Mathematics for Veterinary Technology

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• perform calculations involving fractions, decimals, percentages, and scientific notation;
• convert between fractions, decimals, percentages, and scientific notation;
• round values to a specified decimal place, fraction, or number of significant figures;
• set up and solve simple equations involving ratios and proportions;
• use conversion factors and dimensional analysis for unit conversion and dosage calculations;
• convert values within the metric system;
• convert values between the metric system and other measurement systems;
• perform dosage calculations for oral and parenteral medications;
• perform the calculations required to create single-ingredient solutions, mixed solutions, and weaker solutions from stock solutions;
• describe dilutions using ratios and dilution factors;
• perform the calculations required for serial dilutions;
• apply dilution calculations to clinical situations such as titres and blood cell counts;
• determine how to calculate flow and drip rates for intravenous solutions;
• perform the calculations required to operate fluid administration sets and intravenous pumps;
• define constant rate infusion, and determine rates of drug infusion;
• calculate the amount of drug to add to a set amount of intravenous fluid in order to match the rates of drug infusion and fluid administration;
• calculate an animal’s resting energy requirement and find energy requirements for other situations using a table of multipliers;
• accurately compare the nutritional content of dry and wet food;
• define and interpret reference ranges and explain their relationship to the normal curve.