study questions wk 1 and 2 Flashcards
behavior problems
leading cause of pet relinquishments to animal shelters by owners
3 examples of behavior related tasks technicians perform
pre-acquisition consulting (what type of animal someone should get), educating the client on the history of their animal, evaluating non-veterinary referrals (knowing what trainers to recommend)
what service does a behavioral consultant provide for a client with a pet exhibiting problem behaviors
they provide coaching
What services do trainers provide for pets with problem behaviors
they work with the client and their animal on learning specific skills
The success of behavior modification and training is the aligning of the…
animals behavior and the humans expectations
classical conditioning
connecting one stimulus with another that the animal already gets a response from (unconditioned: animal decides)
example of classical conditioning
when holding the leash starts to show a response from the animal for wanting to go on a walk
counterconditioning
replacing an existing conditioned response
desensitization
it uses a gradual approach to introduce a stimulus (gradual increased planned exposures)
two tools used for creative food delivery
spoons and a kong
sensitization
intensity of response to same stimulus gets stronger over time
example of sensitization
a cat getting ear medication and hating it over time to the point that petting the cat makes it growl
habituation
intensity of response to same stimulus gets weaker over time
operant conditioning
consequences drive future behavior
two categories in reinforcement and punishment (difference between positive and negative)
positive is adding or giving something to the animal; negative is taking something away from them
2-2-3 rule
If it requires more than two tries, two arms to stabilize, or the animal struggles for more than 3 seconds, a different handling plan is recommended
what does management mean in terms of behavior modification
controlling the environment and experiences to prevent unwanted behavior
applied behavior analysis (A-B-C)
antecedent, behavior, consequence
5 stages of animal development
socialization, juvenile, adolescence, adult, senior
socialization period for puppies and kittens
puppies: 3-16 weeks; kittens: 2-7 weeks
length of juvenile period
end of socialization to sexual maturity
juvenile period for dogs and cats
dogs: 5-18 months; cats: 4-10 months
adolescence
onset of puberty through social maturity
why is adolescence the common age for pets to be surrendered to shelters?
more need for physical and mental activity
body language for relaxed dogs
Soft muscles, face, mouth; normal pupils; ears forward or relaxed; neutral whiskers; natural tail (okay with interactions and treats)
body language for mildly stressed dogs
Soft muscles, mouth (maybe curled tongue tip), face
(maybe pinching between eyes); normal to slightly larger pupils; ears forward or slightly to side or back; neutral whiskers; natural tail or a little low (and yawning)
body language for moderately stressed dogs
Furrowed brow; moderately dilated pupils; ears back or down; lips back; panting; tense; fidgety. May exhibit mixed feelings, avert eyes (high value treats may mask moderate stress)
body language for severely stressed dogs
Furrowed brown; dilated pupils; ears back or down; lips back; panting; slow or frantic movements; voiding, may show defensive aggression, but usually hide and avoid; learned helplessness
relaxed cats
Soft muscles and face; normal pupils; soft, erect ears; neutral whiskers; closed mouth; softly curved tail
mildly stressed cats
mildly dilated pupils; ears slightly to side; legs, tails, and whiskers closer to body; may stay in carrier or approach then run away
moderately stressed cats
Signs of mild stress plus: tail tight to body, possible twitching tip; sternal position if lying; ears to side or back; stops exploring and refuses food
severely stressed cats
signs of moderate stress and dilated pupils, ears and body flat, whiskers flat or forward, tail tucked or held low, hissing or growling, teeth bared, strike or bites, defensive aggression or helplessness
When providing pet selection counseling for prospective pet owners, what are two questions a technician should ask?
