VET ASSISTANT COURSE (PT.2)

Once a cat has been bred, how many days later is palpation most effective for diagnosing pregnancy?

18 to 28 days.

What percentage of mammary tumors are malignant in dogs and cats?

40% in dogs and 95% in cats.

What proportions are commonly recommended for homemade dog diets?

70% meat, 30% vegetables.

Which of the following would be good advice to give over the phone to a pet owner?

A cat that seems to be constipated: Get it examined immediately.

What type of diet should you feed geriatric patients?

A diet that's low in salt and low in protein.

Which of the following statements is true?

A flea comb is a very safe alternative for puppies and kittens.

What type of intestinal worm is Toxocara canis?

A roundworm.

Which statement is true?

A shift toward Yin is signaled by under activity, Yang by over activity.

Q: What is a feline sarcoma? Is it caused by vaccines exclusively?

A: A sarcoma is a tumor that can occur anywhere on the body, but studies revealed that we were seeing a disproportionate number at the site of vaccination. The incidence is between one and ten for every 10,000 cats vaccinated. We now know that they can arise where any injection has been given. This was a major impetus for studies on duration of immunity and the concept of going longer than one year between vaccines.

Q: What is a titer?

A: A titer is simply a measure of the amount of antibody in the bloodstream to a particular antigen. For example, if a dog has a measurable antibody level to distemper, we would say that the dog has a positive antibody titer. If we want to get more specific, we can measure the actual level. Obviously, the higher the level of antibody, the better the protection. The graphs that are included in this lesson indicate the level of antibody and we could as easily change the vertical axis to "titer." The terms antibody level and titer are interchangeable for our purposes. When we measure titers (versus vaccinating), we want to know what level is present so that we know if it's protective and whether or not we need to revaccinate.

Q: Are antibodies produced by a rabies vaccine able to protect against distemper?

A: Antibodies are specific to the disease in the vaccine and they don't provide cross-protection against others.

Q: Are x-rays safe for the puppies (and the mother)?

A: Any exposure to x-rays can be deleterious, but it really depends on the dose. In a study of beagles that were irradiated (each day) during pregnancy, the risk of cancer in the puppies did increase. However, this was due to repeated exposure to radiation that would not normally occur during routine x-rays where just a few views are taken. Taking one x-ray would pose minimal risk, but it also makes sense that we want to minimize the number of radiographs taken of a pregnant dog.

Q: Is my Golden Retriever too old for neutering? He is ten years old.

A: As long as he is healthy, which can be determined with a physical examination and blood tests, he should be able to take the anesthetic and is a candidate for neutering. At this age, he is at high risk of medical complications from not being neutered.

Q: What can I do to make a trip to the veterinary hospital a better experience for my dog?

A: At my hospital we set up a program to reduce the anxiety that your dog may have when coming to see us. One necessity is that you have gone through a basic obedience class prior to beginning. If you don't have basic obedience, the bond isn't here between you and your dog. It is harder to teach the dog anything. The first step is driving to the hospital and walking your dog in the parking lot. If he stays calm, walk by the front door and reward. He should not be comforted if he resists because this can be interpreted as praise for doing what is not desired. Only praise if he does the desired behavior. This exercise is repeated every other day until he comfortably sits by the door. The next step is to walk in the door. When your dog relaxes, praise. Now you can progress to weighing him on the scale. This exercise shows your control (this is where obedience is needed). Next, let him greet the receptionist. Treats can be used. If your dog is fine, walk into an examination room and again praise for settling down. Lastly, introduce your dog to the veterinarian in the examination room. In a later meeting, the veterinarian can actually touch him and progress from there. The key is to go through each step in the program and never be in a rush.

Q: What do you think of using bones to keep a dog's teeth clean?

A: Bones have both positive and negative attributes. If a dog chews them (some don't), they can help reduce tartar formation and even take some tartar off. However, I have seen many teeth fractured by chewing on bones and other hard things. I do encourage clients to use bones, but suggest large knuckle bones that the dog can't break or swallow.

Q: How can I tell if I have a flea problem in the house?

A: Build a flea trap. Put a pie plate half-filled with water with some added dishwashing soap in the center of a room. Shine a desk lamp into the plate and turn off all the other lights overnight. Fleas will be attracted to the light and jump into the water, getting stuck.

Q: My cat enjoys catnip. Is it safe?

