AppointmentsRooms should be stocked
with daily use itemsCotton balls (dry and with
alcohol)Dry gauze & SwabsStethoscopeThermometersEar cleaning supplies,
mineral oil, salineNail trimmers, styptic
powderNeedles, syringes, blood
tubesglovesTreatsAnything else?
AppointmentsOnce reception checks
patient in you will need to….
Take a through historyWhy is the patient here? What procedures do they
need?Signs/Symptoms?Anything abnormal?Diet/Nutrition?
Weight & TPRsCollection lab samples
FecalsOHW or other blood workEar cytology samples
AppointmentsRunning/analyzing lab
workThink ahead & get ready
Vaccines, pre-meds, meds, equipment/supplies need for procedure
Assist DVM and Restrain patient
Create invoice for services rendered
Fill any prescriptions needed
Go over discharge instructions with client
Schedule any follow up appointments
The Drop OffTake through history
when patient is dropped off
Ask what the patient is being dropped off for?
What procedures to be completed while patient is in clinic?
Get a phone number where client can be reached if questions come up or if vet needs to speak with client
Baths & DipsPreferred to be dropped
off first thing in the morning so procedure can be completed and patient will be dry before being discharged
Check to see when last bath/dip was performed to make sure it is due/not overdue
If skin scraping is needed, complete before the bath/dip
Surgery PatientsShould be fasted the
night before and dropped of the night before or morning of surgery
Have owner sign anesthetic release
Verify services to be performed with clientSpay and declaw or just
spay?Get a phone number
where client can be reached
Lab Work-UpsBloodwork
Presurgical panelsCritical careComprehensiveThyroid
Blood smearsFecals UrinalysisCytology
EarImpression smears
Skin scrapes
Preparing for Surgery Towel/blanket on table for
surgery patient Monitoring equipment Oxygen/anesthetic Tubes, reservoir bag, mask ET tube (lidocaine if cat) with tie
gauze Syringe to inflate cuff on ET
tube Lube for eyes Square gauze to hold tongue Sterile sx pack, suture & blade
(or tissue glue) Put gown, hat, mask, sterile
gloves & scrub out for Surgeon Anything else you may need
Microchip Declaw supplies Vaccinations Nail trimmers
During SurgeryMonitor vitals of
patient oftenWatch oxygen and
anesthetic levels May need to switch out
or refill during long procedures
Have emergency drugs easily accessibleAtropine & epinephrine
May be required to scrub in and assist surgeon with actual surgery
Post Operative CareContinue to
monitor vitals of patient until awake from anesthetic
Check temperature periodically & keep the patient warm
May need to place E-collar if pet goes for sutures
Cleaning up after SurgerySharps/Bio
HazardousLab samples
BiopsyHistopathology
Wipe table/equipment down
Clean instrumentsWrap packs &
autoclave
DentalsSame anesthetic prep
for surgery.Hook up dental machineFill water reservoirHave dental equipment
on handUltrasonic ScalerSulcus probeExtractorsHand instruments for
removing tartar/plaquePolish
Mask, protective eyewear gloves for you!
Discharging the SX PatientCall owner after SxInvoice Sx and
Services renderedPrescriptionsDischarge
instructionsSchedule to go over
with clientSpeak to them in
their languageSpeak professionallyTake time to answer
questions
The Critical Care PatientPlace I.V. catheterAdministering
medicationsMonitor
SymptomsProgressTPRs, MM
Assisted feedingCleaning woundsBandage changes
EmergenciesKnow how to assess
the situationExcessive bleeding –
apply pressure/bandage
Difficulty breathing – give oxygen
Not breathing – ambu bag, place ET tube, CPR
Get DVM immediatelyAdminister
emergency drugs
House Calls & Mobile VetsSome small animal vets still doLarge animal vet definitely still doMake sure you have all the supplies that
you anticipate needing during the house call.
KennelWalking/exercising
dogsCleaning cagesBoardingAdministering
medicationsIndividual mealsKeeping things
organizedKennel boards