VETS 131 - Small Animal Care and Nursing

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): None

Restriction(s): Enrollment in Veterinary Science Program

Corequisite(s): VETS 104

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:

Restrain dogs and cats for examination and medical procedures.
Demonstrate the ability to perform intramuscular and subcutaneous injections on dogs and cats.
Perform a physical examination on dogs and cats. This includes the obtaining of vital signs, use of thermometer, stethoscope, otoscope and ophthalmoscope.
Administer medications to dogs and cats including oral, topical and auricle.
Administer basic CPR and first aid to dogs and cats.
Perform bathing and grooming techniques including ear cleaning, eye ointment, pedicure, bathing, expression of anal glands and clipping.
Perform basic filing of medical records as well as accurately recording pertinent clinical data in an animal record.
Establish and maintain appropriate sanitation and nosocomial protocols in the veterinary facility.
Perform basic medical math calculations.
Properly label and dispense medications.
Explain the practice of radiation safety and assist in the exposure and development of radiographs.
Will be able to assist in with anesthesia induction and maintenance as well as patient monitoring.
Discuss the basic principles of core and non-core vaccines of dogs and cats.