willingness to spend time in training, and desired lifestyle
3 common unwanted behaviors that result in pets going back to a shelter
unwanted elimination, destructive behavior, aggression
play-related aggression
Aggression in the form of chasing, barking, biting, scratching, and physical contact is a normal part of play for both puppies and kittens (normal way to learn coordination and social communication)
why pairing exercises are important for young dogs and cats
helps reduce fear at each visit (stimulus is the same all the time)
2 categories behavior medications fall into
baseline or mainstay AND event based or short term
examples of behavior emergencies that require rapid action
Human-animal bond compromised, Human-directed aggression resulting in injury (or fear of injury), Full behavior history and risk assessment prior to interacting with patient, Self-harm, Animal-directed aggression resulting in injuries
why or how do dogs and cats develop an aversion to veterinary care
pheromone signals of stress and fear or social signals from other animals (and association with pain and illness)
fear and anxiety in patients leads to
a. Aggression
b. Treatment resistance from patient
c. Reluctance to test and treat on the part of staff
d. Increased cortisol and delayed healing
e. Low cooperation
what does FAS stand for
fear, anxiety, stress
considerate approach
the environment and interactions are sensitive to the need of patients (making sure everything thing is cleaned, having things we like but also work for the animals)
touch gradient
A method of touching animals in a systematic and sensitive way to decrease fear, anxiety, and stress during handling (Acclimating the patient to increasing levels of touch intensity while continuously measuring the patient’s acceptance and comfort)
What is the recommended area to start a routine physical exam when using the touch gradient method?
Begin with a skin examination, body condition score and muscle condition score, lymph node evaluation, and auscultation
6 factors of gentle control
a. Use of distractions when possible
b. Stabilization rather than forcible restraint to encourage stillness
c. Animal made to feel secure: no slipping and gently supported
d. Animal is gently kept in place with attention paid to all six directions of possible movement
e. Safely preventing harm to the pet and veterinary team
f. A plan for ways to stop the procedure and safely move away if the FAS score increases rapidly
example of a happy visit
dog is especially responsive, positive experiences throughout: parking lot, lobby, and exam room; no medical care or treatment
example of victory visit
scheduled time for onsite desensitization, counterconditioning, and operant conditioning; there may be staff or outside trainer/behavior consultant
Why is it crucial for the veterinary team to keep accurate records about how animals respond to veterinary care?
It saves a great deal of time in trial-and-error handling attempts during future visits; alerts the veterinary team member to safety concerns and protects the patient from handling events and techniques known to potentially compromise the welfare of that specific patient
mission of the veterinary healthcare team
To prevent and relieve animal suffering and promote wellness
3 indications for restraint
a. To safely position a patient so that it can receive medical care (if they experience fear)
b. To prevent the animal from harming itself while it is receiving medical care (if it attempts to escape)
c. To protect personnel (in case anything happens, the safety of the vet tech, client, and handlers comes first)
3 examples of ways to minimize stress in veterinary patients during a visit
a. Use calming music and calming pheromones inside the veterinary facility
b. Provide comfortable nonslip surfaces and create spaces where patients can hide
c. Have a wide variety of treats available
types of behavior signals technicians should interpret prior to approaching an animal
a. Distance-signaling behavior
b. Defensive aggression
c. Postural changes and warnings
d. Mixed signals
flight
escaping
fight
defensive aggression
freeze
learned helplessness
2 devices used to help capture escaped cats
Clamshell capture device and a large soft net with a long handle
types of restraint for relaxed to mildly stressed (FAS 0-3)
standing or sitting positions (sternal, lateral, and dorsal recumbency)
types of restraint for mildly to moderately stressed (FAS 2-3)
rule of twos, standing or sitting, establishing recumbency
types of restraint for severely stressed (FAS 4-5)
chemical restraint and muzzles, towels, blankets, and gloves
special equipment used to restrain cats
muzzle, cat bag, towel, gloves
why is scruffing of cats no longer routine practice
increased FAS (presents risk to handler and patient)
When a pet has enough negative experiences which teach the patient that veterinary care is unpleasant or dangerous what behavior will the pet display
defensive aggression
When talking to clients about the use of medications for treatment of FAS how should be describe them?
