Prepare for the role and responsibilities of the veterinary assistant! Elsevier's Veterinary Assisting Textbook, 4th Edition, covers everything you need to know to pass the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Exam and succeed in clinical practice. NAVTA-approved guidelines help in learning to assist in laboratory and radiographic procedures, properly restraining animals, setting up equipment and supplies, cleaning and maintaining practice facilities, feeding and exercising patients, collecting samples, handling and dispensing medications, grooming patients, and record keeping. Updated content reflects the latest Fear-FreeTM handling techniques and the veterinary assistant's role in helping owners through pet loss. - NEW! Hospice, Grief, and Pet Loss chapter discusses the human-animal bond, stages of grief, and other principles of the veterinary assistant's role in helping the owner through pet loss. - EXPANDED! Behavior content includes the latest Fear-FreeTM handling methods. - NEW! Practice quizzes on the companion Evolve website allow you to test your understanding of key concepts. - UPDATED! Drug information covers the newest pharmacologic agents and their uses, adverse side effects, and dosage forms. - UPDATED! Infection control and vaccination coverage keeps you up to date with the latest guidelines and protocols. - Comprehensive coverage provides everything you need to prepare for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification exam. - Step-by-step instructions and hundreds of colorful photographs clearly break down veterinary assisting tasks and clarify essential information. - Discussion of office procedures and client relations prepares you for the business aspects of veterinary practice and how to work closely with management staff. - User-friendly features in each chapter include learning objectives, a chapter outline, and key terms, and an emphasis on the concepts you are expected to learn. - Coverage of the workflow in a veterinary practice clarifies the role of the veterinary assistant in relation to all other members of the veterinary healthcare team. - Critical Concept boxes provide useful tips to improve your knowledge and skills.