If you think all the veterinary technician does is hold your pet still while your veterinarian takes care of the important things, what I’m going to share will surprise you. But the truth is veterinarians simply can’t live — or practice medicine — without our hardworking, well-trained, compassionate technicians.
Anesthesia: Every day, in every veterinary practice, pets go under anesthesia. And every day, pet owners worry about that. We veterinarians know anesthesia is “routine” in the sense of being “common,” but we never treat it like it’s not a serious thing — because it is. Veterinary technicians are a vital part of the anesthesia team, with specially trained technicians making sure the anesthesia machines are set up and maintained properly and making sure the proper drug dosages are given.
Dentistry: Veterinary technicians are also an essential part of the team when your pet is in for dental care. Those pearly whites you see in the end — and the doggy breath you don’t smell — don’t begin to reveal the work and skill that go into a professional dental cleaning. Working alongside your veterinarian, technicians get your pet’s teeth cleaned and polished, including under the gums, and ready for you to maintain at home.
Surgery: In recent decades, the number of veterinary specialists and specialties has grown, and that trend continues within the ranks of veterinary technicians. One of these specialties is in surgery, where vet techs can now be certified after experience, training and testing. And while in human medicine a surgical nurse will likely work in surgery and nowhere else, in veterinary medicine, highly trained technicians will work in many different areas within the clinic on any given day.
Phlebotomy, Lab and X-ray: Your doctor wants tests, so off you go. Sit in a chair, offer your arm. That person on the other side of the table? Not a vampire, but a phlebotomist (one of the best words in human medicine). In veterinary medicine, we still just have one word for this specialty — well, actually two: veterinary technician. Yes, vet techs often do the blood draws, and on patients who are often far less cooperative than in human medicine. They also perform the lab tests and work as radiology techs, getting the radiographs that are often key to accurate diagnosis.
October 11-17th is National Veterinary Technician Week. We would like to recognize and give a special thank you our Certified Veterinary Technicians for all that they do: Jane, Cammie, Tracey, Brandi, Melanie, Kelly, Michelle, Cathy, and Brittany. Get to know these ladies more by visiting: https://animal-medical-clinic.com/meet-our-cvts/