they should be described as medicines to reduce fear and stress, relieve any pain the animal may be experiencing, and allow safe handling for both the patient and the team
nosocomial infection
infections that hospitalized patients acquire from the hospital environment, another patient, or a health care provider
factors that contribute to pathogen transmission to hospitalized patients
Actual pathogen, physical surroundings of patient, contact with veterinary personnel, stress, underlying disease conditions, or suppressed immune system
opportunistic organism
Any organism that takes advantage of certain opportunities to cause disease
fomites
Objects that can carry the infection; food bowls, cat mats, clippers, toys, or thermometers
common agents of nosocomial infections
bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi
the key to reducing patient morbidity and preventing further spread of the pathogen
Early recognition of possible nosocomial infection (cleaning fomites)
What can hospital personnel do to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of disease
PPE and hand washing
diagnosis
Identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms
Ethically and legally, should the veterinary technician make a diagnosis
no
What are the advantages for the patient and veterinarian, when the veterinary technician begins the history taking process
Saves the doctor time; more thorough care of pets
In what form should history taking questions be asked
Open-ended so as not to lead the client into an answer
unbiased questions: water consumption, appetite, bowel movement, conditions like vomiting or diarrhea
a. water consumption? any changes in fluffy’s drinking?
b. appetite? When was the last time fluffy ate and how much?
c. bowel movement? When was the last time fluffy went to the bathroom? Any changes in appearance?
d. conditions like vomiting and/or diarrhea? are there any concerns with vomiting or diarrhea?
What is the signalment; Why is it important input for the veterinarian who is making a diagnosis of patient illness; example for each part of the signalment
signalment: age, breed, color, sex, and reproductive status; This helps to know more about the history and status of the animal to see if any issues might be related to genetics or history;
-If the dog is older, they could have more bladder issues or have different diseases than younger patients
-If they are a mixed breed or dominant and what problems come from those breeds or what is normal
-If their color is uncommon for that breed
-Males and females can have separate issues when it comes to reproductive organ issues and a different normal
-If they are spayed or neutered is important to know for certain diseases that arise with those organs (ovarian cancer)
chief complaint; Why is it the most important part of the history-taking process for the client; How should you ask this question
Reason client has brought the pet in; most important to the client; What brings you in with Fluffy today?
A six-month-old cocker spaniel is brought in because she is vomiting. The doctor has asked you to begin the history questions. What questions should you ask the owner?
All general questions focusing on diet history, frequency and duration of vomiting
how to ask about past medical and surgery history, environmental history, medication history
a. past medical and surgical history: Any previous medical problems or surgery?
b. environmental history: Is the pet indoor/outdoor, go to groomer, boarding etc.
c. medication history: What medications or supplements is the pet currently taking?
environmental situations that may put an animal at greater risk for disease and/or injury
Any situations where the pet leaves the home, roaming, grooming/boarding, dog training classes, etc. (overcrowded spaces)
What questions are you going to ask to determine an animal’s dietary history
What are you currently feeding Fluffy, how much per day and how often? Any additional food or treats?
Josh is a 9-month-old black lab. He is very ill and has been vomiting. What question should be asked pertaining to dietary history?
Any recent changes in diet?
series of questions for general history
i. How long the pet has been owned
ii. Where and when it was obtained
iii. Previous medical problems
iv. Pet’s normal routine
questions for cardiovascular
exercise intolerance
questions for respiratory
trouble breathing
questions for integumentary
itching, scratching, hair loss
questions for gastrointestinal
vomiting, diarrhea, appetite
questions for genitourinary
urination, heat cycle
questions for musculoskeletal
limping, gait
questions for nervous system
gait, changes in behavior
what attitude to display when obtaining medical history and why
Develop rapport, nonjudgmental, to gain client’s trust
How should you greet the client and their pet(s)? Why?
Introduce yourself, and position, so client knows your role and name
Why is listening attentively to clients while obtaining medical histories very important?
