THESIS: A VETERINAR HOSPITAL

L A K E W O D D COLORADO

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Submitted to the Architectural Faculty of Texas Tech University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Architecture.

Architecture 422-003 December 6, 1977 Program Adviser: Gordon Mc Cutchan

Barry A. Beazley

CONTENTS

H. INTRODUCTION 1 Scope Goals and Objectives

2. CLIENT 5 Financing

3. SITE 7 Site Selection Si te Descript ion T ra f f i c and Streets U t i l i t i e s Zoning and Codes Climate

4. STAFF AND RESPONSIBILITIES 36

5. CLINICAL 50 Reception Examination Laboratory and Pharmacy

6. SURGICAL 59 Surgery Surgery Preparation Recovery and Observation Wards X-Ray and Film Processing

7. HOSPITAL 67 Treatment Wards Exercise Runs Food Preparation Grooming

8. GENERAL SERVICES 76 Offi ce Lounge Library Storage Disposal and Morgue

9. SOUND CONTROL 78

11(D). CORRESPONDENCE

n . BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Periodicals

" One fact... stands out above all others... and is as solid as the

proverbial Rock of Gibraltar, and that is the fact that dogs- no matter

what breed or what their use- are something more than mere beasts. Their

prolonged association with mankind has brought them closer to human beings

than any other animal and they should be so treated.

Lawrence B. Smith

Modern Gun Dogs

INTRODUCTION 1

INTRODUCTION

In the middle of the nineteenth century, the United States was

predominantly an ag r i cu l tu ra l country. A great need then existed fo r

expert care of the growing number of farm and dra f t animals. As the

years passed, the horse was replaced as a major source of power and

t ranspor tat ion by the in terna l combustion engine and other technological

devices. As a consequence, c l i n i c a l pract ice of equine medicine decl ined,

thereby posing a serious threat to the status of t r ad i t i ona l veter inary

medicine. Of fse t t ing th is trend came the expansion in food and companion

animal pract ice and in other types of professional a c t i v i t i e s .

There is a trend toward subs t i t u t i ng the term "companion animals"

fo r "pets" and "pet animals" i n reference to dogs, ca ts , some birds and

f i s h . The social value of companion animals is seldom e x p l i c i t l y recognized

although, in a sense, i t is at tested to by widespread ownership of animals

and close associat ion wi th them. The psychodynamics of the h i s t o r i c

emotional associat ion between man and his pet animals i s poorly understood

at best. " I n t u i t i v e judgement s t rongly suggests that these animals play

a s i g n i f i c a n t ro le in f u l f i l l i n g cer ta in human needs." '

The small animal p rac t i t i one r is p r i n c i p a l l y concerned w i th household

pets. As of January 1970, 10,931 veter inar ians were p r imar i l y engaged in

th is type of pract ice in the United States. The f a c i l i t i e s avai lable

range from simple c l i n i c s to large well-equipped hospitals wi th numerous

wards and outside runs. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

has establ ished minimum standards fo r c l i n i c s and rout ine ly inspected

member hosp i ta ls .

New Horizons For Vetr inary Medicine (Washington D.C.:National Academy of Sciences [1972] ) , pp. 1 , 22-24.

SCOPE

This f a c i l i t y w i l l maintain the fo l lowing serv ices:

C l in i ca l Services

Hospital Services

Boarding Kennel

Grooming Services

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Function

-To promote continuity of treatment through efficient util ization of staff.

-To conform with the standards provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

-To consider and provide for safe and efficient mobility for the handicapped.

-To provide a fluid and harmonious solution to traffic circulation both automobile and pedestrian.

-To provide required parking spaces for the staff and cl ients .

Form

-To create an environment that is durable, easily cleaned, and above a l l , professional in appearance.

-To provide a facil i ty that will be aesthetically appealing and convey the intent and vision of a community-oriented faci l i ty .

CLIENT 2

CLIENT

Dr. Kenneth L. Chitwood began his career a f te r receiv ing his degree

in veter inary medicine from Texas A&M Univers i ty in 1965. While wai t ing

to get his l icense to pract ice veter inary medicine in Texas, he worked as

a subs t i tu te teacher for seven months. Short ly a f te r t h i s , he began

working in New Orleans, Louisiana, and whi le working there he took the

Lousiana Board Exam and received his l icense in 1966. He worked fo r two

doctors fo r his f i r s t year and a ha l f before going in to pract ice fo r

himself i n 1968. In 1972 he establ ished the East Orleans Veterinary

Hospital Inc. and special ized his pract ice of a l l small animals. The

pract ice has grown to a two-man operat ion, but he is presently working

alone. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc ia l t ion ;

the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Associat ion; the Association of New

Orleans Veterinarians I nc . ; the Rotary Club In te rna t i ona l ; the New Orleans

East Businessmen's Associat ion; and the American Animal Hospital Associat ion.

Dr. Chitwood plans to move eventual ly to Lakewood, Colorado, a

suburb of Denver, where he w i l l s t a r t a new pract ice as soon as he se l l s

his interests in the New Orleans hospital. His decision to move was made

because he enjoys the mountains and the beauty of Colorado, and the climate

there is better for his health. A graduate student of Louisiana State

University is presently working for Dr. Chitwood and plans to eventually

buy the old practice from him.

FINANCING

Permanent financing of the hospital will be made through a local

industrial bank. Dr. Chitwood will pay 30 percent down and the 70

percent balance will be covered by the loan with an interest rate of

10 percent for 25 years. Interim financing will be made by a local

bank in Golden, Colorado.

SITE 3

The c i t y of Lakewood, Colorado is one of the twenty-four municipal

en t i t i e s in the greater Denver metropol i tan area. Occupying the western

urban f r inge of the metropol i tan area and l ies on the eastern slope of

Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The c i t y ' s western boundary stretches in to

the f o o t h i l l s , g iv ing residents access to the advantages of a metropol i tan

area on the east and the beauty of America's most famous mountain ranges

to the west.

Lakewood, which ranks as the four th largest c i t y in Colorado and the

largest c i t y i n Jefferson County, was incorporated in June 1969. I t was

the largest c i t y ever to be incorporated in the U.S. and quick ly became

recognized fo r i t s innovat ive and progressive c i t y government. A year

a f te r incorpora t ion , the c i t y was a runner-up fo r the All-America City

Award.

According to a planning repor t . Concept Lakewood, by 1990 the

boundaries of the c i t y w i l l approximate a development plan area of 32,880

acres or 51.4 square mi les. About one- th i rd of the Development Plan Area

is s t i l l unincorporated land as of January 1 , 1977, the Lakewood incor­

porated area covers 21,379 acres, or 33.4 square mi les. That is an

NATIONAL CONTEXT

REGIONAL CONTEXT

10

increase of approximately 3,500 acres over the o r ig ina l incorporat ion

area of 17,849 acres and 27.9 square miles.^

Lakewood, a c i t y of 92,787 according to the 1970 census, is cur rent ly

estimated at 128,000 and has t r a d i t i o n a l l y a t t rac ted young a f f l uen t fami l ies

The median age fo r a Lakewood resident has dropped from 29.8 in 1960 to

26.9 in 1970. Almost 50 percent of the fami l ies in the c i t y have incomes

over $15,000 whi le the middle income fami l ies (those wi th $10,000 to

$15,000 income) comprise 32". of the c i t y t o t a l . This higher average

income is a t t r i bu ted to the c i t y ' s higher percent of white co l l a r workers.

Forty percent of the male work force are pro fess iona l , technical workers

and managers as compared to 23% na t iona l l y .2

^Gary E. Latham, Concept Lakewood: A Development Plan, (Lakewood, Colorado, 1975), p.4.

2 l b i d .

11

SITE SELECTION

Select ion o f the s i t e is very important i n estab l ish ing any type of

pract ice because the ve te r inar ian 's future success or f a i l u r e can depend

on i t . There are many factors to consider in th is process, such as: the

progress!veness of the area, fu ture c i t y growth of business and res ident ia l

areas, and the locat ion of other prac t ices . Locating the pract ice on or

near a major thoroughfare leading to a res ident ia l area is very important

to i t s success.

Several c i t i e s in Colorado were considered before Lakewood was chosen.

The Denver metropol i tan area was decided upon because a large population

was necessary to support a large f a c i l i t y . Dr. Chitwood chose Lakewood

for many reasons, such as a high level of education, high average income,

a progressive c i t y government, excel lent school system, i t s closeness

to the mountains, and good t ranspor ta t ion systems are among them. Lakewood

has a l l of the advantages of a large c i t y and the pr ide of small town

community s p i r i t . There is an establ ished population that can support

the hospi ta l and a large por t ion of land that is undeveloped which w i l l

allow f o r future growth.

13

A l l of the ex is t ing veter inary pract ices were located on a map to

determine a su i tab le area to begin looking fo r a l o t . I t was determined

that most were located on the f r inges of the res ident ia l area. Consequently,

a cen t ra l l y located l o t was chosen.

SITE DESCRIPTION

The s i t e is located on Lakewood's west side in the f o o t h i l l s of the

Rocky Mountains. The l o t measures 200' by 102' (20,400 square feet ) and

is cur rent ly vacant and is clear of t rees. The only ex i s t i ng vegatation

is Buffalo grass. The l o t slopes from the northwest corner to a point

roughly 30' from the back edge of the l o t , to the southeast. From

th is po int the grade slopes 15' along the back edge of the property.

There is a u t i l i t y easement to the east side or rear of the property 5'

in w id th .

The l o t is located in a small commercial s t r i p of land surrounded

by res ident ia l development. The lots south of the s i t e is occupied by

a gasoline service s ta t ion and a s t r i p of small convenience s tores. To

the north is another vacant l o t fol lowed by a Dairy Queen and a nursery

14

S C A L E : i " = a o a '

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2 0 2 D

5770 5760 5765

SITE S C A L E 1"= 40'

Boring 1 Elev. 104.2

Boring 2 Elev. 105,

16

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4" Topsoil F i l l Consisting of Clay and Sand Pieces of CI ays tone and Sandstone.

