Exploring the Gray Zone

Veterinary technicians face difficult situations on a daily basis. They dedicate their lives to aiding in the treatment of animals and relieving suffering, serving as each patient's main advocate and caretaker. The veterinary technician holds a unique role in patient care. Acting as the intermediary between the veterinarian prescribing treatment and the patient, they play a large part in the communication and education of clients. Veterinary technicians have greatly expanded their roles and find themselves not only an integral part of veterinary practice, but in research institutions, animal shelters, and universities as well.

This text explores difficult situations veterinary technicians face on a daily basis through the use of case examples and dialogue. Each case scenario describes a real-life situation for a veterinary technician, poses thought-provoking questions, and provides commentary that focuses on the legal aspect of the scenario, the social or personal ethics of the parties involved, and/or the welfare of the animal (s). The case scenarios encompass clinical situations in a practice setting as well as situations involving business ethics and interpersonal relationships between colleagues.The case format of the book lends itself to discussion and can be utilized in veterinary technology courses that focus on ethics, communications, management, and leadership. The real-life case examples make the book an enjoyable read for practicing veterinary technicians as well. There currently are over two hundred veterinary technology programs and thousands of practicing veterinary technicians within the United States and Canada.

Andrea DeSantis Kerr is affiliated with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a continuing lecturer position in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and has twelve years of educational experience.

Robert Pete Bill is affiliated with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a professor of veterinary pharmacology and assistant dean for Academic Affairs, Teaching, and Learning. He is the former director of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program and has over twenty-five years of veterinary technology experience.

Jamie Schoenbeck Walsh is retired and served as an instructor of veterinary technology and head advisor for the Purdue Veterinary Technology program. In addition to holding her RVT degree, She is a registered nurse and has a combined twenty-six years of experience.

Christina V. Tran is the director of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program and previously worked as a faculty member in the Portland Community College Veterinary Technology Department. She has fifteen years of veterinary experience.