THESIS:

A VETERINAR HOSPITAL
LAKEWODD COLORADO
 fo^z^5%

H'-
h

Submitted to the Architectural Faculty of Texas Tech University in

partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Architecture.
Architecture 422-003
December 6, 1977
Program Adviser: Gordon Mc Cutchan

Barry A. Beazley
CONTENTS

H. INTRODUCTION 1
Scope
Goals and Objectives

2. CLIENT 5
Financing
3. SITE 7
Site Selection
Site Description
T r a f f i c and Streets
Utilities
Zoning and Codes
Climate

4. STAFF AND RESPONSIBILITIES 36

5. CLINICAL 50
Reception
Examination
Laboratory and Pharmacy

6. SURGICAL 59
Surgery
Surgery Preparation
Recovery and Observation Wards
X-Ray and Film Processing

7. HOSPITAL 67
Treatment
Wards
Exercise Runs
Food Preparation
Grooming
8. GENERAL SERVICES 76
Offi ce
Lounge
Library
Storage
Disposal and Morgue

9. SOUND CONTROL 78

11(D). CORRESPONDENCE

n . BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
Periodicals
 " One fact... stands out above all others... and is as solid as the

proverbial Rock of Gibraltar, and that is the fact that dogs- no matter

what breed or what their use- are something more than mere beasts. Their

prolonged association with mankind has brought them closer to human beings

than any other animal and they should be so treated.

Lawrence B. Smith

Modern Gun Dogs

INTRODUCTION 1
INTRODUCTION

In the middle of the nineteenth century, the United States was

predominantly an a g r i c u l t u r a l country. A great need then e x i s t e d f o r

expert care of the growing number of farm and d r a f t animals. As the

years passed, the horse was replaced as a major source of power and

t r a n s p o r t a t i o n by the i n t e r n a l combustion engine and other technological

devices. As a consequence, c l i n i c a l p r a c t i c e of equine medicine d e c l i n e d ,

thereby posing a serious t h r e a t to the status of t r a d i t i o n a l veterinary

medicine. O f f s e t t i n g t h i s trend came the expansion i n food and companion

animal p r a c t i c e and i n other types of professional activities.

There is a trend toward s u b s t i t u t i n g the term "companion animals"

f o r "pets" and "pet animals" i n reference to dogs, c a t s , some birds and

fish. The social value of companion animals is seldom e x p l i c i t l y recognized

although, i n a sense, i t i s a t t e s t e d to by widespread ownership of animals

and close association w i t h them. The psychodynamics of the h i s t o r i c

emotional association between man and his pet animals i s poorly understood
at best. " I n t u i t i v e judgement s t r o n g l y suggests t h a t these animals play

a s i g n i f i c a n t r o l e i n f u l f i l l i n g c e r t a i n human needs."'

The small animal p r a c t i t i o n e r i s p r i n c i p a l l y concerned w i t h household

pets. As of January 1970, 10,931 veterinarians were p r i m a r i l y engaged i n

t h i s type o f practice i n the United States. The f a c i l i t i e s available

range from simple c l i n i c s to large well-equipped hospitals w i t h numerous

wards and outside runs. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

has established minimum standards f o r c l i n i c s and r o u t i n e l y inspected

member h o s p i t a l s .

New Horizons For Vetrinary Medicine (Washington D.C.:National Academy

of Sciences [ 1 9 7 2 ] ) , pp. 1 , 22-24.
SCOPE

This f a c i l i t y w i l l maintain the f o l l o w i n g s e r v i c e s :

C l i n i c a l Services

Hospital Services

Boarding Kennel

Grooming Services
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Function

-To promote continuity of treatment through efficient utilization

of staff.
-To conform with the standards provided by the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA).
-To consider and provide for safe and efficient mobility for the
handicapped.
-To provide a fluid and harmonious solution to traffic circulation
both automobile and pedestrian.
-To provide required parking spaces for the staff and clients.

Form
-To create an environment that is durable, easily cleaned, and
above a l l , professional in appearance.
-To provide a facility that will be aesthetically appealing and
convey the intent and vision of a community-oriented facility.
CLIENT 2
CLIENT

Dr. Kenneth L. Chitwood began his career a f t e r receiving his degree

i n veterinary medicine from Texas A&M U n i v e r s i t y i n 1965. While w a i t i n g

to get his license to p r a c t i c e v e t e r i n a r y medicine i n Texas, he worked as

a s u b s t i t u t e teacher f o r seven months. Shortly a f t e r t h i s , he began

working i n New Orleans, Louisiana, and while working there he took the

Lousiana Board Exam and received his license i n 1966. He worked f o r two

doctors f o r his f i r s t year and a h a l f before going i n t o p r a c t i c e f o r

himself i n 1968. In 1972 he established the East Orleans Veterinary

Hospital Inc. and s p e c i a l i z e d his p r a c t i c e of a l l small animals. The

p r a c t i c e has grown to a two-man o p e r a t i o n , but he i s presently working

alone. He i s a member of the American Veterinary Medical A s s o c i a l t i o n ;

the Louisiana Veterinary Medical A s s o c i a t i o n ; the Association of New

Orleans Veterinarians I n c . ; the Rotary Club I n t e r n a t i o n a l ; the New Orleans

East Businessmen's A s s o c i a t i o n ; and the American Animal Hospital A s s o c i a t i o n .

Dr. Chitwood plans to move eventually to Lakewood, Colorado, a

suburb of Denver, where he w i l l s t a r t a new p r a c t i c e as soon as he s e l l s

his interests in the New Orleans hospital. His decision to move was made

because he enjoys the mountains and the beauty of Colorado, and the climate

there is better for his health. A graduate student of Louisiana State

University is presently working for Dr. Chitwood and plans to eventually

buy the old practice from him.

FINANCING

Permanent financing of the hospital will be made through a local

industrial bank. Dr. Chitwood will pay 30 percent down and the 70

percent balance will be covered by the loan with an interest rate of

10 percent for 25 years. Interim financing will be made by a local

bank in Golden, Colorado.

SITE 3
 The c i t y of Lakewood, Colorado i s one of the twenty-four municipal

e n t i t i e s i n the greater Denver metropolitan area. Occupying the western

urban f r i n g e of the metropolitan area and l i e s on the eastern slope of

Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The c i t y ' s western boundary stretches into

the f o o t h i l l s , g i v i n g residents access to the advantages of a metropolitan

area on the east and the beauty of America's most famous mountain ranges

to the west.

Lakewood, which ranks as the f o u r t h l a r g e s t c i t y i n Colorado and the

l a r g e s t c i t y i n Jefferson County, was incorporated i n June 1969. I t was

the l a r g e s t c i t y ever to be incorporated i n the U.S. and q u i c k l y became

recognized f o r i t s innovative and progressive c i t y government. A year

a f t e r i n c o r p o r a t i o n , the c i t y was a runner-up f o r the All-America City

Award.

According to a planning r e p o r t . Concept Lakewood, by 1990 the

boundaries of the c i t y w i l l approximate a development plan area o f 32,880

acres or 51.4 square m i l e s . About o n e - t h i r d of the Development Plan Area

is s t i l l unincorporated land as of January 1 , 1977, the Lakewood i n c o r -

porated area covers 21,379 acres, or 33.4 square m i l e s . That i s an

NATIONAL CONTEXT
REGIONAL CONTEXT
 10

increase of approximately 3,500 acres over the o r i g i n a l incorporation

area of 17,849 acres and 27.9 square miles.^

Lakewood, a c i t y of 92,787 according to the 1970 census, i s currently

estimated at 128,000 and has t r a d i t i o n a l l y a t t r a c t e d young a f f l u e n t families

The median age f o r a Lakewood resident has dropped from 29.8 i n 1960 to

26.9 i n 1970. Almost 50 percent of the f a m i l i e s i n the c i t y have incomes

over $15,000 while the middle income f a m i l i e s (those w i t h $10,000 to

$15,000 income) comprise 32". of the c i t y t o t a l . This higher average

income i s a t t r i b u t e d to the c i t y ' s higher percent of white c o l l a r workers.

Forty percent of the male work force are p r o f e s s i o n a l , technical workers

and managers as compared to 23% n a t i o n a l l y . 2

^Gary E. Latham, Concept Lakewood: A Development Plan, (Lakewood,

Colorado, 1975), p.4.

2lbid.
 11

SITE SELECTION

Selection o f the s i t e i s very important i n e s t a b l i s h i n g any type of

p r a c t i c e because the v e t e r i n a r i a n ' s f u t u r e success or f a i l u r e can depend

on i t . There are many factors to consider i n t h i s process, such as: the

progress!veness of the area, f u t u r e c i t y growth of business and r e s i d e n t i a l

areas, and the l o c a t i o n of other p r a c t i c e s . Locating the p r a c t i c e on or

near a major thoroughfare leading to a r e s i d e n t i a l area is very important

to i t s success.

Several c i t i e s i n Colorado were considered before Lakewood was chosen.

The Denver metropolitan area was decided upon because a large population

was necessary to support a large f a c i l i t y . Dr. Chitwood chose Lakewood

f o r many reasons, such as a high level of education, high average income,

a progressive c i t y government, e x c e l l e n t school system, i t s closeness

to the mountains, and good t r a n s p o r t a t i o n systems are among them. Lakewood

has a l l of the advantages of a large c i t y and the pride of small town

community s p i r i t . There i s an established population t h a t can support

the h o s p i t a l and a large p o r t i o n of land t h a t is undeveloped which w i l l

allow f o r f u t u r e growth.
 13

A l l of the e x i s t i n g v e t e r i n a r y practices were located on a map to

determine a s u i t a b l e area to begin looking f o r a l o t . I t was determined

t h a t most were located on the f r i n g e s of the r e s i d e n t i a l area. Consequently,

a c e n t r a l l y located l o t was chosen.

SITE DESCRIPTION

The s i t e i s located on Lakewood's west side i n the f o o t h i l l s of the

Rocky Mountains. The l o t measures 200' by 102' (20,400 square f e e t ) and

is c u r r e n t l y vacant and i s clear of t r e e s . The only e x i s t i n g vegatation

i s Buffalo grass. The l o t slopes from the northwest corner to a p o i n t

roughly 30' from the back edge o f the l o t , to the southeast. From

t h i s p o i n t the grade slopes 15' along the back edge of the property.

There is a u t i l i t y easement to the east side or rear of the property 5'

in w i d t h .

The l o t is located i n a small commercial s t r i p of land surrounded

by r e s i d e n t i a l development. The l o t s south of the s i t e i s occupied by

a gasoline service s t a t i o n and a s t r i p of small convenience s t o r e s . To

the north i s another vacant l o t followed by a Dairy Queen and a nursery

 14

SCALE: i"= aoa'

 15

2
0
2
D

5770 5760
5765

SITE SCALE 1"= 40'

 Boring 1 Boring 2 16
Elev. 104.2 Elev. 105,

4" Topsoil
F i l l Consisting of
Clay and Sand
Pieces o f CI ays tone
and Sandstone.