A: By chance I wrote an article about this very topic. I've copied it below to answer your question. Catnip-Cat's Marijuana Catnip has been used for centuries in treating human ailments. It is now found in cat toys. Everyone knows about catnip, but what is it? What does it do to cats? Catnip is a herb belonging to the mint family. It has a strong minty odor and even a mint-like taste. Catnip is also called catmint, catwort, and field balm. Catnip was brought over to North America by the early settlers. It is now commonly found growing as a weed. Catnip grows 10 to 16 inches high with heart-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple markings. The time to harvest is when it is in full bloom. Cat owners can buy dried catnip leaves or a liquid extract. Several chemicals are thought to be responsible for the effect catnip has on cats. Nepetalactone is the most potent. As little as one part per billion in air is enough for cats to react to. The "catnip response" is similar in all cats. The first stage is sniffing with head shaking. Cats then rub their chin and cheeks. Some follow with a headover roll. Body rubbing completes the response. Some cats vocalize and this has been interpreted as the cat seeing hallucinations. This is the best guess that we have, but impossible to prove. The catnip response is likened to what a queen does during estrus (heat). The rolling patterns are identical. This led researchers to believe that catnip is an aphrodisiac. Some believe that response is not the same as estrus, but there must be some sexual stimulation present. This is entirely speculation. Catnip can be so addicting that some cats seek the plant out daily to get "high". After they have received their daily stimulation, they go about their normal duties. What does catnip actually do? One old book stated that the plant makes cats "frolicsome, amorous, and full of battle". Another author gave cats anthropomorphic traits by saying that cats eat the leaves for their medicinal properties. The reaction to catnip is inherited. Not all cats react. The inheritance pattern is "autosomal dominant". This tells us that if the parents did not react, their kittens will not either. If the parents did react, the kittens can be either responders or non-responders. Kittens, even with the "reacting" genes, will not show any reaction until they are at least 8 weeks old. Full behavioural patterns of rolling and rubbing may not be present until they reach six months. The response to catnip is seen in the "big" cats, such as lions and panthers. For some obscure reason, tigers seem to be oblivious to catnip's effects. No particular breed of domestic cat has been found to respond more than any other. There is also no difference between males or females, neutered or not. Catnip was used by people as a medicine long before it was used for cats. It was smoked, chewed, brewed as a tea, and applied as a poultice. The list of ailments it treated was almost endless. A colorful quotation comes from a man called Sydenham, who lived from 1624 to 1689. He attributed catnip's effects to its "strong and noisome smell, to recall the exorbitant and deserting Spirits to thier proper Stations". Catnip treated nervous conditions. Insanity and hysteria all benefited from catnip tea. Chewing the roots, "made the most quiet person fierce and quarrelsome". Other uses for catnip were colic in children, stimulating menstruation, curing whooping cough, and treating jaundice. It seems like a miracle drug! Poultices were applied to almost any part of the body—gums for toothache, sore breasts of milking mothers, and the neck for tonsillitis. Also, "the green herb, bruised and applied to the part for two or three hours, easeth the pain arising from piles". More recently, catnip has been used as a replacement for marijuana. It has a hallucinogenic effect in people. It brings on an intoxicated feeling with visual and auditory hallucinations. At one time, people bought cat toys just to get the catnip out of them for smoking. No toxic effects have ever been reported using catnip in cats. It certainly seems to make them enjoy life for a brief time.

Q: Can I feed cat food to my dog? Will it do any harm?

A: Cat food is higher in fat and protein than dog food, which is fine except if you have a dog that can't tolerate high protein (kidney insufficiency or liver disease), or one that's already overweight. Generally, cat food does no harm, but it's an expensive way to feed a dog.

Q: What is the best way to transport an injured cat?

A: Cats can cause considerable damage and they must be restrained so that they don't escape. A carrier is the best way, but if there is none available, use a pillowcase. Just put the cat inside and hold the opening of the pillowcase closed with your hand.

Q: If I work at an animal shelter, can I bring diseases home to my dog and cat?

A: Definitely! I had a client visit a shelter, pet a few dogs, and then go back to her car, pet her own dog, and give the poor little (unvaccinated) Yorkshire Terrier the disease Bordetella (canine cough). Some of the diseases I see as a risk in this situation are distemper and parvovirus (both in dogs), and in cats, panleukopenia and the feline respiratory viruses. If you are working at a shelter, or even at a veterinary hospital, take some precautions. Wash your hands well before touching your pets. You may even want to take off your clothes and throw them directly in the washer as soon as you arrive at home. Also, make sure your pets are protected with vaccinations.