Dark Brown Clay L i t t l e Fine to Med. Sand, Moist (very s t i f f )

Sandstone Bedrock w/ occasional pockets of Claystone, Weathered, Med. Moist (Hard). Grading to very Hard Below.

Brown Claystone Bedrock, wheathered Med. Moist ( f i rm)

Grading to Med. Hard below 19 f ee t .

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25

FEST BORES

17

school. There are single family residences to the east of the site;

however, they do not block the view due to their low elevation. The

land across the street is occupied by a park with a public swimming pool

and an elementary school.

TRAFFIC AND STREETS

Union Boulevard is an important north-south thoroughfare for

Lakewood and is the only adjoining street to the site. It's 80' width

is composed of two lanes for traffic and two lanes designated for parking

or bicycle riding. Traffic is moderate along Union; however, future

growth will probably result in an increase. The parking lanes will be

developed into lanes of traffic to handle this extra load. A traffic

light is located at Union's intersection with Mississippi Ave. The speed

limit on both of these streets is 30 miles per hour and they are paved

with asphalt.

18

UTILITIES

Gas: Natural gas is provided by Public Service Co. of Colorado.

A s ix - inch low pressure l i ne runs pa ra l l e l to Union 24' from

i t s west curb.

E l e c t r i c i t y : E lec t r i c service is provided by Public Service Co.

I t is overhead service and runs along the east boundary of the

s i t e .

Water: Water service is provided by Green Mountain Park and Water

and San i ta t ion . An 8" water main runs north-south 15' from

the east curb of Union Boulevard. I t i s supplied by a 12"

Main running pa ra l l e l to Mississippi Ave.

Telephone: Telephone service is provided by Mountain Bel l Telephone

Co., and runs along the east boundary.

Refuse: Refuse can be picked up on s i t e by c i t y or pr iva te co l l ec t i on

services from dumpsters.

19

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FELEPHONE

24

ZONING AND CODES

The c i t y of Lakewood cur rent ly goes by the 1976 ed i t i on of the

Uniform Bui ld ing Code. The s i t e is zoned as "C -1 " or a "Commercial-One

D i s t r i c t " and l i es in Fire Zone I I I . Restr ic t ions in f i r e zone I I I , sect ion

1604 states "any bu i ld ing or s t ruc ture complying wi th the requirements of

th is code (Uniform Bui ld ing Code) may be erected, constructed, moved w i t h i n

or in to Fire Zone I I I . "

Height regulat ions: None.

Area regulat ions: No res t r i c t i ons shal l apply other than the area

fo r parking as provided under Section 3-2.

Front yard: Except as hereaf ter provided, the minimum depth of any

f r on t yard fo r a b u i l d i n g , measured from the f ron t l o t l i ne

to the f ron t setback l i n e , shal l be f i f t y (50) fee t .

Side yard : I f a bu i ld ing is constructed of masonry or f i r ep roo f

mater ia ls , no side yard shal l be required on an i n t e r i o r l o t .

I f a bu i ld ing is constructed of materials other than masonry

or f i r ep roo f mater ia ls , the minimum depth of any side yard of

an i n t e r i o r l o t , measured from the s ide lo t to the side setback

25

l i n e , shal l be f i v e (5) f ee t .

Rear yard : The minimum depth of rear yard shal l be ten (10) feet

except where abutt ing upon an a l l ey , the depth shal l be f i f t e e n

(15) feet from the center of the a l l e y .

Fences and/or wa l l s : Fences and wal ls w i th in the C-1 D i s t r i c t

shal l conform to the fo l lowing requirements: (a) Subsection

A,except f ron t yard class 2 and 3 fences (ornamental i ron

and woven wire 80% open) may be erected in the f ron t yard up

to a maximum height of 72". (b) Side or rear yard class

(1) masonry wal ls (2) ornamental i ron (3) woven wire

(4) wood or other materials (5) s o l i d fences-wood or other

material (6) Hedges, may be erected up to a maximum height

of 72".

Parking: A driveway fo r access, to any s ing le parking s t a l l or to

a parking l o t , shal l be not less than 12' in width or more than

30' in width at the property l i ne along the s t r e e t . I t sha l l

be so located to minimize t r a f f i c hazards.

Parking space requirements: For those c l ass i f i ed as o f f i c e bui ld ings

26

or fo r professional serv ices,not involved in r e t a i l t rade,

there shal l be provided two (2) square feet of gross parking

area per one (1) square foot of gross f l o o r area.

Veterinary Hospital (small animal, enclosed) as defined by codes:

A place where small animals or pets (dogs, ca ts , b i r d s , and

the l i ke ) are given medical or surgical treatment. Use as a

kennel shal l be l im i ted to short - t ime boarding and shal l only

be inc identa l to such hospi tal use. A l l uses shal l be enclosed

wi th in a sound-proof bu i ld ing and which shal l not emit an

object ionable odor.

27

CLIMATE

Lakewood enjoys the m i l d , sunny, semi-ar id cl imate that prevai ls

over much of the central Rocky Mountain reg ion, wi thout the extremely

cold mornings of the high elevations or the hot afternoons of summer at

lower a l t i t udes . Extremely warm or cold weather is usually of short

durat ion. The good cl imate resul ts la rge ly from the c i t y ' s locat ion

on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains.

Airmasses from at least four d i f f e ren t sources inf luence Lakewood's

weather: polar a i r from Canada and the fa r northwest; moist a i r from the

Gulf o f Mexico and the southwest; and Pac i f ic a i r modified by i t s passage

overland.

Situated a long distance from any moisture source, and separated

from the Pac i f ic source by a high mountain b a r r i e r , Lakewood enjoys a

low re la t i ve humidity and low average prec ipa ta t ion . The normal annual

to ta l p rec i p i t a t i on is 14.81 inches, 39% of which occurs i n the spring

and mostly f a l l s as snow during the colder period of the season.

28

Approximately 31% of the annual t o ta l f igure occurs during the summer

p a r t i c u l a r l y in July and August, and usually f a l l s from scattered local

thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. The record maximum

monthly f igure of 7.31 inches of p rec ip i t a t i on f e l l during May 1957.

Maximum monthly f igures ranging between 4.17 inches to 6.41 inches

frequent ly occur. Winter has the least p r e c i p i t a t i o n , only about 11%

of the annual to ta l and almost a l l of i t is snow. The record maximum

volume of 39.1 inches of snow was recorded in November 1946. The

maximum snowfall in a 24-hour period is 19.4 inches, recorded in

September 1936. Although the greatest mean monthly to ta l is 12.6

inches, there are days in which e ight to f i f t e e n inches of snow w i l l

f a l l i n a 24-hour per iod. These days occur on an average of once every

two years.

The high a l t i t ude and the locat ion of the mountains to the west

combine to moderate temperatures and produce an annual normal temperature

of 49.5 degrees. The warmest months are June, July and August wi th the

hotest da i ly maximum of 88.4 degrees in Ju ly . The record highest temp­

erature of 104° occured in August of 1969. The coolest months are December^

January and Febuary wi th the lowest normal da i ly minimum of 14.8° in

29

January. The record lowest temperature of -25 degrees occured in January

1963.

The wind is lessened by the proximity of the mountains. The

annual prevailing wind is 9.1 miles per hour from the south. Strongest

continuous winds occur during March and April with the prevailing

direction from the south at a speed pf 10.6 miles per hour. The fastest

wind speed was recorded in July 1965 at 56 miles per hour.

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STAFF A N D RESPONSIBILITIES 4

36

The study of the a c t i v i t i e s and t h e i r re lat ionships of the ve te r in ­

arians and employees, is essential to the development of a funct ional

and e f f i c i e n t hosp i ta l . I t should r e f l e c t t he i r work habits as well as

the i r physical and social needs. An understanding of the services ren­

dered and the equipment used is a necessi ty. The object ives are to estab­

l i sh c r i t e r i a from which one can determine space requirements, cost

estimates and develope a design concept.

Unlike the consultat ion state of a physic ian, the veter inar ians

place of business must be a complete medical f a c i l i t y . The animal hospital

must be able to render almost complete diagnostic services and have the

equipment necessary to do t h i s . I t should be a true hospital fo r i t ' s

pa t ien ts , o f fe r ing adequate housing, nursing care, and treatment f a c i l ­

i t i e s . There needs also to be a surgery, complete wi th a l l the furnishings

that are necessary for operations. The hospital must be ready at a l l

times to accept and t rea t emergency cases that may occur.

From th is point on the pet w i l l be referred to as the pa t i en t ,

and the owner w i l l be referred to as the c l i e n t .

37

Veter inar ian #1

Veter inar ian #2

Receptionist Veterinarian #3

Diagnostic

Bookkeeper Housekeeper

Surgery Other

Lab Technician

Chief Nurse

Surgery Wards

RESPONSIBILITY

38

STAFF AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Veterinary hospitals vary in size according to the number of

practioners the f a c i l i t y is designed for as wel l as the employees, t h e i r

assigned duties and services provided. The s t a f f and the i r respons ib i l i t i es

Dr. Chitwood's three-man pract ice requires are described as fo l lows:

Veter inarian #1. His pos i t ion is owner and manager of the hosp i ta l .

As manager he w i l l oversee the f u l f i l l m e n t of a l l employee

job respons ib i l i t i es and determine what these respons ib i l i t i es

w i l l be. His duties include the examination and treatment

of small animals such as dogs, cats , monkeys and b i r d . The

treatment includes the prescr ib ing of medicine and performing

surgical procedures.

Veter inarian #2. He is a partner, e i ther co-owner or a h igh-salar ied

pos i t i on . One of his respons ib i l i t i es is the general main­

tenance of the hosp i t a l , issuing inst ruct ions to each employee

in t he i r own area. This avoids the s i t ua t i on of a l l three

39

veter inarians g iv ing con f l i c t i ng ins t ruc t ions . His duties also

include the examination and treatment of the pa t ien ts .