Dark Brown Clay

L i t t l e Fine to Med.
Sand, Moist (very s t i f f )

10 Sandstone Bedrock w/
occasional pockets of
Claystone, Weathered,
Med. Moist (Hard).
Grading to very
15 Hard Below. ^

Brown Claystone
Bedrock, wheathered
wm^- Med. Moist ( f i r m )
lis
#
20 Grading to Med. Hard
below 19 f e e t .

^
25

FEST BORES
 17

school. There are single family residences to the east of the site;

however, they do not block the view due to their low elevation. The

land across the street is occupied by a park with a public swimming pool

and an elementary school.

TRAFFIC AND STREETS

Union Boulevard is an important north-south thoroughfare for

Lakewood and is the only adjoining street to the site. It's 80' width

is composed of two lanes for traffic and two lanes designated for parking

or bicycle riding. Traffic is moderate along Union; however, future

growth will probably result in an increase. The parking lanes will be

developed into lanes of traffic to handle this extra load. A traffic

light is located at Union's intersection with Mississippi Ave. The speed

limit on both of these streets is 30 miles per hour and they are paved

with asphalt.
 18

UTILITIES

Gas: Natural gas is provided by Public Service Co. of Colorado.

A s i x - i n c h low pressure l i n e runs p a r a l l e l to Union 24' from

i t s west curb.

Electricity: E l e c t r i c service i s provided by Public Service Co.

I t is overhead service and runs along the east boundary of the

site.

Water: Water service is provided by Green Mountain Park and Water

and S a n i t a t i o n . An 8" water main runs north-south 15' from

the east curb of Union Boulevard. I t i s supplied by a 12"

Main running p a r a l l e l to M i s s i s s i p p i Ave.

Telephone: Telephone service i s provided by Mountain Bell Telephone

Co., and runs along the east boundary.

Refuse: Refuse can be picked up on s i t e by c i t y or p r i v a t e c o l l e c t i o n

services from dumpsters.

 19

" • • '•Miss^'iTsrp^T'^'Tv^ y^'^'^^^

SCALE: l"= SOa'

GAS
 20

\ "^—\
\ \ )
i ) ' /
^
\ \
1 ' /
flVIISSISSIPPii AVE.

1 i \ \ ^ -^ r-
SCALE: T"= S O O

ELECTRIC
 21

/ J [ /' / y) 11 - i\\, J \ ._
\ .' M I S S I S S I P P I ; AVE. / • \ '

\ \\ 1r \ ^
T^ r
SCALE: I"= 200

WATER
 22

SCALE: l"= 200'

EWER
 , MISSISSIPPI, AVE. I

\ \ \ \ 1 f ^T^-T-^ SCALE: ^"= SOO'

FELEPHONE
 24

ZONING AND CODES

The c i t y of Lakewood c u r r e n t l y goes by the 1976 e d i t i o n o f the

Uniform B u i l d i n g Code. The s i t e is zoned as " C - 1 " or a "Commercial-One

D i s t r i c t " and l i e s i n Fire Zone I I I . R e s t r i c t i o n s i n f i r e zone I I I , section

1604 states "any b u i l d i n g or s t r u c t u r e complying w i t h the requirements of

t h i s code (Uniform B u i l d i n g Code) may be erected, c o n s t r u c t e d , moved w i t h i n

or i n t o Fire Zone I I I . "

Height r e g u l a t i o n s : None.

Area r e g u l a t i o n s : No r e s t r i c t i o n s shall apply other than the area

f o r parking as provided under Section 3-2.

Front y a r d : Except as h e r e a f t e r provided, the minimum depth o f any

f r o n t yard f o r a b u i l d i n g , measured from the f r o n t l o t line

to the f r o n t setback l i n e , s h a l l be f i f t y (50) f e e t .

Side y a r d : I f a b u i l d i n g i s constructed of masonry or f i r e p r o o f

m a t e r i a l s , no side yard s h a l l be required on an i n t e r i o r lot.

I f a b u i l d i n g is constructed of materials other than masonry

or f i r e p r o o f m a t e r i a l s , the minimum depth of any side yard of

an i n t e r i o r l o t , measured from the s i d e l o t to the side setback

 25

l i n e , s h a l l be f i v e (5) f e e t .

Rear y a r d : The minimum depth of rear yard s h a l l be ten (10) f e e t

except where abutting upon an a l l e y , the depth s h a l l be f i f t e e n

(15) f e e t from the center of the a l l e y .

Fences and/or w a l l s : Fences and walls w i t h i n the C-1 D i s t r i c t

shall conform to the f o l l o w i n g requirements: (a) Subsection

A,except f r o n t yard class 2 and 3 fences (ornamental iron

and woven wire 80% open) may be erected i n the f r o n t yard up

to a maximum height of 72". (b) Side or rear yard class

(1) masonry walls (2) ornamental i r o n (3) woven wire

(4) wood or other materials (5) s o l i d fences-wood or other

material (6) Hedges, may be erected up to a maximum height

of 72".

Parking: A driveway f o r access, to any s i n g l e parking s t a l l or to

a parking l o t , s h a l l be not less than 12' i n width or more than

30' i n width at the property l i n e along the s t r e e t . I t shall

be so located to minimize t r a f f i c hazards.

Parking space requirements: For those c l a s s i f i e d as o f f i c e buildings

 26

or f o r professional s e r v i c e s , n o t involved i n r e t a i l trade,

there shall be provided two (2) square f e e t of gross parking

area per one (1) square f o o t of gross f l o o r area.

Veterinary Hospital (small animal, enclosed) as defined by codes:

A place where small animals or pets (dogs, c a t s , b i r d s , and

the l i k e ) are given medical or surgical treatment. Use as a

kennel s h a l l be l i m i t e d to s h o r t - t i m e boarding and shall only

be i n c i d e n t a l to such hospital use. A l l uses s h a l l be enclosed

w i t h i n a sound-proof b u i l d i n g and which s h a l l not emit an

objectionable odor.
 27

CLIMATE

Lakewood enjoys the m i l d , sunny, semi-arid climate t h a t prevails

over much of the central Rocky Mountain r e g i o n , without the extremely

cold mornings of the high elevations or the hot afternoons of summer at

lower a l t i t u d e s . Extremely warm or cold weather i s usually of short

duration. The good climate r e s u l t s l a r g e l y from the c i t y ' s location

on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains.

Airmasses from at least four d i f f e r e n t sources influence Lakewood's

weather: polar a i r from Canada and the f a r northwest; moist a i r from the

Gulf o f Mexico and the southwest; and P a c i f i c a i r modified by i t s passage

overland.

Situated a long distance from any moisture source, and separated

from the P a c i f i c source by a high mountain b a r r i e r , Lakewood enjoys a

low r e l a t i v e humidity and low average p r e c i p a t a t i o n . The normal annual

t o t a l p r e c i p i t a t i o n is 14.81 inches, 39% of which occurs i n the spring

and mostly f a l l s as snow during the colder period of the season.

 28

Approximately 31% of the annual t o t a l f i g u r e occurs during the summer

p a r t i c u l a r l y i n July and August, and usually f a l l s from scattered local

thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. The record maximum

monthly f i g u r e of 7.31 inches of p r e c i p i t a t i o n f e l l during May 1957.

Maximum monthly figures ranging between 4.17 inches to 6.41 inches

frequently occur. Winter has the l e a s t p r e c i p i t a t i o n , only about 11%

of the annual t o t a l and almost a l l of i t i s snow. The record maximum

volume of 39.1 inches of snow was recorded i n November 1946. The

maximum snowfall i n a 24-hour period i s 19.4 inches, recorded i n

September 1936. Although the greatest mean monthly t o t a l i s 12.6

inches, there are days i n which e i g h t to f i f t e e n inches of snow w i l l

f a l l i n a 24-hour p e r i o d . These days occur on an average of once every

two years.

The high a l t i t u d e and the l o c a t i o n of the mountains to the west

combine to moderate temperatures and produce an annual normal temperature

of 49.5 degrees. The warmest months are June, July and August w i t h the

hotest d a i l y maximum of 88.4 degrees i n J u l y . The record highest temp-

erature of 104° occured i n August of 1969. The coolest months are December^

January and Febuary w i t h the lowest normal d a i l y minimum of 14.8° i n

 29

January. The record lowest temperature of -25 degrees occured in January

1963.
The wind is lessened by the proximity of the mountains. The
annual prevailing wind is 9.1 miles per hour from the south. Strongest
continuous winds occur during March and April with the prevailing
direction from the south at a speed pf 10.6 miles per hour. The fastest
wind speed was recorded in July 1965 at 56 miles per hour.
 SOLAR ANGLES HOURS
30

A. ALTITUDE

B. BEARIIMG
\A/ C. \A/IMTER SOLSTICE

D. EQUIIMOX

E. SUMIV1ER SOLSTICE

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 33

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 35
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MEAN FEMPERATURES
STAFF AND RESPONSIBILITIES 4
 36

The study of the a c t i v i t i e s and t h e i r r e l a t i o n s h i p s of the v e t e r i n -

arians and employees, is essential to the development of a functional

and e f f i c i e n t h o s p i t a l . I t should r e f l e c t t h e i r work habits as well as

t h e i r physical and social needs. An understanding of the services ren-

dered and the equipment used i s a necessity. The objectives are to estab-

l i s h c r i t e r i a from which one can determine space requirements, cost

estimates and develope a design concept.

Unlike the consultation state of a p h y s i c i a n , the veterinarians

place of business must be a complete medical f a c i l i t y . The animal hospital

must be able to render almost complete diagnostic services and have the

equipment necessary to do t h i s . I t should be a true hospital f o r it's

p a t i e n t s , o f f e r i n g adequate housing, nursing care, and treatment f a c i l -

i t i e s . There needs also to be a surgery, complete w i t h a l l the furnishings

that are necessary f o r operations. The hospital must be ready at a l l

times to accept and t r e a t emergency cases t h a t may occur.

From t h i s p o i n t on the pet w i l l be r e f e r r e d to as the p a t i e n t ,

and the owner w i l l be referred to as the c l i e n t .

 37

Veterinarian #1

Veterinarian #2

Receptionist Veterinarian #3 Bookkeeper Housekeeper

Diagnostic Surgery Other

Lab Chief
Technician Nurse

Surgery Wards

RESPONSIBILITY
 38

STAFF AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Veterinary hospitals vary i n size according to the number of

practioners the f a c i l i t y i s designed f o r as well as the employees, t h e i r

assigned duties and services provided. The s t a f f and t h e i r responsibilities

Dr. Chitwood's three-man p r a c t i c e requires are described as f o l l o w s :

Veterinarian # 1 . His p o s i t i o n is owner and manager of the h o s p i t a l .

As manager he w i l l oversee the f u l f i l l m e n t of a l l employee

job r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s and determine what these r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s

w i l l be. His duties include the examination and treatment

of small animals such as dogs, c a t s , monkeys and b i r d . The

treatment includes the p r e s c r i b i n g of medicine and performing

surgical procedures.

Veterinarian #2. He i s a partner, e i t h e r co-owner or a h i g h - s a l a r i e d

position. One of his r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s is the general main-

tenance of the h o s p i t a l , issuing i n s t r u c t i o n s to each employee

i n t h e i r own area. This avoids the s i t u a t i o n of a l l three

 39

veterinarians g i v i n g c o n f l i c t i n g i n s t r u c t i o n s . His duties also

include the examination and treatment of the p a t i e n t s .

Veterinarian #3. This p o s i t i o n w i l l be f i l l e d by a new graduate,

who is mainly working to gain experience. His purpose i s to

give the senior veterinarians time o f f and help during busy

periods. His duties are s i m i l a r to the senior v e t e r i n a r i a n s ,

examining and t r e a t i n g p a t i e n t s .

Receptionist. There w i l l eventually be two r e c e p t i o n i s t s needed,

although the early development of the p r a c t i c e w i l l require

only one. Their r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s include greeting the c l i e n t ,

preparing records, receiving money, bookkeeping, s e t t i n g

appointments, answering the phone, and d i r e c t i n g the c l i e n t s

to the examination rooms. They are also responsible f o r the

general cleanliness of t h e i r work area and the w a i t i n g area.

A close eye must be kept on the w a i t i n g area in the event an

animal creates a mess (vomit or excrement), so t h a t i t can be

immediately cleaned-up.
 40

There are dispensing items t h a t can be d i s t r i b u t e d to

the c l i e n t without a doctor's approval. These items include

such things as shampoos, chewable vitamines, f l e a c o l l a r s ,

and the l i k e . They should be kept at or near the r e c e p t i o n i s t ' s

desk so t h a t she can get them f o r a c l i e n t without having to

leave her work s t a t i o n .

Veterinarian Technician. The v e t e r i n a r i a n technician is the v e t -

e r i n a r i a n ' s most important and highly t r a i n e d a s s i s t a n t . She

has a v a r i e t y of duties t h a t are involved i n many of the

functions of the h o s p i t a l . These duties can be divided i n t o

f i v e areas:

Examination.

-record the animal's anamnesis

-help set the c l i e n t at ease

-take a simple h i s t o r y and complete the medical record

at the doctor's direction

-demonstrate correct methods of administering medicines

^John B. McCarthy, D.M.V.,"Recognizing the Veterinarian Technician'

The Veterinary Clinics Of North America V o l . 2 No. 3 (Sept. 1972) :495
 41

Examination cont.
-assist with restraint of most animals
-admit animals to the hospital when indicated
-assist the client in making a return appointment if
necessary
Treatment
-restrain the animal
-assist the doctor with routine hospital treatments
-she is trained to do routine dentistry
-relieve the doctor of manyunnecessary phone calls by
giving clients an educated response to questions
Surgery.
-prepare the animal for surgery
-intubate and monitor anesthesia under the supervision
of the veterinarian
-she will be familar with s t e r i l e technique and various
anesthetics
-trained to identify surgical instruments
 42

Surgery cont.

- a s s i s t the doctor with surgical procedures

-she w i l l be able to prepare surgical packs and a s s i s t

with gowning and draping

-she w i l l be f a m i l i a r w i t h emergency procedures to be

c a r r i e d out i n a surgical or anesthetic c r i s i s

-she w i l l be f a m i l i a r w i t h postoperative and i n t e n s i v e

care and w i l l be able to monitor and supervise the

p a t i e n t i n the doctors absence

-manage the surgery and determine inventories and needs

f o r supplies

Labratory, X-Ray, Pharmacy

- in the labratory she can do routine CBC's i n c l u d i n g

i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of smears

-she can do blood chemistry i f provided w i t h a

photometer machine

-microbiologic cultures and s e n s i t i v i t y testing

- u r i n a l y s i s and p a r a s i t o l o g i c examinations
 43

Labratory, X-Ray, Pharmacy cont.

- i n the x-ray room she can p o s i t i o n the p a t i e n t

- a s s i s t the doctor w i t h the exposure

-process the f i l m s

-she can also supervise the storage and recording of

exposed radiographs

- i n the pharmacy the technician can maintain an inven-

tory of drugs and supplies

Kennel Man. He is responsible f o r the cleaning and maintenance of

the cages, runs, and the wards. His duties include the feeding

and watering of the animals, giving bathes and medicated

therapeutic bathes. He can also help with preoperative work

and surgical assistance when the hospital is very busy. He

is also responsible f o r the general maintenance of the hos-

p i t a l , inside and out. The more extensive maintenance i s

done on Saturdays and Sundays and a f t e r business hours.

Groomer. A pet groomer comes i n on a scheduled basis to c l i p and

bath dogs. He i s paid on a commission.

 44

Part-time Student. These are students t h a t are i n t e r e s t e d i n

possibly going i n t o veterinary medicine. Their duties are

to aid the kennel-man and t e c h n i c i a n . They usually work i n

the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays.

Custodian. A custodial service w i l l be employed to p r o f e s s i o n a l l y

clean the h o s p i t a l . This work w i l l be done a f t e r hours.

In a d d i t i o n to t h e i r own d u t i e s , each employee is t r a i n e d with a

working knowledge of the other employees duties so t h a t they are capable

of covering such events as peak periods, i l l n e s s , days o f f and the l i k e .

This also aids i n t r a i n i n g of new employees by t h e i r f e l l o w employees

along w i t h the supervision provided by the hospital manager and other

doctors. Cross-trained employees have greater i n d i v i d u a l i t y and also the

opportunity to develope i n t e r e s t w h i c h w i l l increase a b i l i t i e s .

A clear understanding o f the c i r c u l a t i o n of the s t a f f , patients,

and c l i e n t s through the sequence of events from the entrance i n t o the

b u i l d i n g , examination, treatment, confinement ( i f necessary), and f i n a l

e x i t from the b u i l d i n g is important to the design of the h o s p i t a l .

 45

A common planning e r r o r is to cause the c l i e n t to t r a v e l through the work

zones of the h o s p i t a l , when he seldom needs more than access to where

the examination is done. Excessive c i r c u l a t i o n on the part of the c l i e n t

can cause him to become l o s t or confused, or enable him to engage i n

d i s t r a c t i n g conversation with employees or the v e t e r i n a r i a n . The location

and control of doors i s imperative to the r e s t r a i n t and i s o l a t i o n of

of the animals during examination and treatment. Areas must be closed o f f

to hinder the escape of an animal to other parts of the hospital and

to reduce or i s o l a t e sound.

Typical c i r c u l a t i o n of the C l i e n t

-Upon approaching the hospital the c l i e n t must be oriented

so t h a t he may go e i t h e r to the reception area or d i r e c t l y

to the emergency entrance.

- I f the c l i e n t enters through the reception area , he should

go d i r e c t l y to the r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n to r e g i s t e r .

- I f i t is necessary f o r the c l i e n t to w a i t , there should be

a w a i t i n g area provided.
 46

-From the waiting area the client will move to the examination
room. The client should have direct access to the examination
room and not allowed to circulate in the work areas of the
hospital.
-Following the examination and treatment of his pet, the
client is directed to a separate check out counter at the
receptionist station to make additional appointments and
financial arrangements.
-From the receptionist station the client will leave the
hospital through a separate exit.
The circulation of a typical patient that is need of a vaccination
or minor medical attention.
-The patient and client are taken from the waiting area to
the examination area.
-The examination room is equipped to administer vaccinations
and minor medical treatment.
-If more extensive treatment is necessary the patient is taken
to the treatment area.
 47

- A f t e r the treatment, the p a t i e n t i s returned to the c l i e n t

at the r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n and discharged.

The c i r c u l a t i o n of a t y p i c a l Surgical Patient.

-The surgery i s always scheduled except f o r emergency cases.

- A f t e r the p a t i e n t has a r r i v e d , he is taken to the preopera-

t i v e area to be prepared f o r surgery.

- A f t e r the p a t i e n t is prepared he is taken i n t o the surgery

area.

- A f t e r the surgery i s complete he is placed i n the intensive

care cages f o r close observation f o r a few hours.

-From the intensive care cages he i s t r a n s f e r r e d to the

hospital ward u n t i l he i s ready to be discharged.

- I f the p a t i e n t expires during surgery, the carcass is placed

i n a p l a s t i c bag and taken to the morgue(freezer), where the

animal is l a t e r picked up and taken away.

 48

The c i r c u l a t i o n of a t y p i c a l emergency case.

-The emergency entrance i s located adjacent to the treatment

area f o r quicker treatment and to avoid any unnecessary

mess i n the r e c e p t i o n i s t area. Emergency cases w i l l be

received at t h i s entrance.

-While the p a t i e n t i s i n the treatment area the i n j u r i e s are

determined.

- I f surgery i s required the p a t i e n t i s taken to the preopera-

t i v e area and prepared f o r surgery.

-The other procedures f o l l o w those described f o r surgerical

patients.

Although the hospital i s f o r the treatment of a l l small animals,

the patients w i l l p r i m a r i l y consist o f cats and dogs. Other small animals

such as b i r d s , snakes, hamsters and the l i k e w i l l also be t r e a t e d , but

as o u t p a t i e n t s . There w i l l not be any special f a c i l i t i e s to board these

animals because of the r a r i t y of the v i s i t s from t h i s l i m i t e d c l i e n t e l e .

 49

An animal hospital is an institution designed, built, equipped

and staffed to render modern veterinary care to animals. This care
involves numerous functions and services: reception, admission and
discharge; bookkeeping and payroll; purchase and account collections;
outpatient services; laboratory; radiography; surgery and hospitalization
services, including nursing care around the clock. These are the basic
essential services which must be rendered by any animal hospital. There
are others, such as grooming, boarding and providing vending machines
for clients and employees, but these are secondary services not essential
to modern veterinary care.
The functions of a veterinary hospital catergorically fall into
four basic divisions: the outpatient or clinical; the surgical; the
hospital; and general services. Some services such as those devoted to
laboratory and radiologic sevices are common to two of these divisions.
These divisions and the functions that occur in each will be described
in the following chapters.
CLINICAL
 50

Much of the outpatient area is f o r the c l i e n t s use. I t is occa-

s i o n a l l y r e f e r r e d to as the c l i n i c a l area because of the a c t i v i t i e s

are c l i n i c a l o r i e n t e d . The functions t h a t occur here include reception,

examination, pathological services, pharmaceutic sevices, public t o i l e t ,

and storage.

RECEPTION

The reception area has two f u n c t i o n s , the w a i t i n g area f o r the

c l i e n t and the r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n f o r the processing of information and

f i n a n c i a l transactions. I t i s here the c l i e n t forms his f i r s t impressions;

so i t should have a spacious f e e l i n g created with a t t r a c t i v e materials

that are durable. Since the c l i e n t amay often be i n a concerned state

of mind, he should be well i s o l a t e d from d i s t u r b i n g sights and sounds.

Consideration can be given to a separate f e l i n e w a i t i n g area, e i t h e r

by creating a separate space of by the shape of the reception area.

Careful consideration should be given to the selection of materials and

f u r n i t u r e f o r t h i s area, since the number and frequency of the animals

 51

creating a mess (vomit or excrement) here is usually h i g h , r e s u l t i n g i n

abnormally high maintenance problems.

The r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n should be designed f o r two employees and

i n a manner allowing them to observe entering c l i e n t s , d i r e c t c l i e n t s to

examination rooms, c o l l e c t compensation due, a s s i s t the doctors as needed,

and work without disturbance from c h i l d r e n , dogs, and t a l k a t i v e c l i e n t s .

There should be a separate e x i t route from the examination rooms t h a t passes

d i r e c t l y past the receptionist-business area, but not through the recep-

t i o n area. A small counter should be available f o r payment of accounts

a f f o r d i n g a l i m i t e d degree of privacy so t h a t the c l i e n t feels free to

discuss charges i n d e t a i l . The c l i e n t should e x i t through a separate e x i t

to prevent entanglements with incoming c l i e n t s .

Equipment:

-2 r o l l i n g chairs

-counter f o r f i l l i n g out records

-separate counter f o r money transactions and scheduling appoint-

ments ( f o r privacy)

-telephone answering device

 52

-record s t o r i n g system

-typewriter

-calculator

-intercom system

-wall clock

- b u r g l a r alarm system

- f i l e cabinets (4 drawer)

-copy machine

EXAMINATION

The examination should be done i n privacy allowing the doctor to

consult with the c l i e n t . A minimum amount of treatment should be done

here to minimize i n cleaning and to aid i n the scheduling of work, there-

fore increasing the number of patients t h a t can be seen i n one day. The

treatment is generally carried out i n another area of the h o p i t a l , prevent-

ing the c l i e n t from experiencing the sometimes unpleasant sights and odors.

Space should be provided f o r two c l i e n t s to wait f o r examination by

1
the f i r s t v e t e r i n a r i a n , and one and a h a l f f o r each additional veterinarian.

Stanton Williamson, D.V.M., "Animal Hospital Requirements," Journal of the

American Veterinary Medical Association V o l . 151, No. 5, P.548
 53
Allow adequate room f o r the doctor to work on both sides and at the end of

the examination t a b l e , and s t i l l have space f o r one or two of the members

of the family to observe. This increases examination e f f i c i e n c y and d i s -

courages the whole family from p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n the examination. Some

veterinarians prefer to have a separate entrance i n t o the examination room

i n order to minimize contact w i t h c l i e n t s , which allows them to work

faster. The recomended l i g h t i n g of 90 footcandles should be provided,

with additional f i x t u r e s capable of d i r e c t i n g the l i g h t toward the area to

be examined. Any odors can be d i r e c t l y vented to the e x t e r i o r with ex-

haust fans of a greater CFM than the CFM of the entering a i r .

Over h a l f of the o f f i c e c a l l s involve the administering of a vac-

c i n a t i o n or an i n j e c t a b l e a n t i b i o t i c which should be r e f r i g e r a t e d . Since

they require a syringe and needle, the i n j e c t i b l e s should be stored so

that the doctor can reach a l l three without having to take a step. The

i n j e c t i b l e s should be kept i n a small counter top r e f r i g e r a t o r with the

syringe and needles nearby.

Henry J . Euler, " I n i t i a l Thoughts on Animal Hospital Design"

The Veterinary Clinics of North America V o l . 2 No. 3 (Sept. 1972) P.553
 54

Examination Equipment:

- s i n k , f o r washing hands

-counter top
- r e f r i g e r a t o r , to store i n j e c t i b l e s

-examination table

-small cabinet, f o r s t o r i n g examination instruments

-instruments to perform an examination such as: diagnostic s e t ;

thermometer; 2 artery forcepts; 2 dressing forceps; cotton

wool j a r ; 5 inch curved s c i s s o r s ; 1 S/S kidney d i s h ; IS/s

bowl; stethoscope

-oxygen, emergency supply

- c h a i r f o r owner

-X-ray viewer, wall mounted

-small supply of drugs i n everyday use

-examination lamp

-syringes and needles

-scales
 55

LABORATORY AND PHARMACY

The laboratory and pharmacy functions have t r a d i t i o n a l l y been comb-

ined, however, the larger hospital o f f e r i n g more services has changed t h i s

in many instances. The larger and more functional laboratory becomes neces-

sary as increased work loads demand a more specialized and quieter s i t u a -

tion. A hospital with f u l l - l a b o r a t o r y service can produce a quick diag-

nosis, making i t unnecessary f o r the c l i e n t to r e t u r n f o r the t e s t results

and subsequent treatment. The laboratory i s best located near the hospi-

t a l section f o r use i n caring f o r patients kept i n the wards. The labora-

tory and pharmacy functions should be located adjacent to the examination

rooms. The pharmacy's l o c a t i o n here i s e s s e n t i a l , i n t h a t i t saves the

doctor precious steps and prevents his exposure to i n t e r r u p t i o n s and

distractions. The pharmacy must be close to the r e c e p t i o n i s t so t h a t she

can get prescription r e f i l l s without leaving the f r o n t desk and telephone

unattended f o r a long time.

When arranging the pharmacy i t is best to s t a r t by d i v i d i n g the drugs

i n t o d i f f e r e n t categories such as t a b l e t s , capsules, ointments, prepack-

aged l i q u i d s and i n j e c t i b l e s . The b i o l o g i c a l s w i l l be stored i n a r e f r i g -

 56
erator. Ointments are best stored i n a drawer 4 to 5 inches deep. Small

glass or p l a s t i c dropper b o t t l e s of o t i c or ophthalmic solutions are best

stored i n a drawer. I n j e c t i b l e s generally are not dispensed; they are

kept i n the examination rooms. Uniform b o t t l e s such as 6 to 8 ounces i n

s i z e , of p l a s t i c or glass should be used i n arranging capsules and t a b l e t s .

These can be stored on shelves above the counter space. The space above a

point 60 inches from the f l o o r and below the counter may be used f o r the

storage of bulk drugs i n gallon stock, which is eventually put i n t o smaller

b o t t l e s to be dispensed. Other items i n reserve such as t a b l e t s , capsules,

ointments and items seldom used can be placed here.

Laboratory Equipment:

-large r e f r i g e r a t o r

- c o u l t e r WBC/RBC counter

-coulter diluter II

- c o u l t e r hemoglobulin

-serormeter and serospin

-microhematocrit centrifuge

Donald R. Pooley, "Pharmacy Management and Inventory Maintenance"

The Veterinary C l i n i c s of North America V o l . 2 No.3 (Sept. 1972) P484
 57
- p o r t a b l e incubator ( f o r c u l t u r i n g bacteria)

-A/0 binocular microscope

-Burton Woods lamp

- p e d i a t r i c scale

- r o l l i n g step stool

-skeletons

-laboratory sink and counter

Pharmacy Equipment:

-typewriter

-microscope

-otoscope

-stocks of drugs in daily use

JANITORS CLOSET

A space f o r the storage of cleaning equipment and supplies i s needed

by every h o s p i t a l . The most appropriate l o c a t i o n f o r t h i s storage is near

the r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n . A minimum area of 18 to 20 square f e e t i s

necessary to contain a mop or service s i n k , mop bucket, and a place to

hang mops and brooms, e t c .

 58

TOILET

There should be a t o i l e t t h a t is convenient f o r the p u b l i c ' s use.

I t ' s best location i s near but not v i s i b l e to the w a i t i n g area. A mini-

mum size of 20 to 25 square f e e t i s recommended. The t o i l e t rooms should

be exhausted at the rate of 2 CFM per square foot of f l o o r area. This

amounts to 15 a i r changes per hour or a complete change of a i r every four

minutes.

STORAGE

There are two important needs f o r storage i n the o u t p a t i e n t section

of the h o s p i t a l . These are f o r o f f i c e supplies and special d i e t foods

the r e c e p t i o n i s t d i s t r i b u t e s . This includes the other nonprescribed

items d i s t r i b u t e d from the r e c e p t i o n i s t s t a t i o n , i n order to save steps.

SURGICAL B
 59

SURGERY

With the increase i n s o p h i s t i c a t i o n of surgical and anesthetic

equipment, the surgical procedure has demanded more and more space. The

most tedious and exacting work i s done here and requires a high degree of

s t e r i l i z a t i o n and freedom from a l l d i s t r a c t i o n s . Surgical work only

should be done here, and the exclusion of the surgeon's scrub-up and ex-

cessive storage cabinets. Surgical procedures, including general major

surgery, minor surgery, transfusions and emergencies such as administration

of oxygen, r e s u s i t a t i o n and a s p i r a t i o n , a l l are performed here. A l l unneces-

sary c i r c u l a t i o n or unrelated a c t i v i t i e s must be p r o h i b i t e d to maintain

t h i s high degree of s t e r i l i z a t i o n and freedom from d i s t r a c t i o n .

The surgery must be located adjacent to the pre-operative preparation

area and postoperative area. Only one entrance i s recommended to the surgery

with a scrub sink adjacent to t h i s entrance. The i n t r o d u c t i o n and use of

such equipment as anesthetic machines, heart monitor, and automatic

r e s u s i t a t o r means that more space i s required f o r surgery. In addition

to the surgical l i g h t , a general i l l u m i n a t i o n of 60 footcandles i s recom-

mended. Some of the more v e r s a t i l e surgical l i g h t s available require a

10 f o o t c e i l i n g f o r proper i n s t a l l a t i o n .
 60

Surgery Equipment

- s t a i n l e s s steel V-top surgical table (2' x 5 ' )

-surgery light

-mayo-stand ( f o r surgical instruments)

-clock

-gas anesthetic machine

-heart monitor (2'x 2 ' x 2 ' )

-wall mounted X-ray viewer

-automatic r e s u s i t a t o r on stand

-hyfrecator

- a l l instruments necessary f o r surgery

SURGERY PREPARATION

This part of the hospital sometimes has the combined use f o r surgery

preparation and general treatment, and f o r t h i s reason is considered the

hub of the h o s p i t a l . As the working center, such functions as instrument

cleaning, storage, minor surgery, post operative treatment and observation

have cumulatively made t h i s the busiest part of the h o p i t a l . Since someone

 61

w i l l probably always be working close by, postoperative cages can be

located near here f o r continual observation. I t should be located ad-

jacent to an emergency entrance, to recieve emergency cases to be evaluat-

ed. This prevents any undesirable sights and mess at the r e c e p t i o n i s t

station.

The preoperative and postoperative functions should be performed

adjacent to the surgery and wards f o r convenience and ease of operation.

These functions include the preparation of both the p a t i e n t and .equip-

ment. The equipment consists of the surgical l i n e n s , instruments and

e l e c t r o n i c devices.

The preoperative procedures deal with the preparation of the p a t i e n t .

They begin with the administering of the preanesthetic medication followed

by anesthesia. The surgical area of the p a t i e n t i s clipped and the loose

h a i r i s removed. The surgical area is cleansed, and the animal is

transported to the surgery t a b l e . H a i r , dust and other debris are l e f t

behind keeping the surgery clean, therefore maintaining a high s t e r i l -

ized s t a t e during the surgery.

Postoperative procedures include the cleaning and s t e r i l i z a t i o n of

 62

the surgical linens and instruments. The operating gowns, gloves,

towels and drapes are f i r s t cleaned i n a washing machine then d r i e d .

Then they are loosely folded and s t e r i l i z e d i n the autoclave. After

s t e r i l i z a t i o n they are stored f o r future use. The surgical instruments

are cleaned i n soap and water. Then they are s t e r i l i z e d with dry heat,

because steam or b o i l i n g d u l l s the c u t t i n g edges. Surgical packs of

instruments are made up, containing the proper selection necessary to

perform c e r t a i n surgical procedures. These packs are stored f o r

future use and should be such t h a t easy access from the operating room

is provided. The cleaning and s t e r i l i z a t i o n procedures are done during

l u l l s i n qppointments.

Surgical Preparation Equipment:

- r o l l i n g stainless steel table ( 2 ' x 5 ' )

-surgical prep-tub (18"x 20")

- s t a i n l e s s steel prep, counter (28" x 70")

-retract-o-reel clippers

- b u l l e t i n board

-wall clock

-monocular microscope
 63

Stainless Steel Sink

Stainless Steel
Counter Top
Formed Together

PLAN
SCALE 3/S"= 1 '-0

ELEVATIOrM
SCALE 3/8 II- . . „,, 1
r-0'

SURGICAL PREP T A B L E
 64
-scales

- s u r g i c a l scrub-up sink

Surgical Cleaning and S t e r i l i z a t i o n Equipment

-electrosonic instrument cleaner and tray (24"xl8"x20")

-autoclave (24"xl8"x20")

-washer (25"x25"x36")

-dryer (25"x25"x36")

RECOVERY AND OBSERVATION WARD

This ward is b a s i c a l l y f o r c r i t i c a l postsurgical patients that need

the extra care to assure rapid recovery. I t should be located so that

the v e t e r i n a r i a n can observe while passing by or while performing other

duties. An observation window should be provided.

Equipment:

-5 stainless steel cages (1 equipped to administer oxygen)

Sizes - 36"x60", 30"x30",24"x30" - a l l with t y p . 28" depth

-those medications t h a t might be required in an emergency

situation
 HIMIII-jl J., .

65
X-RAYS AND FILM PROCESSING

Radiographs have become more important to the v e t e r i n a r i a n ;

consequently, the use and size of x-ray machines are on the increase.

The x-ray machine must be accessible to the v e t e r i n a r i a n f o r use i n

treatment and surgery, and should be located adjacent to where these

functions are performed. The space should allow enough area f o r access

to three sides of the t a b l e . Frequently i t i s necessary to p h y s i c a l l y

r e s t r a i n the animal while the radiographs are being taken and p r o t e c t i v e

gowns and gloves are necessary. A place f o r the storage of these gowns

is necessary.

A place f o r the quick processing of the f i l m must be provided. It

should be located where i t w i l l not i n t e r u p t the use of the x-ray

machine by another v e t e r i n a r i a n . The dark room should allow space f o r the

development tank, work counter, sink and f i l m storage. The storage of

f i l m should be protected against the exposure to r a d i a t i o n . The x-ray

p r o t e c t i v e gowns could be stored here. Automatic f i l m processors are

also a v a i l a b l e . I f an automatic processor i s used, i t i t desirable to

have the standard dark room units i n case of unforseen downtime.

 66
X-Ray/Darkroom Equipment

-300 MA 125KV X-ray machine (the table measures 24"x54" and

is 3' high)

- f i l m processing tank (18"x24")

-automatic p r i n t e r (24"x24"x36" high)

- d r i p racks

-safe l i g h t

-clock-timer

-X-Ray viewer
HOSPITAL y
 67

TREATMENT

The treatment of a p a t i e n t follows the examination and can occur

e i t h e r during the examination or i n another c e n t r a l l y located and b e t t e r

equiped place depending on the type and extent of treatment necessary.

Usually the v e t e r i n a r i a n chooses to take the p a t i e n t to a treatment table

away from the c l i e n t to prevent him from experiencing unpleasant sights

and to have more equipment at his disposal. Such procedures as minor

surgery and dental work are done, and here emergency cases can be recieved

and evaluated. These f a c i l i t i e s should be located adjacent to where the

examination rooms and the pharmacy-laboratory.

Equipment:

-winged stainless steel table

-E.K.G. machine

-dental machine

-baby incubator(18"xl8"x24")

-small r e f r i g e r a t o r (2'x2'x2')

- c e i l i n g mounted e l e c t r i c clippers f o r shaving the treated area

-wall mounted X-ray viewer

- b u l l e t i n board
 stainless Steel Sink and
Stainless Steel
^ 68
Counter Top Typical
Formed Together Stainless
Steel Edge

PLAIN!
SCALE"5/Q" = 1 I _ n ' i
3/8"=r-0'

Stainless Steel
Waste Compart
Sink Door and Frame

1 '^^^
1 \ - 1
1 - 1
Open 1 ^'^ 1
1 •= 1

ELEVATION
SCALE 3/8"=l'-0'

FREATMENT T A B L E ^ SINK
 69
Equipment ( c o n t . )

-clock

-movable l i g h t source

WARDS

The wards are f o r the boarding (or kennelling) of animals and the

h o s p i t a l i z a t i o n of p a t i e n t s . Most c l i e n t s prefer a f u l l service hospital

so t h a t they may go to one place f o r a l l t h e i r veterinary needs. The

boarding and grooming services are i n great demand and can produce ad-

d i t i o n a l revenue f o r the h o s p i t a l . Dr. Chitwood prefers separate dog and

cat kennelling f a c i l i t i e s . Surgical patients t h a t require observation are

additional occupants of the wards and should be kept separate from the

boarding animals. Provisions should be made f o r the i s o l a t i o n of cont-

agious animals; three to f i v e cages is recommended f o r t h i s purpose.

The American Animal Hospital Association's Manual of Standards recommends

a maximum of 25 compartments per ward. Fifteen compartments per v e t e r i n -

arian i s the general rule of thumb followed i n determining the t o t a l

number of cages needed f o r normal c o n d i t i o n s .

Wards and runs should be given special consideration i n respect to

v e n t i l a t i o n , cleaning and sound c o n t r o l . From the standpoint of v e n t i l a -

 70

t i o n and f o r the purpose of noise i s o l a t i o n , they are best located at

the rear of the h o s p i t a l .

The v e n t i l a t i o n rate of the kennel should be determined on a d i f -

ferent basis than the rest of the hospital because of the large concentra-

t i o n of odor sources. Entering i n t o the amount of odor sources is the

number of animals, physical condition of those animals, and frequency

of compartment and run clean-up.

The quantity of outside a i r f o r v e n t i l a t i o n of the kennel and

runs should be based on an estimated percentage of animal occupancy and

types of animals, using 8 CFM f o r cats and 50 CFM f o r dogs. Although

there might be a time when a l l the compartments might be occupied, such as

during summer vacations, a v e n t i l a t i o n rate of 100% occupancy would

be excessive most of the time. A f i g u r e of 75% occupancy is consideration

a more f e a s i b l e f i g u r e to work w i t h .

The wards and runs should have exhaust fans to assure p o s i t i v e ex-

haust and maintain a negative pressure between these areas and other parts

of the h o s p i t a l . The i s o l a t i o n cages should be treated as contaminated

American Society of Heating, R e f r i g e r a t i n g , and A i r Conditioning Engineers,

Handbook of Fundamentals, 1967, Chapter 1 1 , Table 7, Average Odor Free
Requirements
 71

Outlets in t r i m
Above cages

tza

24x30 24x24 ?4x24 ?4x2^ 24x2^ 24x2^ 24x2^ 24x24 ?4x30

36x60 36x60 36x36 36x36 36x36

^
Concrete Base
Floor Sloped
to Drain

ELEVATION
SCALE l/4"=l'-0'

CAGES
 72

by exhausting 110% of the a i r supplied. The supply should be s u f f i c i e n t

f o r proper cooling and heating. The exhaust i s larger than the supply to

maintain a negative pressure.

To f a c i l i t a t e f l o o r cleaning and prevent trapped moisture, the

cages should be supported o f f the f l o o r . The cages should be arranged

so as not to face each o t h e r , and any unneccessary t r a f f i c and a c t i v i t y

i n f r o n t of the compartments avoided.

Equipment:

-Hospital ward - 14 stainless steel cages

-Cat boarding ward - 10 stainless steel cages

-Dog boarding ward - 20 stainless steel cages

EXERCISE RUNS

The excersize runs serve two necessary f u n c t i o n s : they provide a

place f o r the animals while the cages are s e r v i c e d , and they serve as a

place to exercise the animals of the wards. The runs are best located

adjacent to the wards to minimize the time and e f f o r t needed to exer-

cise the dogs. One run f o r each s i x or seven cages is recommended.

Although the minimum size f o r a run is 3' by 5 ' , runs f o r l a r g e r dogs

should be provided at a minimum size of 4' by 7 ' . Extremely large dogs

 73
are occasionally kept i n the runs rather than a cramped cage.

Divisions between runs should be constructed to discourage any

contact between occupants. A four inch concrete block wall properly

coated with glazed wall coating i s the most s a t i s f a c t o r y , particularly

i n terms of long-range wear and use. I t i s recommended t h a t these walls

should be constructed approximately 5 ' - 6 " high with cove base and

rounded cap. The gate should be constructed of a galvanized chainlink

fence material to prevent corrosion and to allow the animal to see o u t .

To f a c i l i t a t e cleaning, the f l o o r s of the runs should slope to the rear

f o r p o s i t i v e drainage and made of a smooth hard surface. Water f o r

cleaning and consumption should be a v a i l a b l e .

Due to the s i t e s l o c a t i o n i n a r e s i d e n t i a l area and i n a cooler

region of the country, outside runs w i l l not be applicable. Their use

depends to a great extent on weather c o n d i t i o n s . Not only are they d i f -

f i c u l t to keep clean, but they can be a source of noise t h a t is a

nuisance to neighbors. The inside runs must have e x c e l l e n t v e n t i l a t i o n

to permit rapid drying of the f l o o r and to eliminate odors. A rate of

10 to 12 a i r changes' per hour and an i l l u m i n a t i o n of 50 footcandles i s

recommended.
 74

FOOD PREPARATION

The wards require a place to prepare the animal's food. Very

few animal hospitals go to the trouble of cooking and preparing the

food f o r the p a t i e n t s . The prepared canned diets today are more than

adequate and require much less time and expense. A counter space, s i n k ,

can opener, r e f r i g e r a t o r , storage and refuse disposal are the necessary

items f o r t h i s f u n c t i o n . The cabinet space above the counter top w i l l

be used as secondary storage of the canned d i e t s ; adjustable shelving

is recommended. The cabinet space below the counter top w i l l be used as

storage of the dry food, bowls and r e g r i g e r a t o r . Bulk q u a n t i t i e s of

food w i l l be stored in a central storage with other supplies.

GROOMING

Grooming services can provide additional income f o r the hospital

and is i n great demand by c l i e n t s who prefer to have a l l t h e i r pets

needs taken care of at one place. Professionalized grooming w i l l

require more space than the normal f a c i l i t i e s f o r medical bathing

and therapeudic work. Tubs should be mounted 36 to 39inches (to rim)

o f f f l o o r . Chrome or brass eye bolts b u i l t i n t o the bottom of the

 75

tub are a convenience f o r leashing an animal while bathing. The f l o o r

should p i t c h to a central drain to allow f o r treatment of large animals

on the f l o o r . Several cages should be located i n the area with provisions

for electrical dryers.

GENERAL SERVICES
 76

OFFICE

The v e t e r i n a r i a n should have a p r i v a t e o f f i c e f o r consultation

purposes with c l i e n t s , f o r a place to concentrate on personal business,

and relax p r i v a t e l y . This space i s not a luxury i t e m ; i t is a v i t a l part

of the v e t e r i n a r i a n ' s p r a c t i c e . Another necessity to the v e t e r i n a r i a n

is a p r i v a t e bathroom and shower. I t is a place where he can freshen-up

during a long day or a f t e r being s o i l e d while handling an animal.

LOUNGE

The s t a f f members need a place they can relax p r i v a t e l y during a

break or during lunch. Dr. Chitwood s p e c i f i e d t h a t i t should be furnished

with a sleeper-sofa, r e f r i g e r a t o r , micro-wave oven, and a table with

chairs f o r the convenience of the s t a f f .

LIBRARY

The American Animal Hospital Associations Manual of Standards

states: A professional l i b r a r y s h a l l be available to the hospital staff.

There shall be books, p e r i o d i c a l s , and other materials appropriate to

the needs of the s t a f f . The h o s p i t a l ' s professional l i b r a r y should be

 77

active and capable of providing p e r t i n e n t and useful information t h a t

w i l l serve the programs of the hospital and the needs of the veterinary

staff. This function can be apart of the o f f i c e space.

STORAGE

General storage f o r long-range requirements and bulk-type items

is necessary. Items such as paper goods, f l e a c o l l a r s , extra dog food,

and other bulk items w i l l be kept here. A place f o r the storage of

e x t e r i o r and landscape equipment i s needed. Dr. Chitwood has expressed

a desire f o r t h i s storage to be combined i n t o a small maintenance room,

f o r the storage of small hand tools and work bench.

DISPOSAL and MORGUE

A chest-type freezer i s to be used as a morgue i n which to keep

cadavers u n t i l they are disposed o f . A local pick-up service w i l l be

hired to pick up these cadavers on a scheduled basis.

SOUND CONTROL 9
 78

SOUNDPROOFING

In order to be acceptable i n an urban area, any v e t e r i n a r i a n

hospitalmust have e f f e c t i v e control over sound emission, p a r t i c u l a r l y

where the animals are kept over n i g h t .

"Indeed, i f any animal i s confined i n a completely sound

proofed environment where no noise is heard from w i t h i n

or w i t h o u t , and sound absorption material i s used on the surfaces

of i t s " c e l l " , i t w i l l go q u i c k l y "beserk" and attempt to b i t e

i t s way out of t h i s obviously f r i g h t e n i n g environment." '

The problem of noise and i t s control are divided i n t o three p a r t s ;

(a) the noise source, (b) the r e c i p i e n t s of the noise and (c) the "path"

between the two. In the cases which we are considering, l i t t l e can be

done about (a) and (b) so t h a t our concern is the reduction of as much

noise as possible along the " p a t h " . When considering the noise source,

i t i s important to take i n t o account the frequency or p i t c h of the

1 C.S. De La Mare and E.M. Pittaway, "Soundproofing of Veterinary

Premises" The Journal of Small Animal Practice V o l . 6 No. 3 (June 1965):
207-210
 79

sound which influenced both transmission and the e f f e c t on the recipients

Solutions to most noise problems can usually be resolved without

too much d i f f i c u l t y , as the noise source can be measured as w i l l as the

reduction due to the " p a t h " , e i t h e r as e x i s t i n g or proposed. The two

main c h a r a c t e r i s i t c s of sound are frequency ( p i t c h ) and pressure

(loudness). Frequency i s measured i n cycles per second (c/s) and loudness

i n decibels (db).

Table 1. Typical Frequency of Sounds

Source of Sound C h a r a c t e r i s t i c frequency ( c / s )

Bass voice 90-350

Tenor voice 130-500
Soprano voice 250-1200
Trumpet 160-1000
Flute 260-2400
Piccolo 550-4500
High frequency w h i s t l e from t e l e v i s i o n set 10125
 80

Table 2. Typical Sound Pressure Levels

Sound Sound pressure level (db)

Threshold of pain about 135

Passing tube t r a i n 95
Loud speech 75
Average conversation 65
Quiet o f f i c e 50
Quiet church 20
Average threshold of hearing about 10

When sound f a l l s on a surface, part of i t is r e f l e c t e d , part

transmitted and part of i t absorbed. The proportion absorbed is given by

the absorption c o e f f i c i e n t f o r the m a t e r i a l . An absorption c o e f f i c i e n t of

1 corresponds to 100 per cent absorption. This c o e f f i c e n t usually varies

with the frequency and i t i s usual to take an average c o e f f i c i e n t for

the absorption at a number of s p e c i f i e d frequencies. The table below

gives the absorption c o e f f i c i e n t of a number of conventional building

materials at three of the frequencies usually used i n c a l c u l a t i o n s .

 81

Table 3. Absorption c o e f f i c i e n t s at given frequencies

Material Frequency (c/s)

Brickwork p l a i n or painted 125 500 2000

Plaster on s o l i d 0.02 0.03 0.03
Concrete 0.03 0.02 0.04
Fibreboard, 1/2 i n . on s o l i d , unpainted 0.05 0.15 0.30
Fibreboard, 1/2 i n . over 1 i n . airspace on s o l i d 0.30 0.30 0.30
Floor t i l e s , hard 0.03 0.03 0.05
Wood boards on j o i s t s 0.15 0.10 0.10
Glass wool, 1 i n . on s o l i d 0.10 0.70 0.80
Glass wool, 1/2 i n over 1 i n . airspace on s o l i d 0.35 0.90 0.95
Hardboard, 1/8 i n . panel roofing f e l t on back 0.90 0.25 0.10
Asbestos spray 1 i n . on s o l i d , unpainted 0.15 0.50 0.70

The main problem in reducing the nuisance value of noise from h o s p i t a l i s e d

animals w i l l be solved by careful consideration of the f o l l o w i n g :

(a) The i n s u l a t i o n value of the enclosing w a l l s , f l o o r s and c e i l i n g s .

(b) The absorption c o e f f i c i e n t of the inner surfaces of the b u i l d i n g .
(c) The reduction of passages f o r airborne noise.

With reference to (a) the best i n s u l a t i o n is mass. Light p a r t i t i o n s

receiving sound vibrate and r e - r a d i a t e the sound on the other s i d e .

S i m i l a r l y , l i g h t suspended f l o o r s and c e i l i n g s have the same e f f e c t .

The absorption c o e f f i c i e n t of the l i n i n g materials mentioned i n (b)

 82

assist i n reducing the noise near i t s source and reducing r e f l e c t e d sound.

Neither (a) nor (b) w i l l be of very much use i f care is not taken with

the treatment of openings such as windows, v e n t i l a t o r s , drains and doors.

The degree of sound i n s u l a t i o n and absorption required w i l l vary

with many t h i n g s , including the p o s i t i o n of the room i n r e l a t i o n to i t s

surroundings, nature of i t s c o n s t r u c t i o n , nature of the sound source e t c .

CORRESPONDENCE
 Modern
Veterinary
2308 28th Street
Lubbock, lexas 79111
Practice
October 7. l')77
19 October 1977

Dr. .). f Siiii the r s , Cd, l i a r r y Be.ir, l e y

Hoderti V'.terintiry Practice 250R 2 S t b S t .
P 0. Rr.iwer KK, b u l i b o c k T.\ 79 I ] 3
^.intfl F<arb<u-ci, C a l i f o r n i a 93102
Dear Mr Bcazlf^y:
Hear Di-. "^.Mithcrs: Jlr. Smithcors -isked mc to reply to your lotfei 'if 7
(Jctolicr in wiiich vou ask for informa! ion ]"ejiarjjn); (iie
I am .in a r c h i t e c t u r a l design student a t Texas Tech U n i v e r s i t y design of a veterinary cii-nic. UTiiJc I can not personally
and am c u r r e n t i l y developing a program f o r my thesis p r o j e c t . This provide tills information, 1 can direct you to a numlier
p r o j e c t , a h y p o t h e t i c a l problem, is a v e t e r i n a r y h o s p i t a l which w i l l of .sources whicli may be of some help to you. Tliey are:
accommdate a throe-man, a l l small animal p r a c t i c e . Because the i n -
f o r r ' a l i o n 1 need to begin t h i s program is so scarce and generally Sariier, liarry. llie Husines.s Management of a Small Aiiimal
inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations i n hopes t h a t they Practice,!.'. B. j^aunders Co. , Phi ladelph i a, 1907.
might be a source o f the information necessary.
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Plann_|nn
The information that I hope to o b t a i n , w i t h your h e l p , includes Your Animal Hospital, American Animal Hospital ^ s s o c ,
Ihe f o l l o w i n g : Skokic, lllincu s , 1 "9 5 5.

(1) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, i n c l u d i n g any equipment Williamson, Stantoji, ed. The Veterinai'y CliiiU's of '-.'erth
America, Symposium on Practice .Management and^Tlosp i t a 1
(?) S t a f f necessary Uesi^ir7 IV. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1972.

(3) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space i s required Veterinarv Hconomics magazine, published by The United
for each Pub 1 i.slii ng Corii"! [This magazine has frequent articles on
animal hospital design.
Any i n f o r m a t i o n that you can provide w i l l be g r e a t l y appreciated.
I f there Is any expense i n v o l v e d , I w i l l be glad to compensate you. 1 hope that t icsc sources are of help. If von should
coiiic up with ,1 10-15 page article on con tcmpoiary animal
iiosiiital design, we might be interested in publishing it.
Sincerely yours.
C o r d i a 11 V , A i
' " • ;

Forres t C. Sm i1h
Barry A. Beazley Man.-ig ing P.u i tor

AMI A n.-vriRAMA C A I I F n HMI A o.l t O? . 7 E-i. E TH ON t inOr.l 'ir,^ Sn?9

 y^MlERICAN A N I M A L HOSPITAL. ASSOCIATION
ijliiin iif aniiital llnjjfilalf ii'itl iirinll irtimal t)rcit:niinnc'\
3GI2 EAST JEFFERSON DOHLEVARD • P O BOX 6J2?
bOUTM REND. INDIANA 45660 • TELEPHONE 2\ 5, 232-0226
2308 28th Street
Lubbock, Texas 79411
October 7, 1977
December 1, 19 77

American Animal Hospital Assoc. Journal

3612 C. Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, Indiana 36R15

Dear sirs: Mr. Barry Beazley

2308 28th Street:
I am an a r c h i t e c t u r a l design student a t Texas Tech U n i v e r s i t y Lubbock, Texas 79411
and am c u r r e n t l y developing a program f o r my thesis p r o j e c t . This
p r o j e c t , a h y p o t h e t i c a l problem, is a v e t e r i n a r y h o s p i t a l f o r Or Dear Beazley:
Kennp'li L. Chitwood, whose present h o s p i t a l i s a member of your
a s s o c i a t i o n . Dr. Chitwood's p a r t i c i p a t i o n as a c l i e n t has created Enclosed is a copy of the Manual of Sliandards of the
an elerrent of realness i n this p r o j e c t . Because the information American Animal Hospital Association and a Supplement
I need to begin this program i s so scarce and generally inadequate, to tlie Standards. I hope that this material will be
I am w r i t i n g to various associations in hope that they might be a of value to you in your work toward your thesis.
source nf the information necessary.
Other questions indicated in your letter could be
Tlie h o s p i t a l w i l l house a three-man, small animal p r a c t i c e . answered by telephone calls to Dr. 0. J. Woytek, Loop
The i n f o r m a t i o n that I hope to o b t a i n , w i t h your h e l p , includes the 410 Veterinary Hospital, Inc., 755 tJ . E. Loop 410,
following: San Antonio, Texas 78209, (512)824-7344, or Dr. Paul
Kramer, Village Veterinary Clinic, 8785 Gaylord Drive,
(1) The American Animal Hospital A s s o c i a t i o n ' s standards for Houston, Texas, (713)468-7955.
doctors and h o s p i t a l s of i t s membership.
I hope this informat:ion will be of assistance to you.
(2) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, i n c l u d i n g equipment
Sincerely,
(3) S t a f f requited f o r n h o s p i t a l of this size and character.

[1) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space i s required

U'.
f o r each WENDHLL C . M O R S E , D.V.M.
I-^xociitivc Director
Anv Information that you can provide w i l l be g r e a t l y appreciated.
I f there Is any expense i n v o l v e d , I w i l l be glad to compensate you.

Sincerely yours,

Bar-ry A. Beazley
 2308 28th S t r e e t
ics /
Veterinarv Economics
The Veterinarian's B U S I N E S S Mag
lazlne a
2728 EncUd Avcvuc Cleveland , Ohio -',J,nr,
9/
LubbocI, Texas 79411 Plume: 2J,1-WU Area Code Jill
October 7, 1977
O c t o b e r 19 , 1977

Mr. John D. Velnrdo, Ed.

Veterinary economics
2738 E u c l i d Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Dear Mr. Velarde:
I am an a r c h i t e c t u r a l design student at Texas Tech U n i v e r s i t y
ind an; c u r r e n t l y developing a program foi my thesis p r o j e c t .
p r o j e c t , a h y p o t l i e t i c a l problem, is a v e t e r i n a r y h o s p i t a l which w i l l
accomiidat'^ a three-man, a l l small animal p r a c i t c e . Because the i n -
formation I need to begin t h i s program i s so scarce and generally
inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations In hopes that they
might be a source of the i n f o r m a t i o n necessary.
The information that I hope to o b t a i n , w i t h your h e l p , includes
the t ' i l l owing:
(1) f a c i l i t i e s necessary, i n c l u d i n g any equipment
(2) S t a f f necessary
(3) What a c t i v i t i e s are performed and how much space i s required
for each
Any information that you can provide w i l l be g r e a t l y appreciated.
I f theie i s any expense i n v o l v e d , I w i l l be glad to compensate you.
B a r r y Beazley
2308 28th Sti-eet
L u b b o c k , T X 79411
[Enclosed, M r . Beazley,
This
. . i.s a copy of t\^e l a t e s t issue oP V E T E R I N A R Y E C O N O M I C S
M a g a z i n e . T h i s i s being sent to you i n respotise to y o u r r e q u e s t
of O c t o b e r 7. A s you can s e e , i t contains an a r t i c l e about ?n
a w a r d - w i n n i n g hospital (Page 3 8 ) . A s i m i l i a r a r t i c l e i s publisfied
each m o n t h , i f you w i s h , we can supply you w i t h c o p i e s of past
issues so tiTat you can study the a w a r d a r t i c l e s w h i c h they c o n t a i n .
In a d d i t i o n to tlie m o n t h l y a w a r d s , we s e l e c t one hospital each
y e a r to r e c e i v e a. s p e c i a l " H o s p i t a l - o f - t h e - Y e a r " a w a r d . We can
send you c o p i e s of issues w h i c h have contained a r t i c l e s about
1 t o s p i t a l - o f - t h e - Y c a r w i n n e r s . If you w i s h that we sent you such
n^iaterial, please let us know how m a n y issues you d e s i r e , and we
w i l l send t l i e m to you along w i t h a covei-ing i n v o i c e .
Cordially,

VETFRirsiAR<9ECONO/V>r6s Magazine
Sincerely y o u r s ,

Bat-ry A. CGOzley
a ^6f^n D. \ ' e l a r d o
t^ditorial Director

Enclosure
 .A.!Mii;mcAr>« ^ ' ^ I S T K U I I N A U Y I M r c u i c A i ^ A . s s o < : i . v ' r i o i N
930 MORTH MFACHAM ROAD SCKAUWBURG. ILLITJOIS OC1 30 PHONE llr'PeS-eOTO

230R 28th Street October 12, 1977

Lubbocl, Texas 79411
October 7, 1977

Dr. A. freeman, Ed.

American Veterinary Medical Assoc. Journal
Mr. Barry Beazley
930 Unrtti Meacham Hoad
2308 28th Street
ScbauMiburg, I l l i n o i s 60172 Lubbock, Texas 79411
Dear Pr. freeman:
Dear Mr. Beazley:
I am an a r c h i t e c t u r a l design student at Texas Tech U n i v e r s i t y
For information on design and construction of small animal
and am c u r r e n t l y developing a program f o r iiiy thesis p r o j e c t . This
hospitals, I suggest you contact the American Animal Hospital
p r o j e c t , a h y p o t h e t i c a l problem, i s a v e t e r i n a r y h o s p i t a l which w i l l
Association, 3&12 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, In 46615,
accommdate a three-man, a l l small animal p r a c t i c e . Because the i n -
and Veterinary Economics, Inc., 2728 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland,
f o r i r a t l o n I need to begin t h i s program i s so scarce and generally
Ohio 44115.
inadequate, I am w r i t i n g to various associations i n hopes t h a t they
might be a source o f the information necessary.
The AAHA is an A^/MA affiliated veterinary organization and 1s
our principal reference authority on animal hospital matters.
The information that I hope to o b t a i n , w i t h your h e l p , includes
the fo11ov;lng: Respect^tully, /
(1) F a c i l i t i e s necessary, i n c l u d i n g any equipment / '-
(2) S t a f f necessary I {\ /:V/'-''///i
Arthur•Frdeman, DVM
(3) What activities are performed and how much space is required Editor-in-CIiiet
for each AF:ak
Any information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
If there is any expense involved, I will be glad to compensate you.

Sincerely y o u r s .

Barry A. Beazley
BIBLOGPAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY -BOOKS

1 Swope, Robert E., DMV. Opportunities i n Veterinary Medicine. New York:

Universal Publishing Corp., 1965.

2 National Academy of Sciences, New Horizons f o r Veterinary Medicine.

Washington D . C , 1972.

3 Esmay Merle L . , Principles of Animal Environment. Westport Conn.,

The AVI Publishing Co. 1969.

4 I n t e r n a t i o n a l Conference of Building O f f i c a l s , Uniform Building Code.

W h i t t i e r C a l i f o r n i a , 1973.

5 American Society of Heating, R e f r i g e r a t i n g and A i r Conditioning

Engineers, Inc. Handbook of Fundamentals, 1967 ASHRAE.

6 Smith, Lawerence B., Modern Gun Dogs , Charles Scribner's Sons,

1936.

7 U.S. Dept. Of Commerce Climatological Data,1931 to 1972

8 Concept of Lakewood , A Development Plan, March 1975.

9 American Animal Hospital Association, Manual of Standards For

Animal Hospitals.

10 Mann, Warren C. The Planning of Veterinary Hospital F a c i l i t i e s 1975

PERIODICALS

1 McCarthy, John B. DVM. "Recognizing the Veterinary Technician", The

Veterinary C l i n i c s of North America Vol. 2, No. 3 September 1972

2 Copich, William J . AIA, "Avoiding The Common Errors Made i n the

Designing of Animal H o s p i t a l " The Veterinary Clinics oflNorth America.

