VAC200 - Animal and Clinic Care

Subject Title
Animal and Clinic Care

Subject Description
The Clinical Care of Animals (VAC) course has been designed as an introduction to various situations typically encountered in the veterinary field. A large component of this course is focused on animal husbandry, which includes rotations of animal care and facility duties through small and large animals. The animals at the Animal Health Center (AHC) are an integral component of the Seneca College Veterinary Assistant Program. These animals provide the students with hands-on experience in areas such as animal handling and restraint, nursing skills, surgery and anesthesia and husbandry. It is the responsibility of the students to accurately report the health status and condition of the animals, and it is imperative that a high level of care and ethic be applied at all times. Through application of skill and critical thinking, confidence and knowledge will be fostered to prepare the student for employment. For this reason, the faculty and staff place the utmost importance on the diligent carrying out of your responsibilities towards animal care and general conscientious and humane treatment of all animals at the AHC.

The Seneca College Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as the SOP binder will be referenced to throughout the semester with regards to responsibilities and expectations.

Credit Status
one credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Practical Component
1. Effectively fulfill the responsibilities of animal care and welfare in a safe and ethical manner, as described within the VAC Manual.
2. Carry out appropriate welfare and husbandry of small and large animals in the AHC, as outlined.
3. Exhibit appropriate dress code.
4. Demonstrate an application of human and animal safety within a clinical setting.
5. Effectively and safely restrain animals during clinical exercises.
6. Implement appropriate hygiene and care procedures within the AHC, as per provided SOPs.
7. Accurately record the health status of given animals within medical records within the AHC.
8. Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals

Lecture Component
1. Describe the role of veterinary assistant in the clinical setting.
2. List and describe the types of filing systems commonly used in veterinary practices.
3. Identify a completed medical record as well as the important information recorded in their history
4. Define the SOAP process and explain the types of information included in each portion of the SOAP record.
5. List and describe the types of forms and logs commonly used within the AHC and in veterinary practice.
6. Identify common abbreviations.
7. Describe ethical and legal issues related to ownership of medical records, release of medical information, and maintenance of medical records.
8. Recognize the importance of accurately documenting patient information on a medical record using proper terminology.
9. List the systems to evaluate during a physical exam in order of importance or priority.
10. Describe appropriate housing for animals
11. Describe principles of sanitation that relate to disease prevention
12. List common diseases and the way they affect domestic animals
13. Describe methods used to control spread of common diseases and zoonotic diseases.
14. Describe basic immune function and list common types of vaccines for domestic animals

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.