VETS 131 - Small Animal Care and Nursing

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): VETS 104
Restriction(s): Enrollment in Veterinary Science Program

This is a first year foundation course for all students in the Veterinary Science Technology program and is designed to give students “hands-on” experience prior to completion of the Veterinary Science Preceptorship. The laboratories emphasize the techniques and equipment which may be used for animal care and restraint, and allow students to become comfortable handling canine and feline patients. An introduction to veterinary nursing procedures, which may be applied in a veterinary practice, are also presented.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Apply safe, effective, and humane restraint techniques in dogs and cats that are appropriate for the individual animal’s behavior.
Perform comprehensive physical exams and patient assessment on dogs and cats.
Administer medications by several routes in dogs and cats.
Perform entry level small animal nursing techniques.
Recognize and respond to dog and cat medical emergencies.
Understand preventative care needs of dogs and cats throughout their lifespan.
Demonstrate proficiency in AVMA-required techniques.