Rapid Fire
What does RVT stand for?
Registered Veterinary Technician
True or False: Vaccine reactions in pets are always harmless and never require veterinary attention.
False — Some vaccine reactions can be serious and may require prompt veterinary attention.
What parasite transmits Lyme disease?
Ticks.
"My dog has had diarrhea twice but is eating and playing normally.”
Not automatically an emergency. Gather information.
A dog arrives for vaccines, but nobody checks its weight or medical history.
Mistake: Relevant patient information should be verified before treatment.
What does SQ stand for?
Subcutaneous
Puppy or adult dog — which generally needs more frequent vaccines during the initial series?
Puppies.
What are the “big three” preventatives commonly discussed?
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Male cat straining in the litter box and producing no urine?
Emergency
A patient is suddenly very lethargic, but the assistant continues with routine tasks without telling anyone.
Mistake: A change in patient condition should be communicated to the veterinary team.
What does BID mean?
Twice Daily
What is one reason a veterinarian may recommend spacing vaccines apart rather than giving multiple vaccines at once?
Depending on the patient and circumstances, spacing may be considered to help manage potential reactions or other patient-specific concerns.
What parasite transmits heartworm?
Mosquitoes.
Hit by a car but walking normally afterward?
Emergency/urgent assessment — internal injuries may not be obvious.
A client calls about vomiting. The receptionist says, “That sounds like gastroenteritis. Give it some boiled chicken.”
Mistake: Diagnosing and giving medical advice outside their role.
What does STAT mean?
Immediately/urgently
What disease does the “P” in FVRCP refer to?
Panleukopenia.
True or False: NexGard SPECTRA only protects against fleas.
False — it covers several external and internal parasites and helps prevent heartworm disease.
A cat has a piece of string hanging from its mouth and is stuck in its throat. The owner wants to pull it out at home. Uh-oh or okay?
Uh-oh — The owner should not pull on the string; the veterinary team should assess the cat.
A cat is presented for vomiting. The owner mentions that the cat has been repeatedly going to the litter box but hasn't produced urine. The receptionist only tells the doctor about the vomiting.
Mistake: The urinary concern is a major red flag and may indicate an emergency. Communicate all concerns to the doctor.
What does CPR stand for?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
What does DHPP protect dogs against?
Distemper, hepatitis/adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.
Name the three intestinal worms covered by NexGard SPECTRA.
Hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.
“My pet has a small bump that has been there for six months and hasn't changed.”
Not an active an emergency, but should book an appointment
A dog has pale gums but is still wagging its tail and greeting staff normally, so the team decides it isn't concerning.
Mistake: Behaviour does not rule out a serious medical problem. Do not assume, tell the doctor or technicians.