesthetic Monitoring 642

Patient Care 642

Stages of Anesthesia 644

Anesthesia Monitoring 646

Capnograph Waveforms 654

Postanesthetic 655

Recovery 655

Stages of Anesthesia Recovery 656

Postanesthetic Monitoring 658

Case-Based Anesthesia 661

Anesthetic Drugs 669

Preanesthetic Drugs 669

Anticholinergics, General Information 669

Anticholinergic Drugs 669

Phenothiazines, General Information 670

Phenothiazine Drugs 670

Benzodiazepines, General Information 671

Benzodiazepines 671

Alpha-2 Agonists, General Information 672

Alpha-2 Agonist Drugs 673

Opioids, General Information 674

Opioid Drugs 675

Injectable Induction Anesthetics 677

Barbiturates, General Information 677

Barbiturate Drugs 678

Cyclohexamines, General Information 679

Cyclohexamine Drugs 680

Propofol, General Information 681

Propofol 681

Alfaxalone, General Information 682

Alfaxalone 682

Etomidate, General Information 683

Etomidate 683

Inhalant Anesthetics 684

Inhalant Anesthetics, General Information 684

Inhalant Anesthetic Agents: Isoflurane and Sevoflurane 685

Inhalant Anesthetics: Desflurane 686

Chapter 13: Dentistry 687

Dentistry 689

Anatomy 689

Dental Instruments and Equipment 692

Handheld Instruments 692

Instrument Maintenance 692

Sharpening Technique 693

Mechanical Instruments 693

Dental Prophylaxis 694

Dental Cleaning Procedure 694

Dental Charting 697

Common Dental Disorders 702

Anatomical Disorders 702

Pathological Disorders 703

Radiology 704

Equipment 704

Technique Chart 705

Radiographic Film 705

Radiographic Techniques 706

Radiographic Positioning 706

Extractions 711

Extraction Procedures 711

Local Dental Nerve Blocks 712

Root Canal Treatment 715

Mixing ZOE and Notes on Gutta-percha 716

Vital Pulpotomy 716

Chapter 14: Surgery 717

Instrument Packs 720

Packing Instrument Packs 721

Folding Gowns for Sterilization 721

Folding Drapes for Sterilization 724

Wrapping Packs for Sterilization 725

Patient Preoperative Protocol 728

Surgical Preparation 730

Surgical Procedures 731

Abdominal Surgery 731

Abdominal Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Hepatectomy 733

Splenectomy 734

Aural Surgery 734

Aural Hematoma, Lateral Ear Canal Resection 735

Gastrointestinal Surgery 736

Anal Sacculectomy, Enterotomy 736

Gastric Dilation Volvulus and Gastrotomy 737

Intestinal Resection and Anastomosis 738

Integument Surgery 738

Abscess and Laceration 739

Mass Removal and Onychectomy 740

Neurological Surgery 741

Disk Fenestration, Dorsal Laminectomy, and Hemilaminectomy 742

Ophthalmic Surgery 743

Cataracts, Ectropion, and Entropion 744

Conjunctival Flap and Enucleation 745

Glaucoma and Nictitating Membrane Flap Replacement 745

Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid and Traumatic Proptosis 746

Orthopedic Surgery 746

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Rupture, Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO), and Fracture Repair 747

Patellar Luxation, Total Hip Replacement, and Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) 748

Reproductive Tract Surgery 749

Cesarean Section, Orchiectomy, and Ovariohysterectomy 749

Neonatal Resuscitation Postcesarean 751

Postoperative Care of Neonates and the Dam 752

Thoracic Surgery 753

Sternotomy, Thoracotomy, Intercostal 754

Upper Respiratory Surgery 755

Stenotic Nares, Elongated Soft Palate, Everted Laryngeal Saccules 755

Laryngeal Paralysis/Tracheal Collapse 756

Urogenital Tract Surgery 756

Cystotomy and Urethostomy 757

Urethostomy 758

Suture Techniques 758

Suture Patterns 759

Knot Tying 760

Postoperative Care Protocol 760

Standard Postoperative Care Instructions 760

Preventing Self-Trauma 761

Alternative Surgical Options 761

Endoscopy 761

Flexible Gastrointestinal (GI) and Rigid 761

Laser Surgery 763

Radiation Therapy 764

Teletherapy, Brachytherapy and Systemic Therapy 764

Temperature Therapy 765

Hyperthermia and Cryosurgery 765

Section Six: Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacology 767

Chapter 15: Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine 769

Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine 770

Physical Rehabilitation 770

Benefi ts of Physical Rehabilitation 771

Physical Rehabilitation 773

Electric Stimulation Therapy 775

Laser Therapy 775

Magnetic Field Therapy 776

Temperature Therapy 777

Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy 778

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 778

Ayurveda and Chiropractic 780

Flower Essences and Homeopathy 781

Homotoxicology and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 782

Prolotherapy and Western Herbal Medicine 783

Chapter 16: Pharmacology 785

Basic Calculations 786

Appendix 825

Metric Units 825

Weights 826

Liquid Measure 826

Length 827

Kilograms to Body Surface Area 827

Disinfectants 828

Temperature Conversion 831

Abbreviations 833

Glossary 839

Bibliography 855

Index 869

Color plate section is found between pages 612 and 613.

“Veterinary technicians will find this book to be a very good quick reference, and as such, it warrants purchase by any small animal practice. Veterinary technician students will also find it a useful resource.”  (JAVMA, 15 December 2014)

“Overall ‘Veterinary Technician’s Daily Reference Guide’ lives up to its title; it is a quick reference guide to dayto-day procedures and techniques used within a busy veterinary practice. I would recommend having this book on your shelf in addition to other veterinary nursing textbooks.”  (Veterinary Record, 26 July 2014)