Shows you care and gains client’s trust
Mrs. Jamison is a new client with a 6-year-old cocker spaniel. What question should you ask this new client as you begin obtaining a medical history?
Any previous medical problems, surgeries?
You have been directed by Dr. Williams to obtain the preliminary medical history information from Mrs. Mattison. She is in the waiting room with her miniature schnauzer Zeke. What observations should you be making as you meet and lead Zeke and his owner into the examination room?
Observe Zeke’s behavior, gait, posture, awareness of surroundings
Dr. Jane has directed you to perform a “progress” PE on a hospitalized cat named Florence. What should you be observing as you remove the patient from its cage to begin the procedure?
Any contents in cage
Dr. Jane has also directed you to obtain Florence’s “vital signs”. What physical information are you to obtain?
Temperature, pulse, respiration
When you take Florence’s temperature, you find that it is normal. What is a normal temperature for a domestic feline? fever?
100.2-102.2; Over 102.2
2 causes for an animal to have an elevated temperature when it is not ill or injured
Stress, excitement
Obtaining the pulse rate of a patient assesses the condition of what body system?
cardiovascular
Is the pulse rate obtained from an artery or vein? What vessel is the pulse rate most commonly obtained from in the dog and cat? Where is this vessel located?
artery; femoral artery; Medial thigh next to femur
Where is the best anatomical location to count the heart rate by palpation?
Directly over the heart (sternum)
How is the presence of a pulse deficit determined? Physiologically, what is occurring in the heart when a pulse deficit is present? What does a pulse deficit indicate?
Must auscultate heart rate and palpate pulse at the same time; fewer pulse beats than heart beats; cardiovascular disease
bradycardia
slower than normal heart rate
tachycardia
faster than normal heart rate
How is the “pulse character” determined? What are the 3 terms used to describe the character of the pulse. Describe each and when it might be present.
Palpating the pulse; firm/regular; thread, bounding
How is the respiratory rate of an animal obtained?
Observe either inspiration or expiration and count for 15 seconds then X 4=rpm
What is meant by respiratory character?
type of breaths being taken
tachypnea
higher than normal
hyperpnea
deeper more rapid
shallow
very little effort
dyspnea
difficulty breathing
You are to auscultate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of a patient. Give all the steps that should be taken during these procedures to assure that the sounds are heard clearly
a. ear pieces inserted correctly
b. select quiet location
c. press stethoscope head firmly against the patient’s body
d. attempt to close patient’s mouth if panting
e. best to have animal standing
You are attempting to auscultate the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of a cat that is purring. What are several procedures that could be done in an attempt to stop the animal from purring?
Running water, alcohol, distractions
You are to auscultate the respiratory and cardiovascular systems of a dog named Spike who has recently been hit by a car: optimal position for Spike to be in to hear his heart and
lung sounds clearly?
Standing if able
(spike) How would you auscultate his respiratory system including all lung fields, larynx, and trachea?
At least 5 areas both right and left sides, and over the larynx
(spike) If rhonchi or crepitations are heard, describe what you would be hearing
Rhonchi-wheezing, snoring Crepitations-crackles, popping sounds
(spike) Physically, what causes the 2 audible heart sounds?
Closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves S1, closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves
(spike) Anatomically, what is the best location to hear the heart sound of a dog? and cat?
Dog-left side of thorax near elbow, cat start at sternum and move
towards left side
(spike) When obtaining the heart rate by auscultation, how long should you count for?
At least fifteen seconds
(spike) You have obtained Spike’s heart rate by auscultation. You heard 20 beats in fifteen seconds. What would Spike’s heart rate be per minute?
80bpm
What are the components of the respiratory tract?
trachea, lungs
If a dog was to experience respiratory distress, what would be the first subtle sign? Later signs?
Abnormal sounds; dyspnea
arrhythmia
irregular or abnormal rhythm
dysrhythmia
abnormality in a physiological rhythm
