Veterinary Communication and Care

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to veterinary communication and care, including client interactions, examination practices, understanding animal behavior, health assessments, and medical procedures.

Client Communication

The process of effectively interacting with pet owners to understand their needs and concerns regarding their pet's health.

Emergency Situation

A critical circumstance requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Physical Exam

A thorough assessment of a patient's body from nose to tail, noting any abnormalities.

Fecal/Deworming

Routine checks and treatments to eliminate intestinal parasites in pets.

Vaccines

Immunizations given to pets to protect against various infectious diseases.

Fear Free

An approach to veterinary care aimed at minimizing stress for pets during visits.

Normal Pupils

Pupils that are appropriately sized and responsive to light in pets.

Body Language

Non-verbal cues used by animals to communicate their emotional state.

Heartworm Prevention

Medications or treatments to prevent heartworm infection in pets.

Routine Surgery

Standard surgical procedures performed to manage health issues in pets, such as spaying or neutering.

Toxins

Substances that can cause harm or illness to pets if ingested.

Canine Heartworm

A parasitic infection caused by the Dirofilaria immitis worm that affects dogs.

Neonatal Care

Care provided to newborn puppies or kittens, especially those delivered via caesarian section.

Anterior Plane

The anatomical plane referring to the front of the body.

Posterior Plane

The anatomical plane referring to the back of the body.

Proximal

A term describing a position nearer to the trunk of the body.

Distal

A term describing a position further from the trunk of the body.

Deworming Treatment

Medications used to eliminate various types of intestinal worms in pets.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Regular dental procedures to maintain oral health and prevent periodontal disease.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

A method of assessing the body fat of pets to determine their overall health.

Blood Work

Tests performed on a pet's blood to assess health conditions or detect diseases.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, often requiring special dietary management.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, which can affect pets and require treatment.

Serum

The liquid portion of blood without clotting factors like fibrinogen.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood that includes clotting factors.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Emergency Response

Actions taken to address urgent medical situations in veterinary care.

Vaccination Frequency

The schedule at which pets should receive booster shots for vaccinations.

Chief Complaint

The primary concern or reason a pet owner brings their pet to the veterinarian.

Behavioral Assessment

An evaluation of an animal's behavior to identify signs of stress or illness.

Temperature Monitoring

Checking a pet’s body temperature as part of a physical exam.

Routine Procedures

Standard veterinary practices such as vaccinations, check-ups, and preventive care.

Diagnostic Imaging

Using radiographs (X-rays), ultrasounds, or other imaging techniques to view internal body structures.

Acute Health Issues

Sudden onset of health problems that may require prompt veterinary attention.

Chronic Health Issues

Long-term health conditions that require ongoing management.

Behavioral Indicators

Signs that an animal may display, reflecting their emotional or physiological condition.

Commissures Relaxed

A term indicating a relaxed state in a dog's mouth, often observed during calm behavior.

Dilated Pupils

Pupils that enlarge, often indicating stress or excitement in pets.

Veterinary Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease or condition based on clinical signs and tests.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

A viral disease in cats that causes upper respiratory illness.

Feline Calicivirus

A virus that can cause respiratory disease and oral lesions in cats.

Flea Prevention

Methods or products used to protect pets from flea infestations.

Heartworm Testing

Diagnostic tests conducted to identify the presence of heartworms in pets.

Bordetella Vaccine

A vaccine given to dogs to protect against kennel cough.

Obesity Management

Strategies implemented to help pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Routine Health Checks

Scheduled evaluations of a pet's health status.

Dietary Considerations

Nutritional factors taken into account when assessing a pet's health.

Anatomical Location

A description of where a particular structure is located in relation to the rest of the body.

Veterinary Telemedicine

Remote consultation services offered by veterinarians using technology.

Microchipping

A process of implanting a chip for pet identification purposes.

Parasite Prevention

Measures taken to inhibit infestation by parasites such as worms and fleas.

Veterinary Specialist

A veterinarian with advanced training in a specific area of veterinary medicine.

Senior Pet Care

Specialized management and health monitoring for older pets.

Anxiety in Pets

A state of fear or unease exhibited by animals in various situations.

Prophylactic Treatments

Preventive medical practices to avert disease.

Radiographs Interpretation

Analyzing X-ray images to identify medical conditions.

Ear Infections

Common health issues in pets characterized by inflammation of the ear.

Patient History

A record of a pet's past health issues, treatments, and owner observations.

Veterinary History Taking

The process of gathering information about a patient's background and health.

Cleft Palate

A congenital defect where there’s an opening in the roof of the mouth.

Behavioral Modification

Techniques used to alter undesirable behaviors in pets.

Nutrition Assessment

Evaluation of a pet's diet to ensure it meets health needs.

Grooming and Maintenance

Care routines to maintain a pet's hygiene and appearance.

Emergency Urgent Care

Immediate veterinary services for life-threatening situations.

Spay/Neuter Benefits

Health advantages associated with sterilizing pets.

Veterinary Ethics

Moral principles guiding veterinary practices and services.

Preventive Health Care

Routine care aimed at preventing sickness and maintaining health.

Body Language Cues

Physical signs that provide insight into a pet's emotional state.

Skin and Coat Assessment

Examination of a pet's outer covering to identify health problems.

Jaundice

A condition suggested by yellowing of the skin or eyes, indicating potential liver problems.

Diabetes Management

Care strategies for pets diagnosed with diabetes.

Regular Check-Up Importance

Emphasizes the significance of consistent health evaluations for pets.

Physical Health Indicators

Signs that reflect the overall well-being of a pet.

Blood Chemistry Analysis

Tests done to assess various organ functions through blood samples.

Vitamin and Mineral Balance

The need for proper nutrients in a pet's diet to support overall health.

Emergency Triage

Prioritizing treatment for pets based on the severity of their condition.

Anal Gland Expression

A procedure to empty the fluid-filled sacs near a pet's anus.

Senior Pet Considerations

Health and care factors specifically tailored for older animals.

Puppy Socialization

The process of exposing young dogs to various environments and stimuli.

Kitten Care Essentials

Fundamentals needed for raising healthy young cats.

Pet Implementing Vaccines

Process of administering vaccinations to ensure pet health.

Lump Assessment

Examination of any abnormal growths on a pet's body.

Pain Management Strategies

Methods to alleviate discomfort in pets.

Skin Lesions Evaluation

Inspection of skin changes that may indicate health issues.

Veterinary Pain Assessment

Evaluating animals for signs of pain to ensure appropriate treatment.

Infectious Disease Management

Approaches to controlling and preventing the spread of diseases.

Gastrointestinal Health

The state of a pet's digestive system.

Endocrine Disorders in Pets

Conditions affecting hormonal balance and function.

Identifying Illness Symptoms

Recognizing signs that a pet may be unwell.

Pet Owner Education

Informing pet owners about proper care and health monitoring.

Predisposed Health Conditions

Genetic dispositions that may lead to specific health problems in breeds.

Recognition of Infections

Detecting infections based on observable signs and symptoms.

Consultation Follow-Ups

Subsequent discussions after an initial veterinary visit.

Reproductive Health Checks

Examinations focused on the reproductive systems of pets.

Hypothyroidism in Pets

A condition where there is a deficiency in thyroid hormones.

Grooming Recommendations

Advice on maintaining a pet's appearance and hygiene.

Behavioral Health Assessments

Analyzing the behavior of animals to detect problems.

Medical Record Keeping

Documenting a pet's health history for effective management.

Specific Condition Screening

Testing pets for specific health issues based on risk factors.

Oral Health Assessments

Evaluating the condition of a pet's mouth, teeth, and gums.