This course involves two hours per week of classroom instruction and three hours per week of laboratory activity.
large animal parasites are practiced. Students will also be introduced to basic clinical pathology including hematology and complete blood counts.
Enrolment is limited to students in the Veterinary Technology Program.
The major topics in this course include the following:
- Introduction to Laboratory Equipment:
- function, care and maintenance of compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge
- calibration of instruments - Sample Handling
- sample collection, preparation and analysis
- accurate record keeping and completion of laboratory requisition form - Parasitology:
- life cycles of internal and external parasites common in veterinary medicine and their zoonotic potential
- diagnostic techniques, gross and microscopic identification - Clinical Pathology Part I (Hematology):
- function and formation of blood cells
- diseases and abnormalities of blood
- hemostasis - The CBC (complete blood count):
- manual techniques using a hemacytometer
- packed cell volumes and serum protein measurement
- preparation of blood films, including staining and evaluation
- red blood cell indices calculations, and performance of a differential white blood cell count
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Set up and safely maintain a veterinary practice laboratory.
- Use common laboratory equipment, including the compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge, and equipment and instrumentation used in parasitology and hematology.
- Calibrate and maintain a compound microscope.
- Implement quality control methods.
- Identify the major parasites of small and large animals.
- Describe the life cycles, zoonotic potential and control methods for these parasites.
- Perform diagnostic tests routinely used in veterinary parasitology.
- Demonstrate techniques used to collect laboratory samples.
- Describe the function, formation and abnormalities of components of blood.
- Perform routine testing used in hematology, such as complete blood count.
- Complete laboratory submission forms and be familiar with sample preparation for submission.
The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required (in both lecture and lab components) in order to pass this course. Evaluation will be based on quizzes and assignments, practical evaluations including a final practical examination, at least one midterm and a final written examination.
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
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