Veter inar ian #3. This posi t ion w i l l be f i l l e d by a new graduate,

who is mainly working to gain experience. His purpose is to

give the senior veterinarians time o f f and help during busy

periods. His duties are s im i la r to the senior veter inar ians,

examining and t rea t ing pat ien ts .

Receptionist. There w i l l eventually be two recept ionists needed,

although the early development of the pract ice w i l l require

only one. Their respons ib i l i t i es include greeting the c l i e n t ,

preparing records, receiving money, bookkeeping, se t t ing

appointments, answering the phone, and d i rec t ing the c l ien ts

to the examination rooms. They are also responsible for the

general cleanliness of t he i r work area and the wai t ing area.

A close eye must be kept on the wai t ing area in the event an

animal creates a mess (vomit or excrement), so that i t can be

immediately cleaned-up.

40

There are dispensing items that can be d is t r i bu ted to

the c l i e n t without a doctor 's approval. These items include

such things as shampoos, chewable vitamines, f lea c o l l a r s ,

and the l i k e . They should be kept at or near the recept ion is t ' s

desk so that she can get them for a c l i e n t without having to

leave her work s t a t i on .

Veterinarian Technician. The veter inar ian technician is the vet­

er inar ian 's most important and highly t ra ined ass is tant . She

has a var iety of duties that are involved in many of the

functions of the hosp i t a l . These duties can be divided in to

f i ve areas:

Examination.

-record the animal's anamnesis

-help set the c l i e n t at ease

-take a simple h is tory and complete the medical record

at the doctor 's d i rec t ion

-demonstrate correct methods of administering medicines

^John B. McCarthy, D.M.V.,"Recognizing the Veter inarian Technician' The Veterinary Cl in ics Of North America Vol . 2 No. 3 (Sept. 1972) :495

41

Examination cont.

-assis t with restraint of most animals

-admit animals to the hospital when indicated

-assist the client in making a return appointment if

necessary

Treatment

-restrain the animal

-assist the doctor with routine hospital treatments

-she is trained to do routine dentistry

-relieve the doctor of manyunnecessary phone calls by

giving clients an educated response to questions

Surgery.

-prepare the animal for surgery

-intubate and monitor anesthesia under the supervision

of the veterinarian

-she will be familar with s ter i le technique and various

anesthetics

-trained to identify surgical instruments

42

Surgery cont.

-ass is t the doctor with surgical procedures

-she w i l l be able to prepare surgical packs and ass is t

with gowning and draping

-she w i l l be fam i l i a r wi th emergency procedures to be

carr ied out in a surgical or anesthetic c r i s i s

-she w i l l be f am i l i a r wi th postoperative and intensive

care and w i l l be able to monitor and supervise the

pat ient in the doctors absence

-manage the surgery and determine inventor ies and needs

fo r supplies

Labratory, X-Ray, Pharmacy

- in the labratory she can do rout ine CBC's inc luding

in te rp re ta t ion of smears

-she can do blood chemistry i f provided wi th a

photometer machine

-microbiologic cultures and s e n s i t i v i t y tes t ing

-u r ina lys i s and paras i to logic examinations

43

Labratory, X-Ray, Pharmacy cont.

- i n the x-ray room she can posi t ion the pat ient

-ass is t the doctor wi th the exposure

-process the f i lms

-she can also supervise the storage and recording of

exposed radiographs

- i n the pharmacy the technician can maintain an inven­

tory of drugs and supplies

Kennel Man. He is responsible fo r the cleaning and maintenance of

the cages, runs, and the wards. His duties include the feeding

and watering of the animals, giv ing bathes and medicated

therapeutic bathes. He can also help with preoperative work

and surgical assistance when the hospital is very busy. He

is also responsible fo r the general maintenance of the hos­

p i t a l , inside and out. The more extensive maintenance is

done on Saturdays and Sundays and a f te r business hours.

Groomer. A pet groomer comes in on a scheduled basis to c l i p and

bath dogs. He is paid on a commission.

44

Part-t ime Student. These are students that are in terested in

possibly going in to veter inary medicine. Their duties are

to aid the kennel-man and technic ian. They usually work in

the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays.

Custodian. A custodial service w i l l be employed to professional ly

clean the hosp i ta l . This work w i l l be done a f te r hours.

In addi t ion to t he i r own dut ies , each employee is t ra ined with a

working knowledge of the other employees duties so that they are capable

of covering such events as peak periods, i l l n e s s , days o f f and the l i k e .

This also aids in t ra in ing of new employees by t h e i r fe l low employees

along wi th the supervision provided by the hospital manager and other

doctors. Cross-trained employees have greater i n d i v i d u a l i t y and also the

opportunity to develope in terestwhich w i l l increase a b i l i t i e s .

A c lear understanding of the c i r cu la t i on of the s t a f f , pa t ien ts ,

and c l ien ts through the sequence of events from the entrance in to the

bu i l d i ng , examination, treatment, confinement ( i f necessary), and f i na l

e x i t from the bu i ld ing is important to the design of the hosp i t a l .

45

A common planning error is to cause the c l i e n t to t ravel through the work

zones of the hosp i t a l , when he seldom needs more than access to where

the examination is done. Excessive c i r cu la t i on on the part of the c l i e n t

can cause him to become los t or confused, or enable him to engage in

d i s t rac t ing conversation with employees or the ve ter inar ian . The locat ion

and control of doors is imperative to the res t ra in t and i so la t ion of

of the animals during examination and treatment. Areas must be closed o f f

to hinder the escape of an animal to other parts of the hospital and

to reduce or iso la te sound.

Typical c i r cu la t ion of the Cl ient

-Upon approaching the hospital the c l i e n t must be oriented

so that he may go e i ther to the reception area or d i r ec t l y

to the emergency entrance.

- I f the c l i en t enters through the reception area , he should

go d i rec t l y to the recept ion is t s ta t ion to reg is te r .

- I f i t is necessary for the c l i e n t to wa i t , there should be

a wai t ing area provided.

46

-From the waiting area the client will move to the examination

room. The client should have direct access to the examination

room and not allowed to circulate in the work areas of the

hospital.

-Following the examination and treatment of his pet, the

client is directed to a separate check out counter at the

receptionist station to make additional appointments and

financial arrangements.

-From the receptionist station the client will leave the

hospital through a separate exit .

The circulation of a typical patient that is need of a vaccination

or minor medical attention.

-The patient and client are taken from the waiting area to

the examination area.

-The examination room is equipped to administer vaccinations

and minor medical treatment.

-If more extensive treatment is necessary the patient is taken

to the treatment area.

47

-A f te r the treatment, the pat ient is returned to the c l i e n t

at the recept ion is t s ta t ion and discharged.

The c i r cu la t i on of a typ ica l Surgical Pat ient .

-The surgery is always scheduled except fo r emergency cases.

-A f te r the pat ient has a r r i ved , he is taken to the preopera­

t i ve area to be prepared for surgery.

-A f te r the pat ient is prepared he is taken in to the surgery

area.

-A f te r the surgery is complete he is placed in the intensive

care cages for close observation fo r a few hours.

-From the intensive care cages he is t ransferred to the

hospital ward un t i l he is ready to be discharged.

- I f the pat ient expires during surgery, the carcass is placed

in a p las t i c bag and taken to the morgue(freezer), where the

animal is la te r picked up and taken away.

48

The c i r cu la t i on of a typ ica l emergency case.

-The emergency entrance is located adjacent to the treatment

area for quicker treatment and to avoid any unnecessary

mess in the recept ion is t area. Emergency cases w i l l be

received at th is entrance.

-While the pat ient is in the treatment area the i n ju r i es are

determined.

- I f surgery is required the pat ient is taken to the preopera­

t i ve area and prepared for surgery.

-The other procedures fo l low those described fo r surgerical

pat ients .

Although the hospital is fo r the treatment of a l l small animals,

the patients w i l l p r imar i ly consist o f cats and dogs. Other small animals

such as b i rds , snakes, hamsters and the l i k e w i l l also be t rea ted, but

as outpat ients. There w i l l not be any special f a c i l i t i e s to board these

animals because of the r a r i t y of the v i s i t s from th is l im i ted c l i e n t e l e .

49

An animal hospital is an institution designed, buil t , equipped

and staffed to render modern veterinary care to animals. This care

involves numerous functions and services: reception, admission and

discharge; bookkeeping and payroll; purchase and account collections;

outpatient services; laboratory; radiography; surgery and hospitalization

services, including nursing care around the clock. These are the basic

essential services which must be rendered by any animal hospital. There

are others, such as grooming, boarding and providing vending machines

for clients and employees, but these are secondary services not essential

to modern veterinary care.

The functions of a veterinary hospital catergorically fall into

four basic divisions: the outpatient or cl inical ; the surgical; the

hospital; and general services. Some services such as those devoted to

laboratory and radiologic sevices are common to two of these divisions.

These divisions and the functions that occur in each will be described

in the following chapters.

CLINICAL

50

Much of the outpat ient area is fo r the c l ien ts use. I t is occa­

s iona l ly referred to as the c l i n i c a l area because of the a c t i v i t i e s

are c l i n i c a l or iented. The functions that occur here include recept ion,

examination, pathological services, pharmaceutic sevices, public t o i l e t ,

and storage.

RECEPTION

The reception area has two funct ions, the wai t ing area for the

c l i en t and the recept ion is t s ta t ion for the processing of information and

f inanc ia l t ransact ions. I t is here the c l i e n t forms his f i r s t impressions;

so i t should have a spacious fee l ing created with a t t r ac t i ve materials

that are durable. Since the c l i e n t amay often be in a concerned state

of mind, he should be well iso la ted from dis turb ing sights and sounds.

Consideration can be given to a separate fe l i ne wai t ing area, e i ther

by creat ing a separate space of by the shape of the reception area.