Q: When it comes to deciding what ingredient is in the greatest quantity in pet food and there is obvious ingredient splitting, how do you decide?

A: Even though you may have figured out the manufacturer's trickery, the ingredient in the greatest quantity is still the first one on the label. Even though you can see through the ingredient manipulation, it is still true from that perspective. But, in your heart, you know better.

Q: Shouldn't all veterinarians counsel their clients the same way?

A: Every veterinarian is different in what they do and how much time they devote to talking to their clients. In many cases, they simply don't have the time. This is where assistants can help, by taking on some of the client education roles.

Q: Do tartar control diets work in cats?

A: I don't believe that these diets help cats because very few cats chew their food. If you have ever seen them vomit dry food, it is the same shape as it was in the bowl.

Q: How common is cat scratch fever?

A: I had one employee contract the disease. She got it after being scratched quite badly on her abdomen as she tried to help her neighbor remove a cat from under the house. Symptoms of cat scratch fever began a few weeks later. She had loss of memory and did not feel well for months. It seems to be a lot more common than we think, as many cases are not reported.

Q: What's the best way to switch from one brand of food (or type) to another?

A: I suggest a gradual introduction of the new food. For two days, I feed 25% new food and 75% old food, then two days half and half, followed by two more days with 25% old food and 75% new food. After that, you can feed the new diet exclusively. This slow introduction tends to lessen digestive upsets and avoid diarrhea from the switch. If the bowels don't agree with the new food, go back to the old food right away.

Q: How can you handle your emotions during a euthanasia? Is it okay to cry when the client is sad?

A: I'll let you in on a secret. I sometimes get a tear to my eye when I do a euthanasia on a long-time friend. It's going to happen, so don't try and stop it. In fact, if the client sees that the death of their pet upsets you, it means their pet meant something to you as well. I'm also careful to stay emotionally in control (not sobbing uncontrollably) so the clients have space to be with their pain and process their grief. If for some reason you think you can't keep yourself from dissolving that day, or with that particular pet, it is okay not be involved in that procedure at that time. When we finish that appointment, or our day, it is equally important we give ourselves some time and space to grieve or let those emotions out. There have been a few days where I had to go cry somewhere safe or with a friend to let it all go. Journalizing, or taking some quiet time to reflect with ourselves or own pets can also be equally therapeutic. The important part is to acknowledge our emotions in a safe and appropriate place, and to let them pass through us, otherwise they get stuck and can cause long term problems such as burn-out.

Q: A dog damaged its eye in a dog fight. He didn't seem bothered by it, but the eye was dangling from the socket. What should I do for emergency treatment?

A: If you are minutes away from the veterinarian, I would just transport the dog to get help. If the dog is rubbing it, hold its paw to prevent damage. If it's going to be a while before he can be seen, you can try keeping the eye moist. Soak a gauze or soft cloth with saline (or water if you don't have it) and apply it to the surface. Keep it moist until the eye is checked.

Q: Can two fathers sire a litter?

A: In cats, this is a well known phenomenon. You can see litters that were obviously fathered by two fathers. For example, you may see a kitten that looks Siamese (and that's what one dad looked like) and the other is a grey tabby (yet another dad). A litter of puppies can also have multiple fathers, but it is rare. This phenomenon happens when the female is bred by a male before her eggs are ready for fertilization. The sperm can last for a week or more, and during this time, she can be bred by another male. Both sets of sperm then compete for the ovulated eggs and it becomes a matter of chance who is the father.

Q: I've seen foods, especially those for large breeds, containing glucosamine. Do they help arthritic joints?

A: In my experience, glucosamine helps about two-thirds of dogs with mild arthritis. This is using it as a supplement at the correct dose. The level in commercial foods is only about one-quarter of the amount I supplement at. In my mind, adding glucosamine to foods is more of a marketing ploy than a true benefit, but it can help the occasional dog.

Q: Can herbs be combined with regular drugs?

A: In some cases, this makes sense. For example, I will use milk thistle with antibiotics for liver disease and coenzyme Q10 with diuretics for heart disease. However, sometimes you can't mix them. Hawthorn can increase the effect of digitalis (which is used in heart conditions) and make it toxic.

Q: Do you make exceptions to the rules of confidentiality?

