Читать книгу The Veterinary Dental Patient: A Multidisciplinary Approach - Группа авторов - Страница 68

Prior to the anesthetic procedure, the veterinary technician/nurse should ensure that the operatory is prepared and check all parts of the anesthetic machine and monitoring devices. As stated earlier, a thorough oral examination can only be completed under general anesthesia (Figure 4.10). The veterinarian and veterinary technician/nurse should work together to determine the best anesthetic protocol for the patient. The technician/nurse will prepare and administer the drugs for sedation and induction and perform preoxygenation prior to inducing and intubating the patient. They will then induce anesthesia with the assistance of the veterinary assistant or another veterinary technician/nurse. (In some countries, nurses are not allowed to induce anesthesia, so the veterinarian will have to do it themselves.) The technician/nurse must ensure the patient is correctly connected to monitors and that heating devices have been properly placed and the patient is at a surgical stage of anesthesia prior to beginning the oral examination.

Figure 4.10 Anaesthetised animal assessment.

One of the most common reasons clients are resistant to dental procedures is the fear of anesthesia. It is important to explain that each patient will be fully evaluated and the best protocol will be used for their particular needs. It is also reassuring for the client to know that a dedicated anesthetist will be on hand during the entire procedure. The anesthetist will closely monitor the patient, ensure they are kept warm to prevent hypothermia, and keep detailed records of the anesthesia event.

A veterinary technician/nurse who has received a decent amount of dental training should perform a thorough examination on each tooth in the oral cavity while the veterinary assistant records the findings on a dental chart. Each tooth should be evaluated for gingivitis, periodontal pockets, gingival recession, mobility, and furcation involvement (on multirooted teeth). Any extra or missing teeth should be noted, along with abnormalities. This chart will be presented to the veterinarian along with the dental X‐rays to allow them to assess potential problem areas and develop a more detailed treatment plan.

The veterinary technician/nurse will also take the dental X‐rays. It is highly recommended that full mouth X‐rays be taken for every pet every year. The veterinary technician/nurse must be provided with training in order to successfully take diagnostic X‐rays in a timely manner and must be able to assess whether the position and technique of radiography are correct. In more advance practices, the veterinary technician/nurse should assist with other imaging modalities such as CT scan, CBCT, MRI, and contrast studies.