Lecture: 4 hours/week
Instructional methods may include recorded lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, discussion boards, preparation of client education handouts, quizzes, written assignments, client communication simulations, and guest speakers.
The immune system:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common immune-mediated diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the immune system (e.g. glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive and chemotherapy agents)
The urinary system:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases in domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the urinary system (e.g. diuretics, antihypertensives and drugs used for treatment of incontinence)
- Nutritional management of common urinary diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and bladder stones
The gastrointestinal system:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs affecting the gastrointestinal system (e.g. antiemetics and antidiarrhea drugs)
- Nutritional management of common gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colitis
The endocrine system:
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Drugs used in the management of endocrine diseases
The integumentary system:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Nutritional and medical management strategies for common integumentary diseases such as allergies
The sensory system:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Common diseases of domestic animals (pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment)
- Medical management strategies for common sensory system diseases, such as otitis, corneal ulceration and glaucoma
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the immune, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumetary and sensory systems of domestic animals;
- describe common diseases and disorders of the immune, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumetary and sensory systems in domestic animals including their causes, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options;
- describe the classification, mode of action, effects and side effects of immune, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, integumetary and sensory system drugs used in domestic animals;
- discuss the nutritional management of, and commercially available therapeutic diets for, urinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine and integumetary system diseases for domestic animals.
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on:
Assignments 20-50% (no assignment worth more than 20%)
Quizzes 10-30% (no quiz worth more than 20%)
Final Exam 20-40%
Total 100%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- Colville TP, Bassert JM. (Current Edition). Clinical Anatomy & Physiology for Veterinary Technicians. Mosby.