IN Vet Tech cheat sheet

Drug doses are expressed as mg/kg; total dose (mg) = dose (mg/kg) × body weight (kg). Volume to draw (mL) = total dose (mg) ÷ concentration (mg/mL).

Cephalosporins, penicillins, and aminoglycosides are time- or concentration-dependent bactericidal agents; aminoglycosides are concentration-dependent and nephrotoxic, so ensure hydration and avoid concurrent loop diuretics.

NSAIDs act by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX); COX-1 inhibition underlies GI ulceration and renal effects, while COX-2 selectivity reduces but does not eliminate these risks.

Metoclopramide is a dopamine antagonist antiemetic and prokinetic; it is contraindicated with GI obstruction or perforation. Maropitant is an NK-1 antagonist antiemetic.

Controlled substances require DEA registration, secure storage, and a log documenting date, patient, amount dispensed, and prescriber; schedule II drugs have the strictest record-keeping.

Withdrawal times for food-producing animals differ by drug and species; extra-label use requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship and extended withdrawal intervals.

Drugs are metabolized primarily in the liver (phase I oxidation, phase II conjugation) and excreted renally; hepatic or renal impairment prolongs half-life and requires dose adjustment.

Reconstituted antibiotics and vaccines have limited stability; store per label (often refrigerated), note the reconstitution date, and discard at expiry.

Surgical asepsis requires sterile gowns, gloves, and instruments; the circulating nurse is unsterile and handles packaging and records, while the scrubbed nurse maintains the sterile field.

Patient preparation: clip hair widely around the incision site, perform initial scrub outside the OR, then final skin prep with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine in concentric circles from incision outward.

Instrument categories include cutting (scalpel, scissors), grasping (thumb forceps, tissue forceps), hemostatic (Kelly, Crile), and retracting; hemostats are used to clamp vessels before ligation or cautery.

Suture selection: absorbable (polydioxanone, polyglactin 910) for internal tissues; nonabsorbable (nylon, polypropylene) for skin; monofilament reduces infection risk versus multifilament.

Surgical counts of sponges, needles, and instruments are performed before closure and documented; a retained surgical item is a reportable patient safety event.

Anesthetic monitoring during surgery includes heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, SpO2, ETCO2, and temperature; hypothermia is common and managed with warm air blankets and warmed fluids.

Postoperative care: monitor incision for swelling, discharge, or dehiscence; provide analgesia, restrict activity, and use an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma.

Dental formula for the adult dog: 42 permanent teeth; cat: 30 permanent teeth. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth, kittens 26.

Periodontal disease staging uses probing depth, attachment loss, and mobility; normal sulcus depth is up to 1-3 mm in dogs and up to 1 mm in cats depending on site.

Dental radiographs are required for complete evaluation; they detect root resorption, retained roots, and bone loss not visible on oral exam.

Scaling removes supragingival and subgingival calculus; polishing smooths enamel, and fluoride or sealant application follows.

Extraction technique: perform regional block, elevate with periosteal elevator, section multi-rooted teeth, and close with absorbable suture; avoid excessive force to prevent jaw fracture.

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) cause painful enamel defects; treatment is extraction or crown amputation, not restoration.

Dental nerve blocks: infraorbital (maxillary incisors/premolars), mental/mandibular (lower jaw), and maxillary blocks provide analgesia and reduce anesthetic depth requirements.

Complete blood count (CBC) reports RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCHC, WBC differential, and platelet count; PCV and total protein are measured by centrifugation and refractometry.

Serum biochemistry panels assess hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), renal values (BUN, creatinine, SDMA), glucose, electrolytes, and albumin.

Urinalysis includes specific gravity (refractometer), pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and sediment examination for cells, casts, and crystals.

Sample handling: EDTA tube for hematology, serum separator or heparin for biochemistry, citrate for coagulation; fill tubes to the indicated line and mix gently by inversion.

Blood smear evaluation: assess platelet clumping and rouleaux before reporting thrombocytopenia; a low platelet count on analyzer may be pseudothrombocytopenia.

Reference intervals are population-based; interpret results with the patient's signalment and clinical signs. A value outside the interval may still be normal for that individual.

Fecal flotation and direct smear detect parasite ova; centrifugation flotation is more sensitive than simple flotation for low-burden infections.

Vital signs by species: adult dog 60-140 bpm, cat 140-220 bpm, horse 28-44 bpm, cattle 48-84 bpm; respiratory rates also vary by species and age.

Body condition scoring (BCS) uses a 1-9 or 1-5 scale; a BCS of 4-5/9 is ideal in dogs and cats, and obesity increases anesthetic and surgical risk.

Nutritional requirements: calculate resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75; multiply by an illness factor for hospitalized patients.