A: In some circumstances, yes. Suppose we had seen a dog which subsequently was turned over to the SPCA and gets a new home. We will sometimes copy the records, eliminating any names so that the original owner can't be tracked, and release them to the new owner. Each case is different so we have to look at each one individually.

Q: Do you use a permission sheet for euthanasia?

A: In the case of euthanasia, I need to protect myself legally so I have a special form that my clients must sign in order to give me permission to give a pet a lethal injection. It can be signed by either the owner or an agent (sometimes it is a friend of the owner).

Q: What is inbreeding?

A: Inbreeding is the mating of close relatives. Examples could be sister to brother, or father to daughter. We can see this in cat colonies, but people sometimes intentionally do this in dogs because they like two individuals and want their traits in the progeny. Inbred offspring can be poor doers - they seem sickly, prone to health problems, and they can also have genetic defects.

Q: If an animal is taken in by a shelter, is there any harm doing the vaccines when the vaccine history is unknown?

A: It is common for shelters to vaccinate all animals when they arrive. If the animal was already protected, they aren't technically needed, but we want to ensure protection. It's better to generate the protection than worry about overvaccination. And, don't forget, if people get the vaccines done, their dogs are unlikely to end up in a shelter, and the ones that get lost are rarely vaccinated.

Q: What do you suggest for managing arthritis in dogs?

A: Most cases of arthritis I see in dogs involve the spine, hips, and knees. After confirming the diagnosis with radiographs, I start dogs on a combination of vitamins and glucosamine (for a 70 pound dog: 1500 milligrams glucosamine, 1500 milligrams Vitamin C, and 800 International Units Vitamin E). For pain relief, I prefer meloxicam because it comes as a liquid so the dose can be reduced as it starts to work. For personal reasons, I do not use Rimadyl. In some dogs, I suggest acupuncture (based on the owner's acceptance of this form of treatment) and I will often use Cartrophen injections to help decrease joint inflammation. I will also use heat or cold depending on if there is lack of mobility (warmth indicated) or inflammation (cold indicated). An exercise program is usually set up so that the dog can be returned to function slowly.

Q: Do any dewormers kill encysted roundworm larvae?

A: No dewormers kill encysted larvae, however, newer products have limited activity against migrating larvae. For example, the product milbemycin oxime treats the fourth larval stages of Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma.

Q: Were diets ever made of shoe leather and tires?

A: No. The Hill's company formulated a bogus diet of shoe leather, used motor oil, and other things to show that they could meet the requirements of a balanced food based on a chemical analysis. They used this information to tell people to look at the ingredients to truly assess the food they were feeding.

Q: Do you always have to do a fecal flotation before deworming?

A: Not at all. In many cases, I go ahead and deworm. It is often cheaper than running the test, especially in small dogs that need a tiny dose of dewormer.

Q: Why do you talk about anal sacs with puppy owners?

A: One area of constant confusion and misunderstanding is anal sacs. I tell owners that if they see their dog scooting (dragging their back end on the floor), it is not worms as many believe, but full anal sacs. So, if they see this symptom, they should call and make an appointment to have them emptied.

Q: How does an insect growth regulator work?

A: One example is Methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue (similar to a juvenile hormone). Juvenile hormone levels are high when flea larvae molts to the next larval stage, but these levels drastically drop when larvae change into pupae. By applying a juvenile hormone analogue, larvae won't perceive a drop in juvenile hormone, so they will never develop into pupae.

Q: Are treats good for dogs?

A: One thing I must warn you against is ruining the balance of a good food by feeding excessive treats. In a premium diet, the ingredients are added in just the right proportions to create a balanced and nutritious food. Adding an excess of one ingredient can mess up the balance and most treats aren't balanced themselves. One dog owner I remember was feeding the dog a diet made up almost exclusively of a treat that purportedly helps clean teeth. This dog had horrible skin, a pot belly, and bad teeth, all caused by poor nutrition.

Q: If I want to paper train my puppy, what should I do?

