Veterinary Technician’s Large Animal Daily Reference Guide is an indispensible resource in daily clinical practice. Covering all aspects of a veterinary technician’s responsibilities in the care of large animals, the book provides fast access to practical information, aiding newly trained and skilled large animal technicians alike in performing their daily tasks. Designed as a quick yet comprehensive reference, the tables and charts throughout offer reliable, easy-to-follow information on horses, cattle, small ruminants, and pigs.
With chapter topics ranging from anatomy and nutrition to emergency and critical care, the book’s coverage includes both the basics of veterinary care and more specialized nursing procedures. Veterinary Technician’s Large Animal Daily Reference Guide is an invaluable tool for any veterinary technician working with large animals, as well as veterinary technology students seeking more information on these species.
Table of Contents
Contributors xi
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Chapter 1: Anatomy 3
Amy D’Andrea and Jessica Sjogren with illustrations by Nathan Davis
Introduction 3
Chapter 2: Preventative Health Care 21
Amy D’Andrea and Jessica Sjogren
Introduction 22
Physical Examinations 22
Vaccinations 29
Chapter 3: Nutrition 63
Ashley Moulton
The Importance of Nutrition 64
Vitamins 65
Minerals 67
Nutritional Deficiencies 69
Nutritional Requirements for the Horse 76
Nutritional Requirements for the Dairy Cow 76
Nutritional Requirements for Beef Cattle 77
Nutritional Requirements for Sheep 77
Nutritional Requirements for Swine 77
Chapter 4: Internal Medicine 79
Jessica Sjogren and Amy D’Andrea
Cardiovascular 81
Dermatology 88
Endocrinology 93
Gastroenterology 95
Musculoskeletal 115
Neurology 121
Ophthalmology 125
Respiratory 128
Urology 137
Chapter 5: Reproduction 141
Katie Brown, Ryan Healy, and Maria Ferrer
Introduction 143
Female Reproductive Anatomy 144
Male Reproductive Anatomy 146
Female Reproductive Physiology 150
Male Breeding Soundness Examination 153
Female Breeding Soundness Examination 157
Estrous Detection 158
Artificial Insemination 159
Pregnancy Diagnosis 164
Abortion 165
Parturition 168
Postpartum Complications 171
Initial Care of the Neonate 174
Vaccination Schedule for Breeding Stock 175
Chapter 6: Nursing Care 179
Barbara Dugan
Nutritional Support 181
Pain Management 186
Behaviors Suggesting Pain in Large Animals 191
Wound Care and Management 195
Fluid Therapy and Administration 203
Basic Clinical Techniques 214
Chapter 7: Clinical Pathology 233
Sarah Ouellette
Introduction 235
Blood Chemistry Tests 235
Hematology 247
Microbiology 266
Urinalysis 281
Chapter 8: Radiography of the Horse 295
Sheri Miller
Introduction 296
Markers 297
Positioning 297
Technique 297
Radiation Safety 298
Tranquilization 298
Foot 298
Fetlock 303
Carpus 306
Tarsus 310
Stifle 312
Elbow 314
Shoulder 315
Radius 316
Tibia 318
Metacarpus (MCIII)/Metatarsus (MTIII) 320
Cervical Spine 322
Thorax 324
Pelvis 326
Skull 327
Chapter 9: Pharmacology 329
Patrick Hennigan
Introduction 331
Basic Calculations 331
Antifungal Drugs 332
Anti-Infective Drugs: Aminoglycosides, Cephalosporins, and Chloramphenicol 333
Anti-Infective Drugs: Fluoroquinolones, Lincosamides, and Metronidazole 334
Anti-Infective Drugs: Penicillin, Sulfonamides, and Tetracyclines 336
Antiparasitic Drugs: Antinematodals 337
Antiparasitic Drugs: Anticestodals 338
Cardiovascular Drugs: Antiarrhythmics 339
Cardiovascular Drugs: Anticoagulants and Calcium Supplements 340
Cardiovascular Drugs: Contractility Enhancers and Positive Inotropes 341
Renal and Urinary Tract Drugs: Diuretics 342
Renal and Urinary Tract Drugs: Acidifiers and Alkalinizers 342
Renal and Urinary Tract Drugs: Alpha Blocker and Anabolic Steroids 343
Antihistamines 343
Musculoskeletal Drugs: Adrenal Cortical Steroids 344
Musculoskeletal Drugs: Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs 345
Central Nervous System Drugs: Anticonvulsants 347
Central Nervous System Drugs: Muscle Relaxers 347
Central Nervous System Drugs: Alpha-2 Agonists 348
Central Nervous System Drugs: Dissociative Agents 348
Central Nervous System Drugs: Opioids 349
Chapter 10: Emergency Care 351
Jamie DeFazio
Introduction 352
Emergency Supplies 352
Triage 354
Chapter 11: Holistic Medicine for Horses 393
Jessica Sjogren
Holistic Medicine 394
Glossary 409
Bibliography 415
Index 419
