Course

Lab & Exotic Animal Theory

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Course code
VTEC 2404
Credits
1.00
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course introduces avian, reptile and small mammal clinical skills. Topics include handling, restraint and medication administration methods as well as laboratory animal guidelines and research procedures.
Course content

Small mammals, reptiles and birds:

  • breeds and species
  • handling, restraint and identification methods
  • nutrition, husbandry and diseases
  • physical examination

Clinical procedures:

  • beak, wing and nail trimming
  • medication administration
  • venipuncture
  • anesthesia and analgesia
  • euthanasia procedures

Laboratory animal medicine:

  • Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) user training program
  • guidelines, legislation and regulations
  • ethics in animal experimentation
Learning activities

Learning activities may include recorded lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, discussion boards, preparation of client handouts, quizzes, written assignments, client communication simulations and guest speakers.  

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the swagÂ鶹 Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.

Evaluation will be based on:

Assignments: 20-50% (no assignment worth more than 20%)

Quizzes: 10-20% (no quiz worth more than 10%)

Term test(s): 0-20%

Final examination: 30-40%

Total: 100% 

Learning outcomes

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

  • identify common breeds and species of small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • describe safe restraint of small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • describe husbandry and nutritional needs of small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • describe the physical examination of small mammals and birds;
  • identify small mammal and bird breeds;
  • list the methods available for bird identification;
  • describe methods of medication administration for small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • describe common diagnostic, therapeutic and anesthetic procedures in small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • describe common diseases of small mammals, reptiles and birds;
  • explain the role of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) in maintaining the welfare of animals used in research;
  • complete the CCAC animal use training program;
  • discuss the ethics of animal use for research and the regulations surrounding the use and care of animals in laboratories.
Textbook materials

Consult the swagÂ鶹 Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Sirois, M. (Current edition). Laboratory Animal and Exotic Pet Medicine. Elsevier.

Requisites

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

Institution Transfer details for VTEC 2404
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

There are no course offerings this semester.