Common Small Animal Procedures
Dental Skills
Patient Pre-Operative Prep

Anesthesia & Surgery
Surgical Instruments & Tools
100

What is the most common reason for performing an ovariohysterectomy (spay) in female dogs?

What is to prevent unwanted pregnancies and eliminate the risk of pyometra or certain cancers?

100

What is the tool used by veterinarians to clean the surface of a pet's teeth and remove plaque and tartar?

What is a dental scaler?

100

What is the minimum amount of time a pet should be fasted before surgery?

What is 12 hours (food), with water restrictions varying by procedure?

100

What is the term for the state of controlled unconsciousness induced by drugs during surgery?

What is general anesthesia?

100

This tool is used to clamp blood vessels or tissues during surgery.

What is a hemostat?

200

This small animal procedure is often performed to correct an umbilical hernia, where intestines or fat protrude through the abdominal wall.

What is an abdominal herniorrhaphy?

200

The condition in which bacteria invade the tissues around the teeth, often leading to gum infection and tooth loss in pets, is called:

What is periodontal disease?

200

This blood test is commonly performed prior to surgery to check organ function and blood cell counts, particularly in older or sick animals.

What is pre-operative blood work?

200

This is a critical monitoring device used to measure the oxygen levels in a patient's blood during surgery.

What is a pulse oximeter?

200

What is the name of the surgical instrument used to cut through tissues or sutures during surgery?

What is Operating or Mayo scissors?

300

This procedure involves surgically reconnecting two segments of the intestine that have been severed due to trauma or disease.

What is intestinal anastomosis?

300

This is the most severe stage of periodontal disease, where infection spreads beyond the gums and involves the underlying bone.

What is periodontitis?

300

This form must be signed by the client before surgery, ensuring they understand the procedure, risks, and potential complications.

What is an Informed Consent Form?

300

This surgical tool is used to maintain an airway and administer anesthetic gas directly to the patient.  

What is an endotracheal tube?

300

This surgical tool is designed for precise incisions and can be used in delicate soft tissue surgeries.
 

What is a scalpel?

400

In this procedure, the head of the femur is removed to alleviate pain and improve mobility in animals with hip dysplasia or other joint issues.

What is a femoral head ostectomy?

400

When performing a dental cleaning, what procedure should be done after scaling the teeth to ensure the removal of bacteria and debris?

What is polishing the teeth?

400

Which piece of equipment is used to administer fluids intravenously during surgery to maintain blood pressure and hydration?

What is an IV catheter?

400

This is the technique of gently cooling a patient during surgery to minimize heat loss and prevent hypothermia.

What is the use of warming devices (e.g., heated blankets, circulating water blankets)?

400

This type of surgical instrument is used to grasp and manipulate tissue, often during dissection, and has jaws that may be smooth or serrated.

What is a tissue forceps?

500

This surgery involves the removal of part of an intervertebral disk to treat a herniated disk or spinal cord compression in the spine.

What is intervertebral disk fenestration?

500

Which dental tool is used to take X-rays of a pet’s teeth to detect underlying problems such as abscesses or root disease?

What is a dental X-ray machine?

500

Before anesthesia, this is a thorough physical check performed by the veterinarian to ensure the animal is healthy enough for surgery.

What is a pre-anesthetic physical exam?

500

The use of this medication can help reverse the effects of general anesthesia if necessary.

What is naloxone (for opioids) or flumazenil (for benzodiazepines)?

500

This tool is used for securing tissue or sutures during a procedure, and its tips may have tiny teeth or be smooth to grip tissues without causing damage.

What are thumb forceps?