Course Description
This course addresses the Assistant, AHT and Veterinarian’s respective roles in kennel management and nursing procedures, and provides a practical introduction to the fields of veterinary radiology, anesthesia and dentistry. Practice in administering ocular tests, cleaning ears and anal sacs, administering enemas, and in other routine procedures are covered.
Enrollment is limited to students of the Animal Health Technology Program
Course Content
Ophthalmology – Procedures & Routine Care:
- terminology and anatomy review
- intraocular pressure, KCS, glaucoma, corneal ulcer, distichiasis
- review of instruments and materials: Tonopen, Schiotz’s tonometer, indirect lens, ocular head loupe, fluoroscein stain, ophthalmic drops and anesthetic, Schirmer’s tear test strips, and introduction to specialized surgical instruments
- care of instrumentation
Otic Care:
- brief review of ear examination and cleansing
- administration of otic medication
Urinary Care & Diagnostics:
- urinary catheters, types
- instruction and practice in catheterization of male dog and cat; demonstration and practice in females
- large animal techniques
- urinary collection requirements/sterilization
- free catch, catheterization and cystocentesis sampling
Special Needs Nursing:
- Pediatrics.
- basic nursing care for puppies, kittens, foals, calves and other species
- review basic requirements: temperature, light, food, hygiene, parasite control (internal and external), and weigh-ins
- digital and walk-on scales, and maternal care
- orphaned puppies, kittens, other species care
- comparison of commonly dispensed dewormers and flea medications and protocols
- tail and dewclaw charts
- sexing newborns of different species and the newborn checkup
- Geriatrics.
- review of intravenous catheterization and care
- body scoring charts
- musculoskeletal exam of senior dogs
- review of neurological exam terminology and data recording
- history taking for senior patients
- euthanasia decisions and the AHT's role
Veterinary Nursing:
- fluid therapy including intravenous catheter placement
- fluid and intravenous therapy calculations
- blood pressure monitoring, ECGs and other diagnostic tools
Anesthesia:
- definitions, anaesthesia safety in the veterinary facility charting of relevant data; preanaesthetic evaluation and preparation
Radiology:
- dosimetry, radiation safety including WCB & WHMIS regulations
- equipment introduction
- darkroom procedures
Wound and Fracture Management:
- definitions: wounds; phases of healing; types of healing, wound contamination vs. infection
- first aid and assessment; management of wounds and closure types
- cautions and complications
- bandaging – types and decision making
- drain types – characteristics and choices
- large animal and small animal – species differences in protocols
- equine tail and leg wraps.
- splinting
- introduction to casting
Surgical Nursing Skills:
- AHT’s role; preparing patients; review of surgical instrumentation – names and care
Learning Activities
This course includes 2 lecture hours per week, some of which will include video demonstrations of diagnostic and nursing skills. The laboratory consists of practical skills demonstrations and “hands-on” practice. Students will also go to individual veterinary practices (general small animal or mixed animal practice) for 5 hours of observation /internship once per week in weeks 9-12 of the semester
Means of Assessment
| Midterm 1 |
10-20% |
| Midterm 2 |
20% |
| Lab Assignments |
10-20% |
| Internship,ward duties evaluation(attitude, completion of checklists, presentation) |
20% |
| Professionalism |
10% |
| Final Exam |
20% |
| |
100% |
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of Veterinary Care II (AHTT 1203), the student will be able to:
- Understand and be able to use appropriate and safe techniques to examine and clean cats and dogs ears and eyes, to apply eye and ear medications safely, and to correctly utilize routine diagnostic eye tests.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate intravenous and subcutaneous fluid therapy, including the basics of intravenous catheterization.
- Be familiar with the basic techniques for blood collection and injections.
- Obtain urine specimens from dogs and cats using appropriate techniques and understand how to choose the technique required in each case.
- Place urinary catheters and understand the nursing care required for them.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the basics of radiation and anesthesia safety.
- Demonstrate wound care and basic bandaging techniques for dogs and cats.
- Understand the special nursing needs of pediatric and geriatric patients.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
- Crowe, Steven E. Manual of Clinical Procedures in the Dog, Cat & Rabbit. Blackwell Publishing 3rd edition, 2009.(required)
- McCurnin, Dennis & Bassert, J.M. Clinical textbook for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier. Current Edition.(required)
- Lavin, Lisa M. Radiography in Veterinary Technology. Elsevier. 4th edition. 2007.(recommended)