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VET 220 Laboratory & Exotic Animal Care & Management

This course explores the care and management of laboratory and exotic animals, emphasizing husbandry, nutritional needs, common diseases, and nursing techniques. Students will learn humane handling and restraint, reproduction and breeding methods, sanitation practices, and species-specific client education. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in drug administration, sample collection, and necropsy examinations.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: VET140 and VET200

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VET 220 Laboratory & Exotic Animal Care & Management

Campus Location

  • Georgetown
  • Stanton

Effective Date

202651

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: VET140 and VET200

Course Credits and Hours

2 credit(s)

1 lecture hours/week

3 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course explores the care and management of laboratory and exotic animals, emphasizing husbandry, nutritional needs, common diseases, and nursing techniques. Students will learn humane handling and restraint, reproduction and breeding methods, sanitation practices, and species-specific client education. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in drug administration, sample collection, and necropsy examinations.

Additional Materials

Stethoscope, pen light, scrubs, closed toe, non-skid shoes, digital thermometer, pocket notebook, watch with a second hand and pocket formulary (optional).

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

The student must have completed required rabies pre-exposure vaccination series or document proof of protective titer before taking this course. The cost of the series is the responsibility of the student and may not be covered by insurance. Students will be working with live animals. Students are required to travel to the Georgetown and Stanton campuses and off-campus clinical facilities.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner. (CCC4; PGC3)
  2. Perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species. (CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 2,3)
  3. Demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species. (CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2)
  4. Handle common laboratory animals used in animal research safely and effectively.(CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2,3)
  5. Provide safe and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets. (CCC 1,2,3,4; PGC 1,2,3)
  6. Explain routine surgical procedures and related equipment. (CCC 1,2,3,5; PGC 1)
  7. Perform analysis of laboratory specimens. (CCC 1,2,3,5; PGC 2)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Use written, oral, non-verbal, and electronic methods to communicate in a professional and effective manner.
    1. Use appropriate interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate within a team-based healthcare team.
    2. Recognize the legality of the veterinary-client-patient relationship.
    3. Produce and deliver client education in a clear and accurate manner at a level the client understands.
  2. Perform patient assessment techniques in a variety of animal species.
    1. Demonstrate effective and appropriate humane restraint techniques to include efforts to reduce stress during handling for various animal species
  3. Demonstrate husbandry, nutrition, therapeutic and dentistry techniques appropriate to various animal species.
    1. Implement sanitation procedures for animal holding and housing areas.
    2. Explain permanent identification.
    3. Explain breeding/reproduction techniques.
  4. Handle common laboratory animals used in animal research safely and effectively.
    1. Restrain laboratory animals based on species.
    2. Determine sex and explain reproduction of laboratory animals.
    3. Perform basic care procedures for laboratory animals.
    4. Perform methods of injection, collect blood samples, and perform oral dosing on laboratory animals.
    5. Describe anesthetic and recovery procedures for laboratory animals.
    6. Identify and describe clinical signs of common diseases in laboratory animals.
  5. Provide safe and effective care for birds, reptiles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets.
    1. Identify and describe clinical signs of common diseases in laboratory animals.
    2. Provide client education based on the unique husbandry issues for exotic and lab animals.
    3. Perform and record results of a physical exam on a bird.
    4. Perform nail trim on a bird.
  6. Explain routine surgical procedures and related equipment.
    1. Explain routine surgical procedures and related equipment, for an orchiectomy procedure.
    2. Explain routine surgical procedures and related equipment, for an laparotomies procedure.
    3. Explain routine surgical procedures and related equipment, for an dystocias procedure.
  7. Perform analysis of laboratory specimens.
    1. Perform a postmortem examination or dissection on non-preserved animals.
    2. Collect samples, store and ship according to laboratory protocols.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average


Evaluation Measure

%of final grade

Exams (Summative)

40%

Quizzes/Assignments (Formative)

20%

Client Education Project (Summative)

20%

Environmental Enrichment Project (Summative)

20%

Clinical Skills Assessments (Summative)

PASS/FAIL

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Interpret theoretical veterinary technology knowledge and concepts to provide competent veterinary nursing procedures.

  2. Demonstrate competence in essential veterinary technology skills by performing a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.

  3. Exhibit professionalism by adhering to the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations, while maintaining a commitment to ethical vet procedures.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/current/catalog/academics/attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal