Clinical Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedures
Evidence-based protocols and standardized practices for veterinary professionals
Clinical Protocols
Comprehensive medical guidelines based on current veterinary science and research.
Infection Control
Sterilization, disinfection, and biosecurity protocols following CDC and WHO guidelines.
Documentation
Standardized medical record keeping and regulatory compliance documentation.
Professional Practice Standards
Our evidence-based protocols ensure consistent, high-quality veterinary care
Evidence-Based Foundation
All protocols are developed from current peer-reviewed literature, AVMA guidelines, and consensus statements from specialty colleges. Regular updates incorporate new research findings and technological advancements.
Last Review Date: November 2023 | Next Scheduled Review: May 2024
These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide the framework for clinical decision-making, ensuring consistent application of best practices across all Vetsall facilities. Each protocol includes specific indications, contraindications, procedural steps, and quality control measures.
Clinical Practice Protocols
Surgical Standards
| Protocol | Indications | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Aseptic Technique | All surgical procedures | • Surgical hand scrub • Sterile gown/gloves • Patient prep with chlorhexidine • Draping of surgical field |
| Anesthesia Monitoring | General anesthesia cases | • Pre-op bloodwork required • ECG, BP, SpO₂, ETCO₂ monitoring • Fluid therapy protocol • Post-op pain management |
| Antibiotic Prophylaxis | Clean-contaminated procedures | • Cefazolin 22mg/kg IV at induction • Redosing guidelines • Culture-guided therapy when indicated |
Emergency & Critical Care
Triage Protocol
Level 1 (Immediate): CPR in progress, severe hemorrhage, respiratory arrest
Level 2 (Emergent): Severe dyspnea, trauma, seizures, toxicities
Level 3 (Urgent): Vomiting/diarrhea, urinary obstruction, lameness
Level 4 (Non-urgent): Routine exams, vaccinations, rechecks
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Follows RECOVER guidelines: 100-120 chest compressions/minute, 30:2 compression:ventilation ratio, end-tidal CO₂ monitoring for efficacy, drug protocols per ACLS guidelines.
Toxicology Response
Immediate stabilization, species-specific toxic doses, appropriate decontamination methods (activated charcoal, emesis when indicated), antidote protocols, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center consultation (888-426-4435).
Diagnostic & Laboratory Protocols
Laboratory Standards
- Sample collection and handling procedures
- Quality control for in-house lab equipment
- Reference interval validation
- Critical value reporting protocol
Imaging Protocols
- ALARA radiation safety principles
- Standard radiographic views
- Contrast study indications
- Ultrasound examination protocols
Microbiology & Pathology
- Sample submission guidelines
- Culture & sensitivity protocols
- Histopathology submission forms
- Cytology collection techniques
Antimicrobial Stewardship
| Category | First Line | Alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin/Soft Tissue | Cephalexin 22mg/kg BID | Clindamycin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate | Culture if no improvement in 3-5 days |
| Urinary Tract | Amoxicillin-clavulanate 13.75mg/kg BID | Enrofloxacin, Trimethoprim-sulfa | Urine culture required for recurrent UTIs |
| Respiratory | Doxycycline 5mg/kg BID | Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Azithromycin | Consider Bordetella/viral testing |
Infection Prevention & Control
Hand Hygiene
Alcohol-based sanitizer: For routine patient contact (unless visibly soiled)
Surgical scrub: Chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine for 3-5 minutes
Wash stations: Available in all clinical areas
Sterilization
Autoclave: Weekly spore testing, maintenance logs
Packaging: Sterilization indicators required
Storage: Dated packages, 30-day expiration for unwrapped items
Isolation Protocols
Contact isolation: MRSA, MRSP, pan-resistant infections
Droplet isolation: Canine influenza, respiratory infections
Dedicated equipment: Stethoscopes, thermometers in isolation rooms
Environmental Disinfection Protocol
Surface Disinfection
High-touch surfaces: Exam tables, counters, door handles cleaned with accelerated hydrogen peroxide (Rescue®) between each patient
Kennel/Cage Cleaning
Remove organic material, clean with detergent, disinfect with parvocidal disinfectant, rinse thoroughly, dry completely before next patient
Laundry Protocols
Contaminated laundry in designated leak-proof bags, washed at 160°F (71°C) with detergent and bleach when appropriate
Quality Assurance & Continuing Education
Quality Metrics
Monthly review of: Surgical site infection rates, anesthetic mortality rates, diagnostic accuracy, client satisfaction scores, and medication error reports. All data reviewed by Quality Assurance Committee quarterly.
Continuing Education Requirements
| Position | Annual CE Hours | Topics Required | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians | 30 hours | 10 hours clinical topics 5 hours ethics/legal |
CE certificates filed in HR |
| Licensed Technicians | 20 hours | Clinical skills updates Safety training |
State board submissions |
| Assistants | 15 hours | Handling techniques Clinical support skills |
Training logs maintained |
References & Evidence Sources
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). (2022). AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2023). Guidelines for Veterinary Prescription Drugs.
- Fletcher, D. J., et al. (2022). RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
- Weese, J. S., & Page, S. W. (2023). Antimicrobial Stewardship in Animals. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Norsworthy, G. D. (2023). The Feline Patient, 6th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
- BSAVA. (2022). Manual of Canine and Feline Emergency and Critical Care, 4th Edition.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) Guidelines.
Professional Resources
Downloadable protocols and reference materials for veterinary teams
For questions about these protocols or to discuss veterinary collaboration opportunities, contact our professional relations team.