Deborah ReederSheri MillerDeeAnn Wilfong et al.John Wiley - AAEVTs Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians

Edition first published 2009

2009 Wiley-Blackwell

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Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Zimmel, Dana.

AAEVTs equine manual for veterinary technicians / Dana Zimmel, Deborah Reeder.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8138-2971-5 (alk. paper)

ISBN-10: 0-8138-2971-2 (alk. paper)

1. HorsesDiseasesHandbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Animal health techniciansHandbooks, manuals, etc. I. Reeder, Deborah, 1952 II. Title. III. Title: Equine manual for veterinary technicians.

SF951.Z56 2009

636.1089dc22

2008044518

A catalog record for this book is available from the U.S. Library of Congress.

Disclaimer

The contents of this work are intended to further general scientific research, understanding, and discussion only and are not intended and should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting a specific method, diagnosis, or treatment by practitioners for any particular patient. The publisher and the author make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of medicines, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each medicine, equipment, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. Readers should consult with a specialist where appropriate. The fact that an organization or Website is referred to in this work as a citation and/or a potential source of further information does not mean that the author or the publisher endorses the information the organization or Website may provide or recommendations it may make. Further, readers should be aware that Internet Websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. No warranty may be created or extended by any promotional statements for this work. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any damages arising herefrom.

Preface

The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT) took its first breath 4 short years ago and is now 1,200 members strong, with enthusiasm and energy far surpassing the anticipation of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Task Force, which gave substance to the vision of Deb Reeder, RVT. She served on the task force and became the first president and executive director of the association, supported by an executive board of committed technicians and veterinary assistants, who saw the need for an organization that was dedicated to providing a means of continuing education for, and communication among, all who were employed in the field of equine veterinary medicine.

In keeping with its mission to promote the health and welfare of the horse through the education and professional enrichment of the equine veterinary technician and assistant, the AAEVT proposed the creation of a reference specifically directed toward the tasks of these individuals. No other reference of this type and magnitude, which addresses the role of the technician or assistant in equine veterinary medicine in the United States, is available. The differences in the practice of equine veterinary medicine between the United Kingdom and the United States make a similar reference published in England less than ideal for individuals employed in this field in the United States.

Because of the spectrum of topics included in this manual, its use in the classroom is preordained. Veterinary technician programs will find it the ideal supplemental reference text for those students pursuing a career in equine practice. The list of authors is lengthy and drawn from both academia and practice, with multiple board-certified veterinary specialists and credentialed technicians included.

This manual is a salute to the vast number of faithful trusted assistants who have literally shouldered much of the day-to-day responsibility for work that includes client communications, preparation for the days wide variety of tasks, patient care and handling, paperwork, and last but not least, care and feeding of the equine clinician! It is my honor and privilege to write this preface and to give recognition to the patient, tireless, hardworking, and caring individuals who have made veterinary medicine not only fun for many like myself, but also have made it possible.

Thank you.

Midge Leitch, VMD, DAVCS
September 1, 2008

Acknowledgments

This resource is dedicated to all the equine veterinary technicians, assistants, support staff, and students, who dedicate themselves day in and day out to this wonderful profession. The equine veterinary industry is indebted to you for your tireless, caring, attention to each patient, your compassion with each client, your commitment to education, and to providing the absolute highest standard of veterinary nursing care and medical treatment. Without you, equine veterinary care and this profession would not be where it is today and its future not nearly so bright.

I want to acknowledge first of all the equine technicians in the state of Texas, who fought for many years for official recognition of our profession. And to that special group (Joni, Kristi, Linda, Debbie, Ky, Lisa, Charly to name a few) who gave birth to the vision of an association for equine technicians and assistants and whose dedication and friendship have inspired me to turn that vision into a reality, I am forever indebted.

I would like to acknowledge my colleagues on the Executive Organizing Committee of the AAEVT, who eventually became its first board of directors: Sheri Miller, LVT, DeeAnn Wilfong, CVT, Kelly Fleming, CPA, Mandy Walton, LVT, and Jane Tyrie and Paul Vrotsos, CVT. Each of you has contributed to the path of the AAEVT, its foundation, its vision, and its future. I applaud you for the many hours you volunteered to steer this association, the commitment you made (unaware of the time it would require!), and for the incredible contribution you have made to the equine veterinary profession. I know you are not done, you are here continuing to contribute and will be the mentors for those that follow in our footsteps.