Unit 2 - Introduction to Animal Care Notes PDF

# Unit 2 - Introduction to Animal Care ## The Vet - Lecture Notes - Vet staff need to be able to handle people, not just animals. - Other qualities: - Calm in stressful situations - Lift/deal with unpleasant situations - Euthanasia, bad odors - Some patients are not cute or friendly #...

# Unit 2 - Introduction to Animal Care ## The Vet - Lecture Notes - Vet staff need to be able to handle people, not just animals. - Other qualities: - Calm in stressful situations - Lift/deal with unpleasant situations - Euthanasia, bad odors - Some patients are not cute or friendly ## History of Veterinary Medicine - First veterinarians recognized as early as 2500 BCE. - Initially treated farm/transport animals. Very little known about disease or anatomy. - 17th/18th century, animal plagues in Europe affected food/transport animals, economy impacted. European governments supported research to improve animal health. - Researchers performed 1st recorded animal anatomy/disease studies - foundations of modern vet medicine. ## Specific Training Distinct - Happened till 1761, in Lyon, France. - Field trained. - Farm animals were primary concern. ## Timeline - **1850s** - US vet schools appeared, less than a year of training. State and federal gov. would charge and update educational standards. - **2003** - Most early schools closed. State supported colleges offered advanced degrees in vet science. Schools also helped w/ research to improve livestock health. - Most vets were male, and treated farm animals. - By 2003, approx. 80% of vet students were female. - **2019** - By end of 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) market research showed 62% of US vets were female. ## The Vettechnician Career - Veterinary field new. - AVMA accredits college training programs for veterinarians and vet technicians. ## Veterinarians - Must graduate from a college approved by the AVMA. - Complete a 4 year college science degree. - Pass national and state veterinary board exams. - Each state has its own training/licensing requirements for veterinary supporting staff. ## Vet Technicians - Must graduate from an AVMA accredited college program. - Pass Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to be licensed, registered, or certified. - Colleges also offer associate and bachelor's programs in veterinary technology. ## Other Healthcare Staff - Are not typically licensed, but may be voluntarily certified w/ specialized programs/training. ## Vet Technicians Always - Work under the direct supervision of the veterinarian. ## Most Vet Tech Programs - Are two years long, some are as long as four years. - All require some time on job with a veterinarian. ## General Courses - In science, English, math, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry are completed, then specialized skills for the vet field come in. ## Specialized Skills: - Anesthesia - Surgical assisting - Pharmacology - Veterinary nursing - Laboratory techniques - Radiology - Dentistry - and more. ## After Completing Course Work: - (Graduating), they need to take and pass the national exam to become credentialed, and pass state exams and requirements. ## Legal Aspects of Veterinary Practice - Each state controls how veterinary medicine is practiced through laws called Veterinary Practice Act - These laws are created by state legislators w/ input from a Veterinary Medical Board - a group of veterinarians appointed by the governor to oversee the practice of vet medicine within that particular state. - The State's Veterinary Medical Board regularly holds meetings to go over complaints about veterinary professionals in the state. - **Assessment for Veterinarians:** - The International Council for Veterinary Assessment (formerly known as National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners) oversees the national licensing exams for veterinarians. - **The practice requirements are different from each state, but they all oversee the educational / licensing requirements for that state's veterinarians, and vet technicians.** ## State Practice Acts- Continued - **Vets are required to graduate from an AVMA accredited school, pass exams, pass state exam, and North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).** - **Licensed:** Only veterinarians can diagnose, perform surgery, prescribe meds. - **The veterinary technician and other veterinary staff are required to work under direct supervision of licensed veterinarians.** - **Some state practice acts require veterinarians to complete a certain amount of "Continuing Education" each year to keep their certification. This can include seminars, reading professional materials, taking college courses.** - **Also has specific physical requirements for a veterinary facility to ensure it is able to function properly.** - **Some state practice acts may also have educational and licensing requirements for credentialed vet techs, and define tasks they can legally perform.** - **A credentialed veterinary technician is a person who has completed an AVMA-CUTEA accredited college program for veterinary technology, and passed the veterinary technician national examination (VTNE).** - **The Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CUTEA), an AVMA committee, accredits veterinary technology programs.** - **Different states use the terms "registered, licensed, or certified" for veterinary technicians who have met state requirements. To maintain their credentials, they typically need to complete continuing education at the many veterinary meetings (state, regional, and national levels).** ## State Practice Acts- Continued - **State paws often don't mention support staff other than vet technicians and may prohibit unqualified staff from performing certain tasks.** - **Because state laws differ, the terms veterinary technician, veterinary technologist, and veterinary assistant can sometimes be confusing.** - **In some states, these terms are used interchangeably for non-credentialed staff who help veterinarians, but each role has a more specific definition within the veterinary clinic.