Careful consideration should be given to the select ion of materials and

fu rn i tu re for th is area, since the number and frequency of the animals

51

creat ing a mess (vomit or excrement) here is usually h igh, resu l t ing in

abnormally high maintenance problems.

The recept ion is t s ta t ion should be designed fo r two employees and

in a manner al lowing them to observe entering c l i e n t s , d i rec t c l ien ts to

examination rooms, co l lec t compensation due, assist the doctors as needed,

and work without disturbance from ch i ld ren , dogs, and ta l ka t i ve c l i e n t s .

There should be a separate ex i t route from the examination rooms that passes

d i rec t l y past the receptionist-business area, but not through the recep­

t ion area. A small counter should be avai lable for payment of accounts

af fording a l im i ted degree of privacy so that the c l i e n t feels free to

discuss charges in d e t a i l . The c l i e n t should e x i t through a separate e x i t

to prevent entanglements with incoming c l i e n t s .

Equipment:

-2 r o l l i n g chairs

-counter for f i l l i n g out records

-separate counter fo r money transactions and scheduling appoint­

ments ( fo r privacy)

-telephone answering device

52

-record stor ing system

- typewr i ter

-ca lcu la tor

-intercom system

-wall clock

-burg lar alarm system

- f i l e cabinets (4 drawer)

-copy machine

EXAMINATION

The examination should be done in privacy al lowing the doctor to

consult with the c l i e n t . A minimum amount of treatment should be done

here to minimize in cleaning and to aid in the scheduling of work, there­

fore increasing the number of pat ients that can be seen in one day. The

treatment is generally carr ied out in another area of the hop i t a l , prevent­

ing the c l i e n t from experiencing the sometimes unpleasant sights and odors.

Space should be provided fo r two c l ien ts to wait for examination by 1

the f i r s t ve ter inar ian , and one and a ha l f f o r each addit ional ve ter inar ian .

Stanton Will iamson, D.V.M., "Animal Hospital Requirements," Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol . 151, No. 5, P.548

Allow adequate room for the doctor to work on both sides and at the end of

the examination tab le , and s t i l l have space fo r one or two of the members

of the family to observe. This increases examination e f f i c iency and d is ­

courages the whole family from pa r t i c i pa t i ng in the examination. Some

veterinarians prefer to have a separate entrance in to the examination room

in order to minimize contact wi th c l i e n t s , which allows them to work

fas te r . The recomended l i gh t i ng of 90 footcandles should be provided,

with addi t ional f i x tu res capable of d i rec t ing the l i g h t toward the area to

be examined. Any odors can be d i r e c t l y vented to the ex ter io r with ex­

haust fans of a greater CFM than the CFM of the entering a i r .

Over ha l f of the o f f i ce ca l ls involve the administering of a vac­

c inat ion or an in jec tab le a n t i b i o t i c which should be re f r ige ra ted . Since

they require a syringe and needle, the i n j ec t i b l es should be stored so

that the doctor can reach a l l three without having to take a step. The

i n jec t i b les should be kept in a small counter top re f r i ge ra to r with the

syringe and needles nearby.

53

Henry J . Euler, " I n i t i a l Thoughts on Animal Hospital Design" The Veterinary Cl in ics of North America Vol . 2 No. 3 (Sept. 1972) P.553

54

Examination Equipment:

-s ink , fo r washing hands

-counter top

- r e f r i g e r a t o r , to store i n j ec t i b l es

-examination table

-small cabinet, for s tor ing examination instruments

-instruments to perform an examination such as: diagnostic se t ;

thermometer; 2 ar tery forcepts ; 2 dressing forceps; cotton

wool j a r ; 5 inch curved sc issors ; 1 S/S kidney d ish ; IS/s

bowl; stethoscope

-oxygen, emergency supply

-cha i r fo r owner

-X-ray viewer, wall mounted

-small supply of drugs in everyday use

-examination lamp

-syringes and needles

-scales

55

LABORATORY AND PHARMACY

The laboratory and pharmacy functions have t r a d i t i o n a l l y been comb­

ined, however, the larger hospital o f fe r ing more services has changed th is

in many instances. The larger and more funct ional laboratory becomes neces­

sary as increased work loads demand a more special ized and quieter s i tua ­

t i o n . A hospital with f u l l - l abo ra to ry service can produce a quick diag­

nosis, making i t unnecessary fo r the c l i e n t to return fo r the tes t results

and subsequent treatment. The laboratory is best located near the hospi­

ta l section for use in caring fo r pat ients kept in the wards. The labora­

tory and pharmacy functions should be located adjacent to the examination

rooms. The pharmacy's locat ion here is essent ia l , i n that i t saves the

doctor precious steps and prevents his exposure to in ter rupt ions and

d is t rac t ions . The pharmacy must be close to the recept ion is t so that she

can get prescription r e f i l l s without leaving the f ron t desk and telephone

unattended fo r a long time.

When arranging the pharmacy i t is best to s t a r t by d iv id ing the drugs

in to d i f f e ren t categories such as t ab le t s , capsules, ointments, prepack­

aged l iqu ids and i n j e c t i b l e s . The b io log ica ls w i l l be stored in a r e f r i g -

56 erator . Ointments are best stored in a drawer 4 to 5 inches deep. Small

glass or p las t i c dropper bot t les of o t i c or ophthalmic solut ions are best

stored in a drawer. In jec t ib les generally are not dispensed; they are

kept in the examination rooms. Uniform bot t les such as 6 to 8 ounces in

s i ze , of p las t i c or glass should be used in arranging capsules and tab le ts .

These can be stored on shelves above the counter space. The space above a

point 60 inches from the f l oo r and below the counter may be used for the

storage of bulk drugs in gal lon stock, which is eventually put in to smaller

bot t les to be dispensed. Other items in reserve such as tab le t s , capsules,

ointments and items seldom used can be placed here.

Laboratory Equipment:

- large re f r ige ra to r

-cou l te r WBC/RBC counter

-cou l te r d i l u t e r I I

-cou l te r hemoglobulin

-serormeter and serospin

-microhematocrit centr i fuge

Donald R. Pooley, "Pharmacy Management and Inventory Maintenance" The Veterinary Cl in ics of North America Vol . 2 No.3 (Sept. 1972) P484

57 -portable incubator ( fo r cu l tu r ing bacter ia)

-A/0 binocular microscope

-Burton Woods lamp

-ped ia t r i c scale

- r o l l i n g step stool

-skeletons

-laboratory sink and counter

Pharmacy Equipment:

-typewriter

-microscope

-otoscope

-stocks of drugs in daily use

JANITORS CLOSET

A space for the storage of cleaning equipment and supplies is needed

by every hosp i ta l . The most appropriate locat ion for th is storage is near

the recept ion is t s t a t i on . A minimum area of 18 to 20 square feet is

necessary to contain a mop or service s ink , mop bucket, and a place to

hang mops and brooms, etc.

58

TOILET

There should be a t o i l e t that is convenient fo r the pub l ic 's use.

I t ' s best locat ion is near but not v i s i b l e to the wai t ing area. A min i ­

mum size of 20 to 25 square feet is recommended. The t o i l e t rooms should

be exhausted at the rate of 2 CFM per square foot of f l oo r area. This

amounts to 15 a i r changes per hour or a complete change of a i r every four

minutes.

STORAGE

There are two important needs fo r storage in the outpat ient section

of the hosp i ta l . These are for o f f i ce supplies and special d ie t foods

the recept ion is t d i s t r i bu tes . This includes the other nonprescribed

items d is t r ibu ted from the recept ion is t s t a t i o n , in order to save steps.

SURGICAL B

59

SURGERY

With the increase in sophis t icat ion of surgical and anesthetic

equipment, the surgical procedure has demanded more and more space. The

most tedious and exacting work is done here and requires a high degree of

s t e r i l i z a t i o n and freedom from a l l d i s t rac t ions . Surgical work only

should be done here, and the exclusion of the surgeon's scrub-up and ex­

cessive storage cabinets. Surgical procedures, including general major

surgery, minor surgery, transfusions and emergencies such as administrat ion

of oxygen, resus i ta t ion and asp i ra t ion , a l l are performed here. Al l unneces­

sary c i r cu la t i on or unrelated a c t i v i t i e s must be prohib i ted to maintain

th is high degree of s t e r i l i z a t i o n and freedom from d i s t r ac t i on .

The surgery must be located adjacent to the pre-operative preparation

area and postoperative area. Only one entrance is recommended to the surgery

with a scrub sink adjacent to th is entrance. The in t roduct ion and use of

such equipment as anesthetic machines, heart monitor, and automatic

resus i ta tor means that more space is required for surgery. In addi t ion

to the surgical l i g h t , a general i l l umina t ion of 60 footcandles is recom­

mended. Some of the more versa t i le surgical l i gh ts avai lable require a

10 foot ce i l i ng for proper i n s t a l l a t i o n .

60

Surgery Equipment

-s ta in less steel V-top surgical table (2' x 5 ' )

-surgery l i g h t

-mayo-stand ( fo r surgical instruments)

-clock

-gas anesthetic machine

-heart monitor (2 'x 2 'x2 ' )

-wal l mounted X-ray viewer

-automatic resus i ta tor on stand

-hyfrecator

- a l l instruments necessary for surgery

SURGERY PREPARATION

This part of the hospital sometimes has the combined use for surgery

preparation and general treatment, and fo r th is reason is considered the

hub of the hosp i ta l . As the working center, such functions as instrument

cleaning, storage, minor surgery, post operative treatment and observation

have cumulatively made th is the busiest part of the hop i t a l . Since someone

61

w i l l probably always be working close by, postoperative cages can be

located near here for continual observation. I t should be located ad­

jacent to an emergency entrance, to recieve emergency cases to be evaluat­

ed. This prevents any undesirable sights and mess at the recept ion is t

s ta t i on .

The preoperative and postoperative functions should be performed

adjacent to the surgery and wards for convenience and ease of operat ion.

