This course involves eight hours per week of classroom instruction or laboratory activity for six weeks. In addition, students will spend six to eight hours per week for six weeks in Workplace Lab Instruction in large animal veterinary clinics and related facilities to develop workplace practical skills. Finally, a three week practicum will allow students individual internship experience.
Enrollment is limited to students in the Animal Health Technology Program.
The major topics in the course include
Exotic and Laboratory Animal Species (including rodents, rabbits, reptiles and avian species)
- Handling and Restraint
- Husbandry
- Anatomy & Physiology, with emphasis on the differences from cats/dogs and the significance for clinical procedures, anesthesia, research purposes, etc.
- Laboratory Animal Medicine – focus on research applications
CCAC’s National Institutional Animal User Training Programs
Guidelines, Legislations and Regulations
Ethics in Animal Experimentation
The 3 R’s of Humane Animal Experimentation
Occupational Health and Safety
Research Issues\Basic Animal Care\Environmental Enrichment
Basic Diseases and the Animal Facility
Pain, Distress and Endpoints
Analgesia
Anesthesia\Euthanasia of Experimental Animals
5. Clinical Procedures
6. Labs and clinical rotations for practical experience on handling, restraint, basic procedures and anesthesia.
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
- safely handle and restrain exotic and lab animal species.
- understand husbandry principles to maintain the health and welfare of exotics and lab animal species.
- review the basic anatomy and physiology of the above species, with emphasis on the relevant practical aspects.
- understand common diagnostics & therapeutic procedures in exotic and alb animal species.
- understand the role of the CCAC and regulations surrounding the use of animals in laboratories.
- understand common clinical procedures performed on exotic and lab animal species.
| Practical exams | 20-30 |
| Laboratory Assignments & Projects | 20-40 |
| Preparation, Participation & Attendance | 10 |
| Final Examination | 20-40 |
| 100% |
Grades: A+ 95-100, A 90-94, A- 85-89, B+ 80-84, B 75-79, B- 70-74, C+ 65-69, C 60-64, C- 55-59, P 50-54, F 0-49.
- McCurnin, D.M. & Bassert, J.M., Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier, Current ed. (required)
- Crowe, Steven E. 2009. Manual of Clinical Procedures in the Dog, Cat & Rabbit. Blackwell Publishing. 3rd edition. (required)
- Sirois, Margi. 2004. Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology. Mosby Inc. (recommended)
- Steel toed rubber boots and coveralls or appropriate farm wear will be required for all farm and large animal visits. Clinic shoes and scrubs/lab coat will be required for in clinic instruction.