** - **According to the AVMA**: - **Veterinary Technician** - graduated from a 2 year AVMA-CUTEA accredited veterinary technology program, but has not yet obtained state licensure. Have earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree. - **Veterinary Technologist** - graduated from a 4 year AVMA-CUTEA accredited technology program, but has not obtained state licensure. Have earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. - **The National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) and the Approved Veterinary Assistant are:** - Graduated from NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, passed the Veterinary Assistant Examination. - **Per AVMA**, they provide animal care, but require less training and technical skills than veterinary technicians. ## Veterinary Medicine is Closely Regulated - Veterinary medicine is closely regulated by government agencies and associations. Vet technicians must understand the legal aspects of their work to practice effectively and ethically. Knowing the laws helps vet techs communicate with clients, obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality, and keep accurate medical records. Following legal guidelines is essential for patient care and safety. Vet techs must meet licensing requirements, follow rules about what tasks they can perform, and comply with state and federal regulations. ## Government Agencies - Veterinary hospitals are regulated by various state and federal agencies, each one with a specific purpose. - **These agencies enforce rules to protect workers and the public from disease and other hazards.** - **Some regulations apply to all veterinary practices, while others apply to biomedical research facilities or practices offering specific services to the public**. ## DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration - Enforces laws related to drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This law controls the production, sale, and distribution of certain medications, especially those that can be addictive, like narcotics. Anyone involved in manufacturing, selling, or dispensing these drugs must have a license. Some drugs used to anesthetize animals are also controlled substances. - **Vet technicians and assistants who help with animal anesthesia need to know the names of these drugs and how to keep proper records.** ## DEA - Controlled Substances Act - **Requirements:** - Veterinarians must have a license to purchase, use, dispense controlled substances. - Controlled substances must be kept in a double locked area. - Detailed written records must be kept of any use of a controlled substance. - Written records must be kept for 5 years. - Inventory must be taken every 2 years. ## US Department of Labor - Governs issues that affect workers on the job. ### OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Is part of the US Department of Labor. It's job is to make sure workplaces are safe by enforcing rules to protect workers from hazards. There are federal rules that apply across the country, but each state can have their own rules, which can be the same as federal ones. ## OSHA - Continued - **OSHA requires employers to have measures to reduce workplace risks. Employers must post certain safety notices and keep written safety plans. They also need to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers.** - **In veterinary practices, there are risks of injury and disease, where employers must show that workers who require PPE have been trained to care and use it properly.** - **Examples of PPE:** - Lead aprons for x-rays - Protective gloves for handling chemicals. ## OSHA Requirements - Display job safety/health protection posters. - Record occupational injuries and illnesses. - Provide written plans for job safety and health. - Train employees in proper procedures. - Provide proper PPE for employees. ## US Department of Health - Most state health departments require veterinary practices to register their x-ray machines, including stationary, portable, and dental ones. - These regulations also require regular inspections/calibrations. - Additionally, state and local governments typically have rules about business licenses. Anyone wanting to run a business usually needs to get a general business license from the county clerk's office. Veterinary practices often need a permit from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. ## FDA - Food and Drug Administration - Ensures food, drugs, and medical devices are safe and effective. - FDA also enforces the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which is the main law in follows. - FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) specifically oversees the animal health industry and enforces parts of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act related to animals. ## USDA - US Department of Agriculture - The USDA oversees several agencies that regulate the veterinary industry: - **The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces the Animal Welfare Act.** - **While the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that meat and poultry products are safe and properly labeled.** - **The USDA also manages the export/import of animals and creates programs to control diseases in food animals.** - **Other USDA agencies like the Agricultural Research Service and extension services also address veterinary issues.** - **Veterinarians must be USDA accredited to legally write health certificates for animals traveling across state or international borders.** ## Animal Welfare Act - A set of federal laws that ensures laboratory animals receive proper care. These animals are kept in research facilities and educational facilities; the laws also apply to breeders who supply the animals for research or education. - The laws provide care standards for all warm blooded animals, except for rats/mice, covering their daily care and environment. - **This includes keeping the animals' environment clean, maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels, and preventing injury from sharp objects. The laws also require certain animals to have exercise and regular contact with other animals and humans.** - **Laboratory animal technicians and assistants are often responsible for making sure the facility follows these regulations.** ## The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Is a federal agency that enforces rules affecting veterinary practices, mainly to reduce pesticide contamination in the environment. - Veterinary practices that offer parasite control must follow EPA regulations. - The EPA also oversees the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, but most of its rules do not apply to veterinary practices. ## Henry Bergh - Born in NYC, studied at Columbia University. - Ran family's shipping business until 32, became a diplomat and appointed Secretary of the US Legation in St. Petersburg, Russia (1863). - Shocked by the poor treatment of animals in Russia, left Russia, returned to NYC, and dedicated the rest of his life to preventing animal cruelty. - **In 1866, he funded the first animal welfare organization in the US, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).** - **He was unable to make the ASPCA a national organization, but still inspired others.** - **By the time of his death in 1888, 33 animal welfare groups existed in the US, and the ASPCA had 15 state branches.** ## Other Opportunities in Animal Care - **Laboratory Technicians (LATs) - also known as laboratory animal technicians, are usually employed by biomedical research *companies* and *educational institutions*. The amount of animals can range from a few to thousands with various species.** - **LATs help with daily care, including feeding and comfort, and ensuring environmental conditions are maintained.** - **They communicate with researchers about animals, unusual conditions, and may perform technical duties like collecting blood samples, taking X-rays, assisting in surgery, or other advanced animal nursing procedures under direct supervision of a veterinarian.** - **Some biomedical facilities will train LATs, and most facilities require potential techs to take a certification exam.** - **The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers the certification exam. AALAS requires applicants to meet specific education and experience requirements before taking the exam. Vet tech graduates must have experience working with laboratory animals in order to be eligible for the laboratory animal technician certification exam.** ## Assistant Laboratory Animal Technicians (ALATs) - **Help the laboratory animal technicians take care of the research facility animals.** - **Their purpose is typically to help keep the animals and their environment clean and comfortable.** - **Most large research facilities and some vocational schools offer assistant laboratory animal tech training programs.** - **The AALAS also offers a certification exam for ALATs. Since many of the tasks ALATs do are similar to those performed by vet assistants, individuals who complete vet assistant training may be eligible for ALAT certification after studying additional species-specific topics.** ## Pet Animal Care (Jobs) ### Animal Care Attendant - Works in pet stores. - May groom, bathe, socialize, feed, and clean environment. - Educate new owners - Can be trained on job, or be vet assistants. ### Sales Person - Companies that target veterinary professionals or pet owners usually hire people with a vet tech or vet assistant background. - **Examples of companies:** - Pet food/dry manufacturers - Vet supply distributors - Electric fence companies - Laboratory equipment manufacturers - Pet sitters ### Pet Sitters - Watch over pets while owners are gone. - **Vet assistants and vet tech backgrounds are helpful, but no formal education required.** ### Dog Trainers - People with a background in animal behavior can work as dog trainers. - **They can own their own business, or work at a larger facility, or even be kept on staff at a veterinary facility.** - **Most trainers gain experience training their own dogs, and working with other trainers.** - **Some places will certify trainers.** - **Attending seminars and training programs (locally, at state level, and hosted from national kennel clubs or breed associations) is important.** ## Animal Control and Shelters ### Animal Control Officer (ACO) - Employed by state or county agencies. - Manages stray animal control, and helps enforce animal license, and leash laws. - **Can/will also pick up stray/abandoned animals, investigate animal cruelty/abuse cases.** - **Training takes a few weeks to a few months, often offered by humane societies and some state colleges.** ### Animal Shelter Aids - Care for the animals at animal shelters and humane societies. - Helps keep cages clean, animals clean, feed/socialize animals, provide first aid, and may be required to assist with euthanasia for sick, injured, or unwanted animals, help with adoption, and owners choose the right pet. ### Euthanasia - **An injection that causes a painless death. Some states require shelter staff who perform it to be certified.** ## Zookeepers and Wildlife Rehabilitators - **Zookeepers or zoo animal caretakers help with feeding, cleaning enclosures, educating the public, and being extremely observant for whichever species they are managing.** - **Must have a 4 year degree in zoology or biology.** - **Manage one or two species.** - **Wildlife Rehabilitators**: - Care for injured or orphaned wild animals. - In most states, required to be licensed. Keeping a wild animal without a license is illegal. - Works closely with a veterinarian. - **Goal is to help the animal return to its natural environment after recovery, or find alternative long-term care if release is impossible.** ## Professionalism - Conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. - **Most vet staff present themselves in surgical scrubs or laboratory jackets.** - **Vet staff need to be empathetic towards clients. Some will not understand why a pet needs certain veterinary services.