Intro to Veterinary Technology (Arizona)

AZVMA

is composed of five officers and fourteen directors, representing six regions in the state

AZ Licensing Board

consists of 9 members: 5 DVMS, 1 CVT, 3 members of the public

Arizona Regulations

• Prescribe Medications

• Prognosis

• Diagnosis

• Perform Surgery

Direct Supervision

the supervising veterinarian is on the premises or in the same area on a range and is quickly, easily available

Indirect Supervision

the supervising veterinarian is NOT on the premises, but has given written or oral instructions for treatment or the animal

Incompetence

lack of knowledge or skill

Neglect

failure to provide a standard of care

Negligence

failure to take necessary precautions

Malpractice

professional negligence

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

a national, non profit organization  the leading advocate for the veterinary profession, representing veterinarians at all levels, and plays a crucial role in advancing the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health

National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA)

US-based, not-for-profit organization that advances the profession of veterinary technology and veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness programs, and professional development opportunities for credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and other veterinary support staff

Subjective

this section focuses on the information provided by the owner or client, including the patient's signalment

Objective

this section contains findings from the veterinarian's examination, such as physical exam findings, lab results, and diagnostic imaging

Assessment

this section summarizes the veterinarian's interpretation of the information, including a tentative or final diagnosis

Plan

this section outlines the treatment plan, including medications, further diagnostics, and follow-up recommendations

Chief Complaint

• still written apart of the subjective form

• the primary reason the pet is being brought in for veterinary care, reported by the pet owner

• not always a bad thing as pets can be presented for healthy- normal visits

History (HX)

Obtained by personnel by asking non leading, open ended questions pertaining to:

• Housing

• Diet

• Previous Diagnosis 

• Medications

• Eating/Drinking ok?

• Vomiting/Diarrhea, Coughing/Sneezing?

Still attributing to the “Subjective” line 

Physical Exam

crucial in veterinary medicine for early disease detection, monitoring overall health, and providing personalized care, allowing vets to identify subtle signs of illness and recommend appropriate preventative and treatment measures. Often performed as a head to tail process to ensure all  body systems are reviewed.

Bright, Alert, and Responsive (BAR)

The animal is alert, aware of their surroundings, and responds appropriately to stimuli

Quiet, Alert, and Responsive (QAR)

The animal is alert and responsive, but may be quieter or less active than usual

Obtunded

The animal is dull, less responsive to stimuli, and may require stronger stimuli to elicit a response

Stuporous

The animal is drowsy, unresponsive to most stimuli, and may only respond to painful or noxious stimuli

Comatose

The animal is unconscious and unresponsive to all stimuli

Body Condition Scoring (BSC)

a tool used to estimate an animal’s body fat percentage and access if they have a healthy, excessive, or inadequate amount of fat

Pyrexia/Fever

refers to an increase in body temperature exceeding the normal range for a specific species and age

Hyperthermia

an abnormal increase in body temperature, potentially caused by factors like excessive heat exposure or overexertion

Hypothermia

an abnormally low body temperature

Normothermia

refers to a normal body temperature within the expected range for the species

Pulse

involves palpated the femoral artery to check for pulse rate, strength, and quality, which can indicate blood pressure and tissue perfusion

Pulse Rate

count the number of pulses felt in 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get the heart rate in beats per minute

Pulse Strength and Quality

note the strength of the pulse

Simultaneous Auscultation

auscultate the heart while palpating the pulse to assess for any discrepancies or arrhythmias

Respiratory

involves initial observation of breathing patterns, following by auscultation, and potentially palpation and percussion, to assess for abnormalities and identify potential respiratory issues

Breathing Pattern

observe the respiratory rate, effort, and rhythm, looking for signs for dyspnea like an extended neck, abducted elbows, open mouth breathing, or increased abdominal movement

Postural Manifestations

note any signs of respiratory distress, such as an anxious facial expression, paradoxical abdominal movement, or the use of accessory muscles

External Audible Noise

listen for any unusual sounds associated with breathing, like stridor or wheezing

Lung Sounds

use a stethoscope to listen for normal or abnormal lung sounds, including crackles, wheezes, or harsh sounds, which can indicate lower airway or pulmonary parenchymal diseases

Decreased Lung Sounds

listen for decreased lung sounds, which can be associated with pleural space disease

Cardiac Ausctation

listen to the heart for any murmurs, gallops, or arrhythmias, which may indicate underlying cardiac disease that could lead to cardiogenic pulmonary edema or pleural effusion

Respiratory Palpation

gently feel the chest wall and abdomen to assess for any tenderness or masses

Respiratory Percussion

can help assess the lung fields and identify areas of consolidation or fluid accumulation

General Appearance (Ocular)

vets observe the overall appearance of the eyes, looking for any signs of redness, discharge, cloudiness, or other abnormalities

Pupil Response

check if the pupils are the same size and whether they react to light, as this can indicate neurological issues or eye problems.

Visual Acuity

assess a pet's ability to see by observing their reactions to objects or movements

Eye Structures

assess eyelids, cornea, and others for signs of inflammation, infection, or injury

Ophthalmoscope

a tool that allows the vet to look inside the eye

Fluorescein Staining

a test to check for corneal ulcers or other eye problems

General Appearance (Ears)

inspect the external ear flap for signs of inflammation, skin lesions, or other abnormalities

Ear Canal

use an otoscope to examine, looking for signs of infection, excessive wax buildup, debris, or parasites like ear mites

Ear Drum

check for any signs of damage or inflammation

Odor

may note any unusual smells coming from the ear, which could indicate infection

Pain

assess the pet’s reaction to palpation of the ears to determine

Abdomen Palpation

Feel for abdominal distension, masses, or pain

GI Auscultation

listen to bowel sounds to assess GI motility

GI Percussion

tap the abdomen to detect fluid or gas

Fecal Examination

assess the bulk, consistency, color, and presence of mucus, blood, or undigested food particles in the feces

GI Signs

look for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in appetite

Gingiva

observe color, inflammation, swelling, recession, and bleeding

Teeth

inspect for malposition, fractions, discoloration, calculus, plaque, mobility, caries, or cervical line lesions

Tongue

check for mobility, strength, and any signs of ulcers, lacerations, or foreign bodies

Palate

examine for swellings, defects, foreign bodies, and rugae symmetry

Floor of the Mouth

look for tumors, lacerations, ulcerations, and foreign bodies

Salivary Papillae

ensure they are free of inflammation and patent

Masticatory Muscles

assess their condition and strength

Observation (M/S)

the animal's gait and posture are observed both at rest and during movement, looking for any signs of lameness or abnormal movement

M/S Conformation

the veterinarian will assess the animal's conformation for any obvious structural issues that might contribute to lameness

M/S Palpate

feel the animal's limbs, joints, back, and neck, looking for pain, swelling, heat, or stiffness

Range of Motion

in joints, is assessed, noting any limitations or pain

Muscle Tone and Atrophy

the veterinarian will examine the animal's muscles for any signs of abnormal tone

Abdomen

gently palpate to assess the size, shape, and consistency of the bladder and kidneys, as well as any masses or tenderness

Genitalia

examine the external genitalia for any signs of abnormalities, such as swelling, redness, discharge, or lesions

Rectal Exam

can be performed to assess the urethra and prostate in males, and the urethra in females

Bladder

palpate for size, fullness, and any signs of pain or discomfort

Kidneys

palpate for size, shape, and any signs of enlargement or tenderness

Urethra

in dogs, a rectal exam allows palpation

Prostrate (males)

a rectal exam allows palpation