Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Veterinary Clinical Procedures

 Title Abbreviation:   VET CLINICAL PROCEDURES

 Department:    VETA

 Course #:    111

 Credits:    4

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    510808

 EPC:    115

 REV:    2019


 Course Description  

Introduction to veterinary clinical procedures related to parasitology, hematology, urinalysis, and diagnostic imaging. Covers laboratory safety, zoonosis, the role of veterinary assistants in the veterinary clinical laboratory, proper use and care of microscopes, and working individually and in small groups to develop laboratory skills.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: VETA 103 and 105.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 22

Lab: 44

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe clinical procedures commonly used in veterinary hospitals.
  2. Safely handle, process, and store veterinary samples, including blood, urine and feces using OSHA approved standards.
  3. Identify laboratory equipment and supplies used to process feces, blood, urine, and radiographs.
  4. Define parasitology and explain its importance in veterinary diagnostics:
    • Define terminology related to veterinary parasitology. Describe the two basic lifecycles of parasites. Classify parasites. Identify common internal and external parasites.
    • Use a microscope to identify intestinal parasite ova. Describe zoonotic veterinary parasites. Identify common veterinary anthelmintics. Describe de-worming schedules for dogs, cats and horses.
  5. Define hematology and explain its importance in veterinary diagnostics:
    • Define terminology related to veterinary hematology. Describe the major functions of blood and list its components. Explain the function of red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, platelet counts and differential counts.
    • Identify normal red blood cell and white blood cell morphology. List and describe the components of a complete blood count. Determine the packed cell volume and total protein of a blood sample Develop an understanding of common veterinary blood chemistry tests.
  6. Define urinalysis and explain its importance in veterinary diagnostics:
    • Define terminology associated with urine testing. Describe the purpose of urine testing in veterinary medicine. Describe methods of urine collection for veterinary patients. Demonstrate urine collection methods commonly used by veterinary assistants.
    • Demonstrate proper handling/storage of urine samples. Describe the components of a complete urinalysis. Perform a dip stick test on a urine sample. Determine specific gravity of a urine sample.
  7. Develop an understanding of diagnostic imaging procedures used in veterinary hospitals:
    • Define terminology associated with radiology and other diagnostic imaging techniques. Describe the basic principles of X-ray production. List and understand radiation safety precautions, rules and regulations.
    • Identify protective garments worn to reduce exposure to X-radiation. Describe other diagnostic imaging techniques.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. Veterinary clinical procedures.
  2. Laboratory safety.
  3. Laboratory equipment and supplies.
  4. Zoonosis.
  5. Veterinary parasitology.
  6. Veterinary hematology.
  7. Veterinary urinalysis.
  8. Diagnostic imaging.