MA Vet Tech cheat sheet

Controlled substances are classified under the US DEA schedules I–V; schedule II drugs (e.g., morphine, fentanyl) have the highest abuse potential and require separate secure storage, inventory counts, and DEA Form 106 for theft or significant loss.

Veterinary prescription drugs must carry the federal legend "Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian"; extra-label use in food animals is restricted under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA).

Drug dose formula: dose (mg) = body weight (kg) × dose rate (mg/kg); volume to administer (mL) = total dose (mg) ÷ drug concentration (mg/mL).

A withdrawal time is the interval after the last dose before milk, meat, or eggs may enter the human food supply; extra-label use in food animals generally requires an extended withdrawal period determined by a veterinarian.

Pharmacokinetic parameters: bioavailability (F) is the fraction of an administered dose reaching systemic circulation; half-life (t½) is the time for plasma concentration to halve; steady state is reached after roughly 4–5 half-lives.

Drugs are metabolized mainly in the liver (phase I oxidation/reduction/hydrolysis, then phase II conjugation) and eliminated mainly by the kidney; hepatic or renal disease prolongs half-life and may require dose reduction.

Common veterinary drug interactions to recognize: NSAIDs plus corticosteroids or ACE inhibitors increase gastrointestinal and renal risk; fluoroquinolones chelate with calcium, iron, and magnesium, reducing absorption.

Chemotherapy and other hazardous drugs require closed-system transfer devices, gloves, gowns, and a biological safety cabinet; pregnant staff should be excluded from handling.

Antimicrobial stewardship principles: culture and susceptibility testing before therapy, narrow-spectrum drugs when possible, full prescribed course, and avoidance of unnecessary or prophylactic use that promotes resistance.

Surgical asepsis follows the sterile field principle: only sterile items contact the sterile field; a sterile gown is sterile from chest to waist and from gloves to mid-forearm in front of the wearer.

Patient preparation order: clip hair, then apply antiseptic scrub (chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) with friction alternating with alcohol or sterile saline, working from the incision site outward.

Surgical hand scrub is performed before gowning; sterile gloves are donned by the closed-glove technique after the sterile gown is put on.

Suture selection: absorbable sutures (poliglecaprone, polyglactin 910, chromic gut) lose tensile strength over weeks; nonabsorbable sutures (nylon, polypropylene, silk) are used where prolonged support is needed or for skin.

Suture size uses USP numbering: 3-0 is larger than 4-0, which is larger than 5-0; larger numbers after the dash mean smaller diameter.

An instrument tray is organized by function: hemostats and needle holders, tissue forceps, scissors, retractors, and drapes; count instruments and sponges before and after the procedure to prevent retained items.

Postoperative monitoring includes incision inspection, pain scoring, temperature, and observation for dehiscence, seroma, or infection; the patient should be kept warm and monitored during recovery from anesthesia.

Surgical consent and record-keeping: document the procedure, anesthesia protocol, monitoring parameters, and any complications in the medical record.

Dental formula for the adult dog: 42 permanent teeth (12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, 10 molars); adult cat: 30 permanent teeth (12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, 4 molars).

Periodontal disease staging uses attachment loss and probing depth; stage 1 is gingivitis, stages 2–4 reflect increasing attachment loss and bone loss.

Dental scaling must be followed by polishing to smooth the enamel; ultrasonic scaling without polishing leaves roughened surfaces that promote plaque accumulation.

Dental radiographs are essential before extraction; they reveal root fractures, retained roots, and bone loss not visible on oral examination.

Common oral pathology: periodontal disease, odontoclastic resorptive lesions (especially in cats), fractured teeth with pulp exposure, and oral masses that require biopsy.

Anesthesia for dentistry requires a cuffed endotracheal tube and pharyngeal packing to prevent aspiration of water and debris during scaling.

Tooth extraction technique uses an elevator and extraction forceps; multi-rooted teeth may require sectioning; post-extraction radiographs confirm complete removal.

Home dental care includes daily brushing with pet-safe toothpaste; human toothpaste contains fluoride and detergents that should not be swallowed by animals.

Blood collection sites: cephalic, saphenous, and jugular veins in dogs and cats; the jugular vein is preferred for larger volumes; the medial saphenous is often used in cats.

Blood tube order of draw for additive tubes: blood culture, coagulation (citrate), serum (red top), heparin, EDTA (lavender), and fluoride oxalate (gray).

EDTA tubes are used for hematology (CBC); serum separator tubes for chemistry; citrate tubes for coagulation testing; the tube must be filled to the marked line for correct anticoagulant-to-blood ratio.

PCV is measured by centrifuging a microhematocrit tube; reference ranges are approximately 37–55% in dogs and 30–45% in cats; total protein is read from the plasma layer by refractometer.

Urinalysis includes physical (color, clarity, specific gravity), chemical (dipstick: pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin), and microscopic sediment examination.

Urine specific gravity by refractometer: approximately 1.015–1.045 in dogs and 1.035–1.060 in cats; isosthenuria (about 1.008–1.012) indicates loss of concentrating ability.

Fecal examination by flotation concentrates parasite eggs and oocysts; direct smear detects motile trophozoites such as Giardia.

CBC interpretation: anemia is a low PCV/hematocrit; neutrophilia with a left shift suggests inflammation or infection; eosinophilia suggests parasitism or allergy.

Normal vital parameters: adult dog temperature approximately 100.5–102.5 °F (38.1–39.2 °C), heart rate 60–160 bpm, respiratory rate 10–30 breaths/min; adult cat temperature approximately 100.5–102.5 °F, heart rate 140–220 bpm, respiratory rate 20–30 breaths/min.

Body condition scoring (1–9 or 1–5 scale) assesses fat cover over ribs, spine, and pelvis; a score of 5/9 is ideal.

Pain assessment uses species-appropriate tools: the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale for dogs and the Feline Grimace Scale for cats, plus physiologic indicators such as heart rate and respiratory rate.

Fluid therapy: maintenance rate approximately 2–3 mL/kg/hr for adult dogs and cats; replacement of deficits is calculated as deficit (mL) = body weight (kg) × % dehydration × 1000.

Nutritional support: resting energy requirement (RER) in kcal/day = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75; illness energy requirement is often estimated as RER × 1.1–1.4.

Vital sign monitoring includes temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time (normally under 2 seconds), and hydration assessment by skin turgor.

Restraint principles: minimal restraint, species-specific handling (cats by scruff or towel wrap, dogs with muzzle when indicated), and recognition of fear, anxiety, and stress signals.

Nursing care of the recumbent patient includes frequent repositioning, padded bedding, bladder management, and monitoring for decubital ulcers and aspiration.

Anesthetic phases: premedication (sedation and analgesia), induction, maintenance, and recovery; each phase requires monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature, and anesthetic depth.

Inhalant anesthetics: isoflurane and sevoflurane are common; MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) is the concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients in response to a noxious stimulus; lower MAC values mean greater potency.

Anesthetic depth signs: loss of jaw tone, loss of palpebral reflex, central eye position, and decreased respiratory rate indicate deeper anesthesia; movement and increased jaw tone indicate light anesthesia.

Monitoring equipment includes pulse oximetry (SpO2), capnography (end-tidal CO2), blood pressure (Doppler or oscillometric), and ECG; normal end-tidal CO2 is approximately 35–45 mmHg.

Hypothermia is a common anesthetic complication; active warming (forced-air blankets, warm fluids) and temperature monitoring are required during and after anesthesia.

Analgesia uses multimodal approach: opioids (mu agonists such as morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl), NSAIDs (meloxicam, carprofen), local anesthetics (lidocaine, bupivacaine), and adjuncts such as ketamine or gabapentin.

Preanesthetic assessment includes physical examination, history, and baseline blood work; ASA physical status classification (I–V) guides anesthetic risk.

Recovery monitoring includes airway patency, extubation timing, temperature, and observation for dysphoria or delayed recovery.

Triage categories: red (immediate life threat), yellow (urgent but stable), green (non-urgent); ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) guide initial assessment.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation follows the RECOVER guidelines: chest compressions at 100–120 per minute with a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for a single rescuer, and early defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation.

Shock recognition: tachycardia, pale mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, weak pulses, and hypotension; fluid resuscitation with crystalloids or colloids is initiated while monitoring response.

Emergency drugs to know: epinephrine for cardiac arrest, atropine for bradycardia, furosemide for pulmonary edema, diazepam or midazolam for seizures, and naloxone for opioid reversal.

Poisoning management: decontamination (emesis induction when appropriate, activated charcoal), supportive care, and consultation with a poison control service; never induce emesis in a patient that is unconscious or has ingested a caustic substance.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a surgical emergency; stabilize with fluid therapy, gastric decompression, and monitoring for arrhythmias before surgery.

Critical care monitoring includes blood pressure, urine output (target approximately 1–2 mL/kg/hr), lactate, and central venous pressure when available.

Heatstroke and hypothermia require active temperature management; heatstroke also requires cooling, fluid therapy, and monitoring for disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Radiographic density: gas is black (radiolucent), fat is dark gray, soft tissue and fluid are gray, bone is white, and metal is brightest white (radiopaque).

Standard thoracic radiographs include right and left lateral views and a ventrodorsal or dorsoventral view; the patient should be positioned with limbs drawn and the head/neck extended.

Abdominal radiographs are evaluated for organ size, position, and presence of gas or mineral opacity; contrast studies (barium or iodine) may be needed for the gastrointestinal tract.

Radiation safety: ALARA principle (as low as reasonably achievable); use lead gloves, aprons, thyroid shields, and dosimeters, and maximize distance from the beam.

Ultrasound is used for soft tissue evaluation, pregnancy diagnosis, and guided procedures; it cannot penetrate bone or gas, so it is complementary to radiography.

Radiographic positioning: measure the patient's thickness at the region of interest to set exposure; collimation limits the beam to the area of interest and reduces scatter.

Common radiographic findings: cardiomegaly (increased vertebral heart score), pleural effusion (blunting of the costophrenic angle), and pneumothorax (absence of lung markings).

Digital radiography requires proper image processing and storage; images should be labeled with patient identification and view orientation.

Hematology reference values: PCV approximately 37–55% in dogs and 30–45% in cats; hemoglobin approximately 12–18 g/dL in dogs and 8–15 g/dL in cats.

Leukocyte functions: neutrophils phagocytose bacteria, eosinophils respond to parasites and allergy, basophils release histamine, lymphocytes mediate immunity, and monocytes become macrophages.

Anemia classification: regenerative (reticulocytosis, polychromasia) versus non-regenerative; hemorrhage and hemolysis are typically regenerative, whereas chronic disease and bone marrow disease are non-regenerative.

Liver enzyme interpretation: ALT is a sensitive indicator of hepatocellular injury; ALP increases with cholestasis and also with bone growth or corticosteroid use.

Kidney markers: BUN and creatinine rise with reduced glomerular filtration; SDMA is an earlier marker of renal function; urine specific gravity helps differentiate renal from prerenal causes.

Cytology versus histopathology: cytology examines individual cells from aspirates or smears, while histopathology examines tissue architecture from biopsies.

Coagulation tests include prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelet count; prolonged times suggest clotting factor deficiency.

Blood smear evaluation includes platelet estimate (approximately 1 platelet per oil-immersion field × 15,000–20,000/µL), red cell morphology, and white cell differential.

Medical records are legal documents; entries must be dated, legible, signed, and include the patient history, examination findings, treatments, and client communication.

Controlled substance logs must record each administration and waste; inventory is reconciled regularly and discrepancies are reported according to DEA requirements.

OSHA requires an exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination for at-risk staff, personal protective equipment, and sharps disposal containers.

Informed consent documents the owner's authorization for procedures and should include risks, benefits, and alternatives; consent is obtained before anesthesia and surgery.

Practice finances: revenue = number of transactions × average transaction charge; monitoring average transaction charge and client compliance helps identify growth opportunities.

Scheduling and workflow: appointments should be scheduled by type and duration, and emergency slots should be reserved to prevent delays.

Team roles in a veterinary practice include veterinarian, credentialed veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, and client service representative; scope of practice varies by state.

Client communication and record-keeping of adverse events and follow-up calls reduce liability and improve continuity of care.

The communication cycle includes sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback; clarifying questions and teach-back confirm understanding.

Nonverbal communication (eye contact, posture, tone) influences client perception; open-ended questions elicit more information than leading questions.

Informed consent discussions should cover diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, costs, and alternatives, and should be documented in the record.

Delivering bad news uses a structured approach: prepare, establish rapport, give information in plain language, allow silence, and summarize next steps.

Cost discussions should occur early; itemized estimates and payment options improve compliance and reduce conflict.

Cultural and language differences require interpreters or translated materials; avoid medical jargon and confirm comprehension.

Handling angry clients: listen without interruption, acknowledge the concern, apologize for the experience, and state a concrete plan of action.

Telephone triage requires a written protocol and documentation of advice given, including the recommendation to seek immediate care when indicated.

Veterinary technicians practice under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian; the level of supervision (direct, indirect, or immediate) is defined by state practice acts.

The veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required before prescribing or dispensing drugs; it generally requires the veterinarian to have examined the animal and be available for follow-up.

Confidentiality: client and patient information is protected and should not be disclosed without consent, except as required by law.

Professional boundaries and ethics: avoid conflicts of interest, do not practice beyond the scope of training, and report impaired or incompetent colleagues through appropriate channels.

Continuing education and licensure renewal are required to maintain credentialing; technicians should know their state's CE requirements.

Animal welfare and the human-animal bond guide ethical decisions; euthanasia should follow accepted guidelines such as those of the AVMA.

Documentation of client refusal of recommended care protects both the client and the practice and supports continuity of care.

Professional conduct includes respect for colleagues, proper attire and hygiene, and adherence to workplace safety and biosecurity protocols.