1. scheduled routine appointments
2. vaccination
3. post-operate checks
4. rechecks
5. emergency
6. new puppy/kitten appointments
7. miscellaneous procedures (nail trims, anal glands, etc)
8. SPCA health checks
9. euthanasia
10. discharge appointments 

• phone
• walk-ins
• at the end of the previous appointment
• reception must be well trained to understand how these appointments should be booked
• VT involved in booking also 

• such as ear checks, etc...
• major illness
• usually 15-20 minutes 

• head to toe exam
• answer clients questions
• may include nail triming
• must do exam, history, vaccination and explore any routine health concerns
• many explore other minor issues
• vaccinate and check skin
• vaccine may not be applied if not safe for that particular patient, usually because of general health of animal
• not done if animal is sick 

• may include suture removle or bandage change
• may also be an inciision check
• some are done by VT
• cost usually included in the surgery fee 

• for ongoing medical problems
• not full exam fee
• way for vet to look at patient at predetermined intervals
• if med treatment isn't working and needs follow
• follow up blood work may be preformed 

• can be throughout the day during other routine appointments
• must accommodate emergencies
• vet will try to schedule client perceived emergencies even if it's not a true medical emergency
• recetion must know what an emergency is
• emergencies take priority over other routine issues
• need to keep owner calm during emergencies 

• BOLD - big dog little dog wound
• allergic reaction - can cause quick death in some breeds
• hurt dogs are hunched over, tail tucked and head drooping 

• longer appointments for new puppy/kitten or new client
• usually a lot of questions
• full attention provided

• VT appointments
• nail trim
• anal glands
• tick removal
• small procedures and full exam not required
• charge is ony for procedure
• booster vaccines
• re-check, blood collection
• explaining/counseling clients on upcoming surgeries 

• the new adoption owner has 48 hrs to have animal checked by vet
• chance to talk to new owner and review animals health status (plan for vaccination, etc...)
• rare for a behavioural issure to come to light at a clinic 

• extended appointments and booked at the end of the day
• consent form must be signed
• owner has the choice to be present or not
• some vets get VT to help
• sensitive situation
• some routine appointments can turn into these
• tech takes care of body after euthanasia, and owners ask what will happen to the body

• for clients comming to pick up pet after an extended hospitalk stay or surgery (like a diabetic animal)
• when there are lengthy instructions
• allow focus to be on client
• conducted by VT
• ensures client compliance
• clients may sign a copy of discharge instructions to be kept on file 

• amount of involvement depends on hospital's protocols and vets preference
• if animals is cooperative, vet can handle alone
• vet may need assistance with a large dog, wiggly pup, aggressive dog, etc...
• VTs must present themselves in a professional, compassionate and friendly manner in front of owners

• booked in 15, 20, or 30 min time blocks
• some may have specific daily appointment times
• some may have 1 vet doing surgery and others doing appointments
• if VT is booking appointments, make sure the client knows the vet they are scheduled with in case they have a preference
• never book a patient that needs a work up in the end of the day or on saturday. (makes vets cranky) 

• only in clinic for appointment or quick treatment or procedure
• such as blood collection, administration of SQ fluids for chronically ill patient 

• animal admited to hospital and my be there for a set time or an undetermined time
• such as for radiographs, blood work, urinalysis vs admitted for treatment of illness or injury) 

• even with short hospital stay must have a signed estimate and concent form 

• clients never alowed outback alone because there is where procedures and treatments are done. what they see and hear may make them upset
• VT responsable for protecting privacy of the owners of the patients we are working on

• animal may be removed from exam room and put in the treatment room for blood collection, radiographs or nail trims.
• some animals are calmer away from owners 

• patients admited for short or long stays
• if animal is well enough they are brought to client in exam room for visitation
• if animal is too injured to move, oxygen dependent or dying/saying goodbye; the client is then brought to the patient
• always make sure animal is clean and bedding is neat and tidy before bringing in client. 

• exam room doors closed during consults/exams
• sensitive subjects aren't discussed in reception in front of other clients 

• ready to accommodate eacy type of appointment
• must be cleaned at the begining of the day and at teh end of the day - all surfaces 
• should always smell clean (may need to remove garbage more than once a day, have an air freshener)
• restocking of supplies (cotton, gauze, liquids, etc...)
• shared by reception and VT

• files pulled ahead of time
• greet client and introduce yourself
• weigh patient and record in their file
• show client into exam room, offer to assist carrying heavy carriers
• VT may start appointment. confirm reason for appointment, ask hx qs, get vittals
• assist vet in needed
• prepare TGH meds and explain them to client
• reception/VT books follow up appointment
• double check room is clean and stocked
• confirm room is empty 