A: Owners that can not pay close attention to their pups can use passive paper training. The designated puppy room should be covered with newspapers. Once the pup starts toileting on the paper, he quickly develops a preference for paper and will seek it out. When he is consistently using newspaper, start to remove pieces from the room. Eventually there are just a few papers in one corner. The chosen corner should be located well away from feeding and sleeping areas. When a pup requires only a papered area the size of one double sheet in the corner, a stack of papers should be left at that site. After the pup urinates/defecates, the top 3 or 4 sheets should be wrapped up and discarded. The slight odor left on the lower papers will continue to attract the pup back to that site. Once the pup is reliably using the paper stack, slowly (inches at a time) move it toward the door, then pull the paper half under the door. Because the paper inside is quite small, the pup will start to paw it. This is when you as the owner must be present. On the pup's pawing signal, open the door, grab the paper, and lure the pup to the toilet area in the garden. Be enthusiastic!! By the end of this process your pup should be trained to signal at the door when it needs to eliminate and to toilet in the designated spot.

Q: We know canine heartworm can cross species and infest cats, but what about people?

A: People can be infested with heartworm larvae by being bitten with an infected mosquito. But, because humans aren't the correct host, the larvae can't mature into adult heartworms. However, what they can do is migrate to the lungs and die, creating a granulomatous reaction (scar tissue) around them. This isn't a medical problem except that they can be confused with lung tumors-the person may undergo surgery to have them removed.

Q: Why don't you include ringworm in this lesson on worms?

A: Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm, so it isn't included in a worm section. Both dogs and cats can get infected with ringworm, but it generally affects just the very young. It makes the hair fall out, creating a bald area, and it isn't itchy. Infected animals can pass the fungus to people and they can develop lesions, so it is a zoonosis. People can also pick it up from the soil.

Q: I've heard cow's milk is bad for dogs. Is there any truth in this?

A: Some dogs and cats are lactose intolerant so giving them milk (which contains the sugar lactose) could give them diarrhea. However, many dogs and cats tolerate it just fine. I think the real controversy about milk arose because dogs can get worms through their own mother's milk and people don't distinguish between dog and cow milk.

Q: Can spot products be used in cats?

A: Some products contain high concentrations of permethrin (up to 65 percent) which is highly toxic to cats. I've seen several poisonings where owners did not heed the warning to not apply it to cats. I also saw several cats poisoned when the owner treated the dog (correctly) and the cat absorbed enough of the insecticide by sleeping with the dog.

Q: Why don't we need to give heartworm preventives in the winter?

A: The key issue for spread of heartworm is the temperature. For example, you need 29 consecutive days of temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) 24 hours a day for the larva to develop inside the mosquito. If the temperature drops below 14 degrees C (57 degrees F), development stops. If the temperature goes below 12 degrees C (53 degrees F), the larvae dies. If it isn't developing in the mosquito, there is no need to worry about transmission, and no need for preventive medication.

Q: Do monthly heartworm preventives also kill adult heartworms?

A: The medication could be used for killing the adults, but the dose in the monthly preventives is too low to do this.

Q: What is the difference between dewormers that veterinarians sell and those available at retail outlets?

A: The medications that veterinarians had in the past had a purgative effect, meaning they caused diarrhea. These drugs aren't used by veterinarians now, but many are still available in retail outlets. The newer medications available to veterinarians have mild, or usually no, side effects.

Q: What do you do if a pet you have seen in the past is adopted from a humane society and is now going to another hospital with a new owner?

A: The problem with this scenario is that contacting the prior owner for permission to release the records on a pet that they gave up may not be in their best interest. They may be upset about giving up the pet. I will copy the patient's records for the new veterinarian, but eliminate the prior owner's name and other information that may lead to the person's identification. I know, as a veterinarian, I would like to have historical medical records for every patient I see for the first time, so this is the only way I can do it and still provide client confidentiality.

Q: How effective are vitamin B and garlic for flea control?

A: The reason for these questions comes from the fact that garlic seems to repel mosquitoes in people and the skin of dogs given vitamin B seems healthier than those without the supplement (and this was assumed to be due to better flea control). A study done about 20 years ago looked at garlic and vitamin B and its effect on fleas. Dogs that received garlic had "garlic breath" but the fleas were alive and happy. The dogs given vitamin B had just as many fleas. The reason that vitamin supplementation seems to help the skin condition is that years ago, many dogs were on sub-optimal food and the added nutrient actually helped a deficiency and the skin flourished. This idea is now used by those on natural foods. They say that if the body is healthier, it can withstand the assault of a few fleas and there's no need for chemicals.

Q: If a dog is spayed after she has developed mammary cancer, will it help?

A: The tumors usually arise because of the hormonal influences of the ovaries. Performing an ovariohysterectomy and taking away the ovaries can take away the hormones that induce tumor growth. I recommend spaying if mammary tumors are diagnosed. It may not make them go away but it might arrest their growth.

