Animal Health Technology Courses
AHTT 1101 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide a foundation for veterinary medical language and basic anatomy & physiology. Positional, directional and planes of body and body cavity terminology are also discussed. From the cellular to the tissue level to the gross anatomical level, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems of both small (canine, feline), avian and large (bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine) animals are covered.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/2
AHTT 1102 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures I (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with the necessary background to perform basic veterinary clinical or laboratory procedures. The methodology for care and maintenance of veterinary laboratory equipment is covered, in addition to the materials and methods used to perform common diagnostic tests, sample preparation and submission, and accurate record keeping. Diagnostic testing for, and identification of common small and large animal parasites are practiced. Students will also be introduced to basic Clinical Pathology including hematology and complete blood counts.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/3
AHTT 1103 Veterinary Care I (3 credits)
In this course the components of the physical exam are introduced. Students will learn how to ascertain the basic medical history and vital signs of a patient, and how to record this data in veterinary records. Aspects of animal behaviour, pain assessment, safe restraint, care and husbandry of patients and hospitalized animals, and euthanasia are covered. The principles of basic pharmacology will be introduced.
Prerequisites: Admission to the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/2
AHTT 1201 Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology II (3 credits)
This course includes further development of veterinary terminology skills. In addition, the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, hematologic, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, and sensory systems of both small (canine, feline), avian and large (bovine, equine, ovine, caprine, porcine) animals is covered. This course completes the detailed review of small and large animal anatomical and physiological systems.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1101
Lecture/Laboratory: 2/2
AHTT 1202 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures II (4 credits)
This course will further develop veterinary clinical and laboratory skills, including serum chemistry testing, urinalysis, and tissue and fluid collection and analysis. Cytological techniques and microbiology are reviewed for all relevant species, with the emphasis being on pathogens relevant to companion (small) animals. Included will be a review of mathematics necessary for success in the laboratory and in test interpretation. The detailed review of veterinary laboratory procedures is completed in this course.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1102
Lecture/Laboratory: 3/3
AHTT 1203 Veterinary Care II (3 credits)
This course addresses the Assistant, AHT and Veterinarian’s respective roles in kennel management and nursing procedures, and provides a practical introduction to the fields of veterinary radiology, anesthesia and dentistry. Practice in administering ocular tests, cleaning ears and anal sacs, administering enemas, and in other routine procedures are covered.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103
Lecture/Laboratory/Practicum: 2/3/5
AHTT 1204 Veterinary Pharmacology (3 credits)
This course provides a foundation in the basic principles of pharmacology. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and general pharmacological principles, definitions and a review of drugs that affect each body system are included and practical applications of concepts for a variety of species are reviewed.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1103
Lecture: 4
AHTT 1205 Immunology & Veterinary Diseases (3 credits)
This course introduces students to several of the causes of disease, investigates the body’s defence mechanisms towards pathogens, and provides an overview of the causes, signs, treatment and prevention of common diseases in both small and large animals. Inflammation and tumour development, as well as immunity and resistance are covered. Specific modes of disease transmission and prevention (including both large and small animal vaccine schedules) are detailed.
Prerequisites: AHTT 1101, 1102, 1103
Lecture: 4
AHTT 2106 Veterinary Dentistry (2 credits)
This course will review the basics of companion animal oral anatomy and health, with emphasis on prevention of, and diagnosis of, periodontal disease and oral pathology. Students will learn and practice techniques in routine dental prophylaxis, dental charting, dental radiology, and client education and home care.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 1x 1 hr lecture; 1 x 3 hr laboratory; 1 x 6 hr intensive course (weekend day)
AHTT 2107 Large Animal Clinics (3 credits)
This course will cover many aspects of large animal veterinary technology. Topics will include handling and restraint, husbandry, anatomy, procedures and preventative medicine of both equines and ruminants. Further practical veterinary experience involving a variety of species will be included.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 1 x 2 hr lecture/seminar & 1 x 2 hr laboratory for 6 wks; then 1 x 4 hr veterinary facilities placement for 6 wks; then 1 x 8 hr internship day placement 3 wks.
