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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

VTEC 2123: Veterinary Technology Anesthesia

AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM

Students develop a practical understanding of the principles and techniques of anesthesia, monitoring and recovery of small animals. Students prepare, and assess the needs, including drug dosages, of small animals receiving anesthesia. Topics include anesthetic agents and analgesic agents, anesthetic equipment and workplace safety, as well as an introduction to anesthetic problems and emergencies.

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a complete preanesthetic workup on small animal patients
  • Set-up and maintain anesthetic equipment to ensure patient safety
  • Explain the physiological effects of anesthetic drugs on small animals
  • Calculate dosages for small animal patients and record drug use
  • Preform injections and IV catheter placement on small animal patients
  • Demonstrate a complete anesthetic induction, monitoring and recovery of a small animal patient
  • Assess the need for analgesia in a small animal patient and assist in developing and implementing an analgesic plan

Course topics

  • Module 1: Introduction to Anesthesia
  • Module 2: Preanesthetic Agents
  • Module 3: Injectable and Inhalation Anesthetics
  • Module 4: Anesthetic Equipment and Flow Rates
  • Module 5: General Anesthesia
  • Module 6: Pain Management
  • Module 7: Anesthetic Problems and Emergencies
  • Module 8: Special Techniques of Anesthesia
  • Module 9: Workplace Safety

Required text and materials

The following materials are required for this course:

  1. Thomas, J.A., and Lerche P. (2017) Anesthesia and analgesia for Veterinary Technicians. (5th ed.) Elsevier. Type: Textbook: ISBN: 978-0-323-24971-3

Additional requirements

  • Computer with Internet access
  • Video recording device

Optional materials

Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which are not familiar:

  • Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co.
    ISBN-13: 978-0911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1: Place an Indwelling Catheter in the Cephalic Vein 5%
Assignment 2: Place an Indwelling Catheter in the Saphenous Vein 5%
Quiz 1: Anatomical Review, Preanesthetic Drugs, Math Calculations 2%
Assignment 3: Perform an Electrocardiogram 5%
Quiz 2: Injectable and Inhalation Anesthetics 2%
Assignment 4: Operate the Anesthetic Machine 5%
Quiz 3: Anesthetic Machine 2%
Quiz 4: General Anesthetic 2%
Assignment 5: Drug Volumes and Effects 8%
Assignment 6: Complete an Anesthetic Protocol for a Feline 10%
Assignment 7: Complete an Anesthetic Protocol for a Canine 10%
Quiz 6: Anesthetic Emergencies, Special Techniques, and Workplace Safety 2%
Final Exam (mandatory) 40%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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