Q: Why is it so important for cats to eat "wet" food?

A: The water intake concern can be boiled down to this. If a cat is eating a "wet" diet, they are well hydrated and they don't need to drink. If they are eating a dry diet, they become marginally dehydrated, which then triggers the drinking reflex. So, the issue is that cats that are on dry food remain a little dehydrated all the time. This won't kill them but it does raise the concentration of the urine. This can create urine crystals and subsequent blockages in male cats. The dehydration also puts stress on the kidneys, and with kidney deterioration being the most common reason for death in cats, wouldn't it be better if we can keep them healthy? This latter point is controversial but I think it makes sense.

Q: How do dental diets help keep teeth clean?

A: The way they help teeth depends on the diet. Some are made with a very hard fibrous biscuit, for example, Hill's t/d. These are abrasive and mechanically remove plaque and tartar. Other diets have hexametaphosphate (HMP) added to them, for example, Iams dental products. HMP is a molecule that binds to calcium in the saliva, making it unavailable for the conversion of plaque to tartar. Each method claims about 80% success in preventing tartar, so although these diets can help, you'll still need to have your pet's teeth professionally cleaned.

Q: I have a 10-year-old cat that hasn't had any vaccinations for about six years. Is it safe for her to get vaccines at this age?

A: There should be no harm for this cat to receive vaccinations now. If it has been six years, they're well overdue. More importantly, I would encourage a visit to the veterinarian so your cat could have an examination. A cat of this age could have medical issues that need attention. The other question is whether the vaccine needs a booster. If it was an infectious vaccine, probably not. If it was a killed vaccine, maybe. I can't give a solid answer because if you ask five veterinarians, you are going to get five different answers on this. I would probably do just one set and leave it at that.

Q: If a cat is infected with either feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus, should it be vaccinated?

A: These are persistent viral infections a cat has for life. They cause suppression of the immune system. As such, it's unlikely that they'll mount an immune response to a vaccine. There's also concern that vaccination could trigger a flare-up of the effects of the virus. There's no correct answer to this question and you'll find that veterinarians differ in their opinions.

Q: Are birth control pills poisonous?

A: These tablets contain minute quantities of hormones. They will not poison a pet or cause any hormonal imbalances.

Q: Does a one-year-old dog that has never been vaccinated need just one vaccine or a series of two?

A: This depends on the type of vaccination. With an infectious vaccine, only one is needed. If it's a noninfectious vaccine, a booster would be needed four weeks later to generate an adequate antibody response for protection. Of course, the exception is the non-infectious vaccine for rabies where just one vaccination is required for one year of immunity.

Q: What is your view on pet insurance? Is it worth it?

A: This depends on who you are. I answer this by asking my clients one question - if your pet suddenly needs a surgery that costs $2500, can you afford it? If you can, then you can afford to self-insure. You can pay as you go along. However, if your answer is no, insurance can help. It can mean the difference between having a surgery done and what veterinarians call "financial euthanasia." If you purchase insurance, in the long run, on average, you will pay more for veterinary services. But, sometimes it is worth the comfort of being able to afford services.

Q: Does every patient allow acupuncture needling?

A: This form of treatment is not for every pet. Some relax so much that they fall asleep during the session (which is about twenty minutes long). Others are agitated by nature. Even if the needles are successfully placed, these patients don't seem to have positive effects from the needles.

Q: What is integrative medicine?

A: This is a blend of alternative and conventional medicine, used in such a way that the best approach to a disease is utilized.

Q: What if a client cannot afford to treat their pet? Will they be turned away from the clinic?

A: This is a tricky question as it pulls at the very heartstrings that attracted veterinarians and their staff to work in veterinary clinics. Typically this is not a yes or no answer, as there are also a lot of facts that come into play. For example, Does the client offer any way to pay the bill? Does the client have a friend that is willing to step in and pay the bill? Can the client apply for a Medi-Card or Care Credit - a financing option the client can arrange (often brochures for these services are kept at veterinary offices) If the client is not willing to pay for any of the bill or doesn't qualify for the financing, you'll find that most veterinarians will offer emergency care if the client turns the pet over to the SPCA. As well, most vets would offer to euthanize the pet so that it is not suffering. As you can see, there are options, and a client that just says "I can't afford anything" doesn't help us very much. They must be willing to take responsibility for the charges. The reality is, if people don't pay for veterinary services that are given, a veterinary hospital cannot run. Businesses must pay for land leases, buildings, repairs, equipment, staffing, veterinary materials and supplies, taxes, support services, training, licenses, etc. It can be challenging for veterinary clinics to balance the business between pets that have limited to little financial support and what they'd like to do, which is to help every animal. When faced with this, the financial discussion must include options for the client and a way to prevent the pet from suffering. It is then up to the client to choose what option best works for their situation and their pet.

