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:
- Thomas, J.A., and Lerche P. (2024) Anesthesia and Analgesia for Veterinary Technicians. (6th ed.). Elsevier.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323760119
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% |
| Quiz 1: Anatomical Review, Preanesthetic Drugs, Math Calculations | 2% |
| Assignment 2: Operate the Anesthetic Machine | 5% |
| Quiz 2: Anesthetic Machine | 2% |
| Assignment 3: Drug Volumes and Effects | 5% |
| Quiz 3: Injectable and Inhalation Anesthetics | 2% |
| Assignment 4: Safe Induction, Intubation, & Cuff Inflation | 5% |
| Quiz 4: General Anesthesia | 2% |
| Assignment 5: Place and Troubleshoot Monitoring Equipment | 8% |
| Quiz 5: Pain Management | 2% |
| 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% |
| Mandatory Final Exam | 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.
