Veterinarian & Small Animal Science I
This science based course will assist students in learning practical pet care for companion animals. In addition, the course explores care techniques, diseases, labs, and reproduction differences between small animals in a science based discovery way. Field trips in the topic areas will be included as well as knowledgeable speakers. Students are also encouraged to bring animals to class and demonstrate knowledge of their pets. This course is highly recommended for students wishing to further their post-secondary education in the areas of animal and veterinarian science.
Prerequisites: None
½ credit
Course Overview
Pet ownership is at an all time high in the USA. The pet supply industry is a large and growing one. A large industry exists to supply food, equipment and health care for these companion animals. Many careers are also available in the industry and provide opportunities for a significant segment of our population. Specifically, veterinary science begins by mastering the understanding of basic animal biology and body processes.
Supervised Agricultural Experience Project (SAE): All students are required to participate in an SAE project, which will allow the active application of science based principles in a “learn by doing” environment. The project will be documented in the SAE Record Book. Projects types and parameters will be discussed in class, a minimum of 20 hours must be completed.
Unit 1-Introduction to Small Animal Care
History of Animals
Domestication of Animals
The Small Animal Industry
Classification of Organisms
Unit 2-Safety
Risks with Small Animals
Physical Restraint of Animals
General Guidelines for Safety
Unit 3-Small Animals as Pets
Choosing a Pet
Children and Pets
Pets and Pet Therapy
Unit 4-Animal Rights and Animal Welfare
History
Current Issues
Unit 5-Careers in Small Animal Care
Pet Care Workers
Zoo Administrators
Laboratory Workers
Breeders
Trainers
Groomers
Veterinarians and Technicians
Biologists
Unit 6-Nutrition and Digestive Systems
Nutrition
Animal Digestion
Unit 7-Dogs
History
Groups and Breeds
Anatomy
Characteristics
Choosing a Dog
Feeding and Exercise
Training
Grooming and Care
Reproduction
Unit 8-Cats
History
Groups and Breeds
Anatomy
Characteristics
Choosing a Cat
Feeding and Training
Grooming and Care
Common Diseases
Reproduction
Unit 9-Rabbits
History
Uses
Breeds
Anatomy
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 10-Hamster and Gerbils
History
Groups and Breeds
Anatomy
Characteristics
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 10-Rats and Mice
Classification
History
Color Groups
Characteristics
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 11- Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas
Classification
History
Varieties
Characteristics
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Care and Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 12-Ferrets
Classification
History
Color Groups
Characteristics
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Handling and Training
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 13-Amphibians and Reptiles
History
Classifications
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 14-Birds
Classification
Anatomy
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Training and Handling
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Unit 15-Fish
Classification
Anatomy
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Diseases and Ailments
Reproduction
Student Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, I would like the students to be able to:
Describe the impact of the small animal industry in the USA.
Organize and apply knowledge of the small animal industry.
Describe the functions of the body systems and connect academic material to clinical practices.
List 10 diseases that can be transmitted by animals to humans.
Discuss the impact of the environment, animal nutrition and health care to our companion animals.
Recognize the economic and management skills needed to own and care for a companion animal.
Analyze and determine what is meant by responsible pet ownership.
Determine and promote the benefits pets can have on a human.
Evaluate how to properly care for various species of companion animals.