Page 196 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

180 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

FIGURE 10.11 Clipping hair. FIGURE 10.12 Flea dirt. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under
CC‐BY‐SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fleadirt.jpg.
individual hairs. Do not fully clip the patient unless
directed to by the veterinarian. Be aware that just clip-
ping mats will give the coat a “motheaten” appearance.
Disinfect the grooming tools with hot water and soap,
then spray with the disinfectant used on table tops allow
to air dry. Clean and disinfect the clipper head as
described in Chapter 4. You may have to vacuum or
sweep the hair up before starting the bath as wet hair is
difficult to capture on a tiled floor.

Reflection

Beside making a pet look nice for a client, what
possible benefit could it give to the patient to be
clean and mat free?

FIGURE 10.13 Lice nit. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Used under
CC-BY-SA 2.0., https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Human_
Identifying Ectoparasites head_louse_egg.jpg.

Note the condition of the skin as you brush, especially
under mats. Look for irritated, inflamed areas, any ecto-
parasites, wounds, or tumors. Report observations to the
veterinarian. Ectoparasites like fleas, ticks, and lice are
not uncommon. Figure 10.12 shows flea dirt, which are
the fecal droppings of fleas. It can be found by parting
the hair and spritzing with a spray bottle of water then
wiping it off with a white paper towel or cotton padding.
If the towel shows red streaks it is flea dirt. Fleas are
opportunistic parasites and will take a blood meal from
humans. Bites around the top of socks and waistbands
can indicate there are fleas in the facility! Ticks, if found,
should be removed by grasping them as close to the head
as possible and pulling in the same direction that they
are lying. Check to make sure the head came with the FIGURE 10.14 Sarcoptic mange. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
body, as if left in the skin it can become infected. Used under CC-BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
Although ticks prefer the ears and head they can be File:Scabies_puppy.jpg.