These functions include the preparation of both the pat ient and .equip­

ment. The equipment consists of the surgical l inens, instruments and

e lec t ron ic devices.

The preoperative procedures deal with the preparation of the pat ien t .

They begin with the administering of the preanesthetic medication followed

by anesthesia. The surgical area of the pat ient is cl ipped and the loose

hai r is removed. The surgical area is cleansed, and the animal is

transported to the surgery tab le . Hair , dust and other debris are l e f t

behind keeping the surgery clean, therefore maintaining a high s t e r i l ­

ized state during the surgery.

Postoperative procedures include the cleaning and s t e r i l i z a t i o n of

62

the surgical l inens and instruments. The operating gowns, gloves,

towels and drapes are f i r s t cleaned in a washing machine then d r ied .

Then they are loosely folded and s t e r i l i z e d in the autoclave. Af ter

s t e r i l i z a t i o n they are stored fo r future use. The surgical instruments

are cleaned in soap and water. Then they are s t e r i l i z e d with dry heat,

because steam or bo i l i ng dul ls the cu t t ing edges. Surgical packs of

instruments are made up, containing the proper select ion necessary to

perform certa in surgical procedures. These packs are stored for

future use and should be such that easy access from the operating room

is provided. The cleaning and s t e r i l i z a t i o n procedures are done during

l u l l s in qppointments.

Surgical Preparation Equipment:

- r o l l i n g stainless steel table (2 ' x 5 ' )

-surgical prep-tub (18"x 20")

-s ta in less steel prep, counter (28" x 70")

- re t rac t -o - ree l c l ippers

- b u l l e t i n board

-wall clock

-monocular microscope

63

Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless Steel Counter Top Formed Together

P L A N SCALE 3/S"= 1 ' - 0

ELEVATIOrM SCALE 3 / 8 I I - . . „ , , 1

r-0'

SURGICAL PREP TABLE

64 -scales

-surg ical scrub-up sink

Surgical Cleaning and S t e r i l i z a t i o n Equipment

-electrosonic instrument cleaner and tray (24"xl8"x20")

-autoclave (24"xl8"x20")

-washer (25"x25"x36")

-dryer (25"x25"x36")

RECOVERY AND OBSERVATION WARD

This ward is basica l ly fo r c r i t i c a l postsurgical patients that need

the extra care to assure rapid recovery. I t should be located so that

the veter inar ian can observe while passing by or while performing other

dut ies. An observation window should be provided.

Equipment:

-5 stainless steel cages (1 equipped to administer oxygen)

Sizes - 36"x60", 30"x30",24"x30" - a l l with typ. 28" depth

-those medications that might be required in an emergency

situation

HIMIII-jl J., .

65

X-RAYS AND FILM PROCESSING

Radiographs have become more important to the ve te r inar ian ;

consequently, the use and size of x-ray machines are on the increase.

The x-ray machine must be accessible to the veter inar ian fo r use in

treatment and surgery, and should be located adjacent to where these

functions are performed. The space should allow enough area for access

to three sides of the tab le . Frequently i t is necessary to physical ly

res t ra in the animal while the radiographs are being taken and protect ive

gowns and gloves are necessary. A place for the storage of these gowns

is necessary.

A place for the quick processing of the f i l m must be provided. I t

should be located where i t w i l l not in terupt the use of the x-ray

machine by another ve ter inar ian. The dark room should allow space for the

development tank, work counter, sink and f i l m storage. The storage of

f i lm should be protected against the exposure to rad ia t ion . The x-ray

protect ive gowns could be stored here. Automatic f i lm processors are

also ava i lab le . I f an automatic processor is used, i t i t desirable to

have the standard dark room units in case of unforseen downtime.

66

X-Ray/Darkroom Equipment

-300 MA 125KV X-ray machine (the table measures 24"x54" and

is 3' high)

- f i l m processing tank (18"x24")

-automatic p r in te r (24"x24"x36" high)

-d r ip racks

-safe l i g h t

-c lock- t imer

-X-Ray viewer

HOSPITAL y

67

TREATMENT

The treatment of a pat ient fol lows the examination and can occur

e i ther during the examination or in another cent ra l l y located and bet ter

equiped place depending on the type and extent of treatment necessary.

Usually the veter inar ian chooses to take the pat ient to a treatment table

away from the c l i e n t to prevent him from experiencing unpleasant sights

and to have more equipment at his disposal . Such procedures as minor

surgery and dental work are done, and here emergency cases can be recieved

and evaluated. These f a c i l i t i e s should be located adjacent to where the

examination rooms and the pharmacy-laboratory.

Equipment:

-winged stainless steel table

-E.K.G. machine

-dental machine

-baby incubator(18"xl8"x24")

-small re f r i ge ra to r (2 ' x2 ' x2 ' )

- c e i l i n g mounted e l e c t r i c cl ippers fo r shaving the treated area

-wal l mounted X-ray viewer

- b u l l e t i n board

stainless Steel Sink and Stainless Steel Counter Top Formed Together

^ Typical Stainless Steel Edge

68

P L A I N ! S C A L E "5 /Q" = 1 I _ n ' i 3/8"=r-0'

Sink

S ta in l ess Steel Waste Compart Door and Frame

Open

1

1 '^^^

\ - 1 1 - 1 1 ^'^ 1

1 •= 1

E L E V A T I O N S C A L E 3 /8"= l ' -0 '

FREATMENT TABLE ^ SINK

69

Equipment (cont . )

-clock

-movable l i g h t source

WARDS

The wards are for the boarding (or kennell ing) of animals and the

hosp i ta l i za t ion of pat ients . Most c l ien ts prefer a f u l l service hospital

so that they may go to one place for a l l t he i r veter inary needs. The

boarding and grooming services are in great demand and can produce ad­

d i t iona l revenue for the hosp i ta l . Dr. Chitwood prefers separate dog and

cat kennel l ing f a c i l i t i e s . Surgical patients that require observation are

addit ional occupants of the wards and should be kept separate from the

boarding animals. Provisions should be made for the i so la t i on of cont­

agious animals; three to f i ve cages is recommended for th is purpose.

The American Animal Hospital Associat ion's Manual of Standards recommends

a maximum of 25 compartments per ward. Fi f teen compartments per ve te r in ­

arian is the general ru le of thumb fol lowed in determining the to ta l

number of cages needed for normal condi t ions.

Wards and runs should be given special consideration in respect to

v e n t i l a t i o n , cleaning and sound con t ro l . From the standpoint of ven t i l a -

70

t ion and for the purpose of noise i s o l a t i o n , they are best located at

the rear of the hosp i ta l .

The ven t i l a t i on rate of the kennel should be determined on a d i f ­

ferent basis than the rest of the hospital because of the large concentra­

t ion of odor sources. Entering in to the amount of odor sources is the

number of animals, physical condit ion of those animals, and frequency

of compartment and run clean-up.

The quant i ty of outside a i r fo r ven t i l a t i on of the kennel and

runs should be based on an estimated percentage of animal occupancy and

types of animals, using 8 CFM for cats and 50 CFM for dogs. Although

there might be a time when a l l the compartments might be occupied, such as

during summer vacations, a ven t i l a t i on rate of 100% occupancy would

be excessive most of the t ime. A f igure of 75% occupancy is consideration

a more feasib le f igure to work w i t h .

The wards and runs should have exhaust fans to assure pos i t ive ex­

haust and maintain a negative pressure between these areas and other parts

of the hosp i ta l . The i so la t i on cages should be treated as contaminated

American Society of Heating, Ref r igerat ing, and Ai r Conditioning Engineers, Handbook of Fundamentals, 1967, Chapter 11 , Table 7, Average Odor Free Requirements

71

Outlets in t r im Above cages

24x30

tza

24x24 ?4x24

36x60

?4x2^ 24x2^

36x60

24x2^ 24x2^

36x36

^

24x24

36x36

?4x30

36x36

Concrete Base Floor Sloped to Drain

E L E V A T I O N S C A L E l / 4 " = l ' - 0 '

CAGES

72

by exhausting 110% of the a i r suppl ied. The supply should be s u f f i c i e n t

for proper cooling and heat ing. The exhaust is larger than the supply to

maintain a negative pressure.

To f a c i l i t a t e f l oo r cleaning and prevent trapped moisture, the

cages should be supported o f f the f l o o r . The cages should be arranged

so as not to face each other , and any unneccessary t r a f f i c and a c t i v i t y

in f ron t of the compartments avoided.

Equipment:

-Hospital ward - 14 stainless steel cages

-Cat boarding ward - 10 stainless steel cages

-Dog boarding ward - 20 stainless steel cages

EXERCISE RUNS

The excersize runs serve two necessary funct ions: they provide a

place for the animals while the cages are serviced, and they serve as a

place to exercise the animals of the wards. The runs are best located

adjacent to the wards to minimize the time and e f f o r t needed to exer­

cise the dogs. One run for each s ix or seven cages is recommended.

Although the minimum size for a run is 3' by 5 ' , runs for larger dogs

should be provided at a minimum size of 4' by 7 ' . Extremely large dogs

73

are occasionally kept in the runs rather than a cramped cage.

Divisions between runs should be constructed to discourage any

contact between occupants. A four inch concrete block wall properly

coated with glazed wall coating is the most sa t i s fac to ry , pa r t i cu la r l y

in terms of long-range wear and use. I t is recommended that these walls

should be constructed approximately 5 ' -6 " high with cove base and

rounded cap. The gate should be constructed of a galvanized chainl ink

fence material to prevent corrosion and to allow the animal to see out .

To f a c i l i t a t e cleaning, the f loors of the runs should slope to the rear

for posi t ive drainage and made of a smooth hard surface. Water fo r

cleaning and consumption should be ava i lab le .

Due to the s i tes locat ion in a res ident ia l area and in a cooler

region of the country, outside runs w i l l not be appl icable. Their use

depends to a great extent on weather condi t ions. Not only are they d i f ­

f i c u l t to keep clean, but they can be a source of noise that is a

nuisance to neighbors. The inside runs must have excel lent ven t i l a t i on

to permit rapid drying of the f l oo r and to el iminate odors. A rate of

10 to 12 a i r changes' per hour and an i l l umina t ion of 50 footcandles is

recommended.

