University of Guelph 2003-2004 Diploma Program Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions, Veterinary Technology

DVT*1000 Livestock Production and Management F(6-0). [0.50].

This course introduces the students to food animals and horses, with an emphasis on terminology, nutrition, behaviour and housing. The food animal portion also includes common breeds, marketing, and breeding practices of various species, including sheep, poultry, dairy cattle, beef cattle and swine. By visiting the swine, beef, and dairy herds on campus, the students are able to observe the behaviour and management of various species. The equine portion of the course emphasizes the techniques, terminology and common diseases that the veterinary technician working in an equine practice would be exposed to, through the use of lectures, slides, videos and handouts. The colony horses provide hands-on experience in behaviour, handling, and restraint, as well as stable management.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*1010 Anatomy and Physiology I S,F(2-2). [0.50].

This course encompasses the gross anatomy and physiology of domestic animals with special emphasis on the cat as a pet animal species. The course covers all major body systems, with emphasis on those of veterinary clinical significance.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*1020 Microbiology S,F,W(3-4). [0.50].

This course is an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology. Topics include the study of microorganisms with emphasis on their morphology, physiology, biochemistry, culture and identification. The operation of the light microscope, media preparation, and laboratory safety are discussed.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*1030 Biochemistry and Genetics F(4-0). [0.50].

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and animal metabolism. The basics of biochemistry are taught with an emphasis on interrelating physiological, chemical, nutritional and pharmacological processes of animals. Topics include organic chemistry, basic chemistry of biological compounds and metabolism. Genetics provides a basic understanding of the principles of protein synthesis, DNA replication, heritability, selective breeding and genetic improvement, genetic engineering and vaccine production.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*1040 Medical Exercises I S,F(1-4). [0.50].

This is a practical introductory course with an emphasis on working with dogs, cats, laboratory animals, birds, horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. Animal care and bathing are assigned to students on a rotating basis. Basic restraint, examination, medication and bandaging are discussed and practised. Injection and venipuncture techniques are introduced.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*1050 Chemistry S,F(3-4). [0.50].

This is an introduction to basic clinical chemistry principles, common laboratory equipment, safety, quality control, mathematical calculations and proper analytical techniques.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2000 Companion Animal Management W(5-0). [0.50].

This course offers the Veterinary Technician student the information required to understand small animal husbandry. Through lectures, practical information is gained into the companion animal's nutritional needs, behaviour patterns and preventative health care. They learn what is normal and abnormal behaviour and how to advise clients on applying proper training techniques. The emphasis in this course is the prevention of health problems in companion animals.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2010 Anatomy and Physiology II S,F,W(4-2). [0.50].

A continuation of DVT*1010, the course covers the structure and functions of select major body systems with emphasis on the lymphatic system and its importance in preventing and/or overcoming disease. Disease transmission, development and serological diagnosis will be diagnosed.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*1010

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2020 Haematology S,W(3-4). [0.50].

This course emphasizes the theoretical and practical aspects of cytology and haematology. Normal and abnormal cell structure, the cell's environment, organization into tissues and the practical sampling, handling and processing of cells is covered. In haematololgy, the performance, assessment and evaluation of common veterinary procedures are emphasized. Haematological mathematical calculations are described.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2030 Communications S,W(2-2). [0.50].

Issues with communication between the Veterinary Technician and clients, co-workers and employers are explored, using communication theory and skills. Role playing and application of theory are stressed. Students are introduced to computers through lecture/lab format to perform basic DOS commands, word processing and clinical application of veterinary software, enabling them to operate IBM-compatible computers in a network environment as well as computers in a clinic.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2040 Medical Exercises II S,W(2-4). [0.50].

This is a practical introduction to venipuncture, IV catherization, anaesthesia and aseptic surgical techniques, restraint in laboratory animals and birds and the performance of fluid therapy and drug dose calculations.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*1040

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*2050 Urinalysis S,W(1-4). [0.50].

This is a theoretical and practical course which emphasizes the macroscopic, chemical and microscopic characteristics of urine, along with the concepts of urinary diagnostic testing. The prevention and dietary treatment of urolithiasis is explored.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3000 Laboratory Animal Science S,F(4-0). [0.50].

This course familiarizes the students with scientific research involving animals, as well as issues in veterinary ethics. Topics include the role of the Veterinary Technician in research, regulations governing the use of animals in research, basic steps required to conduct a research project, how various animal species are used in research, assessment of animal health and welfare during a research procedure, and the care and common diseases of research animals. Through the preparation and presentation of seminars, students are encouraged to examine various aspects of veterinary ethics.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3010 Animal Nursing I S,F,W(2-4). [0.50].

