VETERINARY BASICS: Things you should know before going into a clinic . . . | Vet School

Summary

In this video, Jess, a veterinary student from New Zealand, shares essential veterinary science basics for beginners. She covers topics like TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate), blood pressure, anatomical positions, key veins for blood collection, and internal anatomy. Jess also discusses mucous membrane colors and their diagnostic value, as well as provides an introduction to radiograph views and interpretation. Aimed at new vet students, Jess explains concepts that would have helped her during placements and clinical training, offering valuable tips for those starting out in veterinary practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 TPR stands for Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration, which are important vital signs used to assess an animal's health.
• 😀 In veterinary clinics, TPR measurements help determine whether an animal is healthy or unwell. Normal temperature for dogs and cats is around 38.5°C.
• 😀 Heart rate varies based on size, with large dogs having lower heart rates (around 60 bpm) and small dogs higher (up to 140 bpm).
• 😀 Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom). Ideal blood pressure is 120/80, but lower values can be normal as long as they aren't too low.
• 😀 Understanding anatomical terminology is essential. Terms like 'medial', 'lateral', 'cranial', and 'caudal' are used to describe the body’s position.
• 😀 Common veins used for blood draws or catheter insertion include the jugular, cephalic, and lateral saphenous veins.
• 😀 When inserting a catheter, always ensure the needle's bevel is facing upwards for proper insertion.
• 😀 Mucous membranes provide valuable insight into an animal's health. Pale membranes indicate anemia or poor blood circulation, while yellow suggests liver issues.
• 😀 Radiograph views include DV (dog on tummy) and VD (dog on back). Radiographs can show bone, air, and liquid densities.
• 😀 Radiographs require a basic understanding of anatomy to interpret. For example, the diaphragm appears differently in DV and VD views, helping to identify the correct perspective.

Q & A

What does TPR stand for in veterinary practice?

TPR stands for Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration. It is a routine check to assess the vital signs of an animal and evaluate its health status.

How is the temperature of a dog or cat measured in veterinary clinics?

The temperature of a dog or cat is typically measured rectally using a thermometer. It is important to ensure the thermometer is placed correctly to avoid incorrect readings.

What is the normal heart rate for small and large dogs?

Small dogs can have a heart rate as high as 140 beats per minute, while large dogs typically have a heart rate as low as 60 beats per minute.

What is blood pressure and what do the systolic and diastolic numbers represent?

Blood pressure measures the force exerted by the heart in pumping blood. The systolic value represents the pressure when the heart contracts, while the diastolic value is the pressure when the heart rests.

What does the term 'lateral' mean in medical positioning for animals?

'Lateral' refers to a position where the animal is lying on its side, either left or right, depending on which side is facing down.

How can you distinguish between a DV and a VD radiograph view?

A DV (Dorsal Ventral) view shows a rounded diaphragm, while a VD (Ventral Dorsal) view results in a V-shaped diaphragm due to the animal being on its back.

What are mucous membranes and how do they help assess an animal's health?

Mucous membranes are the moist tissue linings inside the body, like those in the mouth or eyes. By checking their color, veterinarians can assess an animal’s overall health, including potential issues like anemia, jaundice, or poor oxygenation.

What does the term 'caudal' mean in anatomical positioning?

'Caudal' refers to the direction toward the tail. It's used to describe positions further down the body, relative to other body parts.

What should you do when inserting a catheter into a vein?

When inserting a catheter, the bevel of the needle should face upwards, ensuring the pointy side of the needle penetrates the skin first to minimize injury and improve the insertion angle.

What is the significance of a radiograph's 'white' and 'black' areas?

In a radiograph, white areas represent solid materials like bones, metal, or stones, while black areas indicate air or liquid, such as the lungs filled with air or stomach contents.