Course Description
This course is an introduction to the neurologic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems in domestic animals. For each system, topics include anatomy, physiology, common diseases, and treatments available for each disease. In addition, the life cycle and diseases associated with common parasites of domestic animals are reviewed, and the drugs used for prevention and treatment of those parasites are discussed.
Course Content
Epidemiology and public health
- Epidemiological terms and definitions
- Zoonotic and reportable diseases
The nervous system
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the central nervous system (analgesics, sedatives, anesthetics, behaviour-modifying drugs)
- Drugs affecting the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
- Nutritional management of neurological disorders such as seizures and cognitive dysfunction
The blood and lymphatic systems
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
The cardiovascular system
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the cardiovascular system (inotropes, chronotropes, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics)
- Nutritional management of cardiovascular disease
The respiratory system
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the respiratory system
Parasitology
- Life cycles of common ecto- and endoparasites of domestic animals and associated disease states
- Antiparasitic drugs (classes, targeted species, methods of delivery)
Learning Activities
Instructional methods may include recorded lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, discussion boards, preparation of client education handouts, quizzes, written assignments, client communication simulations, and guest speakers.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the 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: 25-50% (no assignment worth more than 20%)
Quizzes: 10-30% (no quiz worth more than 20%)
Final Exam: 20-40%
Total: 100%
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- list federally reportable diseases and methods of control for those diseases;
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
- describe the fetal circulatory system and the changes that occur to the fetal circulatory system at birth;
- describe the causes, clinical presentation and diagnosis of common diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in domestic animals;
- describe the treatment options available for common diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems in domestic animals;
- describe the classification, mode of action, effects and side effects of nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems drugs;
- discuss the uses of nervous system drugs for local and general anesthesia, behaviour modification and treatment of seizures;
- describe the life cycle of common parasites of domestic animals and the diseases associated with parasitic infestation;
- describe the classification, mode of action, effects and side effects of antiparasitic drugs;
- describe treatment protocols for prevention and treatment of parasitic infestations in different species;
- discuss the therapeutic diets available for the nutritional management of nervous and cardiovascular system diseases.
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- Colville, T.P. & Bassert, J.M. (Current Edition). Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians. Mosby.