Revised 3/2018

VET 133 - Clinical Pathology III (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces various techniques in parasitology, cytology and necropsy. Studies the common internal and external parasites of various species of domestic animals. Emphasizes their life cycles, pathology, and prevention. Part III of III. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To acquaint the veterinary technology student with the basic concepts and various techniques in parasitology, cytology and necropsy. Students will also become acquainted with the basic information concerning parasites of importance in domestic animals. This will include study of life cycles and pathology of common internal and external parasites of livestock and small animals. Laboratory diagnostic methods will be included. 

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: VET 131, VET 132. Enrollment is limited to those students program-placed in the veterinary technology curriculum or those students with special approval from the program head.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of handling and sampling techniques in veterinary cytology. Emphasis will be on tissue aspirates and fluids, airway washings, joint fluids, bone marrow, vaginal smears, and semen evaluation
  • Identify normal and abnormal cells in the above samples
  • Perform basic laboratory testing on those samples (e.g., SpGr, total protein, cell counts, viscosity, etc.)
  • Perform a complete necropsy including sampling, collection, storage and shipment as well as handling of rabies suspects
  • Perform common diagnostic techniques for the identification of parasites
  • Identify the ova and adult of the common parasites of domestic animals
  • Describe life cycles, pathology, and public health significance of the common parasites of domestic animals

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Practical techniques in parasitology, cytology and necropsy.
  • Preliminary cytological identification of aspirates and impression smears
  • Identification, life cycle, and pathology of the common internal and external parasites of domestic animals
  • Potential public health significance of the parasites of animals
  • Communicating with clients regarding parasitism of pets