Today’s Technician

Oriana D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT CVCA – Cardiac Care for Pets, Richmond, Virginia Pericardial effusion is considered a cardiac emergency situation that is most commonly seen in canine patients. It is very important, especially for veterinary technicians in emergency care facilities, to be able to recognize the signs of pericardial effusion and quickly respond. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY …

Oriana D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets, Richmond, Virginia Status epilepticus (SE) is characterized by epileptic seizures that continue for more than 5 minutes, or the occurrence of more than 1 seizure within a 5-minute period in which the human or animal does not return to “normal” in between seizures. Some seizures …

Lila K. Sierra, CVT, VTS (ECC), and Emily Savino, BA, CVT, VTS (ECC) University of Pennsylvania Systemic arterial blood pressure is created by the pumping action of the heart, circulating arterial blood volume, and the smooth muscle tone of blood vessel walls. Arterial blood pressure is essential for adequate perfusion of tissues, delivering oxygen for …

Lila K. Sierra, CVT, VTS (ECC), and Emily Savino, BA, CVT, VTS (ECC) University of Pennsylvania Systemic arterial blood pressure is created by the pumping action of the heart, circulating arterial blood volume, and smooth muscle tone of blood vessel walls. Arterial blood pressure is essential for adequate perfusion of tissues, providing oxygen delivery for …

Brandy Tabor, CVT, VTS (ECC) This life-threatening condition can affect dogs of any age, breed, or gender. The author provides guidance on the types of heatstroke, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment therapies, and prevention. Heatstroke is a common problem in pets during the summer months, especially in hot, humid climates. This life-threatening condition can affect …

Theresa E. Rizzi, DVM, Diplomate ACVP, Oklahoma State University Urinalysis (UA) provides information about the urinary system as well as other body systems. It should be performed to: Evaluate any animal with clinical signs related to the urinary tract Assess an animal with systemic illness Monitor response to treatment. The first article in this 2-part …

Theresa E Rizzi, DVM, Diplomate ACVP (Clinical Pathology) Oklahoma State University Dr. Rizzi reviews the indications for performing a urinalysis, the 3 methods for collecting urine—with a step-by-step guide to cystocentesis, proper handling techniques, and evaluation of a sample’s physical appearance and specific gravity. Urinalysis (UA) provides information about the urinary system as well as …

Oriana D. Scislowicz, BS, LVT This article covers the gamut from triage and emergency assessment, initial stabilization, physical examination, diagnosis, surgical and/or medical therapy, and monitoring of the patient. Although animals with head trauma are frequently presented to emergency hospitals, veterinary teams at general practices encounter these patients as well. Therefore, understanding triage and emergency …

Julie Meadows, DVM The first article in this series discussed vaccination and parasite and zoonotic disease prevention; this second article outlines other pertinent topics to address during pediatric wellness visits. This is the second part of a 2-article series discussing the components of pediatric wellness care. The first article addressed vaccine protocols, parasite management, and …