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VET 140 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

This course examines veterinary drugs and medicines. Topics include classes and actions of drugs, pharmacokinetics, pharmacy maintenance and record keeping, and drug dispensing laws and procedures. The laboratory provides opportunities to obtain drug information and calculate drug doses of common medications used in veterinary medicine.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: VET 110 and VET 130 and VET 205

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

VET 140 Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Effective Date

2022-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: VET 110 and VET 130 and VET 205

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course examines veterinary drugs and medicines. Topics include classes and actions of drugs, pharmacokinetics, pharmacy maintenance and record keeping, and drug dispensing laws and procedures. The laboratory provides opportunities to obtain drug information and calculate drug doses of common medications used in veterinary medicine.

Additional Materials

Calculator, Lab Coat

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe and compare the different classes of drugs, including indications, side effects, contraindications, and dosage forms. (CCC 5; PGC 1)
  2. Calculate the dose of oral, parenteral, and injectable drugs and solutions. (CCC 2; PGC 1)
  3. Describe the role of the veterinary technician in the pharmacy, including maintenance, recordkeeping, and dispensing of drugs. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 4; PGC 3)
  4. Research common drugs used in veterinary medicine and identify pharmacokinetic parameters, including half-life (t1/2), clearance, withdrawal time, bioavailability, and lethal and/or toxic dose, using a variety of printed and online formularies. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 1)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe and compare the difference classes of drugs, including indications, side effects, contraindications, and dosage forms.
    1. Identify common drugs used to treat neurological diseases/disorders in animals.
    2. Recognize common drugs used to treat cardiovascular diseases/disorders in animals.
    3. Identify common drugs used to treat respiratory diseases/disorders in animals.
    4. Describe common drugs used to treat reproductive diseases/disorders in animals.
    5. Classify common drugs used to treat gastrointestinal diseases/disorders in animals.
    6. Identify common drugs used to treat urinary diseases/disorders in animals.
    7. Categorize common drugs used to treat ocular diseases and otitis in animals.
    8. Recognize common drugs and drug protocols in the treatment of common cancers in animals.
    9. Compare and contrast the mechanism of action, indications, side effects, and contraindications of steroidal and non-steroidal (NSAIDs) usage.
    10. Compare and contrast the mechanism of action, indications, side effects, and contraindications of common antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral drugs used to treat disease in animals.
    11. Classify common antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral drugs used to treat disease in animals.
  2. Calculate the dose of oral, parenteral, and injectable drugs and solutions.
    1. Convert an animal's weight from kilogram to pound and pound to kilogram.
    2. Research the recommended dose and dosage form available using a wide variety of sources, including printed and online formularies.
    3. Calculate the dose of different drug forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid, or injectable) based on an animal's weight and/or body surface area.
    4. Record information regarding drug administration in a patient's medical record.
    5. Write a drug label that includes all the required information.
  3. Describe the role of the veterinary technician in the pharmacy, including maintenance, recordkeeping, and dispensing of drugs.
    1. Describe the protocols for safe drug handling, storage, and disposal.
    2. Discuss the limitations of the veterinary technician in prescription writing, drug handling, and drug administration.
    3. Record information regarding drug administration in a patient's medical record.
    4. Communicate effectively with the veterinarian and client regarding pharmacological orders and drug administration.
    5. Compare and contrast the terms "labeled", "extra-label", and "off-label" as they refer to drug use.
    6. Define the requirements in establishing extra-label drug use (ELDU) as they apply to liability.
    7. Define withdrawal time as it applies to food, animal medicine, and public health.
  4. Research common drugs used in veterinary medicine and identify pharmacokinetic parameters, including half-life (t1/2), clearance, withdrawal time, bioavailability, and lethal and/or toxic dose, using a variety of printed and online formularies.
    1. Identify pharmacokinetic parameters of a variety of drugs used in veterinary medicine using a variety of printed and on-line sources.
    2. Graph the bioavailability of a drug over time using t1/2 and loading dose.
    3. Define the terms lethal, toxic, sub-therapeutic, and therapeutic dose.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

     Summative: Lecture Examinations

45%

     Summative: Laboratory Practicals

20%

     Formative: Laboratory Assignments

15%

     Formative: Nutraceutical Project

10%

     Formative: Lecture/Laboratory Quizzes

10%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Apply theoretical information that leads to appropriate action in the application or delivery of veterinary nursing procedures.
  2. Competently perform a full range of veterinary nursing procedures used in small and large animal medicine.
  3. Practice behaviors that are consistent with the Veterinary Technology Code of Ethics and employer expectations/requirements.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Search?q=attendance

Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal