VTEC 1231 - Immunology and Animal Diseases

Course Description

In this course students are introduced to the body’s defense mechanisms against disease and students examine how the veterinary team contributes to building a healthy immunity in domestic animals. Emphasis is on key cells and body defense mechanisms of the immune system and how it develops. Through clinical examples, with an emphasis on Zoonotic diseases, students investigate mechanisms by which causative agents evade the immune system and create disease.

Learning outcomes

1. Compare and contrast innate and adaptive immune systems to provide an overview of the body’s immunity.
2. Using examples, investigate the mechanisms by which infectious pathogens evade and non-infectious processes alter the immune system to create disease.
3. Define zoonotic and reportable diseases in Canada and articulate guidelines to promote safety in the workplace.
4. Outline the causes of immune system malfunction and describe their consequences on the body.
5. Discuss common laboratory tests used in animal disease investigation and articulate your role as an RVT while processing contagions.
6. Outline methods of disease prevention incorporating vaccination theory, the application of vaccine schedules, and effective animal husbandry practices.

Course topics

• Module 1: Introduction to Immunology and the Innate Immune System
• Module 2: Adaptive (Specialized) Immune System
• Module 3: Immunity—Development in the Fetus and Newborn
• Module 4: Building Immunity—Vaccines and Vaccination
• Module 5: Common Lab Tests
• Module 6: Infectious Disease and Zoonosis
• Module 7: Mechanisms of Disease—Infectious
• Module 8: Mechanisms of Disease—Non-Infectious
• Module 9: Rabies and Sample Submissions
• Module 10: Small Animal Diseases
• Module 11: Large Animal Diseases
• Module 12: The Immune System Gone Wrong

Required text and materials

Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

• Sompayrac, L. M. (2023). How the Immune System Works (7th ed.) Wiley.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9781119890683 / 9781119890706

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following VitalSource link.

The following textbooks would have been purchased in VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1593. If students don't already own the required textbooks, please be aware that students will need to purchase them. 

• Bassert, J.M. (2022). McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (10th ed.) Elsevier.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323722001
• Colville, T. P., & Bassert, J. M. (2016). Clinical anatomy and physiology for veterinary technicians (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323294751

Material from the following resource is also used in this course, and is available for free at the provided link:

• Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co. ISBN: 9780911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)

Additional requirements

• A computer with Internet access
• A camera or cell phone for recording video and/or taking photos

Assessments

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.

Prerequisites

VTEC 1713 and VTEC 1723 with a minimum grade of C

VTEC 1001

VTEC 1011

Exclusions

ANHD 2150

ANHD 1140

VTEC 1230