Veterinary Exam Review

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to veterinary practices, animal welfare, and surgical assisting.

Circus

A variety show with animal and human performers.

Exotic Animal

An animal not native to the area where it is raised and may be rarely found in its natural habitat.

Invasive

Animals that spread prolifically in an area and are undesirable or harmful.

Management Area

A protected area set aside for the conservation of wildlife and for recreational activities involving wildlife.

Native

Indigenous or originating in a specific area.

Non-Native

Not indigenous or originating in a specific area.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

The largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 9 million members and supporters globally.

Urbanization

Disappearance of wildlife due to loss of land, food, and other habitat resources as people take over their land.

USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The federal agency that proposes programs and implements policies and regulations related to American farming, forestry, ranching, food quality, and nutrition.

Wildlife Management

The practice of researching the needs of wildlife, providing them the essentials, and monitoring their survival.

Zoo

Zoological garden that houses wild and exotic animals and plants for people to visit and observe.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Responsible for conserving and managing fish and wildlife as well as their habitats.

Animal Welfare Act

Legislation that asserts animals should be treated humanely.

Class IV Wildlife

Native species that may be possessed only by zoos and temporary exhibitors, such as black bears.

Asepsis

Technique of keeping a sterile environment.

Autoclave

A piece of equipment in the form of a sealed chamber where objects are exposed to heat and steam under pressure to kill all living organisms.

Disinfectant

Substance used to destroy most microorganisms on nonliving things by physical or chemical means.

Sternal Recumbancy

Restraint position with the animal lying on its chest.

Ventral Recumbancy

Unable to rise when lying on the stomach and chest area.

Clipper Blades

Tools used for shaving hair or fur, available in different shapes, sizes, and speeds.

Nail Clipping in Dogs

Regularly needed maintenance of a dog's nails, typically every 3 to 4 weeks.

Grooming

The process of trimming and bathing in an appropriate manner to maintain hygiene.

Mats

Tangled fur that may require careful removal or trimming from an animal's coat.

Lateral Recumbency

Restraint position with the animal lying on its side.

Dorsal Recumbency

Restraint position with the animal lying on its back, typically for abdominal access.

Muzzle

A device placed over an animal's snout to prevent biting.

Elizabethan Collar (E-collar/Cone)

A protective, cone-shaped device placed around an animal's neck to prevent it from licking or biting its body, commonly used during recovery from injury or surgery.

Restraint

The act of controlling an animal, often to allow for medical examination, treatment, or grooming, while ensuring the safety of both the animal and handler.

Lateral Recumbency

Restraint position with the animal lying on its side.

Dorsal Recumbency

Restraint position with the animal lying on its back, typically for abdominal access.

Muzzle

A device placed over an animal's snout to prevent biting.

Elizabethan Collar (E-collar/Cone)

A protective, cone-shaped device placed around an animal's neck to prevent it from licking or biting its body, commonly used during recovery from injury or surgery.

Restraint

The act of controlling an animal, often to allow for medical examination, treatment, or grooming, while ensuring the safety of both the animal and handler.

Native Animals in Florida

American alligator, American crocodile, West Indian manatee, Bottlenose dolphin, Florida panther, Key deer, Roseate spoonbill.

Non-Native (Invasive) Animals in Florida

Burmese python, Feral hogs, Cane toads, Lionfish, Cuban tree frogs, Giant African land snails, Iguanas, Green mussels, Tegu lizards.

Which federal agency implements the Animal Welfare Act?

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

Wildlife Park

Large enclosed land area accommodating wildlife in captivity.

What is the primary difference between a circus and a zoo?

A circus is a traveling entertainment troupe involving animals and performers, while a zoo is a stationary zoological garden exhibiting wild and exotic animals.

What is the function of Management Areas?

Protected areas designated for wildlife conservation and recreational activities, with wildlife managed by environmental ministries within defined boundaries.

How does urbanization impact wildlife?

Urbanization leads to habitat loss, reducing food and shelter for wildlife, which threatens species survival.

Methods of Wildlife Management

1. Researching wildlife needs and providing essentials for survival.
2. Monitoring wildlife health and controlling diseases.
3. Controlling populations humanely through hunting and removal of sick animals.
4. Vaccination programs, tagging, and range monitoring.

Barrel (Syringe)

Cylindrical part of a syringe holding fluid.

cc (Cubic Centimeter)

Unit measuring volume, equivalent to milliliter (mL).