• stethoscope
• paper towel
• suture scissors
• bandage scissors
• hemostat
• swabs
• 2x2 gauze
• resource material/models
• needles/syringes
• thermometer
• sterile lubricant
• routine eye meds, skin creams, ear cleaner
• otoscope and eartips
• cotton
• bandage material (vetwrap, etc)
• sample containers
• sharps container
• cold sterile
• scalpel blade
• alcohol and hydrogen peroxide 

• daily maintenance checklist for end of day
• full turnover and mop
• clean sinks
• dispose any sharps lying around properly
• garbage and sharps containers not overflowing
• paper towel stocked
• otoscope and ophthalmoscope ready and charged for use
• clean cold sterile 

• client and patient information
• hx
• pe (physical exam)
• master problem list & working problem list
• progress notes, assessment & plan
• pertinent forms (surgery, anesthesia, radiography, etc...)
• case summary
• fee info. 

• usually obtained by reception
• get all possible forms of contact from client (phone numbers, e-mails, mailing addresses)
• an alternate contact name to list on file if owner isn't available, so that med info./decisions can be discussed with that person
•  every time client comes in, contact info should be confirmed

• most use a form as a guide

• medicine
• alergies
• vaccination
• DOB
• breed
• traveling information
• surgeries

• presenting complaint & circumstances
• last normal
• frequency of episodes
• current meds
• treatment efforts
• comments  & concerns from owner
• current diet
• infor from previous or referring vet (if client has been somewheres else) 

• signalment
• history
• pe
• diagnostic tests
• specific diagnostic tests that are apart of the database bepend on clinic 

includes all major illnesses in chronological order in the animals lifetime 

• current
• may not be a diagnosis but lists current clinical signs
• when diagnosed is is moved from here and put into the the master problem list 

• ongoing or running record of patients records
• findings, date & pe info recorded
• if admitted includes daily events (diagnostics, symptoms, etc...)
• client communications are recorded
• must date, put time & initial each entry
• use the SOAP format
• report as you go

• differential list
• treatment plans
• vet discuss findings at length, which helps keep everybody up to date
• often examine carefully in court  

• on each patient at the beginning of the day or in 24hr hospitals, at the beginning of each shift 

• point of view of the assessor
• statment about the patient
• no numbers or objective measurements
• put S: then make entry 

• objective measurements - don't change from person to person
• incorporate new diagnostics 

• written by vet
• summary & overall view vet has on case
• discussion of thoughts on diagnosis & analysis of info. Not only to document case but allow all memebers to be involved in the case
• vet takes entire database & formulates a thought process as to whats happening with the patient
• may or may not include diagnosis
• evolves daily and a diagnosis may be made
• shows progress of each case, either an improvement or decline of a patient 

• vet writes out daily plan
• often has boxes to check off
• an example: clavomox 62.5mg-Q12 PO x 10 days
• treatments ordered by vet written on white board in some places 

• start with basic info collected, when setting patient up in system and confirm nothing has changed since last visit
• build rapport with client so that we become a trusted member of the vet med team
• be efficient 
• usually done in 20mins
• can start taking hx while weighing patient
• make sure infor is recorded right and relayed to vet
• client may not tell VT anything, but will tell vet everything
• info collected may help vet diagnose or where to focus attention during PE
• don't judge and don't alarm client 

• speak clearly in a clear and professional tone
• avoid leading questions
• avoid judgmental tones, or expressions, don't laugh or get upset at something client says or has done
• don't use advanded medical terms, but keep it professional
• keep client focusd
• don't rush client
• usually have a form to fill out
• record everything 

• recent hx - hx leading up to event
• a more extensive past hx needed for new clients or clients that hasn't been in for awhile 

• for new client

1. origin - animals birthplace & date, also where you got the animal
2. preventive medicine program - immunizations, parasite control, etc...
3. behaviour - usualy disposition and treatment, unusual behavioural events
4. environment - indoors or outdoors (feline only), other pets in the home, level of exposure to non-family owned pets (dog park, etc...), travel history
5. allergies and reactions
6. reproduction - neutered, heat cycle (estrus cycles), when bred, # of litters and how it went
7. previous conditions - trauma or surgical operations 

• presenting complaint and circumstance
• last normal
• frequency of episodes
• current medications
• treatment efforts
• comments and concerns of teh owner
• current diet
• info from previous or referring vet 

• what owner thinks is wrong with aniaml and why they have brought them to the vet
• if not clear in appointment book should start appointment with "what brings you to the clinic today" 

• includes age, breed, sex, reproductive status
• clearly identified at the top of the med hx.
• relay info to another vet by: startign with presenting complaing plus signalment
• can add to working diagnosis 

• list of possible causes for patient's illness (also called differential diagnosis or DDx)
• many diseases or conditions present in young but not old patients, vice versa.
• some disease are specific to breed 

• general management - where the animal lives
• preventative medicine
• behavioural info
• household info
• allergy hx
• reproductive hx 

• length and time owned
• how owner aquired the pet
• food hx 

• vaccine hx
• info on other preventive health products (flea, heartworm and tick medicine) 

• id if pet's behaviour is normal or changed
• helps you get to know the animal - is the animal agressive during the exam, does he/she need to be muzzled, etc... 

