Revised 3/2018
VET 217 - Introduction to Laboratory, Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (2 CR.)
Course Description
Focuses on the identification, captive management, restraint and diseases of fish, reptiles, birds, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, primates, wild carnivores, and wild herbivores. Presents the fields of laboratory research and zoological medicine. Lecture 2 hours. Total 2 hours per week.
General Course Purpose
To acquaint the student with a general knowledge of laboratory, zoo and wild animals. This will include, but not be limited to, basic husbandry, behavior, restraint and common disease conditions; orphan care will also be presented.
Course Prerequisites/Corequisites
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, students will be able to:
- Identify, restrain, and collect samples from common laboratory and exotic animals
- Explain behavioral characteristics of common laboratory and exotic animals
- Describe the nutritional requirements and husbandry needs of laboratory and exotic animals
- Design a care and feeding program for an orphaned animal
- Describe and explain basic management of an aquarium and identify common problems in aquarium fishes
- List and identify organizations with expertise in handling, rearing and rehabilitating exotic and wild animal species
- Identify, describe and explain common diseases of laboratory and exotic animals
Major Topics to Be Included
- Common breeds of laboratory and exotic animals
- Restraint, handling and specimen collection from laboratory and exotic animals
- Special nutritional requirements of laboratory and exotic animals
- Common diseases of laboratory and exotic animals
- Raising orphaned laboratory, exotic, and wild animals (including organizations that can be contacted for further assistance)