VETTECH U 2024 / HOUSTON, TX
FROM ADMISSION TO RECOVERY: NAVIGATING THE HOSPITALIZED PATIENT (CONT.)
Sponsored by
SATURDAY AM • SEPTEMBER 21
WALTER L. BROWN, RVTg VTS (ECC)
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES Diagnostic procedures are crucial for accurately assessing and managing hospitalized veterinary patients. Laboratory tests provide essential information about a patient’s health status. A complete blood count (CBC) is routinely performed to evaluate red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts, helping to identify infections, anemia, and other blood-related conditions. Blood chemistry tests assess organ function by measuring electrolytes, enzymes, and metabolic byproducts, offering insights into liver and kidney health, among other parameters. Coagulation profiles, including tests like PT (prothrombin time) and aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), are crucial for identifying bleeding disorders or monitoring patients on anticoagulant therapy. Blood glucose measurements are essential for managing diabetic patients and those with suspected hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, ensuring proper glucose control. Imaging techniques are essential in veterinary diagnostics, providing visual insight into the patient’s internal structures. Radiography (X-rays) is commonly used to examine bones and thoracic and abdominal organs, aiding in diagnosing fractures, tumors, and respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. Ultrasonography offers a non-invasive method to visualize soft tissues and organs, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and bladder. It is particularly useful for guided biopsies or detecting fluid accumulations. Advanced imaging modalities like CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are used when detailed cross-sectional images of complex structures are required. However, their use may be limited to specialized facilities. Point-of-care testing, such as packed cell volume/total solids (PCV/TS) and blood gas analysis, provides rapid, bedside results crucial for the immediate evaluation of hydration status, anemia, and acid-base balance, enabling timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
MONITORING & SUPPORT Continuous monitoring of vital signs is crucial for managing hospitalized veterinary patients, enabling prompt detection and response to changes in condition. Regularly measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature provides essential insights into the patient's cardiovascular and respiratory status. Blood pressure monitoring and ECG assessments help identify hypotension, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias, guiding necessary interventions. Consistent monitoring ensures that treatment plans can be adjusted to optimize patient outcomes. Nutritional support is vital for recovery, with enteral nutrition preferred when the gastrointestinal tract is functional and parenteral nutrition used when it is not. Accurate calculation of caloric needs, considering the patient's weight, metabolic rate, and health status, ensures sufficient energy intake for healing. Regular reassessment and adjustment of nutritional plans support optimal recovery. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is also critical. Regularly assessing hydration status and managing electrolyte imbalances help prevent severe complications and ensure the patient's stability and health. SPECIALIZED CARE & CONSIDERATIONS Specialized care for hospitalized veterinary patients includes meticulous management of infectious diseases, pain, stress, and coagulopathies. Strict isolation protocols and rigorous handling and hygiene practices are essential to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases. Adequate pain and stress management is achieved through environmental enrichment, such as providing comfortable bedding and stimulating toys, pharmacological interventions like analgesics and sedatives, and non-pharmacological methods such as gentle handling and calming techniques. Recognizing and managing coagulopathies involves identifying bleeding disorders early and using appropriate blood products, such as fresh frozen plasma or packed red blood cells, to
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SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2024 | PROCEEDINGS | VETGIRLONTHERUN.COM
VETTECH U
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