Course description
This course provides a foundation in basic principles of pharmacology and pharmacy practice for veterinary technologists. Topics include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dispensing regulations, nutraceuticals and vaccines as well as antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, chemotherapeutic, analgesic and antimicrobial drugs.
Course content
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics:
- drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
- drug actions including agonists, antagonists, affinity and efficacy
- therapeutic index, drug half-life and withdrawal periods
- drug toxicity and types of adverse reaction
Pharmacy regulations:
- regulations and labelling requirements for over-the-counter, prescription and controlled drugs
- safe methods to store, dispense and administer all medication types
Drug classes:
- analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs
- antimicrobial drugs
- antiparasitic drugs
- immune-modulating and chemotherapeutic drugs
- ophthalmic drugs
Vaccines:
- vaccine types, administration and side effects
Nutraceuticals:
- types, indications and regulatory oversight
Drug calculations:
- drug doses, colloid and crystalloid fluid requirements
Learning activities
Instructional methods may include recorded lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, discussion boards, preparation of client education handouts, quizzes, written assignments, client communication simulations and guest speakers.
Means of assessment
Assessment will be 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. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments 20-50% (no single assignment worth more than 20%)
Quizzes 0-20% (no single quiz worth more than 5%)
Term test(s) 0-20%
Final Exam 30-40%
Total 100%
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- define pharmacological terms;
- explain Canadian dispensing and label regulations for prescription and controlled drugs;
- describe basic concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics;
- calculate dosages of drug formulations;
- discuss the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine including major antibiotic drug classes, antifungal drugs and antiviral drugs;
- describe and compare available vaccine formulations;
- discuss nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals, and the indications, research and clinical studies upon which recommendations for their use are based;
- describe mode of action, effects and side effects of commonly used analgesic drugs including opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- assess and describe pain pathways and the use of multimodal pain management strategies;
- recognize behavioural signs of pain in dogs and cats, and assign clinical pain scoring systems;
- describe the classification, mode of action, effects and side effects of antiparasitic drugs, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, chemotherapeutic and ophthalmic drugs;
- describe treatment protocols for prevention and treatment of parasitic infestations in different species.
Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- Romich, J.A. (Current Edition). Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians. Thomson Delmar Learning.