Unit Menu

  Introduction

  Unit 1 - The Basics of Veterinary Practice
  Unit 2 - Administrative Duties
  Unit 3 - Computers in the Veterinary Practice
  Unit 4 - The Vet Assistant as a Communicator
  Unit 5 - Ethics and Law in the Office
  Unit 6 - Billing / Collecting in the Office
  Unit 7 - Assisting the Vet and Grooming Basics
  Unit 8 - Preparing for Employment
  Final Exam

  Topics in this Unit

  Basics of Veterinary Practice

  Staffing the Practice
  Veterinary Settings
  Time Management
  Cross-Training
  Office Policies and Procedures
  Maintaining a Safe Facility
  Safety Hazards
  Preventing Accidental Injury
  Controlling Infection and Disease
  OSHA Guidelines
  Right-to-know Station
  Office Equipment and Maintenance
  Materials and Supplies
  Want Lists
  Inventory Management
  Activities and Unit Exam

  Student Resources

  Table Of Contents
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  View Your Transcipts
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  Class Bulletin Board System
  Unit Texts In Word Format

 

Veterinary Assistant DEMO - Unit 1 - Page 8

Preventing Accidental Injury The primary injury that the veterinary assistant must be careful of in the clinic is a bite. Most animals can and will bite if threatened, so it is important that the veterinary assistant learn to restrain animals in such a way to minimize the chance of this happening. Always approach an animal calmly and confidently. Animals will need to be handled in a variety of settings, such as placing them inside cages, removing them from cages, taking them outside to exercise or eliminate, and moving them from place to place for examinations. Leashes are commonly used for movement of animals and these exert good control over the animal. The veterinary assistant may need to use different techniques depending on the size and the irritability of the animal. The veterinarian may also have suggestions as to the most effective ways to hold the animal and assist with care and treatment. Never allow the client to hold or restrain the animals while they are in the care of the veterinarian. The clinic could be legally liable for injury in this instance if it occurs. Some equipment, such as gates and squeeze chutes, can cause serious injury, so care and common sense should be used with these items. Larger animals have an advantage over humans, so always care for them in teams and know the best escape route. Back injuries from lifting are common and correct lifting techniques are important. Click to learn more about back safety and lifting techniques.