Gauge (Needle)

Diameter size of a needle (larger diameter = lower gauge number).

Intramuscular (IM)

Injection into muscle tissue past epidermis and dermis, at a 90^ ext{o} angle.

Intranasally (IN)

Medication administered into nasal passages as drops, usually needle-free.

Intravenously (IV)

Injection into a vein(s), beneath skin layers, at approximately a 25^ ext{o} angle.

Needle (Medical)

Hollow, pointed device attached to a syringe for fluid injection or withdrawal.

Needle Hub

Part of the needle attaching it to the syringe.

Plunger (Syringe)

Rod inside the barrel used to draw in or push out fluid.

Subcutaneously (SQ)

Injection given under the skin, into the dermis beyond epidermis, at a 45^ ext{o} angle.

Viscous

Thick or syrupy liquid substance.

Main parts of a syringe and needle

1. Plunger – draws in and expels fluid.
2. Barrel – holds the fluid.
3. Syringe hub – connects needle to syringe.
4. Needle – delivers or withdraws fluid.

How is volume measured with a syringe?

Using syringe markings; counting tick marks between units carefully.

What is the relationship between needle gauge diameter and its number?

Gauge diameter is inversely proportional to the needle gauge number (larger diameter = lower gauge number).

What factors determine needle size selection?

Animal size, injection type, fluid viscosity; the smallest gauge that allows smooth injection is ideal.

What is the equivalency between cc and mL?

1 cc = 1 mL.

Corrosion

Deterioration process of metals and materials.

Gown Pack

Sterile surgical gown worn by surgical personnel.

Indicator Strip

Paper that changes color to verify sterilization conditions.

Instrument Milk

Lubricant solution to prevent rusting of surgical instruments.

Post-operative

Time period after surgical operation.

Surgical Site Contamination

Break in sterile technique causing exposure to microorganisms.

Steps for surgical instrument care and sterilization

1. Place instruments in cold tray solution.
2. Scrub debris using wire brush, rinse with instrument cleaner.
3. Rinse with distilled water.
4. Use ultrasonic cleaner for heavy debris as per manufacturer instructions.
5. Rinse again with distilled water.
6. Dry instruments thoroughly.
7. Immerse instruments in instrument milk for lubrication (30 seconds).
8. Lay instruments open on towel to air dry.

Why does surgical position depend on the procedure?

Surgical position depends on the procedure and veterinarian preference to allow optimal access and patient safety.

When is hanging leg prep used as a surgical position?

For leg, hip, shoulder surgery, cat castration, and ear/head surgery.

When is dorsal recumbency used in surgery and how are the animal's legs positioned?

Used for spay, dog castration, orthopedic surgery; front legs toward head, back legs toward tail.

When is lateral recumbency suitable for surgery?

For cat castration, orthopedic surgery, declaw surgery.

Describe the steps for using an autoclave.

1. Fill the autoclave tank with distilled water to fill line and close door.
2. Remove trays, place instruments without overcrowding.
3. Replace trays and close chamber door.
4. Set temperature and timer, allow preheating.
5. After cycle, turn off and allow cooling.
6. When pressure drops, partially open door to vent steam.
7. Allow contents to cool and dry before unpacking and storing.

What are the key elements of maintaining aseptic techniques in surgery?

1. Maintaining sterile equipment, surgical table, instruments, and staff.
2. Ensuring proper ventilation in surgical suites with minimal traffic.
3. Only sterile procedures should occur here; treat other wounds or procedures elsewhere to avoid contamination.

What aspects of an animal's health should be monitored pre- and post-operatively?

Respiration, heart rate, reflexes, temperature, appetite, defecation, sleep, behavior, and activity for signs of health or complications.

Anal Gland

Scent glands located beside the rectum.

Pads (animal)

Areas between toes where dirt and debris accumulate.

Sole (horse hoof)

Underside of the hoof in horses.

Bars (horse hoof)

Structures within the hoof that support shape.

Frog (horse hoof)

Thick V-shaped structure on horse hoof, important for cushioning.

Heel (horse hoof)

Rear part of the horse’s hoof.

What is the purpose of regular grooming for animals?

To maintain animal health, hygiene, and body function by removing dead hair, flakes, and distributing oils.

How often is brushing recommended for most animals?

Daily brushing is recommended depending on hair type.