XII. Course Descriptions
Veterinary Technology
| DVT*1000 Livestock Production and Management F (6-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course introduces the students to food animals and horses, with an emphasis on terminology, nutrition, behaviour and housing. The food animal portion also includes common breeds, marketing, and breeding practices of various species, including sheep, poultry, dairy cattle, beef cattle and swine. The students may visit the swine, beef, and dairy herds on campus to observe the behaviour and management of various species. The equine portion of the course emphasizes the techniques, terminology and common diseases that the veterinary technician working in an equine practice would be exposed to, through the use of lectures, slides, videos and handouts. The colony horses provide hands-on experience in behaviour, handling, and restraint, as well as stable management. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*1010 Anatomy and Physiology I S,F (2-2) [0.50] | |
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| This course encompasses the gross anatomy and physiology of domestic animals with special emphasis on the cat as a pet animal species. The course covers all major body systems, with emphasis on those of veterinary clinical significance. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*1030 Biochemistry and Genetics F (4-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and animal metabolism. The basics of biochemistry are taught with an emphasis on interrelating physiological, chemical, nutritional and pharmacological processes of animals. Topics include organic chemistry, basic chemistry of biological compounds and metabolism. Genetics provides a basic understanding of the principles of protein synthesis, DNA replication, heritability, selective breeding and genetic improvement, genetic engineering and vaccine production. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*1040 Medical Exercises S,F (1-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This is a practical introductory course with an emphasis on working with dogs, cats, laboratory animals, birds, horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. Animal care and bathing are assigned to students on a rotating basis. Basic restraint, examination, medication and bandaging are discussed and practised. Injection and venipuncture techniques are introduced. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*1070 Laboratory Techniques S,F (4-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This first semester course consists of modules in microbiology and haematology. The microbiology module is an introduction to theoretical and practical aspects of microbiology. Topics include the study of microorganisms with emphasis on their morphology, physiology, biochemistry, culture and identification. The operation of the light microscope and laboratory safety are discussed. The haematology portion will introduce the veterinary technology student to the basic theoretical and practical aspects of canine and feline blood. Practical sampling techniques, handling and processing of samples, and cell identification will be covered. The performance, assessment and evaluation of common veterinary clinical procedures will be emphasized. Haematology mathematical calculations will also be covered. | |
| Restriction(s): | DVT*1020, |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*1080 Laboratory Quality Assurance S,F (3-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course introduces students to quality control and the mathematical calculations required in a laboratory environment. The quality control module is an introduction to basic clinical chemistry principles, common laboratory equipment safety, quality controls, mathematical calculations, and proper analytical techniques. The mathematical module introduces the veterinary technology student to the basic mathematical concepts and skills necessary to efficiently function in a clinical laboratory environment. Basic mathematical manipulations and calculations performed without the use of calculators are encouraged. Various mathematical calculations required to perform laboratory measurements are discussed and practiced. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*1050, |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2000 Companion Animal Management W (5-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course offers the veterinary technician student the information required to understand small animal husbandry. Through lectures, practical information is gained into the companion animal's nutritional needs, behaviour patterns and preventative health care. They learn what is normal and abnormal behaviour and how to advise clients on applying proper training techniques. The emphasis in this course is the prevention of health problems in companion animals. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2010 Anatomy and Physiology S,F,W (4-2) [0.50] | |
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| A continuation of DVT*1010, the course covers the structure and functions of select major body systems with emphasis on the lymphatic system and its importance in preventing and/or overcoming disease. Disease transmission, development and serological diagnosis will be discussed. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*1010 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2020 Haematology/Cytology S,W (3-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course expands upon the information introduced in DVT*1070. The veterinary technology student will study basic theoretical and practical aspects of feline, equine and bovine blood. Blood cell precursors will be studied and corrected counts will be included. Alterations of RBCs and WBCs will be covered. The performance, assessment and evaluation of common veterinary clinical procedures are emphasized. Haematological mathematical calculations will also be covered, as well as a section on cytology | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*1070 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2040 Medical Exercises S,W (2-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This is a practical introduction to venipuncture, IV catherization, anaesthesia and aseptic surgical techniques, restraint in laboratory animals and birds and the performance of fluid therapy and drug dose calculations. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*1040 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2050 Urinalysis S,W (1-4) [0.50] | |
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| This is a theoretical and practical course which emphasizes the macroscopic, chemical and microscopic characteristics of urine, along with the concepts of urinary diagnostic testing. The prevention and dietary treatment of urolithiasis is explored. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*2060 Communications & Vet Software W (2-2) [0.50] | |
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| Issues dealing with communication between the veterinary technician and clients, co-workers and the employer/ veterinarian are explored using communication theory and skills. Application of theories are demonstrated through discussions and class exercises. Hands-on labs introduce the use of computers in the veterinary clinic using current veterinary clinic software programs. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3000 Laboratory Animal Science S,F (4-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course familiarizes the students with scientific research involving animals, as well as issues in veterinary ethics. Topics include the role of the veterinary technician in research, regulations governing the use of animals in research, basic steps required to conduct a research project, how various animal species are used in research, assessment of animal health and welfare during a research procedure, and the care and common diseases of research animals. Through the preparation and presentation of seminars, students are encouraged to examine various aspects of veterinary ethics. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3010 Animal Nursing I S,F,W (2-3) [0.50] | |
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| This course is concerned with practical animal nursing relative to the basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history taking, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, fluid therapy and hospital care/safety. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are required to care for healthy large and small animals, and maintain a hospital area. Students may also visit small, large, equine and referral practices to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3020 Diagnostic Techniques I S,F (3-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques utilized routinely in veterinary practice. The course consists of modules in clinical chemistry and parasitology covering parasitology, haematology, cytology and chemistry. The parasitology portion of the course familiarizes the student with the host-parasite relationship for the common parasites of veterinary significance in Canada. Topics of discussion for the various parasites will include: campus location in the host, methods of infection, development and behaviour, clinical signs of disease, diagnoses and potential human health hazards. Various laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of animal parasites are studied/performed in the laboratory periods. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3030 Radiography I S,F (3-4) [0.50] | |
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| This is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with practical and theoretical aspects of radiography in animals. The lecture portion of this course outlines radiation safety, positioning, radiographic equipment, production of radiation, intensifying screens, films, grids, processing, contrast medias, preparing technique charts and trouble shooting. Each laboratory session is preceded by a prelab lecture which will introduce the laboratory topic and walk through case scenarios to cover any problems that may be incurred. During the laboratory sessions, the students work in small groups learning proper positioning, processing both manually and automatically, two contrast studies and various special imaging techniques. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3040 Pharmacology F (3-0) [0.50] | |
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| This course comprises a study of pharmacological terminology; basic mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and actions of drugs; legal aspects of pharmacology; and a discussion of drug classes commonly used in veterinary medicine. Drug dose calculation skills learned in DVT*2040, are also reviewed. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*3050 Surgical and Anaesthetic Principles II S,F,W (3-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course deals with the practical and theoretical aspects of anaesthetic and surgical techniques in animals. The lecture portion of the course introduces the students to various anaesthetic agents and techniques, as well as the principles of asepsis, the importance of monitoring and the correct response to anaesthetic emergencies. Each laboratory session is also preceded by a lecture in which the students learn about the rationale behind and possible complications with each surgery, thus enabling them to be involved in client education. During the laboratory sessions, the students work in small groups, rotating within these groups, becoming proficient in anaesthesia, surgical assistance, instrumental handling, surgical nursing and post-operative care. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4000 Dentistry S,W (1-3) [0.50] | |
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| This course introduces the fundamentals of small animal oral health, including the anatomy and physiology of the tooth and surrounding structures, and the disease processes which can occur. The emphasis is on the prevention of oral disease. Through the use of models and live patients, the student is introduced to the proper techniques involved in performing a complete dental prophylaxis and is given the information needed to enable them to counsel clients on appropriate preventative home care. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4010 Animal Nursing II S,W (2-3) [0.50] | |
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| A continuation of DVT*3010, concerned with practical animal nursing relative to basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history-making, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, fluid therapy and hospital care. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are required to care for healthy large and small animals and maintain a hospital area. Students may visit small, large, equine and referral practices to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*3010 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4020 Diagnostic Techniques II S,W (1-4) [0.50] | |
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| This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques routinely in veterinary practice. The material acquired in the introductory courses in laboratory techniques is expanded upon, particularly in the areas of bacteriology, haematology, cytology and mycology. Both large and small animal samples are utilized in order to prepare students to work in small, large or mixed animal practices. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*3020 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4030 Radiography II S,W (1-4) [0.50] | |
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| This course is a lecture and laboratory course dealing with practical application of all aspects of radiography in animals (a continuation of DVT*3030). Emphasis of this course is on proper positioning, using mechanical restraint, in order to obtain a quality radiograph. Subject material covered in the lecture course is applied here. In addition to routine radiography, topics include: trouble shooting, use of contrast media, safelight testing, dental radiography methods, maintenance of processing equipment and development of a radiographic technique chart. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*3030 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4040 Hospital Management S,F,W (4-1) [0.50] | |
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| This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic skills and procedures used in the management of animal hospitals, with emphasis on small animal facilities. Topics included within this course are personnel management, client relations, marketing strategies, inventory control, public health issues, and financial management. | |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4050 Surgical and Anaesthetic Principles S,W (1-4) [0.50] | |
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| This lecture and laboratory course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired during DVT*3050. The lecture portion gives background information on the anatomy, patient complications for each surgery, as well as the requirements for client education. Supplementary surgical lectures provide information about other small and large animal surgeries commonly performed in clinical practice. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | DVT*3050 |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |
| DVT*4060 Externship [Pass/Fail] W [0.00] | |
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| The Externship is a four week, 160 hour training and evaluation period in which senior students in their last semester enter veterinary practices away from Ridgetown College. The location must be one in which they have not worked or volunteered previously. Students are required to perform many of the duties that are commonly performed by graduate technicians, and are assessed by veterinarians or graduate technicians in the work setting. Students are required to keep a journal, as well as a check list of the skills they are performing. At the completion of their externship, they will complete a report on their practice location. They will also be assessed by the practice. If the externship is not completed satisfactorily, it will have to be successfully repeated before the student can graduate. (Offered annually at the end of the 4th semester for Conventional Delivery Vet. Tech program and at the end of the 3rd summer session for the Alternative Delivery program.) | |
| Prerequisite(s): | All current Veterinary Technology Courses |
| Co-requisite(s): | All current Veterinary Technology Courses |
| Restriction(s): | Only offered to students in the Conventional and Alternative delivery Veterinary Technology programs offered at University of Guelph, Ridgetown College. |
| Location(s): | Ridgetown |