VETS 316 - Oncology and Pain Management

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in major or permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Major restrictions

Corequisite(s): None

This course will include the basic biology of cancer and neurobiology of pain, diagnostic principles and procedures associated with oncology, pain assessment, the multimodal treatment of cancer and pain, chemotherapeutic and pain medications, care of the cancer and painful patient, “compassion fatigue,” and client communication and education. The focus will be on companion animals.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

The student will understand the basic biology of cancer and neurobiology of pain pathways
The student will be able to understand and participate in clinical procedures associated with cancer diagnosis
The student will understand different imaging tools and procedures used in veterinary medicine
The student will understand about the preparation and administration of chemotherapeutic drugs and will be able to perform calculations involving these drugs
The student will understand varying cancer treatment options and how they are used in different species
The student will be able to assess pain in veterinary patients
The student will understand the different types of pain including neuropathic, visceral, and cancer-caused
The student will understand analgesic medications and be able to perform calculations for their administration
The student will understand about the care of cancer patients and painful patients including universal precautions when caring for oncology patients
The student will understand alternative treatment options for cancer and pain
The student will understand the multimodal and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer and pain management
The student will understand the role of the veterinary technician in client education and communication
The student will understand about “compassion fatigue” and stress in the workplace