74

FOOD PREPARATION

The wards require a place to prepare the animal's food. Very

few animal hospitals go to the trouble of cooking and preparing the

food fo r the pat ients . The prepared canned diets today are more than

adequate and require much less time and expense. A counter space, s ink ,

can opener, re f r i ge ra to r , storage and refuse disposal are the necessary

items for th is funct ion. The cabinet space above the counter top w i l l

be used as secondary storage of the canned d i e t s ; adjustable shelving

is recommended. The cabinet space below the counter top w i l l be used as

storage of the dry food, bowls and regr igerator . Bulk quant i t ies of

food w i l l be stored in a central storage with other suppl ies.

GROOMING

Grooming services can provide addit ional income fo r the hospital

and is in great demand by c l ien ts who prefer to have a l l t he i r pets

needs taken care of at one place. Professionalized grooming w i l l

require more space than the normal f a c i l i t i e s for medical bathing

and therapeudic work. Tubs should be mounted 36 to 39inches (to rim)

o f f f l oo r . Chrome or brass eye bolts b u i l t in to the bottom of the

75

tub are a convenience for leashing an animal while bathing. The f l oo r

should p i tch to a central drain to allow for treatment of large animals

on the f l o o r . Several cages should be located in the area with provisions

for e l ec t r i ca l dryers.

GENERAL SERVICES

76

OFFICE

The veter inar ian should have a pr ivate o f f i ce for consultat ion

purposes with c l i e n t s , fo r a place to concentrate on personal business,

and relax p r i va te l y . This space is not a luxury i tem; i t is a v i t a l part

of the veter inar ian 's p rac t ice . Another necessity to the veter inar ian

is a pr ivate bathroom and shower. I t is a place where he can freshen-up

during a long day or a f te r being soi led while handling an animal.

LOUNGE

The s t a f f members need a place they can relax p r iva te ly during a

break or during lunch. Dr. Chitwood speci f ied that i t should be furnished

with a sleeper-sofa, r e f r i ge ra to r , micro-wave oven, and a table with

chairs fo r the convenience of the s t a f f .

LIBRARY

The American Animal Hospital Associations Manual of Standards

states: A professional l i b ra r y shal l be avai lable to the hospital s t a f f .

There shal l be books, per iod ica ls , and other materials appropriate to

the needs of the s t a f f . The hosp i ta l ' s professional l i b r a r y should be

77

active and capable of providing per t inent and useful information that

w i l l serve the programs of the hospital and the needs of the veterinary

s ta f f . This funct ion can be apart of the o f f i ce space.

STORAGE

General storage for long-range requirements and bulk-type items

is necessary. Items such as paper goods, f lea c o l l a r s , extra dog food,

and other bulk items w i l l be kept here. A place for the storage of

ex te r io r and landscape equipment is needed. Dr. Chitwood has expressed

a desire for th is storage to be combined in to a small maintenance room,

for the storage of small hand tools and work bench.

DISPOSAL and MORGUE

A chest-type freezer is to be used as a morgue in which to keep

cadavers un t i l they are disposed of . A local pick-up service w i l l be

hired to pick up these cadavers on a scheduled basis.

SOUND CONTROL 9

78

SOUNDPROOFING

In order to be acceptable in an urban area, any veter inar ian

hospitalmust have e f fec t i ve control over sound emission, pa r t i cu l a r l y

where the animals are kept over n igh t .

"Indeed, i f any animal is confined in a completely sound

proofed environment where no noise is heard from w i th in

or wi thout , and sound absorption material is used on the surfaces

of i t s " c e l l " , i t w i l l go quick ly "beserk" and attempt to b i te

i t s way out of th is obviously f r igh ten ing environment." '

The problem of noise and i t s control are divided in to three par ts ;

(a) the noise source, (b) the rec ip ients of the noise and (c) the "path"

between the two. In the cases which we are considering, l i t t l e can be

done about (a) and (b) so that our concern is the reduction of as much

noise as possible along the "path" . When considering the noise source,

i t is important to take in to account the frequency or p i tch of the

1 C.S. De La Mare and E.M. Pittaway, "Soundproofing of Veterinary Premises" The Journal of Small Animal Practice Vol . 6 No. 3 (June 1965): 207-210

79

sound which influenced both transmission and the e f fec t on the recipients

Solutions to most noise problems can usually be resolved without

too much d i f f i c u l t y , as the noise source can be measured as w i l l as the

reduction due to the "path" , e i ther as ex is t ing or proposed. The two

main character is i tcs of sound are frequency (p i tch) and pressure

(loudness). Frequency is measured in cycles per second (c/s) and loudness

in decibels (db).

Table 1. Typical Frequency of Sounds

Source of Sound Character is t ic frequency (c /s)

Bass voice 90-350 Tenor voice 130-500 Soprano voice 250-1200 Trumpet 160-1000 Flute 260-2400 Piccolo 550-4500 High frequency whist le from te lev is ion set 10125

80

Table 2. Typical Sound Pressure Levels

Sound Sound pressure level (db)

Threshold of pain about 135 Passing tube t ra in 95 Loud speech 75 Average conversation 65 Quiet o f f i ce 50 Quiet church 20 Average threshold of hearing about 10

When sound f a l l s on a surface, part of i t is re f l ec ted , part

transmitted and part of i t absorbed. The proport ion absorbed is given by

the absorption coe f f i c ien t fo r the mater ia l . An absorption coe f f i c ien t of

1 corresponds to 100 per cent absorpt ion. This coef f icent usually varies

with the frequency and i t is usual to take an average coe f f i c ien t fo r

the absorption at a number of spec i f ied frequencies. The table below

gives the absorption coe f f i c ien t of a number of conventional bu i ld ing

materials at three of the frequencies usually used in ca lcu la t ions.

81

Table 3. Absorption coef f i c ien ts at given frequencies

Material Frequency (c/s)

Brickwork p la in or painted 125 500 2000

Plaster on so l i d 0.02 0.03 0.03 Concrete 0.03 0.02 0.04 Fibreboard, 1/2 i n . on s o l i d , unpainted 0.05 0.15 0.30 Fibreboard, 1/2 i n . over 1 i n . airspace on so l id 0.30 0.30 0.30 Floor t i l e s , hard 0.03 0.03 0.05 Wood boards on j o i s t s 0.15 0.10 0.10 Glass wool, 1 i n . on so l id 0.10 0.70 0.80 Glass wool, 1/2 in over 1 i n . airspace on so l id 0.35 0.90 0.95 Hardboard, 1/8 i n . panel roof ing f e l t on back 0.90 0.25 0.10 Asbestos spray 1 i n . on s o l i d , unpainted 0.15 0.50 0.70

The main problem in reducing the nuisance value of noise from hospi ta l ised

animals w i l l be solved by careful consideration of the fo l lowing:

(a) The insu la t ion value of the enclosing wa l l s , f loors and ce i l i ngs . (b) The absorption coe f f i c ien t of the inner surfaces of the bu i ld ing .

(c) The reduction of passages for airborne noise.

With reference to (a) the best insu la t ion is mass. Light pa r t i t i ons

receiving sound vibrate and re- rad ia te the sound on the other s ide.

S im i l a r l y , l i g h t suspended f loors and cei l ings have the same e f f e c t .

The absorption coe f f i c ien t of the l i n i n g materials mentioned in (b)

82

assist in reducing the noise near i t s source and reducing ref lected sound.

Neither (a) nor (b) w i l l be of very much use i f care is not taken with

the treatment of openings such as windows, ven t i l a t o r s , drains and doors.

The degree of sound insu la t ion and absorption required w i l l vary

with many th ings, including the pos i t ion of the room in re la t ion to i t s

surroundings, nature of i t s construct ion, nature of the sound source etc.

CORRESPONDENCE

2308 28th Street Lubbock, lexas 79111 October 7. l')77

Dr. .). f Siiii the r s , Cd, Hoderti V'.terint iry Pract ice P 0. Rr.iwer KK, ^.intfl F<arb<u-ci, Ca l i f o rn ia 93102

Hear Di-. "^.Mithcrs:

I am .in a rch i tec tu ra l design student at Texas Tech Univers i ty and am c u r r e n t i l y developing a program for my thesis p ro jec t . This p ro j ec t , a hypothet ical problem, is a veter inary hospi ta l which w i l l accommdate a throe-man, a l l small animal p rac t i ce . Because the i n -forr 'a l ion 1 need to begin th is program is so scarce and general ly inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations in hopes that they might be a source o f the information necessary.

The information that I hope to ob ta in , w i th your he lp, includes Ihe fo l l ow ing :

(1) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, inc luding any equipment

(?) S ta f f necessary

(3) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space is required for each

Any informat ion that you can provide w i l l be great ly appreciated. I f there Is any expense invo lved, I w i l l be glad to compensate you.

Sincerely yours.

Barry A. Beazley

' " • ;

Modern Veterinary Practice

19 October 1977

l i a r r y Be.ir, l e y 250R 2 S t b S t . bu l ibock T.\ 79 I ] 3

D e a r Mr Bcaz l f ^y :

Jlr. Smithcors -isked mc to reply to your lotfei 'if 7 (Jctolicr in wiiich vou ask for informa! ion ]"ejiarjjn); (iie design of a veterinary cii-nic. UTiiJc I can not personally provide tills information, 1 can direct you to a numlier of .sources whicli may be of some help to you. Tliey are:

Sariier, liarry. llie Husines.s Management of a Small Aiiimal Practice,!.'. B. j^aunders Co. , Phi ladelph i a, 1907.

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Plann_|nn Your Animal Hospital, American Animal Hospital ^ssoc, Skokic, lllincu s , 1 "9 5 5.