AHTT 2108 Veterinary Anesthesia (3 credits)
This course combines both theory and practical aspects of veterinary anaesthesia for both small and large animals. Topics include the calculation of drug doses, pre-anaesthetic patient preparation, administration of local anaesthetics, sedatives, induction drugs and inhalant anaesthetics, monitoring patients under general anaesthesia, detection and management of anaesthetic complications, as well as post-operative patient care and pain prevention. Knowledge and understanding of inhalant anaesthetic machines and monitoring equipment will also be covered.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 3 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
AHTT 2109 Veterinary Radiology I (3 credits)
This course will detail all aspects of veterinary radiography. Topics will range from theoretical aspects of veterinary radiology and radiation safety to patient handling techniques.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
AHTT 2110 Animal Behavior & Welfare (2 credits)
This course includes both the practical and theoretical study of relevant normal and problem behaviours of companion animals and client education. Discussions of ethical and welfare issues in both small, large and laboratory animals, and further practice in the safe nursing of aggressive and injured animals are also included in this course.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 1 x 2 hr lecture; 1 x 1 hr seminar.
AHTT 2111 Animal Nutrition (3 credits)
The course will examine the dietary requirements of companion and domestic animals and how nutrition affects animal health. Students will also be provided with the knowledge required to counsel clients on animal life stage and preventative nutrition and available supplements and foods. Enrolment is limited to students in the Animal Health Technology Program.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: 2 hours lecture / 2 hours laboratory.
AHTT 2303 Veterinary Care III (4 credits)
This course will give students further practice in the clinical skills needed to be an effective technician. Theory and practice of intravenous fluid therapy, data gathering (ECG’s, blood pressure and vitals monitoring, blood and specimen collection, etc.), and relevant animal (including exotic, large and lab animal) behaviour and handling will be detailed. This course will include kennel and/or relevant volunteer duty. Professional ethics and workplace issues will be discussed.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture/Laboratory: Wks 1-4: 1 x 1 hr & 1 x 2 hr lecture; 1 x 4 hr laboratory. 4 hr laboratory Wks 5-12: 3 hr x lectures/demonstrations; 4 hrs x WLI placement. A 3 week internship placement will be completed at the end of the above course work.
AHTT 2304 Veterinary Surgical Assistance (4 credits)
This course will detail aseptic technique; review routine upkeep of surgical areas, packs and equipment; preparation of animal and surgical sites, anticipation of surgeon’s needs, and monitoring surgical patients. The technologist’s role in assisting in actual and simulated surgeries will be emphasized in addition to post-surgical care and client counselling.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first year of the AHT program.
Lecture / Laboratory: 6 weeks: 2 hours lecture / 6 hours lab 6 weeks: 8 hours WLI in Veterinary Clinics 3 weeks: practicum / internship
AHTT 2305 Veterinary Genetics & Theriogenology (3 credits)
This course will emphasize basic genetics for the understanding of breed related disorders and to provide background for understanding and assisting clients in their decisions about their animals’ breeding programs. Breed diversity and recognition are reviewed. A review of relevant normal and abnormal anatomy and reproductive physiology of both small and large animals is provided. Students will learn the veterinary team’s role in assisting large animal producers in herd animal health and efficiency, as well as learning practical aspects of artificial insemination (A.I.), and semen evaluation. The small animal component will include a review of laboratory tests used, A.I., and dystocia.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture / Laboratory: 2 x 2 hr lectures (with discussion groups)
AHTT 2307 Exotic and Lab Animal Clinics (3 credits)
This course will give students the necessary clinical skills to be proficient with exotic pets as well as laboratory animals. Students will gain knowledge and experience in exotic pet handling, restraint and treatment. Students will be exposed to laboratory animal guidelines and procedures.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 of the AHT program
Lecture / Laboratory: 4 weeks: lecture / lab 8 weeks: clinical / laboratory / field/ WLI 3 weeks: practicum / internship
AHTT 2309 Veterinary Radiology II (2 credits)
Further instruction and practice in radiology, with problem solving and special techniques, such as advanced diagnostic imaging, are emphasized in this course. Dental radiology, and the technologist’s role in the radiology of species other than cats and dogs is also covered in addition to patient preparation for both basic and advanced techniques in radiology.
Prerequisites: AHTT 2109
Lecture / Laboratory: 6 weeks: 1 hour lecture / 2 hours lab 6 weeks: 4 hours WLI in Veterinary Clinics 3 weeks: practicum / internship