Chapter 7

Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with animals. The goal is to prevent disease and injury, diagnose problems, and treat animals to assure good health. A veterinarian holds a veterinary medicine degree from an accredited college. Veterinary technology provides professional support service to veterinarians. Care is the quality of appropriate maintenance of an animal, including food, water, shelter, and health upkeep. A veterinary technologist is a graduate of a 4-year AVMA- program or a graduate veterinary technician with a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in another program. A veterinary assistant has training, knowledge, and skills at the level of a clinical aide but below the level of a veterinary technician. Chapter 7 Introduction to Livestock and Companion Animals2

A root word is a word or part of a word that consists of a syllable, group of syllables, or word that is the basis for the meaning of the word. A prefix is a syllable, group of syllables, or word placed at the beginning of a root word. A suffix is a syllable, group of syllables, or word added at the end of a root word. Chapter 7 Introduction to Livestock and Companion Animals3

When it comes to health, animals can be similar to people. Some enjoy good health while others are prone to illness. Some veterinary medicine practices are: Checking vital signs— temperature, respiration rate, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and flow, level of consciousness, and urine production. Listening to internal sounds using a stethoscope. Laboratory testing to observe samples of fluids or tissues for abnormalities. Giving injections. Using oral administration. Using diagnostic ultrasound to see tissues inside the animal’s body. Using stomach tubing when an animal refuses to swallow. Chapter 7 Introduction to Livestock and Companion Animals4

Veterinary technology is an important part of today’s society. This technology has improved the methods of helping sick or injured animals. Medical terminology is important in the veterinary profession. Words may contain important parts, such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words, which have universal meanings understood by veterinarians. There are many practices carried out in veterinary medicine. Some procedures include checking vital signs, giving injections, giving drugs orally, using diagnostic ultrasound, and inserting stomach tubing. Chapter 7 Introduction to Livestock and Companion Animals5