Time to Take Control

I introduced my mom in a previous post and she knew I started a blog, but like most parents busy with life, she didn't pay that much attention to it.  Until now.  She suddenly wants to "get involved" and has asked if she can type for me.  She says that the Hunt and Paw technique of typing is getting on her nerves.  In the spirit of compromise, we have made an agreement.  She will type and occasionally post things herself and I get to keep the blog going.  Since most of us are born with parents, I'm sure you can all understand where I'm coming from when I would like to say "butt out, mom."

Mom has requested a chance to talk to you about her job as a Licensed Veterinary Technician as a lot of people have no idea what that is.

HI everybody.  My name is Kim and I am Heidi's mom.  I would really like it if she would stop calling me her servant, but she won't as she thinks it is very funny.  I, however, do not see the amusement in this.  At least she has not done it in front of you all.


As Heidi said, I would like to tell you what a Licensed Veterinary Technician does.  LVT's (sometimes called RVT or CVT) are first and foremost animal lovers.  (We certainly don't do it for the money.)  We have a minimum of two years of intense training as well as a foundation in English, Math, and Science.  


We must sit for and pass a national test and, depending on the state, a state exam as well.  We receive our licenses from the state's Department of Health Professions.  This is the same department that licenses physicians, nurses, and veterinarians.  Some states do not have licensing for veterinary technicians which means that the person who is monitoring your pet under anesthesia has likely not had any formal training.


We learn how to administer anesthesia and monitor an animal while it is anesthetized, how to perform labwork (including CBC, chemistry profile, fecal tests, urinalysis, cytology, etc.), how to position animals properly for taking radiographs (X-rays), and how to do a complete physical examination.  Basically, we can do everything except diagnose, perform surgery, or prescribe medications.  The human equivalent would be a registered nurse, including a lab tech, a radiology tech, an anesthesia tech, a counselor, a dental hygienist, a trainer, a pharmacy tech, and sometimes a friend all rolled into one.


So you can see, an LVT can do a lot.  Most people don't know what we are capable of, including our employers.  Next time you go to your veterinarian's office, ask to meet the Licensed Vet Techs.  If the office does not employ any, you may want to think twice about who is really watching out for your beloved pet.  


Get educated and stay informed!


Let's consider this part one of "What does an LVT do for you?" and "Why does it cost so much to go to the vet?"