Course description
This course will introduce avian, exotic pet and laboratory animal clinical skills. Students will gain knowledge and experience in handling, restraint and treatment and will be exposed to laboratory animal guidelines and procedures.
Course content
Breeds and species.
Handling, restraint, identification methods.
Nutrition and husbandry.
Physical examination.
Comparative anatomy, physiology and diseases.
Clinical Procedures
- Parenteral administration of drugs to rodents or rabbits.
- Fluid sample collection from rodents or rabbits.
- Oral dosing of rodents or rabbits.
- Cleaning and medication of rabbit ears.
- Anesthetic and recovery procedures of rodents and/or rabbits.
- Beak wing and nail trimming (avians).
- Euthanasia procedures.
Laboratory Animal Medicine
- CCAC User training program.
- Guidelines, legislation and regulations.
- Ethics in animal experimentation.
- Animal research protocols.
Learning activities
Methods of instruction include completion of a modified Canadian Council for Animal Care user online training program, lectures, group work, online quizzes, posters, live animal labs, simulations and practical evaluations. Field trips may also be included.
Means of assessment
Assessments 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 order to pass this course.
Evaluation will be based on:
Quizzes 20-40%
Assignments 20-50% (No single evaluation worth more than 25%)
Practical final exam 0-25%
Practicum completion and evaluations 5-20%
Theory final exam or final project 10-30%
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
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Identify common breeds and species of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians.
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Safely restrain rodents, rabbits, reptiles and avians for examination or medication administration.
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Demonstrate understanding of the husbandry and nutritional needs of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians.
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Perform physical examination of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and/or avians, including the sexing of rodents and rabbits.
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Provide basic care of rodents or rabbits and assist with breeding and identification.
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Administer drugs parenterally to rodents or rabbits.
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Demonstrate understanding of identification methods for reptiles, amphibians, ferrets and avians.
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Discuss common diagnostics and therapeutic procedures in rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians, including beak, wing and nail trimming of avians.
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Explain common disease signs of rodents, rabbits, reptiles and avians.
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Explain the role of the CCAC and the regulations surrounding the use of animals in laboratories.
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Explain the basic principles of animal research protocols.
Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials