Veterinary Nursing 1
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 3 hours/week
The laboratory activities in this course take place both on-campus and off-campus and may include work experience, live animals, models and cadavers, pre-lab videos and video assessments, essential skills practice labs and hands-on instructor evaluations. Off-campus duties for large animal practical skills are also required. Classroom instructional activities may include on-line open book quizzes, assignments, group work, online webinars and a discussion board.
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Handling, restraint and behaviour:
- defining behaviour (normal, abnormal, species differences)
- relationship between patient behaviour and safe handling of each species
- use of restraint devices in hospital and farm settings
- canine and feline basic training (counter-conditioning, positive and negative reinforcement/ punishment)
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History, physical exam and record keeping:
- accurate history taking
- medical records including problem oriented medical record and subjective, objective, assessment and plan formats
- normal and abnormal vital signs
- Fluorescein dye test, Schirmer tear test and tonometry
- dog and cat breeds
- age equivalencies in dogs and cats
- wellness examination including vaccine protocols
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General nursing:
- grooming (bathing, nails, ear care, anal glands)
- physical and psychological needs including assessing pain and attitude
- monitoring vital signs and elimination
- administration of medications: topical, oral, per rectum (enemas), parenteral injections
- care of pediatric and geriatric patients
- blood collection and sample handling
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Kennel management:
- Fear-Free strategies to decrease stress and increase safety and well-being of patients
- sanitation – cleaning and disinfection
- isolation procedures
Upon completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
- Describe the physical appearance of the healthy dog and cat and recognize signs of illness in each.
- Safely handle and restrain dogs, cats and other species for physical exams and clinical procedures.
- Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure, for each species.
- Observe and describe normal behaviour signs including warning signs of aggression in dogs and cats.
- Obtain and record history and physical exam data.
- Provide basic grooming care for dogs and cats.
- Discuss the special nursing needs of pediatric and senior patients.
- Examine, clean and medicate eyes and ears.
- Administer many forms of medication to dogs and cats, including per os/oral administration and parenteral injections.
- Perform venipuncture, blood collection and sample handling.
- Institute kennel management procedures, including cleaning and disinfection and isolation.
- Perform wellness examinations including vaccines.
- Recognize common dog and cat breeds.
Evaluations 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 both lecture and lab components, in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program. Evaluation will be based on:
Assignments 15-40%
Term Tests 10-20%
Practical Evaluations 15-40%
Final Lecture Exam 10-25%
Final Laboratory Exam 10-25%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.