• other pets in the home
• are other humans/animals sick
• any new pets - can be stressful for some pets 

• ask if pet is known or suspectd to have an allergy
• anesthesia, vaccines, meds, food, etc... confirm with past vet if you can
• clearly document on patient's record (boulded and underlined)
• be aware of possible allergic rxns once it is a documented condition.
• should be flagged on file, on clip board, on cage and even on collar if necessary 

• spayed/neutered or not
• ever have a litter, how long ago, any problems, did they all survive, etc...
• if intact, when was last heat cycle
• some owners won't know what sex their pet is so we have to look ourselves 

• past pertinent med hx
• ongoing or past med issues
• current medication
• if yes: what drug, what dose, how long, etc...
• may need clients to bring in pets meds so that they can be confirmed
• ask if owner provides andy supplements or therapy beyond what is prescribed (aspirin or natural supplements) 

• last normals
• BM, behaviour, meal
• list each problem on the problem list
• write down everything owner tells you
• systems review
• asking qs designed to determine what sys are involved
• coughting, sneezing, vomitting, diarrhea, urination, drinking, eating, weakness/energy, weight loss or gain
• medication
• avoid judging
• clarify whether pet is on any meds for this or other problems
• incl. supplements (medicated shampoo, flea, creams, etc...)
• type, concentration, frequency and duration if on any medications 

• Immune system attacks itself
• severe immune disease
• auto immune disease that attacks RBCs
• not common in young animals 

• support patient's med care and incl. documentation of diagnostic procedures, diagnosis, and treatment
• incl. evaluations of med info for business, legal and researcy purposes 

• helps vet team id patient and client
• helps make effective plans (diagnostic and treatment)
• documents PE/assessment findings of vet or VT
• lists diagnostic tests and procedures preformed and outcomes
• documents patients rxns to treatment
• keeps everybody up to date on care for the patient
• documents communications
• financial limitations of clients
• behavioural idiosyncrasies of pet
• names of other family members or pets
• helps clinic make reminder cards to promote continued health care for pet 

• supports business and legal activities
• list services provided to pet and client, verifies services for billing.
• assess workload of staff, make budgetary plans, maintain inventory, generate marketing strategy & plays a role in hospital accreditation and helps assess compliance with standard of care
• key in preparation of case studies and presentations for conferences

• VCPR (vet client patient relationship)
• foundation of interaction among vets, their clients and their patients.
• med records must be maintained for all patients with whom a VCPR exists 

must get consent of client but make sure the client is informed enough to give consent. (i.e. client must understand what is wrong with pet, how serious the condition, what the diagnostics are and why they are important, msut know what the prognosis is and risks involved iin any treatment & how much it will cost) 

• physical copy of med records, etc... are property of the hospital
• info on those files belong to client and it's their right to request a copy of their records.
• a signed request form by the owner of record must be received before a transfer of records can be done 
• if client is moving or changing clinics their file is e-mailed or faxed to the new clinic

• diagnosed reportable disease (rabies, etc...) must be reported to local, provincial or federal agencies as required by law
• a subpoena has been issued by a court of law 

• client is moving
• pet is insured, med records can be sent to the company
• med record is used for collection of data or research. (id of patient and client are not revealed) 

1. source oriented vet med record (SOVMR)
2. problem oriented vet med record (POVMR)
3. combination of the above two

• use number 2 

• all entries are legible, dated and initialed
• never use white out
• any corrections must have a single line thought the info., an explanation if necessary, then the correct info entered
• forgotten info - don't go back and add it in, use the current date. 

