Post by headismooter on Mar 12, 2005 19:17:23 GMT -5
i realize this isnt directly about ferrets but it does involve those that will be treating your fur child while they stay in hospital.
after reading a few posts i realize that a lot of people confuse the differences between what a veterinarian does and what a vet tech does.
As a veterinarian technician (RVT/AHT in Ontario, each province/state/territory has their own licensing format.) we are typically involved (either completely or under the direction of the veterinarian.) in the following:
*radiography-we position the animal, set the proper settings according to size/collimnation/density/speed of machine....it is like physics in a wierd way, develop the xray using manual, digital or automatic processors, and have an understanding of where the organs should be/general size and appearance of 'normal' organs/be able to recognize abnormalities/artifacts.
*pharmacology-have an understanding of drug groups, dosages, complications between drug groups, prepare prescriptions and be able to give proper instructions to the client
*hematology/pathology/cytology-be able to read blood smears, calculate wbc parameters without using a machine, be able to recognize RBC abnormalities (size, colour, number, presence of precursers, abnormal conditions (eg. torocytes, Heinz bodies). Run blood samples and serum chemistries using machines such as the IDEXX. be able to notice abnormalities in WBC numbers, colouration, size, presence of precursers... with cytology the basics of classifying malignant versus benign lesions upon microscopic analysis and recognizing abnormalities in serum changes, reproductive discharges, signs of estrus (heats in females) and other 'lumps and bumps'
*parasitology-knowing the parasites that affect all species. intestinal, protozoan, zoonotic. you name it-we know it. *sometimes better than the vets
*
*physiology-we don't go as indepth as in dvm programs however we have an understand of how the systems work.
*anatomy-bones, muscles, organs, veins, arteries. if its in there-we know it.
*virology/bacteriology-may not be offered in every program but in mine we have learned how to collect, culture and come to a fairly good understanding of what type of fungus, bacteria, or virus is brewing. also as with anything know different types of bacteria and fungus that will likely affect animals
*nutrition-knowing the nutritional requirements of each stage of life and the requirements of ailments (i.e animals with kidney disease have different requirements from those with liver disease).
*surgery/anaesthesia-intubating, monitoring, catheterization, fluid therapy, drug dosages and drug interactions, phlebotomy, surgical proceedures (neuters, spays, dentistries), surgical set up (sterile technique), induction, sedation techniques
*restraint-holding animals safely so they dont harm themself or you!
*buisness management-the ins and outs of veterinary management
*nursing duties-clinical care, bandaging, nursing, injections......
and last but not least..........
*client education-behavior issues, post op care, nutritional info........
however we do have limitations such as:
*cannot prescribe medication
*cannot legally euthanize a patient(although many clients realize that often the technician will do this if necessary
*perform extractions, complicated surgeries
*diagnose. we can assume but the doctor has the final say.
together-vets and techs are making the pet world a more understanding place.
after reading a few posts i realize that a lot of people confuse the differences between what a veterinarian does and what a vet tech does.
As a veterinarian technician (RVT/AHT in Ontario, each province/state/territory has their own licensing format.) we are typically involved (either completely or under the direction of the veterinarian.) in the following:
*radiography-we position the animal, set the proper settings according to size/collimnation/density/speed of machine....it is like physics in a wierd way, develop the xray using manual, digital or automatic processors, and have an understanding of where the organs should be/general size and appearance of 'normal' organs/be able to recognize abnormalities/artifacts.
*pharmacology-have an understanding of drug groups, dosages, complications between drug groups, prepare prescriptions and be able to give proper instructions to the client
*hematology/pathology/cytology-be able to read blood smears, calculate wbc parameters without using a machine, be able to recognize RBC abnormalities (size, colour, number, presence of precursers, abnormal conditions (eg. torocytes, Heinz bodies). Run blood samples and serum chemistries using machines such as the IDEXX. be able to notice abnormalities in WBC numbers, colouration, size, presence of precursers... with cytology the basics of classifying malignant versus benign lesions upon microscopic analysis and recognizing abnormalities in serum changes, reproductive discharges, signs of estrus (heats in females) and other 'lumps and bumps'
*parasitology-knowing the parasites that affect all species. intestinal, protozoan, zoonotic. you name it-we know it. *sometimes better than the vets
**physiology-we don't go as indepth as in dvm programs however we have an understand of how the systems work.
*anatomy-bones, muscles, organs, veins, arteries. if its in there-we know it.
*virology/bacteriology-may not be offered in every program but in mine we have learned how to collect, culture and come to a fairly good understanding of what type of fungus, bacteria, or virus is brewing. also as with anything know different types of bacteria and fungus that will likely affect animals
*nutrition-knowing the nutritional requirements of each stage of life and the requirements of ailments (i.e animals with kidney disease have different requirements from those with liver disease).
*surgery/anaesthesia-intubating, monitoring, catheterization, fluid therapy, drug dosages and drug interactions, phlebotomy, surgical proceedures (neuters, spays, dentistries), surgical set up (sterile technique), induction, sedation techniques
*restraint-holding animals safely so they dont harm themself or you!
*buisness management-the ins and outs of veterinary management
*nursing duties-clinical care, bandaging, nursing, injections......
and last but not least..........
*client education-behavior issues, post op care, nutritional info........
however we do have limitations such as:
*cannot prescribe medication
*cannot legally euthanize a patient(although many clients realize that often the technician will do this if necessary
*perform extractions, complicated surgeries
*diagnose. we can assume but the doctor has the final say.
together-vets and techs are making the pet world a more understanding place.
Daxy is SO happy the weather is cooling off! He doesn't like the AC - it limits him to one room but when I let him go other places, he just flat ferrets cause it's too hote