This course may involve lectures, hands-on laboratory tasks, demonstrations, case studies, group work, classroom presentations, flipped classroom, simulations and/or online quizzes.
large animal parasites are practiced. Students will also be introduced to basic clinical pathology including hematology and complete blood counts.
- 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 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 successful 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.
- Prepare samples for submission and complete laboratory submission forms.
Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. 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 progress in the Veterinary Technology program. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Quizzes 15-45% (no single quiz worth more than 15%)
Assignments 25-50%
Lab Midterm 10-20%
Final Exams 15-40%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.
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