• after complete hx
• in the morning on all patients
• scheduled assessments can be laid out on a treatment sheet
• prior to any anesthesia blood product adninistration or specific drug administrations
• during emergency triage
• anytime an inpatient's conditions changes 

• nose to tail assessments
• 1st part is to observe
• BCS = body condition score
• note behaviour
• TPR - temperature, pulse, respiration
• GA - general anestetic 
• avoid looking at abnormal things first
• look at animal from both sides, back and front view for symmetry
• watch gait, stance, and demeanor of patient. (hands off assessment)

• mentation or attitude
• stance
• gait
• breathing pattern
• BCS - body condition score to assess overall body fat 

• client is talking while your listening with stethoscope to heart and lungs
• jump to abnormal thing
• not observing animal as they walk or from a distance
• not recording findings TPR on med record (forgetting to document)
• mixing up left and right
• improper restraint leads to a poor assessment 

• abnormalitys are noted on the patients chart and verbally relay info to vet
• make sure to record this in your assessment
• TPR - every physical 

• fever or pyrexia
• hypothermia (low body temp)
• hypothermic cats are very concerning 
• high temp can be because they are worked up, too hot, etc...
• hyperthermia (high body temp)

• peripheral arterial pulse - medial thigh (femoral artery) or dorsal pedal pulse (medium to large dogs only)
• use finger tips and count beats
• count for 15s then multiply by 4
• equal to HR 

• use fingertips to find artery, don't apply too much pressure or you will compress the artery and not be able to feel the pulse
• practice
• count for 15s x 4

weak, moderate or strong

rate is objective and quality is subjective

• count respiration for 15s x 4. first visually, then auscultate al lung fields for any abnormal sounds 

• via thoracic muscles
• abdominal muscles are only activated when there is a problem 

• visualizing teeth and gum quality
• assessing MM color and CRT
• look under tongues and back of throat for FB or ulcers or masses
• smell mouth as you assess mouth. (halitosis is a sign of dental disease)
• only done is animal is cooperative.
• if uncooperative sedate
• CRT should be between 1-2s if not it could indicate sickness 

• both eyes as a unit, then each individual eye.
• look for symmetry between the 2 and the head as well
• looking at all parts of the eye incl. eyelids
• globes
• nictitating membrane (3rd eyelid)
• iris
• pupil
• lens
• cornea 

• look at IOP (inter ocular pressure)
• high could indicate condition like glaucoma
• sclera (white of eye) - should be only white. if yellow (jaundice), red (ruptured blood vessels), pink (inflammation), then its not highly vascularized
• highly vascularized 

• not normaly visible
• can make it visible for assessment
• if already visible, could be swollen and/or red (many diseases can cause this)
• may reasons include disease, mass, FB, etc... 

• note discolorations, swelling or abnormal shape
• colored part of eye
• perfect circle = normal 

• look for constriction/dilation, should be symmetrical, pupillary light refles
• assess each individually and together
• should constrict in light and dilate in the dark
• not the same size = head trauma 

• not normaly visable
• if visible, could indicate something like cataracts 

• surface of eye shouldn't be visible
• if cloudy could indicate ulcers
• can sometimes see FB in the cornea
• sometimes the problem isn't noticable until after staining, cause stain sticks to cuts, etc... 

• use outoscope to look inside
• eardrum is mother of pearl color
• assess for heat, discharge, redness or discomfort
• note abnormalities and record which ear has problem. if both record as R and L or bilateral
• label cotton swab to know which is which 

ear mites in cats

when water is placed on swab, if turns bloody then its flea dirt and if it stays brown it's just dirt

• palpating abdoment
• if animal is uncomfortable, stop and let vet take over
• need practice
• know what organs are where 

1. cranial-dorsal
2. cranial-ventral
3. mid-dorsal
4. mid-ventral 
5. caudal-dorsal
6. caudal-ventral

bladder if full (water filled balloon)

if hard, it indicates a serious problem

• visually assessed for abnormal swelling, masses, discharge, asymmetrical appearance (vulva, penis, scrotum, etc...)
• assessed during abdominal palpation (bladder) and rectal palpation (by vet, and assesses prostate gland) 

• done when doing head to tail assessment
• know where major nodes are
• palpate nodes at the same time to assess and compare size and texture of each 

1. popliteal - can find, near hock
2. submandibular
3. prescapular - in front of shoulder blades 
4. axillary - behind armpits, may be able to find and feel
5. inguinal - shouldn't feel these, if so means somethings wrong
6. parotid

• assess postural rxn, reflexes and sensation

1. withdrawl reflex
2. hindlimb reflexes
3. cutaneous trunci reflex (reflex in skin if pinch along spinal cord)
4. perineal feflex - rxn of anus (no pucker = bad) 

• note lameness while walking
• evaluate patient while standing and look at all limbs
• palpate each limb from body to toe. palpate both to compare and check for swelling
• palpate along spinal column from neck to tail (if soar note location)
• note any signs of discomfort as you touch and assess each part 

• hair, skin (footpads and nails), and subcutaneous tissues
• hair = thick and shiny
• note abnormal hair coats
• evaluate coats for areas of thinning or alopecia
• look for signs of ectoparasites (fleas or fea dirt, ticks, etc...) 

• during assessment explain to client what you are doing
• let them know the vet trusts you to assess
• vet always discusses abnormalities with client