Chapter 23 Animal Health Care Health Care Science Technology Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Chapter 23 2 Objectives Summarize the role and responsibilities of the veterinarian. Discuss the role and responsibilities of the veterinary technician. Investigate career opportunities available to veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 3 Objectives (cont.) Summarize the role and responsibilities of the veterinary assistant. Differentiate between the levels of certification used in the biomedical research field. Successfully complete 2 animal health procedures.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 4 Careers in Animal Health 23-1 The Veterinarian The Veterinary Technician The Veterinary Assistant Technicians in Biomedical Research

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 5 The Veterinarian Veterinarians study at least five species, the most common being dogs, cats, horses, cows, and sheep. Some schools focus on species such as poultry, swine, and goats, while others stress pet birds, reptiles, zoo animals, fish, and native wildlife.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 6 The Veterinarian (cont.) Job Responsibilities – Diagnose and control animal diseases. – Treat sick and injured animals. – Prevent the transmission of animal diseases to people. – Advise owners on the proper care of pets and livestock. – Ensure a safe food supply. – Help in conserving and preserving wildlife.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 7 The Veterinary Technician Works under the direction of a veterinarian. Cannot diagnose, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery. Many states require the veterinary technician to be certified, registered, or hold a license.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 8 The Veterinary Technician (cont.) You must: – Graduate from a school of veterinary technology accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), or – Complete educational requirements and have a required number of clinical experience hours. – In most states you must pass a comprehensive examination.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter 23 9 The Veterinary Technician (cont.) Job Opportunities and Specialties – Most veterinary technicians enter private clinical practice. – Other job opportunities include: Biomedical research. Diagnostic laboratories. Zoos. Animal production facilities. Wildlife rehabilitation. Private industry. Education.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter The Veterinary Technician (cont.) Job Responsibilities – Obtain and record information. – Perform physical examination of animals. – Collect blood, urine, tissues, and feces for diagnostic testing. – Perform various diagnostic tests on blood, urine, tissues, and feces.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter The Veterinary Technician (cont.) Job Responsibilities (cont.) – Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery. – Administer medications. – Induce and maintain anesthesia. – Clean teeth while animals are under anesthesia. – Clean and bandage wounds.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter The Veterinary Technician (cont.) Job Responsibilities (cont.) – Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures. – Position and prepare animals for diagnostic radiographs. – Expose and develop diagnostic radiographs. – Communicate with animal owners. – Supervise veterinary assistants.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter The Veterinary Assistant An entry-level position that requires direct supervision. State rules do not apply to workers at this level.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter The Veterinary Assistant (cont.) Job Responsibilities – Restrain, exercise, feed, and bathe animals. – Clean cages. – Collect samples for diagnostic testing. – Greet clients. – Answer phones. – Maintain animal records. – Send reminders. – Collect payments for services.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Technicians in Biomedical Research The three skill levels are: – Assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT). – Laboratory animal technician (LAT). – Laboratory animal technologist (LATG). Agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Care (AALAC) regulate biomedical research.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Section 23-1 Apply Your Knowledge How many species of animals are usually studied by a veterinarian? Answer: 5 or more.

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Animal Health Procedures 23-2 Additional Career Skills

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Additional Career Skills Performing a Fecal Exam – A fecal exam is commonly performed as a diagnostic test for parasites. – A veterinary technician should be able to operate a microscope and centrifuge. Performing a Urinalysis on a Dog – A urinalysis is a series of tests performed on urine. – You need to be familiar with a refractometer (TS meter).

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Section 23-2 Apply Your Knowledge What instrument is used to perform a urinalysis? Answer: Refractometer (TS meter).

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Procedures in Student Text 23ABathing a Dog 23BGiving a Pill to a Dog

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Additional Procedures in Lab Activity Manual LM23-1Performing a Fecal Examination LM23-2Performing a Urinalysis on a Dog LM23-3Administering a Medication by Subcutaneous Injection

Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Chapter Chapter 23 Credits Slide 13Charles Gupton/CORBIS