The Veterinary Health Care Team

 Taking Care of Your Pet
 

When you leave your pet at the Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center, have you ever thought about whom besides the veterinarian is involved in their care?  The answer to that question is the veterinary technician.  They provide the veterinarian with technical support for all aspects of patient care.

What is veterinary technician's role in your pet's care?  A veterinary technician can be involved in all aspects of patient care except the performing of surgery, the making of a diagnosis, and the prescribing of medications.

Let's walk your pet through the Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center and see exactly how a veterinary technician is involved...

As you come into the clinic, it may be the veterinary technician who greets you and your pet and escorts you to the exam room.  There the technician may listen and make notes while you describe the reason for your pet's visit.  They may give your pet a physical exam- look at the pet's eyes and ears, listen to the heart, and take the temperature.  All of this information will be passed along to the veterinarian for their evaluation.

If your pet is to have lab tests run, such as a check for Heartworm, a Complete Blood Count (CBC), or a check for parasites, it will be the veterinary technician who takes the appropriate samples and using high tech instruments will document the results for the veterinarian's interpretation.  When further testing is required - such as x-rays - the veterinary technician will take the x-rays and deliver them to the veterinarian.

Is your pet at the clinic for surgery?  If so the veterinary technician may perform a physical exam on your pet prior the procedure, will run the appropriate lab work, and will insure that all equipment is ready for the veterinarian's use.  They may, under the supervision of the veterinarian, administer the anesthetic agent to your pet to protect your pet's comfort during any surgical procedure. During the procedure, a veterinary technician to ensure the patient's safety during this time will closely monitor your pet's heart rate and respiratory rate.   Alternatively, the veterinary technician may actually assist the veterinary surgeon during the procedure by passing instruments and other items to the surgeon. 

The veterinary technician will be with your pet during its recovery from the anesthesia and will be responsible for administering medication at the veterinarian's direction to manage any pain.  Veterinary technicians are trained to respond to all of your pet's needs that may arise after the surgical procedure.

Bad breath?  As you may know, your pet can have bad breath due to a number of oral hygiene abnormalities. The veterinary technician will be able to discuss with you the causes of bad breath and ways to treat the problem.  Just like the dental hygienist that you may visit, our technicians have been trained to clean your pet's teeth using a machine called an ultrasonic cleaner.  They will also evaluate your pet's teeth, taking any concerns they may have to the veterinarian.

From the moment your pet arrives at the Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center, aren't you glad to know there is someone with the education and qualifications to provide the excellent nursing care that your pet deserves?  The next time you take your pet to the animal clinic, ask to meet the veterinary technician.   Meeting the veterinary technician on staff at your local animal clinic will give you a sense of comfort knowing that your pet will be in the hands of a dedicated pet health care professional... a caring veterinary technician.

   The Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center

You may think we're trying hard to earn your business. . . and you're right!

 

"The Veterinary Health Care Team can make a difference in the life of our patients by being there advocates for wellness."

                                                                                                                                                    

Dr. Stuart Goldenberg

Director Sunnyside Pet Healthcare Center

Special interest: Feline medicine, veterinary pediatrics, the field of critical care and emergency medicine having spent years in a feline only practice and many years as an ER Veterinarian.

Member: Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, American Association of Feline Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Animal Hospital Association and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.