** - **Professionals also consider all client info to be confidential, and should not be discussed outside of the clinic.** ## Professional Associations - Becoming a member offers advantages: - Offers insights to trends. - Job opportunities. - Continuing education. - Stay abreast laws. - **Most states have associations for VTs, some also welcome VAS as members. ** - **The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).** - **Vet assistants can also join specialty associations, such as the Association of Veterinary Dental Technicians.** - These are designed for information exchange, seminars, keeping on top of new developments in the field. - **Some vet technician specialty associations are currently developing certification exams. ** ## Professional Ethics - **Ethical code:** A set of standards defining what's good/bad for the profession. - **Professionals must abide by an ethical code. ** - **The Principles of Veterinary Ethics** is the official ethical code used by veterinarians. - **Written by members of the American Veterinary Medical Association, adopted in 1867.** - **Veterinarians also uphold the Veterinarians Oath, as part of their graduation from vet school. Vet techs also take an oath upon graduation.** - **The Code of Ethics for the Veterinary Technician, adopted in 1989, defines what is considered morally correct in the profession, including professional behavior, attitudes, training requirements, continuing education, and the services a veterinary practice should provide.** - **The Veterinarians Oath:** * "Being admitted to the practice of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. * I accept as a lifelong obligation, the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence." ## Vet Tech Code of Ethics - **Aid society and animals by providing excellent care/services for animals.** - **Prevent/relieve animal suffering.** - **Promote public health by assisting in control of zoonotic diseases and informing the public about these diseases.** - **Assume accountability for individual professional actions/judgements.** - **Protect confidential info shared by clients.** - **Safeguard the public and the profession against individuals deficient in professional competence or ethics.** ## Vet Tech Code of Ethics - Continued - **Assist with efforts to ensure conditions of employment are consistent with excellent care of animals.** - **Remain competent in vet technology through commitment to lifelong learning. ** - **Collaborate with members of the vet medical profession in efforts to ensure quality healthcare services for all animals.** ## Policy Statements - Policy statements are different from a code of ethics, usually address changing trends and concerns, e.g. declawing cats. - An ethical code doesn't ban declawing cats, but a policy statement may only recommend it in certain situations. - **In veterinary medicine, policy statements from the AVMA reflect the shared opinion of vets in the US.** ## Vet Ethics - **Vets and vet staff often face ethical decisions since they serve both humans and animals. Sometimes, what works for the human may harm the animal, and what is best for the animal may not align with the client's wishes.** - **Issues like euthanasia, animal welfare, animal rights, and economic factors can complicate treatment decisions. Veterinary professionals must always act for the well-being of the animal.** - **Ethical concerns must vets will not object to euthanizing extremely ill animals, but sometimes vets are faced with clients that want to euthanize animals that are healthy. The law sees animals as personal property so it is up to the vet to make the final decision. Reasons clients may want their pet euthanized are:** - **The pet is a burden.** - **Behavior problems that can't/don't want to be fixed.** - **And some animal breeders do cull animals that don't meet breed standards.** - **Vets risk losing clients if the client is unhappy with the vet's decision to not euthanize.** ## Ethical Concerns- Continued - **Before working at a clinic, vet staff should inquire about the practices' euthanasia policy before accepting a job.** - **Other ethical concerns include ear cropping/tail docking. While it may be legal, some vets refuse to perform these surgeries.** - **In cases where a breed defect is surgically corrected, it is considered unethical unless the animal is also spayed/neutered.** - **Breed defect is an undesirable trait passed down genetically.** - **Vet staff may also encounter animal welfare issues like cruelty or abuse.** - **Laws may prohibit animal cruelty, but what some people consider cruel may be legal, e.g., providing food and water, but not maintaining routine medical care or interacting with their pets.** - **Veterinarians also routinely face issues with animal rights throughout history. Animals have been used for food, clothing, transport, and entertainment.** - **Today's regulations help ensure animals are treated properly, but vets and vet staff need to understand the important role food/research animals play in our lives, even when euthanizing them.** - **Ethical concerns can occur in various aspects of veterinary practice. The AVMA and other regional veterinary associations have ethics committees that can hold hearings on ethical complaints and discipline members who violate ethical standards.** - **It's also important that each veterinary practice has clear guidelines and policies on where they stand on common ethical issues.** - **Veterinary professionals act as advocates for the animals.** ## Types of Practice - **Small Animal Practices:** Primarily treat Cats, Dogs, Small Companion animals - **Veterinary Referral Practices:** Board Certified Specialist Vets across a variety of disciplines. - **Large Animal Practices**: Treats farm animals - **Mixed Animal Practices:** Treats farm and companion animals. ## Outpatient vs. Inpatient Procedures - **Outpatient Procedures:** Involve patient admission and discharge on the same day. - **Inpatient Procedures:** Involve hospitalization and/or overnight care.