This course is concerned with practical animal nursing relative to the basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history taking, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, fluid therapy and hospital care. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are required to care for healthy large and small animals, maintain a hospital area, and assign animal use in the teaching program. Students also visit small, large, equine and referral practices to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3020 Diagnostic Techniques I S,F(3-4). [0.50].

This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques utilized routinely in veterinary practice. The material acquired in introductory courses in laboratory techniques are expanded upon, particularly in the area of parasitology, haematology, cytology and chemistry.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3030 Radiography I S,F(3-4). [0.50].

This is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with practical and theoretical aspects of radiography in animals. The lecture portion of this course outlines radiation safety, positioning, radiographic equipment, production of radiation, intensifying screens, films, grids, processing, contrast medias, preparing technique charts and trouble shooting. Each laboratory session is preceded by a prelab lecture which will introduce the laboratory topic and walk through case scenarios to cover any problems that may be incurred. During the laboratory sessions, the students work in small groups learning proper positioning, processing both manually and automatically, two contrast studies and various special imaging techniques.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3040 Pharmacology F(3-0). [0.50].

This course comprises a study of pharmacological terminology; basic mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and actions of drugs; legal aspects of pharmacology; and a discussion of drug classes commonly used in veterinary medicine. Drug dose calculation skills learned in DVT*2040, are also reviewed.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*3050 Surgical and Anaesthetic Principles I S,F,W(3-4). [0.50].

This course deals with the practical and theoretical aspects of anaesthetic and surgical techniques in animals. The lecture portion of the course introduces the students to various anaesthetic agents and techniques, as well as the principles of asepsis, the importance of monitoring and the correct response to anaesthetic emergencies. Each laboratory session is also preceded by a lecture in which the students learn about the rationale behind and possible complications with each surgery, thus enabling them to be involved in client education. During the laboratory sessions, the students work in small groups, rotating within these groups, becoming proficient in anaesthesia, surgical assistance, instrumental handling, surgical nursing and post-operative care.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4000 Dentistry S,W(1-4). [0.50].

This course introduces the fundamentals of small animal oral health, including the anatomy and physiology of the tooth and surrounding structures, and the disease processes which can occur. The emphasis is on the prevention of oral disease. Through the use of models and live patients, the student is introduced to the proper techniques involved in performing a complete dental prophylaxis and is given the information needed to enable them to counsel clients on appropriate preventative home care.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4010 Animal Nursing II S,W(3-4). [0.50].

A continuation of DVT*3010, concerned with practical animal nursing relative to basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history-making, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, fluid therapy and hospital care. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are required to care for healthy large and small animals, maintain a hospital area and assign animal use in the teaching program. Students also visit small, large, equine and referral practices to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*3010

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4020 Diagnostic Techniques II S,W(1-4). [0.50].

This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques routinely in veterinary practice. The material acquired in the introductory courses in laboratory techniques is expanded upon, particularly in the areas of bacteriology, haematology, cytology and mycology. Both large and small animal samples are utilized in order to prepare students to work in small, large or mixed animal practices.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*3020

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4030 Radiography II S,W(1-4). [0.50].

This course is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with practical application of all aspects of radiography in animals (a continuation of DVT*3030). Emphasis of this course is on proper positioning, using mechanical restraint, in order to obtain a quality radiograph. Subject material covered in the lecture course is applied here. In addition to routine radiography, topics include: trouble shooting, use of contrast media, safelight testing, dental radiography methods, maintenance of processing equipment and development of a radiographic technique chart.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*3030

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4040 Hospital Management S,F,W(5-0). [0.50].

This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic skills and procedures used in the management of animal hospitals, with emphasis on small animal facilities. Topics included within this course are personnel management, client relations, marketing strategies, inventory control, public health issues, and financial management. In order to assess proficiency in practical techniques, students are trained and evaluated in veterinary practices away from the college during a four week externship period.

Location (s): Ridgetown

DVT*4050 Surgical and Anaesthetic Principles II S,W(1-4). [0.50].

This lecture and laboratory course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired during DVT*3050. The lecture portion gives background information on the anatomy, patient complications for each surgery, as well as the requirements for client education. Supplementary surgical lectures provide information about other small and large animal surgeries commonly performed in clinical practice.

Prerequisite(s): DVT*3050

Location (s): Ridgetown




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Last revised: 14 May 2003

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