Course description
This course builds on skills and knowledge learned in VTEC 1103 (Veterinary Nursing 1). Topics include an introduction to fluid therapy, emergency medicine and anesthesia in dogs and cats. Technical skills taught in this course include intravenous catheter placement, cystocentesis, urinary catheterization and bandaging. This course includes an introduction to rabbit physical examination and handling.
Course content
Intravenous (IV) catheterization:
- types of IV catheters
- IV catheter placement
- nursing care
Intravenous fluid therapy:
- IV fluid types - colloids and crystalloids
- fluid therapy calculations
- physiology of fluid compartmentalization
- dehydration and shock (various types)
Urinary procedures:
- methods of urine collection
- types of urinary catheters
- catheterization of male and female dogs and male cats
- nursing care of indwelling urinary catheters
Emergency medicine:
- triage and assessment of the emergency patient
- basics of CPR, emergency care and contents of the crash cart
- common toxins, effects and treatment
Wound management:
- phases and types of healing
- wound contamination and infection
- first aid, assessment and management of wounds
- bandages (including splints) and home care
Introduction to anesthesia:
- anesthesia safety
- planes of anesthesia
- monitoring equipment including pulse oximeter, direct and indirect blood pressure, capnograph, ECG
Radiography suite orientation:
- personal protective equipment and dosimeters
- radiography equipment and dark room
Behaviour & training:
- behaviour modification theory
- puppy and kitten training
- disruptive canine and feline behaviours
- hospital managment of fear/anxiety/stress (FAS)
Rabbits:
- breed recognition
- handling and restraint
- physical examination including sexing
Learning activities
The laboratory activities in this course take place both on-campus and off-campus and may include work experience, live animals, models and cadavers, pre-lab videos and video assessments, essential skills practice labs and hands-on instructor evaluations. Classroom instructional activities may include on-line open book quizzes, assignments, group work, online webinars and a discussion board.
Means of assessment
Assessments will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.
In order to acheive a grade of "C" (or higher) in the course, students must:
- demonstrate competency (a performance of 60% or higher) in an evaluation of each of the assigned essential skills
- attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled labs
- acheive a final minimum grade of 60% in each of the lecture and lab components
Evaluation will be based on:
Lab evaluations: 15-40% (No single evaluation worth more than 10%)
Assignments: 15-30%
Quizzes: 10-20% (No single quiz worth more than 10%)
Term test(s): 10-20%
Final examination(s): 30-40%
Total: 100%
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- safely and competently perform dog and cat essential skills designated by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association;
- calculate and apply intravenous and subcutaneous fluid therapy plans;
- place an intravenous catheter in a peripheral vein and discuss associated nursing care requirements;
- collect urine specimens from dogs and cats using appropriate methods;
- place urinary catheters and discuss associated nursing care requirements;
- perform basic assessment of the emergency patient;
- recognize and explain the treatment of common toxins;
- discuss appropriate wound care and perform basic bandaging techniques for dogs and cats;
- discuss stages of anesthesia, anesthesia safety and anesthetic monitoring;
- list the health and safety precautions required for working in the radiography suite;
- describe equipment used to take radiographs;
- discuss common behaviour problems in dogs and cats;
- discuss fear-free training techniques, including prevention and management of problem behaviours in a hospital setting;
- perform physical examination and restraint of rabbits.
Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- McCurnin. (Current Edition). Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. JM Bassert, AD Beal and OM Samples: Pub Elsevier.