Vol. 2, No. 3 September 1972

3 Euler, Henry J . " I n i t i a l Thoughts on Animal Hospital Design", The

Veterinary Clinics of North America V o l . 2, No. 3 September 1972

4 Stanton Williamson, DVM. " Animal Hospital Requirements" Journal

of the American Veterinay Medical Association V o l . 151, No. 5

September 1967

5 Gimber, W. S. "Practice Improvement-VIII. Equipment f o r Veterinary

Premises", Journal of Small Animal Practice V o l . 7, 1966 pg. 69-75.

6 Barto, Lester R. "Raising Standards with a Modern Surgery", Small

Animal C l i n i c i a n May 1962.

7 Pittaway, E. M. "Soundproofing of Veterinary Premises" Journal of

Small Animal Practice V o l . 6, pg. 207-210

DOCUMENTATION
 1

CONCEPT

The design of my thesis evolved from a concept that placed priority on the

circulation of the veterinarian as well as that of the client. Steps saved by

the veterinarian can increase his proformance and efficiency. The client usually

arrives in a concerned state of mind. Less confusion on his part will benefit

the animal as well as the doctor.

The functions of a veterinary hospital fall into four basic divisions:

1. the outpatient or clinical; 2. the surgical; 3. the hospital and 4. gen-

eral services. Some services such as those devoted to laboratory and radiologic-

services are common to two of these divisions. These divisions were the basis for

the development of this design.

Initial concerns dealt with the evaluation of the site. The site is lo-

cated within a commercial strip of land surrounded by residentially-zoned areas.

The site which measures 200' x 200' is bounded by Union Blvd. to the west, an im-

portant north-south artery of Lakewood. It is currently a two lane street and

will eventually be widened to four lanes. The site has no trees and is mostly

covered with native grasses. There is a gradual slope of 5 to 6 feet from its

north west corner to the south-east. The site drops 15 to 20 feet at a slope of

45° along the extreme eastern boundary to residentally-zoned property; providing

 2

its most desirable feature: an exceptional view of the city of Denver. The ele-

ments of the hospital which are best benefited by this view are the doctors'

offices and the employees lounge. These elements were located to the rear of the

building for this reason.

The hospital functions were organized according to the four basic divisions.

The relationships between these functions were compared and the current spatial

arrangements were developed.

CLINICAL

The clinical area is the most public area of the hospital because much of it

is for publics use. Separate canine and feline waiting areas are provided to

reduce confrontations between pets. The entrance vestibule and receptionist sta-

tion are the divisional elements between these waiting areas. Each waiting area

has its own entrance into the examination corridor. This corridor is the main

circulation area to the four examination rooms. It also provides access to the

library and the three veterinarians' offices from the waiting areas.

After the examination the client is directed to a separate counter at the

receptionist station to make additional arrangements such as financial transactions

or future appointments. From this point the client exits the hospital directly

from the examination corridor through the vestibule for the emergency entrance.
This "one-way" circulation prevents any confrontations between entering and

leaving animals.

The receptionist's station is centrally located, allowing the recep-

tionist to have visual contact with the two waiting areas, hospital entrance

and the examination corridor. A short hallway allows the receptionist to go

directly to the pharmacy to get prescriptions. This helps reduce her time away

from the receptionist's station. A public toilet is adjacent to the recep-

tionist station and convenient to the waiting areas. The custodian's closet

has been placed next to the toilet so that any messes made by the animals in the

waiting areas can be quickly and easily cleaned up.

LABORATORY AND PHARMACY

The laboratory and pharmacy areas of the hospital are centrally located

adjacent to the examination rooms and the treatment area of the hospital. The

veterinarian has separate entrances in the examination rooms from the laboratory-

pharmacy area. This allows him access to the pharmacy for any additional medi-

cation that he might need, and also provides him with a private entrance into the

examination room. This location of the pharmacy is essential in that it saves

the doctor precious steps and prevents his exposure to interruptions and
distractions. This same circulation area allows the doctor to go directly to

the treatment area or to his office from the examination rooms. Adjacent to

the pharmacy is the x-ray room. This central location is accessible from the

examination rooms as well as the treatment and surgery areas. The dark room

for film processing is located next to the x-ray room.

TREATMENT

The treatment of a patient follows the examination and the veterinarian

usually chooses to take the animal to the treatment area to perform this task.

This prevents the client from experiencing the sometimes unpleasant sights and

odors. The treatment area is the most active area of the hospital and has been

referred to as the hub of the hospital. Such procedures as minor surgery and

dental work are done, and here emergency cases can be received and evaluated.

Most of the activitie of the hospital relate to the treatment area in one way or

another. This is why it has taken a central location in respect to these ac-

tivities. This arrangement maximizes the veterinarians efficiency and minimizes

his steps. The pharmacy, x-ray, surgery preparation, and surgery functions are

all within steps of the treatment area. The emergency entrance allows the client

to enter the treatment area directly from the parking lot. This saves precious

time and avoids unpleasant sights and messes in the reception area.
SURGERY

With the increase in sophistication of surgical and anestheic equipment,

the surgical procedure has demanded more and more space. The most tedious and

exacting work is done here, requiring a high degree of sterilization and freedom

from all distractions. Surgical procedures including general major surgery,

minor surgery, transfusions and emergencies such as administration of oxygen,

resusitation and aspiration all are performed here. All unnecessary circulation

or unrelated activities must be prohibited to maintain this high degree of ster-

ilization and freedom from distraction.

Two surgery areas have been provided so that two surgery procedures can

occur simultaneously. The surgery scrub-up and the pack room are located between

the two surgery rooms. Surgical linens and instruments are cleaned, sterilized,

bundled and stored in pass-thru cabinets so that they will be available when

needed. Each surgery has only one entrance, both of which open onto the surgery

preparation area.

WARDS

The hospital ward is located adjacent to the surgical preparation area so

that the hospitalized animals can be placed into cages immediately. The hospital
ward has a viewing window so that the animals can be observed from the surgical

preparation area. The hospital ward is equipped with a counter for food prep-

aration. The runs and medicated bathing for this ward are located just across

the hall to the rear of the hospital. The isolation ward is located just off

of a main corridor leading from the kennel area through the hospital to the

offices. The hospital ward consists of 17 cages and the isolation ward consists

of five cages.

KENNEL

The grooming and kenneling facilities of the hospital are separate functions

and are treated as such. A separate waiting area is provided for these services.

The grooming area is located adjacent to the waiting area. Animals brought in

for grooming are done so by appointment and will not stay over night. Holding

cages in the grooming area are provided so there will be no need to keep them in

the wards, thus saving steps. The cat ward is beyond the grooming area toward

the rear of the hospital and the dog wards are beyond this. This arrangement

places the dog wards adjacent to the runs which are located to the rear of the

hospital in order to isolate noise and odors.

 7

SITE PLANNING

Vehicular circulation on the site is in two areas (1) to the front of the

hospital parallel to the street (2) to the south side of the hospital perpen-

dicular to the street. The area to the front of the site consists of 15 parking

spaces for public use. The area to the south side of the hospital is the parking

for the employees. This drive is double loaded on the drive. The drive also

serves as circulation for services to the hospital, which are brought in at the

rear of the building. This conceals the view of the trucks, and also places the

trucks near the major storage area of the hospital. At this vestibule is the

freezer where dead animals are stores until a hauling service picks them up.

Upon arriving the employees can enter the building from either the service entrance

or the entrance to the kenneling waiting area.

MATERIALS

The veterinary hospital like most hospitals demands a high degree of main-

tenance and durability of surfaces. The presence of animals creates additional

problems in maintaining the hospital. These concerns were major factors in choosing

materials for this hospital. The floors receive the greatest punishment and re-

quire a tough material. Quarry tile is used most extensively throughout the
hospital; in the heavier work zones and areas where the floors are submitted to

soiling by the animals. It not only is an extremely durable material but its

richness in color adds a warmth that is difficult to achieve with so many hard

surfaces. Carpeting is the material used in the library, the three offices, and

employees lounge since the circulation of employees is less and there is little

if any exposure to animals. The ceilings of the waiting and reception areas are

made of redwood. This adds warmth to these areas and relates them to the exterior

treatment. The ceilings of the other areas of the hospital consists of suspended

metal lath and plaster. The interior walls of the hospital are made of gypsum

board on metal stud framing. Both the plaster ceilings and the walls are finished

with a polyester coating. Vinyl wall coating is used in the offices, library,

employees lounge and the more public areas of the hospital to add atouch of color.

All of these materials were selected because they are durable and easily maintained,

MECHANICAL

There are many factors to consider in the design of a mechanical system for

a veterinary hospital. The more important among these is the isolation of odors,

noise and bacteria. The mechanical system chosen for this hospital is a multi-

zoned all air single duct system. A boiler and chiller is incorporated to heat

or chill water which is piped to the air handelers in the mechanical room. The
supply air is heated or chilled in the mechanical area and directed to the

different zones in the hospital. The building can be divided into two

approximately equal halves each of which has its own mechanical system. Each

system has two zones, or a total of four zones. The zones are as follows:

Zone I consists of the waiting areas, reception area, examination rooms,

laboratory, pharmacy and the x-ray room; Zone II consists of the library,

employees lounge and the offices; Zone III consists of the treatment area

surgery rooms, surgery preparation and the hospital wards; Zone IV con-

sists of the kennel waiting area, grooming area, cat ward, dog wards,

medicated bathing, isolation and the runs. These zones were grouped

according to similar functions so that noise, odor and bacteria can be con-

trolled.

The mechnical room is located below ground and to the rear of the hospital.

A vertical chase near the center of the hospital directs the air ducts to the

roof structure from the mechanical room. The mechanical room opens to the out-

side at the rear of the building. A twelve foot drive leads down to the mechan-

ical room entrance. (See calculations at end of text).

 10

STRUCTURAL

The structural system selected for this hospital is steel and masonry con-

struction. The exterior walls are made of 8" concrete block, and when necessary

are load-bearing. Pipe columns are used to support the roof at internal points.

The hospital is layed-out on a 25' x 28' grid. The roof is supported by 25'

long open-web joist five feet on center. The roof consists of lightweight con-

crete on corrugated metal decking and built-up roofing. Red wood siding is

applied to the concrete block as the finish. (See calculations and sizes at end

of text.)

NATURAL LIGHTING

The use of natural lighting in the hospital is very desirable. Skylights

in the examination rooms provides for a better working environment and aids the

doctor during the examinations. Clearstory windows are used in the treatment

area, surgery rooms, pack room and wards. Windows in the ward and run areas

allow the dogs to see the sky and perhaps some trees. This calms and quietens

them. Skylights over the receptionist station provides for a better working

environment and the brighter lighting helps direct clients to this point.
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