Q: What is a rabies pole?

A: This is standard equipment for animal control officers and some veterinary hospitals. It is a rod with a steel cable or a rope loop at the end of it that is put around the neck of an animal. They are not only used in rabies suspects. They are useful in any dog that is uncontrollable and a threat.

Q: Does every veterinarian euthanize 800 pets every year?

A: This number includes the pets that are euthanized at shelters. At my hospital, I put down an average of two a week.

Q: How do you tell if a pet is dehydrated?

A: To test for dehydration, put your finger under your pets upper lip and feel for wetness. It should be moist and slippery. Tacky gums mean there is a lack of saliva, indicating dehydration. Skin turgidity is another way to estimate hydration. The skin over the shoulder blades is pulled away from the body and released. The time taken to fall back into a normal position increases with escalating dehydration. If well hydrated, the skin will snap quickly back into place. Don't use the skin over the neck for testing because this skin is less pliable than that over the shoulder so it naturally goes down more slowly. The last test for dehydration is looking at the eyes. If they are sunken, he is extremely dehydrated.

Q: How often do you have complaints regarding bills at your hospital?

A: Very rarely. Of course, clients make comments about costs of veterinary care, but they aren't surprised because they know the cost before we go ahead with any treatment. My staff makes sure I do an estimate if there's any question with the client.

Q: Why is a post mortem examination called a necropsy and not an autopsy on an animal?

A: Veterinarians use the word necropsy to mean an examination of an animal body after death. We reserve autopsy to mean a post mortem examination on a person (auto means same species).

Q: My dog just came out of heat and I want her to be spayed. When is the best time?

A: We want to make the surgery as easy as possible. She may go through a false pregnancy that lasts about the same length of time as a normal pregnancy. This means that she should be over it about eight weeks after the heat has finished. I prefer to spay them three to four months after the heat has ended. She should not come into heat before this time and certainly won't get pregnant, and the uterus has returned to normal after the false pregnancy.

Q: Can pet owners give vaccines at home?

A: Yes. Pet owners can buy the vaccines and give them to their own pets. It isn't that hard, but where people fail is in the handling and timing. These vaccines are usually ordered through the mail and it's common for them to get warm, which destroys them. Timing refers to the vaccine schedule. Too many well-intentioned owners give vaccines too late or too early, or they don't do boosters. All these can mean no protection for the pet.

Q: Can I add meat or fish to my dog's dry food to enhance flavor?

A: You certainly can, as long as your dog has no health issues. The reason is this. Pure meat is 65% protein and fish is about 85% protein. If you have a dog with failing kidneys or an impaired liver, the added protein could stress the organs and damage them. Healthy dogs can handle the added protein, especially the little bit you'd put on the top of the food.

What statement regarding vaccines is true?

Adjuvants are added to noninfectious vaccines to boost the immune response.

Which of the following is the flea life cycle?

Adult, egg, larva, pupa.

The word veterinarian has its roots in which of the following?

Ancient Rome.

What procedure helps children cope with the death of a pet?

Answer all their questions truthfully.

Which type of medication used in veterinary hospitals can create a life-threatening allergic reaction in some people?

Antibiotics

Which of the following is a correct first aid procedure?

Apply cool compresses to burns.

Put the following in chronological sequence: (A) if not breathing, begin compressions at 120 per minute; (B) extend the head and neck and clean any fluid out of the mouth; (C) do two breaths after 30 compressions; (D) give three breaths and observe for breathing.

B,D,A,C

We run special tests in geriatric cats so that we can diagnose diseases unique to this age group. What are these tests?

Blood tests and urine tests.

Dr. Susan Wynn recommends which of the following for the management of arthritis?

Boswellia, curcumin, and omega fatty acids

Client education programs:

Can include any topic that will boost client knowledge

What statement is true regarding flea control?

Capstar and Comfortis are tablets.

How is toxoplasmosis transmitted to people?

Cat feces and undercooked meat.

What species of animals were the focus of veterinary practices a hundred years ago?