Fluid therapy: maintenance rate is approximately 2-4 mL/kg/hr in dogs and cats; calculate deficit as % dehydration × body weight (kg) × 1000 mL.

Restraint techniques: use minimal restraint, muzzle for fearful dogs, towel wrap for cats, and chemical restraint when handling risks injury to patient or staff.

Infection control: isolate patients with suspected contagious disease, use PPE, and disinfect kennels with appropriate agents (dilute bleach for parvovirus, quaternary ammonium for routine surfaces).

Record keeping: document treatments, medications, and observations in the medical record contemporaneously; incomplete records are a common source of liability.

Preanesthetic assessment includes physical exam, history, and minimum database (CBC, biochemistry, urinalysis) to identify anesthetic risk factors.

Anesthetic depth stages: stage I (induction), stage II (excitement, avoid stimulation), stage III (surgical plane), stage IV (overdose, apnea).

Monitoring equipment: pulse oximetry (SpO2), capnography (ETCO2), blood pressure (Doppler or oscillometric), and ECG; a normal SpO2 is ≥95%.

Induction agents include propofol, alfaxalone, and ketamine; maintenance may use inhalant (isoflurane, sevoflurane) or injectable protocols.

Endotracheal intubation protects the airway, prevents aspiration, and allows controlled ventilation; cuff inflation should be just enough to seal without pressure necrosis.

Hypothermia during anesthesia is common; use forced warm air, warmed fluids, and minimize exposed surface area.

Recovery: monitor until the patient is sternal and can swallow; provide analgesia and observe for vomiting, aspiration, and delayed recovery.

Triage uses the ABCs: airway, breathing, circulation; life-threatening conditions are addressed before history and diagnostics.

CPR for small animals: chest compressions at approximately 100-120 per minute, depth one-third to one-half chest diameter, with minimal interruptions; ventilate every 30 compressions (2 breaths).

Shock management: rapid IV crystalloid bolus (10-20 mL/kg) for hypovolemia, reassess perfusion, then continue; avoid over-resuscitation in cardiac or pulmonary disease.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a surgical emergency; perform gastric decompression, treat shock, and prepare for surgery.

Snake envenomation, anaphylaxis, and severe trauma require rapid assessment; epinephrine is used for anaphylaxis, and antivenom for envenomation where available.

Hypoglycemia in small patients is treated with dextrose solution; monitor blood glucose and provide ongoing nutritional support.

Emergency drug doses must be calculated and verified; double-check calculations and label syringes before administration.

Pain assessment tools include the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale and Colorado State University Canine/Feline Acute Pain Scales; use validated tools and reassess after treatment.

Multimodal analgesia combines opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, and adjuncts (gabapentin, ketamine) to target different pain pathways and reduce individual drug doses.

Opioids (morphine, hydromorphone, buprenorphine) provide visceral and somatic analgesia; monitor for respiratory depression and ileus.

Local anesthetics: lidocaine (dogs, not cats due to toxicity risk) and bupivacaine; use for nerve blocks and incisional infiltration.

NSAIDs are contraindicated in dehydration, renal disease, and GI ulceration; avoid concurrent use with corticosteroids.

Chronic pain management includes NSAIDs, gabapentin, amantadine, and physical rehabilitation; reassess regularly and adjust.

Signs of pain in animals include restlessness, guarding, vocalization, changes in appetite, and altered posture; species-specific signs must be recognized.

Client communication: use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and plain language; confirm understanding with teach-back.

Informed consent requires explaining diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and costs; document the client's decision in the record.

Veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required for prescribing and treatment; it involves assuming responsibility, sufficient knowledge, and follow-up.

Medical records are legal documents; retain per state requirements, record all treatments and communications, and correct errors with a single line and initials.

OSHA and workplace safety: use PPE, handle sharps safely, and follow hazardous drug handling guidelines.

Financial communication: provide estimates before procedures, discuss payment options, and document cost discussions.

Team communication and delegation: use clear role assignments and closed-loop communication during emergencies.

Large animal restraint: use halters and chutes for cattle and horses; approach from the side, avoid blind spots, and use a twitch or lip chain only when necessary.

Equine vital signs: heart rate 28-44 bpm, respiratory rate 8-16 breaths/min, temperature 37.5-38.5°C; rectal temperature is standard.

Ruminant digestion: cattle have a four-compartment stomach; monitor rumen motility and treat bloat with decompression and rumenotomy if needed.

Avian anatomy: birds have air sacs, a syrinx, and a cloaca; handle gently to avoid stress and respiratory compromise.

Exotic species: rabbits are obligate nasal breathers and prone to GI stasis; guinea pigs require dietary vitamin C.

Reptile husbandry: provide appropriate temperature gradient, UVB lighting for diurnal species, and species-specific humidity.

Avian blood collection: use the jugular or basilic vein; limit volume to ~1% of body weight to avoid hypovolemia.