Course

Lab Animal and Exotics

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Course code
VTEC 2307
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Practicum
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Winter

Overview

Course description
This course will introduce avian, exotic pet and laboratory animal clinical skills. Students will gain knowledge and experience in handling, restraint and treatment and will be exposed to laboratory animal guidelines and procedures.
Course content

Breeds and species.

Handling, restraint, identification methods.

Nutrition and husbandry.

Physical examination.

Comparative anatomy, physiology and diseases.

Clinical Procedures

  • Parenteral administration of drugs to rodents or rabbits.
  • Fluid sample collection from rodents or rabbits.
  • Oral dosing of rodents or rabbits.
  • Cleaning and medication of rabbit ears.
  • Anesthetic and recovery procedures of rodents and/or rabbits.
  • Beak wing and nail trimming (avians).
  • Euthanasia procedures.

Laboratory Animal Medicine

  • CCAC User training program.
  • Guidelines, legislation and regulations.
  • Ethics in animal experimentation.
  • Animal research protocols.
Learning activities

Methods of instruction include completion of a modified Canadian Council for Animal Care user online training program, lectures, group work, online quizzes, posters, live animal labs, simulations and practical evaluations. Field trips may also be included.

Means of assessment

Assessments 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 order to pass this course.

Evaluation will be based on:

Quizzes                                                            20-40%               

Assignments                                                     20-50% (No single evaluation worth more than 25%)

Practical final exam                                           0-25%

Practicum completion and evaluations                 5-20%        

Theory final exam or final project                       10-30%

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Identify common breeds and species of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians.

  2. Safely restrain rodents, rabbits, reptiles and avians for examination or medication administration.

  3. Demonstrate understanding of the husbandry and nutritional needs of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians.

  4. Perform physical examination of rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and/or avians, including the sexing of rodents and rabbits.

  5. Provide basic care of rodents or rabbits and assist with breeding and identification.

  6. Administer drugs parenterally to rodents or rabbits.

  7. Demonstrate understanding of identification methods for reptiles, amphibians, ferrets and avians.

  8. Discuss common diagnostics and therapeutic procedures in rodents, rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and avians, including beak, wing and nail trimming of avians.

  9. Explain common disease signs of rodents, rabbits, reptiles and avians.

  10. Explain the role of the CCAC and the regulations surrounding the use of animals in laboratories.

  11. Explain the basic principles of animal research protocols.

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials

Requisites

Prerequisites

VTEC 1203 and VTEC 2108

Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for VTEC 2307
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
29
Remaining seats:
1
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2143
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2145
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2145
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2143
Times:
Start Time
14:30
-
End Time
16:20
Section notes

VTEC 2307-001 is restricted to FT Veterinary Technology students. VTEC 2307-001 includes a lab on Tuesdays.