Lecture: 2 hours/week for 10 weeks
and
Lab: 4 hours/week for 1 week and 12 hours/week for 2 weeks
and
Clinical: 32 hours/week for 1 week
Learning activities may include lecture, workshops, online quizzes, pre-lab videos, group work, simulations (using models, including cadavers), live animal labs and practical skills evaluations.
Surgical instrumentation and equipment
- autoclave operation
- care and maintenance of instruments
- preparation of sterile surgical packs, surgical drapes and gowns
Surgical assistance
- preparation, cleaning and disinfection of the surgical suite
- appropriate surgical suite conduct (sterile and non-sterile personnel)
- sterile opening and handling of instrument and suture packs and gowns
- scrubbing, gowning and sterile gloving
- sterile draping techniques
- handling and passing of instruments and suture during surgery
- care of exposed tissues
- surgical reports
Care of the surgical patient
- clipping, cleaning and surgical preparation of skin
- patient positioning for surgery
- patient identification
Wounds
- wound healing and repair
- methods of wound care, including management of abscesses
- suture materials, needles and wound closure techniques
Elective and non-elective surgeries
- surgical technique, equipment requirements and patient preparation for common veterinary surgeries
- species differences in ovariohysterectomy and castration surgical techniques (dog, cat, rabbit, equine, ruminant)
Patient preparation for anesthesia and surgery
- patient wellness procedures including physical examination
- blood and urine collection, analysis of blood and urine samples and lab equipment operation
- medical record-keeping, reception procedures, patient admission and discharge
Anesthesia
- anesthetic protocols for pre-medication, induction, maintenance and recovery
- administration, maintenance and monitoring of anesthesia
- medical record-keeping
- patient support during anesthesia
- anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment
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;
- wrap and sterilize surgical drapes, towels and gowns for small animal surgery;
- clean, lubricate and maintain surgical instruments and equipment, and prepare sterile surgical packs;
- perform proper pre-operative surgical suite preparation and post-operative cleaning;
- prepare to assist with surgery (hand scrub, gown and glove);
- assist a surgeon with surgery including sterile draping, passing instruments and care of exposed tissues;
- prepare a patient for surgery;
- perform patient identification (microchip placement);
- describe suture materials, surgical needles and suture patterns and their uses;
- perform basic suturing techniques;
- discuss the indications and surgical techniques for common veterinary surgeries;
- describe patient, instrument and equipment preparation for common veterinary surgeries;
- describe post-operative care requirements for different surgeries;
- describe different types of wound, wound healing and wound management and identify unhealthy wounds;
- discuss the pharmacology of anesthetic and analgesic drugs, and recognize the effects and side effects of drugs when used in live animals;
- calculate sedative, anesthetic and analgesic drug dosages;
- prepare a dog or cat for anesthesia and for surgery;
- use clinical signs and monitoring equipment to monitor patient status in all stages of anesthesia;
- set up, maintain, operate and troubleshoot anesthetic delivery and monitoring equipment;
- troubleshoot changes in patient vital signs during anesthesia and implement authorized treatments;
- identify anesthetic emergencies, discuss the use of emergency drugs and equipment and implement authorized treatments.
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 achieve a grade of C (or higher) in the course, students must:
- achieve a final minimum grade of 60% in each of the lecture and lab components
- 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
Evaluation will be based on:
Lab evaluations: 40-60% (no single evaluation worth more than 20%)
Assignments: 10-30%
Quizzes: 5-20% (no single quiz worth more than 5%)
Term test(s): 0-20%
Final examination(s): 20-40%
Total: 100%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- J.M. Bassert, A.D. Beal and O.M. Samples. (Current Edition). McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. Pub Elsevier.
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