Academic Catalog

V T 53C: INTRODUCTION TO LARGE ANIMAL NURSING

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: V T 54A.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Create a framework for understanding a disease in a large animal species.
  • Describe proper restraint and handling of the horse, the cow, the sheep/goat, and the pig.
  • List and explain the clinical significance and nursing care for a selected medical conditions of a horse, cow, or small ruminant.
  • Discuss and explain the principles and practices of food animal production methods and the commercial uses of food animals.

Description

Introduction to principles of husbandry and veterinary nursing care of common domestic large animal species. The economics of production medicine will be stressed. Breed identification. Common diseases as relate to husbandry. Intended for students in the Veterinary Technology Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. Identify breeds of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine, and discuss breed-associated uses.
B. Describe housing and husbandry practices for horses, dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, sheep, and goats.
C. Explain feeding and nutritional requirements of horses and ruminants.
D. List and discuss the common diseases of horses, cattle, sheep, and goats, and identify core vaccinations for each species.
E. List the gastrointestinal parasites of horses and anthelmintic products used.
F. Explain the veterinary technician's role in large animal clinical practice.

Course Content

A. Breed identification and characteristics of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine
1. Breed associated uses
B. Husbandry practices and housing facilities
1. Horses
2. Dairy cattle
3. Beef cattle
4. Sheep and goats
5. Swine
C. Nutrition
1. Feeding horses
a. Identification of feeds
b. Equine anatomy and physiology
c. Life stage feeding
d. Nutritional diseases
2. Feeding ruminants
a. Identification of feeds
b. Ruminant anatomy and physiology
c. Life stage feeding
d. Nutritional diseases
D. Common diseases of horses, cattle, sheep, and goats
1. Infectious diseases and vaccinations
2. Metabolic diseases and husbandry
3. Select common diseases of livestock and horses
a. Etiology
b. Diagnostic procedures
c. Clinical management
d. Nursing assessments in large animals
E. Common equine and ruminant gastrointestinal parasites
1. Nematodes
2. Cestodes
3. Trematodes
4. Protozoa
5. Anthelmintic therapy
6. Environmental management
F. Explain the veterinary technician's role in large animal clinical practice

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. Large animal equipment as required by the AVMA-CVTEA.
B. Large animal holding facility compliant with the Animal Welfare Act for housing ruminants and horses.
C. Cattle chute.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

The student will demonstrate proficiency by some or all of the following evaluation methods:
A. Written examinations
B. Quizzes
C. Presentations on breeds
D. Research paper on a common disease of a large animal species

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Lecture
B. Video presentations
C. Collaborative projects
D. Discussions on nursing care of large animal species
E. Readings and other assignments in Canvas
F. Canvas is used for homework and communication purposes

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Bassert, Joanna M., Angela D. Beal, and Oreta M. Samples. Clinical Textbook For Veterinary Technicians. 9th ed. W. B. Saunders Co., 2018.
 

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Reading and assignments may include some or all of the following:
A. Weekly reading assignments from text, class handouts, and outside sources, ranging from 30-60 pages per week
B. Research paper on a common large animal disease
C. Written short answer essay questions
D. Reading and other assignments in Canvas
E. Presentation on breeds
 

Discipline(s)

Registered Veterinary Technician