Chapter 23
Animal Health Care
Health Care
Science
Technology
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Objectives
Summarize the role and
responsibilities of the veterinarian.
 Discuss the role and
responsibilities of the veterinary
technician.
 Investigate career opportunities
available to veterinarians and
veterinary technicians.
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Objectives (cont.)
Summarize the role and
responsibilities of the veterinary
assistant.
 Differentiate between the levels
of certification used in the
biomedical research field.
 Successfully complete 2 animal
health procedures.
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3
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Careers in Animal Health 23-1
The Veterinarian
 The Veterinary Technician
 The Veterinary Assistant
 Technicians in Biomedical
Research
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4
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinarian
Veterinarians study at least five
species, the most common being
dogs, cats, horses, cows, and
sheep.
 Some schools focus on species
such as poultry, swine, and goats,
while others stress pet birds,
reptiles, zoo animals, fish, and
native wildlife.
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Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinarian (cont.)

Job Responsibilities
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Diagnose and control animal diseases.
Treat sick and injured animals.
Prevent the transmission of animal diseases to
people.
Advise owners on the proper care of pets and
livestock.
Ensure a safe food supply.
Help in conserving and preserving wildlife.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician
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Works under the direction of a
veterinarian.
Cannot diagnose, prescribe drugs, or
perform surgery.
Many states require the veterinary
technician to be certified, registered,
or hold a license.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

You must:
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Graduate from a school of veterinary
technology accredited by the
American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA), or
Complete educational requirements
and have a required number of
clinical experience hours.
In most states you must pass a
comprehensive examination.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Opportunities and Specialties
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Most veterinary technicians enter private
clinical practice.
Other job opportunities include:
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Biomedical research.
Diagnostic laboratories.
Zoos.
Animal production facilities.
Wildlife rehabilitation.
Private industry.
Education.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities
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Obtain and record information.
Perform physical examination of animals.
Collect blood, urine, tissues, and feces
for diagnostic testing.
Perform various diagnostic tests on
blood, urine, tissues, and feces.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities (cont.)
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Prepare animals, instruments, and
equipment for surgery.
Administer medications.
Induce and maintain anesthesia.
Clean teeth while animals are under
anesthesia.
Clean and bandage wounds.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Technician (cont.)

Job Responsibilities (cont.)
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Assist in diagnostic, medical, and
surgical procedures.
Position and prepare animals for
diagnostic radiographs.
Expose and develop diagnostic
radiographs.
Communicate with animal owners.
Supervise veterinary assistants.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Assistant

13
An entry-level
position that
requires direct
supervision. State
rules do not apply
to workers at this
level.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
The Veterinary Assistant (cont.)

Job Responsibilities
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Restrain, exercise, feed, and bathe animals.
Clean cages.
Collect samples for diagnostic testing.
Greet clients.
Answer phones.
Maintain animal records.
Send reminders.
Collect payments for services.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Technicians in
Biomedical Research

The three skill levels are:
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15
Assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT).
Laboratory animal technician (LAT).
Laboratory animal technologist (LATG).
Agencies such as the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
American Association for Laboratory
Animal Care (AALAC) regulate biomedical
research.
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Section 23-1
Apply Your Knowledge
How many species of animals
are usually studied by a
veterinarian?
Answer: 5 or more.
16
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Chapter 23
Animal Health Procedures 23-2
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17
Additional Career Skills
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Additional Career Skills

Performing a Fecal Exam
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Performing a Urinalysis on a Dog
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A fecal exam is commonly performed as a
diagnostic test for parasites.
A veterinary technician should be able to
operate a microscope and centrifuge.
A urinalysis is a series of tests performed on
urine.
You need to be familiar with a refractometer
(TS meter).
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Section 23-2
Apply Your Knowledge
What instrument is used to
perform a urinalysis?
Answer: Refractometer (TS meter).
19
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Chapter 23
Procedures in Student Text
23A
23B
20
Bathing a Dog
Giving a Pill to a Dog
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23
Additional Procedures
in Lab Activity Manual
LM23-1
LM23-2
LM23-3
21
Performing a Fecal
Examination
Performing a Urinalysis on
a Dog
Administering a Medication
by Subcutaneous Injection
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Chapter 23
Chapter 23 Credits
Slide 13
22
Charles Gupton/CORBIS
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Chapter 23