Basic pharmacological principles are taught and students learn to recognize different groups of drugs and their basic actions. In the pharmacy, the student will become familiar with common veterinary drugs and their indications, administration and side effects or toxic actions. Legal implications of dispensing drugs and risks associated with off label or improper use are discussed. Students learn to prepare and dispense veterinary preparations and educate clients about their use.

Principles of cell division and inheritance are discussed. A review of anatomical and hormonal components of male and female reproduction systems prepares students to learn about breeding behaviours and common diseases or conditions of the reproductive system in various animals. Techniques used to assess or manipulate reproduction in veterinary medicine will be discussed and/or demonstrated. Instruction on gestation and parturition will be the main focus.

Students will be able to discuss disease based on classification as metabolic, nutritional, inherited, toxic, endocrine or other. Common diseases of domestic animals will be discussed with respect to etiology, specific hosts, diagnostic techniques, treatment and prevention and human health implications.

Students are expected to use proper dental terminology and identify normal tooth anatomy, function, eruption and dental formula. Students learn to instruct clients on dental home care procedures. Common dental problems and diseases are covered with emphasis on small animal and equine patients. Proper use, care and maintenance of dental equipment is covered. Principles of dental radiography are discussed. Proficiency in basic dental prophylaxis will be developed using live animals and cadavers.

Proper identification, use, care and maintenance of all equipment is continued. Administration of medications by different routes is taught. The student will learn techniques for venipuncture, catheterizations and urine and vaginal sample collection. Fluid therapy is covered in depth, instruction includes general nursing care of hospitalized patients, orphans, newborns, post-parturient dams, and principles of pain management. The student will be instructed on basic procedures such as vaginal exams, care of tracheotomy, pharyngostomy and chest tube sites, preparation of wounds and abscesses for treatment. The student will be able to discuss and/or perform all procedures covered and identify any common complications. Students will learn veterinary first aid procedures and emergency protocols. Humane euthanasia and maintenance of legal record and log books is covered. Identification, use, care and maintenance of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies is covered in detail. Students learn to prepare facilities, patients and equipment for surgical procedures with strict adherence to principles of sanitation and sterilization. Students will participate in surgical procedures as a surgical assistant and will learn to pass instruments, care for exposed tissue and provide suction or cautery. Students become responsible for post-operative cleanup of the patient, equipment and facilities and follow up with patient monitoring and surgical records.

Review of skills learned throughout the program by performing the tasks and responsibilities of an Animal Health Technician in a clinic and pharmacy setting. The student will perform reception duties, book, admit and discharge patients, perform laboratory tests, administer medications, monitor patients and discuss cases on rounds, maintain records, files and inventories and many other duties required of an Animal Health Technician in a private practice. The student is expected to demonstrate teamwork and cooperation at all times.

A review of the purpose, functions and normal variations of the immune system is covered. Disorders of the immune system will be classified into broad categories and includes discussion of clinical signs, diagnostic procedures and treatment principles of some common immunological conditions. Students will learn the concepts and application of basic immunological tests and vaccination procedures. Principles of blood grouping and transfusions are covered.

Students will learn the principles of radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography and endoscopy. Identification, use, care and maintenance of equipment and supplies is covered with emphasis on safety. Students will learn to position patients, operate equipment and develop images that produce diagnostic quality results.

Students will develop knowledge and skills covered in previous lab courses, as well as learning to collect, prepare and evaluate samples for clinical chemistry and cytology.

Instruction on the commonly used anesthetic agents will include their modes of action, human health implications and WHMIS considerations. Students will learn to perform a pre-anesthetic work up, calculate and administer pre-anesthetics, induce and maintain general anesthesia using different agents, techniques and systems. Monitoring of patients includes recognition of anesthetic stages and proper use of monitoring devices. Appropriate responses to anesthetic complications and emergencies will be covered. Appropriate analgesics and analgesic protocols will be discussed.