Lecture: 3 hours/week
and
Lab: 20 hours/semester
Instructional activities may include recorded lectures, online quizzes, presentations, case studies, discussion board, group work, written and video assignments, client communication simulations and guest speakers. In-person laboratory activities may involve the use of models and cadavers, as well as live animals.
Handling, restraint and behaviour:
- behaviour (normal, abnormal, species differences)
- relationship between patient behaviour and safe handling of each species
- canine and feline restraint devices
- fear free strategies to decrease stress and improve the safety and welfare of patients and staff
- basic training concepts: counter-conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement/ punishment
History, physical exam and record keeping:
- accurate history taking
- medical records including the subjective, objective, assessment and plan (SOAP) format
- normal and abnormal vital signs
- physical examination of dogs and cats
- Fluorescein dye test, Schirmer tear test and tonometry
- dog and cat breeds
General nursing:
- grooming (bathing, nail trimming, ear care, anal gland expression)
- physical and psychological needs
- pain assessment
- administration of medications: topical, oral, per rectum (enemas), parenteral injections
- blood collection and sample handling
- intravenous and urinary catheters
- bandaging
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Observe and interpret normal behaviour signs in dogs and cats, including warning signs of fear and aggression;
- Describe the physical appearance of healthy dogs and cats and recognize signs of illness;
- Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats for physical examinations and clinical procedures using fear free approaches to minimise patient stress;
- Obtain vital signs in dogs and cats, including temperature, pulse and respiration;
- Obtain and record history and physical exam data such as the fluorescein dye test, Schirmer tear test and tonometry;
- Provide basic grooming care to dogs and cats including nail trims, bathing, ear cleaning and anal gland expression;
- Describe different methods of medication administration and the risks and benefits of each method;
- List the steps required to safely perform venipuncture and to prepare blood samples for laboratory testing;
- Discuss methods of intravenous catheter and urinary catheter placement and nursing care;
- Discuss the use of bandages in dogs and cats for wound management and describe the potential complications;
- Recognize common dog and cat breeds.
Assessment will be in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments 30-50%
Quizzes & Term tests 10-30%
Final Exam 20-40%
Total 100%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- McCurnin. (Current Edition). Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. JM Bassert, AD Beal and OM Samples: Pub Elsevier.
Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program