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172 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 10.2 Patient warmer.

signs of pressure sores or new wounds on a recumbent
patient. The sooner these wounds can be treated the Reflection
better the odds they will not get infected. These are
treated much like an open wound from a trauma. What do you look for in a recumbent patient that
If the patient is incontinent or has diarrhea care you wouldn’t necessarily think of for a boarding
must be taken to keep the body dry. There are several patient?
techniques for keeping patients dry. Shaving or trim-
ming long hair around the perianal area can help keep
the area clean. A thick layer of petroleum jelly or lan-
olin on the shaved skin on the down side can help pre- Constipated Patients – Enemas
vent urine scald. Place the patient on an elevated grate
or rack with padding in all areas except the caudal‐most Some patients become constipated so if you notice an
area for female dogs and cats. If the patient is a male absence of defecation for more than 1 day alert the vet-
dog include an opening in the padding for the prepuce erinarian. He/she may decide an enema is necessary.
area. This allows urine and feces to fall through the This is a relatively easy procedure that the assistant can
grate, thus avoiding urine scald or the fur from perform. There are two techniques for giving an enema.
becoming soiled with feces and urine. Utilize dispos- One is to use a prepared product and the other is to use
able diapers, potty pads, or chucks to keep the bedding an enema can and hose (Figure 10.3). The premixed
dry. Chucks are great to use with these patients. The enema is ready to use with a lubricated tip. If you are
wetness is absorbed in an underlayer and a layer of using the enema can, clamp the hose to prevent the
material stays dry between it and the patient. These will liquid from escaping. Add warm water mixed with a
still require changing as only liquids are absorbed; fecal squirt or two of non‐degreaser type dish soap (e.g.,
material will remain on the surfaces. If a patient gets Dove™ or Ivory™). Depending on the size of the
wet with urine or smeared with feces a wash cloth and patient, it may be 1–2 pints of water with a squirt or two
warm soapy water to remove the debris is better than a of the soap. The soap acts as a lubricant so it doesn’t
whole body bath. The bath may be too taxing for their have to be a heavy concentration. You will need to apply
weakened condition but being wet and cold will acer- lubricant to the nozzle tip attached to the end of the
bate their condition. hose.
You may also have to feed recumbent patients by Gather the patient and enema and move to a run.
hand and give them water with a syringe. The veteri- With the patient gently held between your legs and its
narian or technician will determine whether this rear end pointing toward you, lift the tail and gently
should be done, but you can assist with letting them insert the tip of the enema into the rectum. If using the
know if the patient isn’t eating or drinking. Careful premixed container, squeeze the bottle until the entire
records of eating, drinking, and elimination is just as contents have been administered. If using the can
important with recumbent patients as it is for other enema, insert the tip into the rectum and then release
patients. the clamp on the hose then lift the can higher than the