COURSE INFORMATION

Describes animal health and disease, surgical techniques, and animal behavior. Includes demonstrations and selected observation and practice in animal hospitals, clinics, or research laboratory. Lecture 2 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

This course is designed as a survey of the major diseases affecting livestock and horses. It also provides the student of the veterinary technician's role in livestock and equine veterinary practice.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Enrollment is limited to students program placed in the Veterinary Technology curriculum or students approved by the Program Head of Veterinary Technology.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. acquaint him/herself with the major diseases (by body systems) of equine, ovine, porcine, ovine and caprine species
2. understand the etiology, pathology, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and publish health significance of major livestock and equine diseases
3. understand the economic principles of livestock production and livestock practice including preventative medicine, parasite control and proper husbandry
4. handle and restrain livestock for routine medical care
5. administer medication, vaccinate, obtain samples and perform routine diagnostic and medical procedures on various species of livestock, and learn to assist the veterinarian in surgical procedures
6. acquaint him/herself with signs and behavior related to medical problems and disease of the various body systems of livestock
7. acquaint him/herself with the management of large animal practice including farm calls, two-way radio communication, portable equipment, and record keeping
8. explain to the client routine medical care and treatment of their animal and explain various diseases and preventative care
9. acquaint him/herself with the role of the Veterinary Technician in livestock and equine practice

1. Common diseases and conditions affecting livestock and horses
2. Basic principles of prevention of disease, nutrition, husbandry, and economics of livestock and equine practice
3. Basic techniques of handling, restraint, medicating, bandaging, surgical preparation and assisting, procurement of diagnostic samples, and anesthesia of livestock and horses
4. Knowledge of and ability to communicate to clients basic information concerning medical care and prevention of disease
5. Present and future trends in livestock practice, economic implications, and the role of the Veterinary Technician