Cattle and horses

Which of the following statements is true?

Chocolate can cause seizures.

What is the order of the stages of grief?

Denial, anger/depression, guilt, acceptance

Based on the following ingredient, which diet contains the best quality meat protein?

Diet C: Lamb.

Which of the following dilutions describes a 3C homeopathic solution?

Diluted 1 in 100 three times

What should you do if you catch your cat urinating on your bed?

Don't do anything now, but initiate a plan to change your cat's behaviour.

What procedure wouldn't protect you from scatter radiation?

Draping a glove over the hand.

What information is optional on prescription labels in some jurisdictions?

Drug identity number (DIN)

If I wanted a prescription label to read every second day, I would write which of the following?

EOD

What is the poisonous substance in antifreeze solution?

Ethylene glycol.

What characteristic could suggest that a client may be a poor credit risk and should not be allowed to bill veterinary services?

First-time client in for emergency care.

Which of the following statements is true?

Flea larvae feed on flea feces.

What is the optimal interval between vaccines in puppies and kittens when giving initial vaccines?

Four weeks.

Qi flows in meridians that have interesting names. Which of the following are distinctly Chinese meridian names?

Governing Vessel and Triple Heater

If a client keeps suggesting that she caused her pet's terminal illness because she gave tap water rather than bottled water (that she drinks), what stage of grief is she in?

Guilt

Where are adult heart worms found?

In the right ventricle of the heart and the pulmonary arteries.

What statement is true about ringworm?

It can be treated using antifungal shampoos and creams.

How does ethylene glycol (antifreeze) cause death?

It causes kidney failure.

Which of the following statements is true regarding chiropractic adjustment?

It is a specific force applied to a vertebra in a specific direction.

Why would you offer a client two appointment times to choose from?

It makes booking appointments easier.

How are puppies protected from disease in the first few weeks of life?

Newborns are protected by antibodies contained in the colostrum (first milk).

What type of medication is used to decrease pain in dogs?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

How frequently do young pups usually urinate during the day?

Once an hour.

What procedure helps avoid vaccinosis?

Only give the vaccines that are necessary.

What injectable drug do veterinarians use to euthanize pets?

Pentobarbital

What is the medication we use for euthanasia?

Pentobarbital solution

Which statement is true?

Protein is a source of amino acids.

To avoid problems with billing:

Provide estimates for all services before they are performed.

What is an infection in the uterus called?

Pyometra.

If a pup defecates on the living room carpet, what should you do?

Quickly clean it up and use an odor control product.

Which one of the following isn't a recognized life stage?

Recovering from surgery.

What statement is true in reference to x-ray exposure?

Scatter radiation exposure decreases with distance from the x-ray table.

How long does it take for an adult heartworm to form once a mosquito has injected a microfilariae into a dog?

Six months.

How are Demodex mites best diagnosed?

Skin scrapings

Which expense category is the most significant in veterinary hospitals?

Staff salaries

What is the most common route of administration for vaccines?

Subcutaneous.

What is the best way to handle a client in the anger/depression stage of grief?

Tell them their feelings are normal by saying, "Your pet's death was hard for you."

What is informed consent?

The ability of the client to understand the ramifications of a procedure when she gives a veterinarian permission to carry it out

What dietary needs do cats have that dogs don't?

The amino acid taurine.

The transtracheal migration of a roundworm takes it through:

The intestine, liver, and lungs.

Who has the say on releasing records to a new owner of a dog?

The past owner

If someone calls the hospital about a puppy that has vomited twice, what is the most appropriate thing an assistant can say?

The puppy should be examined by the veterinarian.

When a male dog is castrated, which organs are removed?

The testicles.

Which of the following is seen in dogs with fear aggression?

They growl at the ground or wall.

Which of the following is true for diets that prevent FLUTD?

They're low in magnesium and produce an acidic urine.

When I write TID for a prescription, how do I want the medication given?

Three times daily.

Which worm only infests cats?

Toxocara cati.

When is a puppy considered to be protected from disease by vaccines and is safe to go outside?

Two weeks after the last vaccination in the series.

Which of the following can increase client comfort?

Use the client's name as they enter the building

When is the best time to counsel a client about housetraining?

When a pup is eight weeks old.

Regarding telephone advice, which of the following is a good rule to follow?

Write everything down, even if the pet was not examined.

What should you do if a puppy bites you?

Yell "ouch," and then, later, make friends.