Williamson, Stantoji, ed. The Veterinai'y CliiiU's of '-.'erth America, Symposium on Practice .Management and^Tlosp i t a 1 Uesi^ir7 IV. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1972.

Veterinarv Hconomics magazine, published by The United Pub 1 i.slii ng Corii"! [This magazine has frequent articles on animal hospital design.

1 hope that t icsc sources are of help. If von should coiiic up with ,1 10-15 page article on con tcmpoiary animal iiosiiital design, we might be interested in publishing it.

Cord i a 11 V , A i

Forres t C. Sm i1h Man.-ig ing P.u i tor

AMI A n.-vriRAMA C A I I F n HMI A o.l t O? . 7 E-i. E TH ON t inOr.l 'ir,^ Sn?9

2308 28th Street Lubbock, Texas 79411 October 7, 1977

American Animal Hospital Assoc. Journal 3612 C. Jefferson Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 36R15

Dear sirs:

I am an a rch i tec tu ra l design student at Texas Tech Univers i ty and am cur ren t ly developing a program for my thesis p ro jec t . This p ro j ec t , a hypothet ica l problem, is a veter inary hospi ta l for Or Kennp'li L. Chitwood, whose present hospi ta l is a member of your assoc ia t ion. Dr. Chitwood's p a r t i c i p a t i o n as a c l i e n t has created an elerrent of realness in th is p ro jec t . Because the information I need to begin th is program is so scarce and general ly inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations in hope that they might be a source nf the informat ion necessary.

Tlie hosp i ta l w i l l house a three-man, small animal p rac t i ce . The informat ion that I hope to ob ta in , w i th your he lp, includes the fo l l ow ing :

(1) The American Animal Hospital Associat ion 's standards for doctors and hospi ta ls of i t s membership.

(2) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, inc lud ing equipment

(3) S ta f f requited fo r n hospi ta l of th is s ize and character.

[1) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space is required fo r each

Anv Information that you can provide w i l l be great ly appreciated. I f there Is any expense invo lved, I w i l l be glad to compensate you.

Sincerely yours,

Bar-ry A. Beazley

y ^ M l E R I C A N A N I M A L H O S P I T A L . A S S O C I A T I O N ijliiin iif aniiital llnjjfilalf ii'itl iirinll irtimal t)rcit:niinnc'\

3GI2 EAST JEFFERSON DOHLEVARD • P O BOX 6J2? bOUTM REND. INDIANA 45660 • TELEPHONE 2\ 5, 232-0226

Mr. Barry Beazley 2308 28th Street: Lubbock, Texas 79411

December 1, 19 77

Dear Beazley:

Enclosed is a copy of the Manual of Sliandards of the American Animal Hospital Association and a Supplement to tlie Standards. I hope that this material will be of value to you in your work toward your thesis.

Other questions indicated in your letter could be answered by telephone calls to Dr. 0. J. Woytek, Loop 410 Veterinary Hospital, Inc., 755 tJ . E. Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78209, (512)824-7344, or Dr. Paul Kramer, Village Veterinary Clinic, 8785 Gaylord Drive, Houston, Texas, (713)468-7955.

I hope this informat:ion will be of assistance to you.

S i n c e r e l y ,

U'. WENDHLL C . MORSE, D . V . M .

I - ^ x o c i i t i v c D i r e c t o r

2308 28th Street LubbocI, Texas 79411 October 7, 1977

Veterinarv Economics T h e Ve te r ina r ian ' s B U S I N E S S M a g

9/

October 19 , 1977

ics / lazlne a

2728 EncUd Avcvuc Cleveland , Ohio -',J,nr, Plume: 2J,1-WU Area Code Jill

Mr. John D. Velnrdo, Ed. Veterinary economics 2738 Eucl id Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Dear Mr. Velarde:

I am an a rch i tec tu ra l design student at Texas Tech Univers i ty ind an; cu r ren t l y developing a program foi my thesis p ro jec t . This p ro j ec t , a hypot l iet ical problem, is a veter inary hospi ta l which w i l l accomiidat'^ a three-man, a l l small animal p rac i t ce . Because the i n ­formation I need to begin th is program is so scarce and general ly inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations In hopes that they might be a source of the informat ion necessary.

The information that I hope to ob ta in , w i th your he lp, includes the t ' i l l owing:

(1) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, inc luding any equipment

(2) S ta f f necessary

(3) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space is required for each

Any informat ion that you can provide w i l l be great ly appreciated. I f theie is any expense invo lved, I w i l l be glad to compensate you.

Sincerely yours,

Bat-ry A. CGOzley

B a r r y Beazley 2308 28th Sti-eet Lubbock, T X 79411

[Enclosed, M r . Beaz ley ,

. . i.s a copy of t\^e la test issue oP V E T E R I N A R Y ECONOMICS Magaz ine . T h i s is being sent to you in respotise to your request of October 7. As you can s e e , i t contains an a r t i c l e about ?n award -w inn ing hospi ta l (Page 38) . A s i m i l i a r a r t i c l e i s publ isf ied each mon th , i f you w i s h , we can supply you w i t h copies of past issues so tiTat you can study the award a r t i c l e s wh ich they con ta in .

In addi t ion to tlie month ly a w a r d s , we select one hospi ta l each year to rece ive a. specia l " H o s p i t a l - o f - t h e - Y e a r " awa rd . We can send you copies of issues wh ich have contained a r t i c l e s about 1 t o s p i t a l - o f - t h e - Y c a r w i n n e r s . I f you w i s h that we sent you such n^iater ial , please let us know how many issues you d e s i r e , and we w i l l send t l iem to you along w i t h a covei-ing i nvo i ce .

Cordial ly,

VETFRirsiAR<9ECONO/V>r6s Magazine

a ^6f n D. \ ' e l a r d o t ^d i to r ia l D i r e c t o r

Enc losure

Sincerely yours.

.A.!Mii;mcAr>« ^ ' ^ I S T K U I I N A U Y IMrcuicAi^ A.sso<:i .v 'r ioiN 930 MORTH MFACHAM ROAD SCKAUWBURG. ILLITJOIS OC1 30 PHONE l l r ' P e S - e O T O

230R 28th Street Lubbocl, Texas 79411 October 7, 1977

October 12, 1977

Dr. A. freeman, Ed. American Veterinary Medical Assoc. Journal 930 Unrtti Meacham Hoad ScbauMiburg, I l l i n o i s 60172

Dear Pr. freeman:

I am an a rch i tec tu ra l design student at Texas Tech Univers i ty and am cur ren t ly developing a program fo r iiiy thesis p ro jec t . This p ro jec t , a hypothet ica l problem, is a veter inary hospi ta l which w i l l accommdate a three-man, a l l small animal p rac t i ce . Because the i n -for i rat lon I need to begin th is program is so scarce and general ly inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associat ions in hopes that they might be a source of the informat ion necessary.

The informat ion that I hope to ob ta in , wi th your he lp , includes the fo11ov;lng:

(1) F a c i l i t i e s necessary, inc luding any equipment

(2) S t a f f necessary

(3) What activities are performed and how much space is required for each

Any information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated. If there is any expense involved, I will be glad to compensate you.

Mr. Barry Beazley 2308 28th Street Lubbock, Texas 79411

Dear Mr. Beazley:

For information on design and construction of small animal hospitals, I suggest you contact the American Animal Hospital Association, 3&12 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, In 46615, and Veterinary Economics, Inc., 2728 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

The AAHA is an A /MA affiliated veterinary organization and 1s our principal reference authority on animal hospital matters.

Respect^tully, /

/ ' -I {\ /:V/'- ' ' / / / i

Arthur•Frdeman, DVM E d i t o r - i n - C I i i e t

AF:ak

Barry A. Beazley

BIBLOGPAPHY

BIBLIOGRAPHY -BOOKS

1 Swope, Robert E., DMV. Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine. New York:

Universal Publishing Corp., 1965.

2 National Academy of Sciences, New Horizons fo r Veterinary Medicine.

Washington D.C, 1972.

3 Esmay Merle L. , Pr inciples of Animal Environment. Westport Conn.,

The AVI Publishing Co. 1969.

4 Internat ional Conference of Bui ld ing O f f i ca l s , Uniform Bui lding Code.

Whi t t ie r Ca l i f o rn ia , 1973.

5 American Society of Heating, Refr igerat ing and A i r Conditioning

Engineers, Inc. Handbook of Fundamentals, 1967 ASHRAE.

6 Smith, Lawerence B., Modern Gun Dogs , Charles Scribner's Sons,

1936.

7 U.S. Dept. Of Commerce Climatological Data,1931 to 1972

8 Concept of Lakewood , A Development Plan, March 1975.

9 American Animal Hospital Associat ion, Manual of Standards For

Animal Hospitals.

10 Mann, Warren C. The Planning of Veterinary Hospital F a c i l i t i e s 1975

PERIODICALS

1 McCarthy, John B. DVM. "Recognizing the Veterinary Technician", The

Veterinary Cl in ics of North America Vol. 2, No. 3 September 1972

2 Copich, Wil l iam J . AIA, "Avoiding The Common Errors Made in the

Designing of Animal Hospi ta l " The Veterinary Cl in ics of lNorth America.

Vol . 2, No. 3 September 1972

3 Euler, Henry J . " I n i t i a l Thoughts on Animal Hospital Design", The

Veterinary Cl in ics of North America Vol . 2, No. 3 September 1972

4 Stanton Will iamson, DVM. " Animal Hospital Requirements" Journal

of the American Veterinay Medical Association Vol . 151, No. 5

September 1967

5 Gimber, W. S. "Practice Improvement-VIII. Equipment fo r Veterinary

Premises", Journal of Small Animal Practice Vol . 7, 1966 pg. 69-75.

6 Barto, Lester R. "Raising Standards with a Modern Surgery", Small

Animal C l in ic ian May 1962.

