Revised 4/2013

VET 221 - Advanced Clinical Practices III (4 CR.)

Course Description

Presents advanced clinical techniques commonly performed in the veterinary practice. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 6 hours. Total 8 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To apply the concepts of veterinary laboratory techniques, surgical nursing, radiology, dentistry, and anesthesia to a clinical setting. To introduce advanced techniques in veterinary technology.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: VET 121, VET 122, VET 135, and VET 214. 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

Under supervision of faculty and staff, the students work together as part of the veterinary medical care team for animal patients. Assignments include patient presentation, laboratory evaluation, radiology, anesthesia, pre- and post- operative care, surgical procedures, dental procedures, and surgical assisting. Special techniques will be presented.

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

  • Perform a complete physical examination of a patient
  • Provide safe and effective restraint of the patient
  • Obtain diagnostic samples for laboratory testing
  • Perform laboratory testing on obtained samples
  • Perform appropriate vaccinations
  • Perform prescribed injections
  • Complete written medical and dental records using the SOAP format
  • Place peripheral intravenous catheter
  • Administer prescribed medications and anesthetic agents
  • Calculate and administer fluid therapy
  • Provide customized set up of anesthetic equipment
  • Perform intubation with endotracheal tube
  • Monitor anesthesia through stages of induction, maintenance, and recovery
  • Record vital signs and events of the anesthetic procedure
  • Clean and maintain anesthetic and monitoring equipment
  • Maintain log of Sodasorb usage
  • Evaluate patient for pain and distress
  • Address patient needs in consultation with veterinarian
  • Remove intravenous catheter as directed
  • Accurately record required information in the controlled drug logs and medical record
  • Assist in filling prescriptions
  • Assist in the completion of treatment sheets
  • Follow assigned treatment orders
  • Provide circulating assistance in the dental or surgical operatory
  • Provide surgical assistance in the surgical operatory
  • Use cap, mask, gowns, and gloves correctly
  • Use personal protective equipment for dental procedures
  • Perform dental prophylaxis using power equipment and hand instruments
  • Assist in other dental procedures as needed
  • Perform radiography as requested by veterinarian
  • Follow safety protocols for radiographic procedures
  • Provide care and maintenance of dental instruments
  • Provide care of surgical instruments
  • Prepare and sterilize surgical and dental instrument packs
  • Clean and sanitize the dental and surgical operatory
  • Demonstrate skin suturing techniques
  • Generate, measure, and evaluate electrocardiograms
  • Perform ocular diagnostic techniques
  • Practice use of jugular through the needle catheters
  • Describe safety precautions for and proper use of electrosurgery and laser equipment
  • Research and present findings on an advanced clinical technique
  • Describe physical therapy modalities
  • Apply concepts of critical care
  • Attend animal field trips 

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Practical application of techniques previously learned in laboratory techniques, surgery, patient care, anesthesia, dentistry, and radiology
  • Patient presentation and record keeping
  • Surgical assisting
  • Pre- and post-operative patient care
  • Various advanced clinical techniques in veterinary technology
  • Critical care
  • Physical therapy
  • Electrocardiography
  • Electrosurgery
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Ocular diagnostics