Lab Animal and Exotics

Curriculum guideline

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Course
VTEC 2307
Discontinued
No
Course code
VTEC 2307
Descriptive
Lab Animal and Exotics
Department
Veterinary Technology
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week x 10 weeks

Lab: An average of 2.5 hours Lab/ week x 10 weeks

Practicum placement: 105 hours

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Practicum
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.

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 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.

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%

Textbook materials

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

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.

Which prerequisite

None