Veterinary Technology
VET 100 INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
The student is introduced to the Medaille facilities, expectations of the Veterinary Technology program, medical terminology and basic scientific concepts. Discussions are generated on career opportunities, the role of the veterinary technician in veterinary medicine, and the human-animal bond. The different classifications and breeds of companion and farm animals are studied. General principles of animal behavior, care, equipment and management are presented. Legal regulations on the county, state and federal levels are examined. There will be a preliminary investigation of the concepts of health and disease. Travel time to and from off-campus SPCA activities is required.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: Permission of VET Department Chairperson. Offered every semester (d).
VET 120 INTRODUCTION TO LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE
A general overview of the field of laboratory animal science is covered. Humane handling, care and ethical use of laboratory animals are emphasized. Taxonomic classification and comparative anatomic and physiologic characteristics of each species are mentioned. Laws, regulations, standards and organizations promoting responsible lab animal management are discussed. The use of alternatives to animals for research is explored. Basic handling, restraint and performing common procedures on small mammals are practiced in the laboratory portion of the course. Recognition of health and disease through the animal care rotation (vivarium) is an important aspect of this course. Note: The animal care rotation will require additional time besides scheduled class and laboratory hours for vivarium duty.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: Permission of VET Department Chairperson. Offered Fall semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 120) and the lab (VET 120 L) is required.
VET 126 ANIMAL PARASITOLOGY
This course focuses on the common ectoparasites and endoparasites of pets and large animals. Parasite identification, life history, and pathogenesis are studied. Public health aspects are noted and methods of prevention and treatment are discussed. Diagnostic procedures and identification are performed in the laboratory. Animal care will require additional time outside of scheduled lectures and laboratories.
Two credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100 and BIO 170; restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 126) and the lab (VET 126 L) is required.
VET 130 BASIC INTRODUCTION TO HORSES
The student is introduced to methods of handling and restraint of the horse: basic equine terminology including basic anatomy, breed identification, color and color patterns and equipment, and different disciplines of horseback riding.
Three credit hours. Offered as needed.
VET 132 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION I
Students will be grouped into riding classes according to their ability and previous experience. Subsequent riding courses will build on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous course. Students will learn the fundamentals of hunt seat riding including proper equitation at the walk, trot, canter and hand-gallop. They will also learn to jump both hunter and equitation type courses. All students will have the opportunity to compete in local horse shows.
Two credit hours. Offered as needed.
VET 177 PRECEPTORSHIP I
Each student spends 60 hours observing at an animal facility in areas of surgery, anesthesia, treatment, radiology, laboratory, and general facility operations. The primary objective is to introduce concepts by seeing examples of actual cases. The student becomes more familiar with and appreciates the scope of the veterinary technician in a practical, applied atmosphere.
Two credit hours.
Prerequisites: A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA unless taken in first semester at College; restricted to VET majors. Offered every semester.
VET 202 SMALL ANIMAL DISEASES AND NUTRITION
Emphasis is placed on the dog and cat regarding proper restraint and care. Physical as well as chemical methods of restraint are presented. Common disease processes experienced by the dog and cat are outlined and nutrition is examined as it relates to both the healthy and ill pet. Infectious, hormonal, traumatic, toxicological and nutritional problems include some of the disease processes covered. Raising orphan puppies and kittens and proper vaccination procedures are taught. Additional student time and assignments will be required outside of scheduled class and laboratory hours.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100, VET 120, and BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Fall semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 202) and the lab (VET 202 L) is required.
VET 204 VETERINARY CLINICAL LAB TECHNIQUES
This course examines blood, urine and feces for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Lectures will focus on the physiologic responses to disease and the effects of disease on measurable substances produced by the body. The collection, storage and handling of laboratory specimens and general laboratory management procedures, including safety and quality control, will be discussed. Laboratory sessions emphasize the performance of analytical procedures commonly used in veterinary medicine. Less routine procedures will be demonstrated and/or discussed. Concurrent registration in VET 202, VET 208, and VET 230 is recommended.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Fall semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 204) and the lab (VET 204 L) is required.
VET 206 HANDLING AND CARE OF EXOTICS
This course is specifically designed to acquaint the student with the most common exotic pets and zoo animals. Care, handling, management and diseases are studied. Techniques of immobilization and obtaining laboratory samples are demonstrated. Experiences occur at various locations with birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Travel time to and from off-campus activities is required.
Two credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100 and BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 206) and the lab (VET 206 L) is required.
VET 208 VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Topics include the theory of X-ray production as well as the practical aspects of taking radiographs. Emphasis is on the diagnostic quality of radiographs and how to correct common problems. Students will have experience in radiographic exposure, development and handling. Proper positioning and restraint for various anatomical views are shown. Use of contrast media and special techniques is mentioned. Safety precautions and New York State regulations are emphasized. The role of the electro-cardiogram in veterinary medicine is discussed. Proper patient positioning and methods of restraint are taught. The normal EKG (ECG) tracing and common disease variations are studied.
Two credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100 and BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Fall semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 208) and the lab (VET 208 L) is required.
VET 222 FARM ANIMAL RESTRAINT, DISEASES, AND NUTRITION
Physical and chemical restraint are demonstrated on the bovine, equine, caprine and ovine. Common diseases and the significant role of nutrition in the farm animal are presented. Miscellaneous procedures such as the physical exam, dentistry and diagnostic nerve blocks are shown. Porcine assisting techniques are mentioned. Regulatory medicine, vaccination protocols and methods of administering medications are taught. Additional student time and assignments will be required outside of scheduled class and laboratory hours.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100 and BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 222) and the lab (VET 222 L) is required.
VET 224 SURGICAL NURSING AND ANESTHESIOLOGY
The student becomes familiar with surgical theory and techniques. Topics include pre-operative theory and post-operative patient care, aseptic technique and materials and instruments used in various surgical procedures. Different types of sterilization processes and the care of surgical instruments are practiced. Anesthesiology includes the actions and uses of pre-anesthetic drugs as well as that of intravenous, intramuscular and inhalation anesthetics. Special emphasis is placed on monitoring the patient while under any type of anesthesia. Additional student time and assignments will be required outside of scheduled class and laboratory hours.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 202, VET 204, and VET 230; restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 224) and the lab (VET 224 L) is required.
VET 226 VETERINARY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
The veterinary hospital is seen as both a medical and business facility. Emphasis is on the pivotal role which the veterinary technician can perform. Topics include human relations both with clients and other staff, basic business principles, medical records, financial transactions, ordering and inventory, supervising and hospitalized animal health care. Computerization and its use in the veterinary office are investigated.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: Restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
VET 228 GROSS AND CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
The place of necropsy as a learning experience is explained. Proper techniques for small animal and avian species are demonstrated and other species are illustrated. Laboratory exercises with exotic species occur as the opportunities exist. Additional student time and assignments will be required outside of scheduled class and laboratory hours.
One credit hour. Prerequisites: BIO 171; restricted to VET majors. Offered Spring semester (d).
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 228) and the lab (VET 228 L) is required.
VET 230 PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY
The student becomes familiar with the major drugs used in veterinary medicine. Pharmacy covers maintenance and inventory. Pharmacology is intended to acquaint the student with fundamental knowledge of the mechanism of action, the dosage, the routes of administration and the toxic effects of various groups of veterinary-related drugs. Conversion of weights and the calculation of various drug dosages are practiced, as well as fluid therapy and blood transfusion dynamics and calculations.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: BIO 171, CHE 145, and MAT 112; restricted to VET majors. Offered Fall semester (d).
VET 232 HORSE AND STABLE MANAGEMENT
Students will learn how to care for the horse in the barn including feeding, grooming, and cleaning stalls. Students will learn about the expenses of horse ownership. Students will participate in different aspects of running a horse show including course design, setup and breakdown, secretarial duties and other areas as required.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 130 or permission of VET Department Chairperson. Offered as needed.
VET 234 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION II
A 14-week course for the advanced beginner. The hunt seat rider will further develop basic riding and horse management skills.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 132 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 238 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION III
A 14-week course for the intermediate hunt seat rider. Building on previously learned techniques, this course will foster the development of advanced riding and horse management skills.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 234 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 277 PRECEPTORSHIP II
Each student spends 90 hours in a small animal or mixed (small and large) animal veterinary practice to gain practical experience in the areas of surgery, anesthesia, treatment, radiology, laboratory and general veterinary facility operations. The primary objective is to reinforce and expand upon learning concepts by participating in actual cases.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA; restricted to VET majors. Offered every semester.
VET 298 SPECIAL TOPIC IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)
VET 299 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
VET 300 VETERINARY DENTISTRY: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
The fundamentals of veterinary dentistry are presented through the use of lecture and hands-on instruction. Emphasis is on the role of the veterinary technician in a small animal practice in providing dental services and client education. In-depth study of the oral cavity is combined with practical and clinical applications to present-day treatments. Understanding of common dental disease and the role of the veterinary technician in its treatment and prevention is stressed.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 224 or licensure as a Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 301 DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY
A detailed examination of the oral cavity will be presented through the use of dental radiography. Specialized radiographic equipment and supplies will be utilized. Techniques for patient positioning and radiographic exposure will be demonstrated and practiced by students during laboratory sessions. Common disease processes seen in veterinary practice will be highlighted.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 300. Offered as needed.
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 301) and the lab (VET 301 L) is required.
VET 320 ADVANCED LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE
An in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of advanced laboratory animal science is presented through a research-based course. Students will collaborate in development of animal protocols and will be responsible for all aspects of the research plan, including experimental design, completion of necessary documentation, implementation of the protocol and communication of the results. Specialized techniques will be examined, including immunology, molecular biology, genetic engineering and gnotobiology. Management issues, such as principles of supervision, cost analysis, facility security, government regulations and occupational health and safety, will be emphasized. Ethical issues related to animal research will be evaluated. Note: Animal care will require additional time besides scheduled class and laboratory hours.
Three credit hours.
Prerequisite: VET 120; or licensure as a Veterinary Technician; or certification as a Laboratory Animal Technician or Laboratory Animal Technologist. Offered as needed.
Note: Registration for both the lecture (VET 320) and the lab (VET 320 L) is required.
VET 326 EQUINE NUTRITION AND PHYSIOLOGY
Basic anatomy and physiology of the equine digestive system and its relation to nutrition and disease states will be covered. Application of ration formulas will be applied to calculate nutritional requirements for different life stages. Evaluation of different feed sources and supplements will be addressed.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 222 or permission of instructor. Offered as needed.
VET 330 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION IV
A 14-week course providing the intermediate hunt seat rider to develop more advanced riding and horse management skills.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 238 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 336 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION V
A 14-week course providing the hunt seat rider with a beginning jumping program.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 330 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 340 APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOR FOR VETERINARY PRACTICE: PART I
This is a practical course geared to the veterinary professional who wishes to specialize in small animal behavior. A systematic approach is adopted, beginning with the study of normal behavior and followed by an investigation into canine and feline aggressive behavior. Components of a proper behavioral history and their relationship to approaching behavioral problems are stressed. Case studies will be integrated into classroom and clinical experiences. A survey of behavior problems in farm animals will be included.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 100 and VET 230; or licensure as a
Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 355 PAIN MANAGEMENT IN ANIMALS
The issues and fundamentals of pain management are presented through the use of lecture, discussion and laboratory. An integrated approach is utilized, with emphasis on the ethics of pain management in animals. The physiology and biochemistry of pain and pain control will be explored. The role of the technician in detecting, assessing, reporting and managing pain is stressed.
Three credit hours. Prerequisites: VET 120 and VET 230; or licensure as a
Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 360 PATIENT MANAGEMENT AND THERAPEUTICS IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE AND CRITICAL CARE
This course is geared to the veterinary professional interested in emergency and critical care work. Requirements for specialization in the field will be discussed. The basic principles of emergency medicine including triage, all aspects of intravenous support, placement and care of monitoring devices as well as pain management will be covered. Basic nursing care of critical patients and interaction with clients of these patients will be included. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 224 or licensure as a Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 398 SPECIAL TOPIC IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)
VET 400 ADVANCED DENTAL TECHNIQUES
Periodontal treatment as part of the basic dental prophylaxis is highlighted and practiced in hands-on demonstrations. Other advanced techniques for situations commonly encountered in small animal veterinary practice are studied. Emphasis is placed on the veterinary technicians’ understanding of dental lesions and pathology and their relationship to periodontic and exodontics. The enlarging role of the veterinary technician in providing these therapies is given prominence.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 301. Offered as needed.
VET 401 SPECIALIZATION IN VETERINARY DENTISTRY
This course focuses on the specialized areas of veterinary dentistry that are applicable to small animal species. Those interested in pursuing specialty certification or in employment with a veterinary dental specialist will find the presented material to be informative, useful and necessary. Topics covered will include endodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics and prosthodontics.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 400. Offered as needed.
VET 434 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION VI
A 14-week course providing the hunt seat rider with an advanced beginner/intermediate jumping program.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 336 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 438 HUNT SEAT RIDING AND EQUITATION VII
A 14-week course providing the hunt seat rider with an intermediate/advanced jumping program.
Two credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 434 or equivalent experience. Offered as needed.
VET 440 APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOR FOR VETERINARY PRACTICE: PART II
A continuation of the specialized study into the common behavioral problems of dogs and cats. Treatments are presented that utilize principles of behavior modification and current behavioral pharmacology. Learning to “choose the right pet” is one example of the prevention recommendations that will be discussed. Case studies will be integrated into classroom and clinical experiences.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 340 or licensure as a Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 450 ANESTHESIA FOR CANINE AND FELINE HIGH RISK PATIENTS
An in-depth coverage of anesthetizing the problematic and medically challenging small animal patient. Pre-anesthesia planning, treating complicated physical conditions and choosing appropriate anesthetic protocols will be integrated. The role of analgesia during the four components of general anesthesia will be emphasized.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 224 or licensure as a Veterinary Technician. Offered as needed.
VET 460 SMALL ANIMAL EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE I
A body system approach is used in examining in depth the physiology, treatment and care of emergency and critical care cases seen in practice. Physical findings, appropriate diagnostic testing, initial treatment, appropriate monitoring and follow-up are emphasized. The cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic and urinary systems are covered. Hematologic, toxicologic and thermal emergencies are also explored, as well as shock, anesthetic emergencies and allergic reactions, which are pansystemic. Clinical cases will be utilized in the course of study.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 360. Offered as needed.
VET 461 SMALL ANIMAL EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE II
This course is a continuation of the study of presentations in emergency and critical care by body system. Cases in the gastrointestinal tract, male and female reproductive systems, ocular, otic and dermatologic system will be examined. Emergencies involving the endocrine system and metabolic emergencies will be covered in detail. An overview of the approach to treating musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries will be included. Case studies will again be utilized.
Three credit hours. Prerequisite: VET 460. Offered as needed.
VET 498 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY
