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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title VT 1220: Small Animal Nursing Techniques I

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 5 (1 lecture, 4 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) CHEM 1101, VT 1010, VT 1110
Other requirements Attendance is required for successful completion of the course. To enroll in the course, all previous required courses must have been completed with a C or better.
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course will introduce concepts of hospital animal care and record maintenance. Techniques emphasized will include history taking, initial physical examination, bathing, grooming, nail trimming, dermatological examination and application of topical medications, animal restraint, and preventive medicine. This course focuses on handling and restraint as well as basic administration of medication skills.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Application of record keeping procedures
  2. History and physical examination
  3. Restraint techniques of dogs and cats
  4. Diagnostic sampling and treatment techniques
  5. Preventive medicine
  6. Administration of topical and parental medications
  7. Injection techniques

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Perform basic veterinary medical record keeping procedures.
  2. Place and restrain small animals on tables.
  3. Identify the danger potential of each species so that your safety is kept in mind when restraining successfully.
  4. Perform a basic physical examination.
  5. Perform ocular examination and testing.
  6. Apply dog and cat safety muzzle.
  7. Discuss nail trim and anal gland expression.
  8. Recognize the presence of common external parasites.
  9. Apply topical medication into the eye and ear.
  10. Apply a restraint pole.
  11. Provide care and maintenance of nursing equipment.
  12. Restrain animals for collection of blood samples.
  13. Perform oral administration of medication.
  14. Discuss therapeutic bathing, basic grooming, and dipping to animals.
  15. Perform an otologic exam and ear cleaning.
  16. Auscultate heart and lungs.
  17. Perform routine observation of hospitalized patients.
  18. Perform patient assessment techniques.
  19. Administer enemas.
  20. Administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections to dogs and cats.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment to the lab. During the pre- lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of any materials used during a lab are discussed. In addition, if the lab involves any potentially infectious or zoonotic material, the students will be instructed on the proper use and disposal. The instructor will direct all students to where necessary protective equipment while working with any hazardous chemicals. A copy of Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used is available in the lab.