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Chapter 10 Management of Hospitalized and Boarding Pets 171

warming device (Figure 10.2). There are many differ-
ent types available. Some will not need blankets on top
of the pad and some suggest blankets on top. Whatever
type is used always make sure the animal can move off
the warming pad if they don’t need it any more. At
that point remove the warming device from the ken-
nel or run. If they cannot move, make sure to shift
them every 15–20 minutes. Never use a human heating
pad to warm a recumbent patient. They get too hot
and will cause not only devastating burns, but could
result in a lawsuit for the clinic. Some surgical patients
may need assistance to move from position to position
or walking to relieve themselves. Don’t attempt this
without permission from the veterinarian or techni-
cian. With big dogs, always have another person
helping to move them or walk them. A sling or long
towel is passed under their abdomen, close to the
flank, with a person on each side of the dog taking an
FIGURE 10.1 Cat kennel perch. end and lifting. Lift just to provide support but allow
the dog to move under its own power. Care must be
taken when moving surgical patients so that they are
box which is tucked under the perch (Figure 10.1). Food not jostled excessively. Extra padding for them to lay
and water dishes are placed just inside the door close to upon is also a way to offer comfort. Be careful with
the hinge side. This allows the cat room enough to jump these patients as pain may make them bite if you inad-
off the perch and access the litter box without tipping vertently hurt them. Surgical and ill patients will often
over the dishes. By placing the dishes to the hinge side have an IV catheter and care must be taken not to dis-
you can open the door to remove the cat without working lodge this from the vein. Always handle these patients
around the dishes. with care and if they are to be taken outside to relieve
Cats often become depressed or anxious when themselves you may need another person the help
boarding. Hiding under towels, crouching in litter hold the IV bag or to lift and carry them if unable to
boxes, and not eating or drinking can indicate there is a walk very far. Record the reason for any handling done
problem. They may also become aggressive and not want and at what times. If the handling was for elimination,
you to touch them or clean their kennel. The phero- record what happened, how much, and description as
mone spray may help, as well as offering tasty food treats appropriate for feces or urine.
or allowing them to stroll around the ward a bit can help
alleviate some of this stress. Offer a paper bag as a toy
when out of the kennel. Playing with a toy or feather on
a rope is always a welcome relief from the boredom of Reflection
being kenneled. Make sure there are signs on the doors
indicating a loose cat so that it doesn’t inadvertently Describe some of the ways that caring for a surgi-
escape. cal patient is different from caring for a boarding

patient.

Reflection

Why would pets that are boarding at a hospital Recumbent Patient Care
become sick or depressed? What can you do to
alleviate these afflictions?
Recumbent patients require extra attention, so they do
not develop decubitus ulcers, urine scalds, and fecal
matting. Decubitus ulcers are caused from the weight of
Surgical Patients the body putting pressure on the bony parts of the body
that are against the floor. To avoid these sores from
Pre‐surgical patients should not be fed on the morn- developing, extra padding under the hips and shoulders
ing of surgery but can have water available. Post‐ will help as well as changing the position of the body
surgical patients are often cold and may need a every 3–4 hours. Alert the veterinarian if you see any