7 Pittaway, E. M. "Soundproofing of Veterinary Premises" Journal of

Small Animal Practice Vol . 6, pg. 207-210

DOCUMENTATION

1

CONCEPT

The design of my thesis evolved from a concept that placed priority on the

circulation of the veterinarian as well as that of the client. Steps saved by

the veterinarian can increase his proformance and efficiency. The client usually

arrives in a concerned state of mind. Less confusion on his part will benefit

the animal as well as the doctor.

The functions of a veterinary hospital fall into four basic divisions:

1. the outpatient or clinical; 2. the surgical; 3. the hospital and 4. gen­

eral services. Some services such as those devoted to laboratory and radiologic-

services are common to two of these divisions. These divisions were the basis for

the development of this design.

Initial concerns dealt with the evaluation of the site. The site is lo­

cated within a commercial strip of land surrounded by residentially-zoned areas.

The site which measures 200' x 200' is bounded by Union Blvd. to the west, an im­

portant north-south artery of Lakewood. It is currently a two lane street and

will eventually be widened to four lanes. The site has no trees and is mostly

covered with native grasses. There is a gradual slope of 5 to 6 feet from its

north west corner to the south-east. The site drops 15 to 20 feet at a slope of

45° along the extreme eastern boundary to residentally-zoned property; providing

2

its most desirable feature: an exceptional view of the city of Denver. The ele­

ments of the hospital which are best benefited by this view are the doctors'

offices and the employees lounge. These elements were located to the rear of the

building for this reason.

The hospital functions were organized according to the four basic divisions.

The relationships between these functions were compared and the current spatial

arrangements were developed.

CLINICAL

The clinical area is the most public area of the hospital because much of it

is for publics use. Separate canine and feline waiting areas are provided to

reduce confrontations between pets. The entrance vestibule and receptionist sta­

tion are the divisional elements between these waiting areas. Each waiting area

has its own entrance into the examination corridor. This corridor is the main

circulation area to the four examination rooms. It also provides access to the

library and the three veterinarians' offices from the waiting areas.

After the examination the client is directed to a separate counter at the

receptionist station to make additional arrangements such as financial transactions

or future appointments. From this point the client exits the hospital directly

from the examination corridor through the vestibule for the emergency entrance.

This "one-way" circulation prevents any confrontations between entering and

leaving animals.

The receptionist's station is centrally located, allowing the recep­

tionist to have visual contact with the two waiting areas, hospital entrance

and the examination corridor. A short hallway allows the receptionist to go

directly to the pharmacy to get prescriptions. This helps reduce her time away

from the receptionist's station. A public toilet is adjacent to the recep­

tionist station and convenient to the waiting areas. The custodian's closet

has been placed next to the toilet so that any messes made by the animals in the

waiting areas can be quickly and easily cleaned up.

LABORATORY AND PHARMACY

The laboratory and pharmacy areas of the hospital are centrally located

adjacent to the examination rooms and the treatment area of the hospital. The

veterinarian has separate entrances in the examination rooms from the laboratory-

pharmacy area. This allows him access to the pharmacy for any additional medi­

cation that he might need, and also provides him with a private entrance into the

examination room. This location of the pharmacy is essential in that it saves

the doctor precious steps and prevents his exposure to interruptions and

distractions. This same circulation area allows the doctor to go directly to

the treatment area or to his office from the examination rooms. Adjacent to

the pharmacy is the x-ray room. This central location is accessible from the

examination rooms as well as the treatment and surgery areas. The dark room

for film processing is located next to the x-ray room.

TREATMENT

The treatment of a patient follows the examination and the veterinarian

usually chooses to take the animal to the treatment area to perform this task.

This prevents the client from experiencing the sometimes unpleasant sights and

odors. The treatment area is the most active area of the hospital and has been

referred to as the hub of the hospital. Such procedures as minor surgery and

dental work are done, and here emergency cases can be received and evaluated.

Most of the activitie of the hospital relate to the treatment area in one way or

another. This is why it has taken a central location in respect to these ac­

tivities. This arrangement maximizes the veterinarians efficiency and minimizes

his steps. The pharmacy, x-ray, surgery preparation, and surgery functions are

all within steps of the treatment area. The emergency entrance allows the client

to enter the treatment area directly from the parking lot. This saves precious

time and avoids unpleasant sights and messes in the reception area.

SURGERY

With the increase in sophistication of surgical and anestheic equipment,

the surgical procedure has demanded more and more space. The most tedious and

exacting work is done here, requiring a high degree of sterilization and freedom

from all distractions. Surgical procedures including general major surgery,

minor surgery, transfusions and emergencies such as administration of oxygen,

resusitation and aspiration all are performed here. All unnecessary circulation

or unrelated activities must be prohibited to maintain this high degree of ster­

ilization and freedom from distraction.

Two surgery areas have been provided so that two surgery procedures can

occur simultaneously. The surgery scrub-up and the pack room are located between

the two surgery rooms. Surgical linens and instruments are cleaned, sterilized,

bundled and stored in pass-thru cabinets so that they will be available when

needed. Each surgery has only one entrance, both of which open onto the surgery

preparation area.

WARDS

The hospital ward is located adjacent to the surgical preparation area so

that the hospitalized animals can be placed into cages immediately. The hospital

ward has a viewing window so that the animals can be observed from the surgical

preparation area. The hospital ward is equipped with a counter for food prep­

aration. The runs and medicated bathing for this ward are located just across

the hall to the rear of the hospital. The isolation ward is located just off

of a main corridor leading from the kennel area through the hospital to the

offices. The hospital ward consists of 17 cages and the isolation ward consists

of five cages.

KENNEL

The grooming and kenneling facilities of the hospital are separate functions

and are treated as such. A separate waiting area is provided for these services.

The grooming area is located adjacent to the waiting area. Animals brought in

for grooming are done so by appointment and will not stay over night. Holding

cages in the grooming area are provided so there will be no need to keep them in

the wards, thus saving steps. The cat ward is beyond the grooming area toward

the rear of the hospital and the dog wards are beyond this. This arrangement

places the dog wards adjacent to the runs which are located to the rear of the

hospital in order to isolate noise and odors.

7

SITE PLANNING

Vehicular circulation on the site is in two areas (1) to the front of the

hospital parallel to the street (2) to the south side of the hospital perpen­

dicular to the street. The area to the front of the site consists of 15 parking

spaces for public use. The area to the south side of the hospital is the parking

for the employees. This drive is double loaded on the drive. The drive also

serves as circulation for services to the hospital, which are brought in at the

rear of the building. This conceals the view of the trucks, and also places the

trucks near the major storage area of the hospital. At this vestibule is the

freezer where dead animals are stores until a hauling service picks them up.

Upon arriving the employees can enter the building from either the service entrance

or the entrance to the kenneling waiting area.

MATERIALS

The veterinary hospital like most hospitals demands a high degree of main­

tenance and durability of surfaces. The presence of animals creates additional

problems in maintaining the hospital. These concerns were major factors in choosing

materials for this hospital. The floors receive the greatest punishment and re­

quire a tough material. Quarry tile is used most extensively throughout the

hospital; in the heavier work zones and areas where the floors are submitted to

soiling by the animals. It not only is an extremely durable material but its

richness in color adds a warmth that is difficult to achieve with so many hard

surfaces. Carpeting is the material used in the library, the three offices, and

employees lounge since the circulation of employees is less and there is little

if any exposure to animals. The ceilings of the waiting and reception areas are

made of redwood. This adds warmth to these areas and relates them to the exterior

treatment. The ceilings of the other areas of the hospital consists of suspended

metal lath and plaster. The interior walls of the hospital are made of gypsum

board on metal stud framing. Both the plaster ceilings and the walls are finished

with a polyester coating. Vinyl wall coating is used in the offices, library,

employees lounge and the more public areas of the hospital to add atouch of color.

All of these materials were selected because they are durable and easily maintained,

MECHANICAL

There are many factors to consider in the design of a mechanical system for

a veterinary hospital. The more important among these is the isolation of odors,

noise and bacteria. The mechanical system chosen for this hospital is a multi-

zoned all air single duct system. A boiler and chiller is incorporated to heat

or chill water which is piped to the air handelers in the mechanical room. The

supply air is heated or chilled in the mechanical area and directed to the

different zones in the hospital. The building can be divided into two

approximately equal halves each of which has its own mechanical system. Each

system has two zones, or a total of four zones. The zones are as follows:

Zone I consists of the waiting areas, reception area, examination rooms,

laboratory, pharmacy and the x-ray room; Zone II consists of the library,

employees lounge and the offices; Zone III consists of the treatment area

surgery rooms, surgery preparation and the hospital wards; Zone IV con­

sists of the kennel waiting area, grooming area, cat ward, dog wards,

medicated bathing, isolation and the runs. These zones were grouped

according to similar functions so that noise, odor and bacteria can be con­

trolled.

The mechnical room is located below ground and to the rear of the hospital.

A vertical chase near the center of the hospital directs the air ducts to the

roof structure from the mechanical room. The mechanical room opens to the out­

side at the rear of the building. A twelve foot drive leads down to the mechan­

ical room entrance. (See calculations at end of text).

10

STRUCTURAL

The structural system selected for this hospital is steel and masonry con­

struction. The exterior walls are made of 8" concrete block, and when necessary

are load-bearing. Pipe columns are used to support the roof at internal points.

The hospital is layed-out on a 25' x 28' grid. The roof is supported by 25'

long open-web joist five feet on center. The roof consists of lightweight con­

crete on corrugated metal decking and built-up roofing. Red wood siding is

applied to the concrete block as the finish. (See calculations and sizes at end

of text.)

NATURAL LIGHTING

The use of natural lighting in the hospital is very desirable. Skylights

in the examination rooms provides for a better working environment and aids the

doctor during the examinations. Clearstory windows are used in the treatment

area, surgery rooms, pack room and wards. Windows in the ward and run areas

allow the dogs to see the sky and perhaps some trees. This calms and quietens

them. Skylights over the receptionist station provides for a better working

environment and the brighter lighting helps direct clients to this point.

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