Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 College Catalog 
    
2022-2023 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

VET 120 - Clinical Pathology I

4 Credits, 6 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to clinical pathology. Includes pathology terminology, basic laboratory procedures and specimen collection and preservation. Also includes basic use and care of microscopes.

Prerequisite(s): Within the last two years: in VET 112IN  and VET 115IN 
Corequisite(s): VET 114 VET 150 VET 205 VET 210  


Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate OSHA safety standards and practice appropriate laboratory protocols and procedures.
  2. Proficient performance with collection and evaluation of samples for cytology.
  3. Distinguish between common parasites (enteric, blood borne, and ectoparasites) of domestic animals.
  4. Proficient in demonstrating the techniques used in fecal analysis by centrifugation, bench top float, and direct smears.
  5. Utilize microscopic technique to determine reproductive status and viability as it applies to estrus timing and artificial insemination.

Performance Objectives:
  1. Discuss pathology terminology.
  2. Maintain laboratory logs.
  3. Maintain basic cleanliness and orderliness of a laboratory.
  4. Explain basic principles of laboratory safety.
  5. Demonstrate OSHA safety standards and practice appropriate laboratory protocols and procedures.
  6. Maintain laboratory equipment.
  7. Prepare laboratory samples for shipment.
  8. Describe the proper use and care of the microscope.
  9. Discuss quality control and perform quality control procedures.
  10. Take and examine skin scrapings.
  11. Proficient performance of otic cytology.
  12. Perform parasitologic procedures.
  13. Identify common internal and external parasites and their life cycles.
  14. Explain the life cycle and interventions in the control of heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
  15. Distinguish between the tick vectors of microbial diseases in North America.
  16. Distinguish between the different mites which parasitize companion animal species.
  17. Demonstrate an understanding of the flea parasite as a health concern and the life cycle of the flea.
  18. Proficiency in performing the tasks of a complete urinalysis.
  19. Proficiency in performing manual hematologic evaluation.
  20. Compare and contrast the aspects of abnormalities in automated and manual hematologic abnormalities.
  21. Proficiency in performing coagulation test and differentiating abnormalities in the coagulation system.
  22. Describe the technique of artificial insemination.
  23. Describe the proper handling and examination of fecal samples.

Outline:
  1. Pathology Terminology
    1. Autopsy/necropsy
    2. Histopathology
    3. Biopsies
    4. Diagnoses
      1. Morphologic
      2. Etiologic
    5. Pathogens
      1. Parasites
      2. Bacteria
      3. Fungi
      4. Rickettsiae
      5. Mycoplasm
      6. Viruses
      7. Protozoa
      8. Other
  2. Laboratory Procedures
    1. Laboratory logs
    2. Basic cleanliness and orderliness
    3. Safety principles
    4. Maintain laboratory equipment
    5. Use and care of the microscope
    6. Quality control procedures 
    7. Sample collection, handling, labeling, storage and shipping
      1. Fecal
      2. Blood
      3. Urine
      4. Skin scraping
      5. Other
  3. Parasites
    1. External
      1. Types
        1. Mites
        2. Lice
        3. Ticks
        4. Fleas
        5. Flies
      2. Sample collection and preparation
    2. Internal
      1. Common adult parasites, ova and their life cycles
        1. Nematodes
        2. Trematodes
        3. Cestodes
        4. Protozoa
      2. Collecting, handling, preparing and storing fecal samples
        1. Solution preparation and fecal flotations
        2. Fecal sedimentation
      3. Smears
    3. Blood parasite identification
      1. Dirofilaria/Dipetalonema species
        1. Direct blood examination
        2. Hematocrit tube method
        3. Knott’s test
        4. Filter test
        5. Antigen kit
      2. Ehrlichia
      3. Other
    4. Common Dermatophytes
      1. Identification
      2. Culture
  4. Urinalysis
    1. Sample collection
    2. Specimen preservation
    3. Physical properties
      1. Color, clarity and odor
      2. Specific gravity
      3. Other
    4. Sediment examination and identification
    5. Chemical properties examination
      1. Dipstick
  5. Hematologic Evaluations
    1. Collection and handling of samples
    2. Complete blood count
      1. Hemoglobin
      2. Hematocrit
      3. Total protein
      4. White cell count
      5. Red cell count
      6. Microscopic examination
        1. Blood film preparation
        2. Staining techniques
        3. Leukocyte differential
        4. Erythrocyte morphological evaluation
        5. Platelet count estimation
        6. Absolute values calculation
        7. WBC correction for nucleated red cells
    3. Reticulocyte count
    4. Platelet count
    5. Hematologic indices calculation
    6. Coagulation tests
      1. Clotting time
      2. Prothrombin time
      3. Partial thromboplastin time
  6. Fibrinogen Assay