Intro to Vet Med

Intro to Vet Med

Presentation By: Shainne Olson, CVT

TPR

  • T = Temperature

  • P = Pulse

  • R = Respiration

Temperature 

  • How to obtain

    • Rectal

    • Axillary

    • Aural 

  • Normal Ranges

    • Cat: 100.0 - 102.2 F

    • Dog: 100.0 - 102.2

  • Why is taking a temperature important?

    • Variations from normal body temperature are helpful in determining the nature or severity of patients illness

    • An elevated temperature could indicate infection or inflammation

  • Terms

    • Hyperthermia: above normal normal body temperature

    • Hypothermia: below normal body temperature

Pulse

  • How to obtain

    • Femoral artery

    • Calculated by counting the number of pulses for 15 sec and multiplying by 4

  • Normal ranges

    • Cat: 140-220 bpm

    • Dog: 60-120 bpm (smaller breeds may have higher rates; puppies can have rates up to 200)

  • Why is taking a pulse important

    • Can indicate how well the heart is functioning and sending oxygen rich blood to the body

  • Terms

    • Pulse Deficit: absence or change in pulse quantity

    • Pulse Pressure: Pressure felt when feeling the pulse

    • Descriptive words: weak, moderate, strong, bounding, tall hyperkinetic

Respiratory Rate

  • How to obtain

    • Observe the rise and fall of the patients chest

    • 1 breath = 1 inspiration + 1 expiration 

    • Count for 15 sec nd multiply by 4 

  • Normal Ranges 

    • Cat: 20-42 

    • Dog: 16-32

  • Why is taking a respiratory rate is important 

    • Increased respiration 

Handling and Restraint

Greeting and First Impressions

  • When first entering a space where a patient is present, behavior should be observed before handling 

    • Does the patient approach the tech or move away?

    • Does the patient show any interest in treats or social interaction?

  • Before interacting with patients, review the medical record for any info on the patient’s behavior 

  • Ask client how the pet responds to touch, if there are any sensitive areas, or if there are any produce they become less cooperative for

  • Do not approach the patient, allow the patient to come to you 

  • Be aware of body language 

    • Don't walk in with arms crossed

    • Crouch - get down on their level

    • Relaxed posture

Lateral Recumbency

  • Have as close to body as possible, grab legs closes to body, and lift up, back against body as put down, keep control of head

Sternal Recumbency 

  • Can modify as needed, but most important thing is to control head


Dorsal Recumbency

  • Often have to put in trough, so get them on side, into lateral, then can put trough right next to and flip in trough

  • To put into dorsal, can start with going into lateral and flip up



Restraint Devices

Muzzles

  • Types

    • Nylon

  • Basket

  • Plastic Cat Muzzle 

  • Air Muzzle 

  • Gauze Muzzle

  • How to put on a muzzle 

    • Come from behind, distraction in the front 

    • Go over head or around head and flop it on

    • Always loosen a muzzle before putting it on an animal

    • After putting it, make sure it’s secure and tightened

  • How to put on a gauze muzzle 

    • Unwravel a very long piece of gauze

    • Tie a knot in the bottom in the middle of the strip

    • Loop it a little bit to leave a circle with the knot at the bottom 

    • Have to be very confident, slip it up snot and tighten down as fast as possible

    • Once around snout, wrap once, and then tie behind head 

Fractious Cat Restraint Kit 

  • Chemical Restraint 

  • Cat Bag

  • Cat Gloves

  • Towel Restraint 

  • Squeeze Cage 

  • Clamshell Net 

  • Net 

  • Plastic Muzzle