VTEC 1243 - Clinical Pathology 2 - Urinalysis and Microbiology

Course Description

Students are introduced to veterinary urinalysis, veterinary microbiology and the application of methods in this continuation of Clinical Pathology 1. Hands on opportunities are provided to perform urinalysis, and microbiology techniques that are routinely done in a veterinary clinic or facility. Students focus on accuracy, efficiency and safe laboratory procedures.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the structure and function of various microorganisms, including common bacteria and fungi.
2. Collect a variety of samples such as urine, ear swabs, abscess swabs, skin scraping etc. in a safe and appropriate manner.
3. Safely and effectively obtain urine specimens from dogs and cats utilizing a variety of techniques and to recognize which technique is appropriate for each circumstance.
4. Culture, identify and perform antibiotic sensitivity testing on common bacteria.
5. Culture and identify common dermatophytes.
6. Differentiate between gram positive and gram negative bacteria.
7. Perform a complete urinalysis to determine the health of an animal.

Course topics

• Module 1: Macroanalysis of Urine - Gross Examination
• Module 2: Macroanalysis of Urine - Chemical Examination
• Module 3: Urine Collection - Lab Information
• Module 4: Micro Urinalysis
• Module 5: Microbiology
• Module 6: Nutritional Requirements of Bacteria
• Module 7: Bacterial Reproduction
• Module 8: Control of Microorganisms
• Module 9: Mycology, Viruses, and Prions
• Module 10: Normal Flora

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:

• Sink, C. A., & Weinstein, N. M., (2012). Practical Veterinary Urinalysis (1st ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780470958247 / 9781119946014

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

The following textbook would have been purchased in VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1143. Students who did not take VTEC 1101 and VTEC 1143 and/or do not already own the required textbook will need to purchase it.

• Bassert, J.M. (2022). McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians (10th ed.) Elsevier.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323722001
• Rosenfeld, A. J., & Dial, S. M. (2010). Clinical pathology for the veterinary team. Wiley.
  Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780813810089

Additional Resource:

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: 9780911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)

Required Lab Supplies:

Students will be directed to purchase a labkit for approximately $70. This kit is time sensitive due to refrigeration so please wait for instructions on when and where to purchase from the Program Assistant. 

Note: It is important to refrigerate the agar plates upon receipt.

The following are required items that students are responsible for purchasing from the suggested suppliers:

Note: Some items required for purchase may be available at the placement location. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm that equipment and supplies are available at the placement location if they choose not to purchase.

1. 5 inoculating loops. Purchase from Amazon.ca, 50 loops, 50 Pcs Inoculating Loops, 
2. 1 Gram’s stain kit. Purchased from Amazon.ca, Innovating Science Gram's Stain Kit, 

Required Lab Equipment (at the placement location):

1. Microscope
2. Refractometer
3. Centrifuge
4. Blood machine—optional

Note: A microscope, refractometer, and centrifuge should be available for use at the student’s placement location. If any of these items are not available, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the item(s) in order to complete assignments.

Additional requirements

Students will also need the following:

• A computer with Internet access
• A video recording device

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

Admission into the second semester of the onsite VTEC program

VTEC 1143 with a minimum grade of C

VTEC 1231 with a minimum grade of C

Exclusions

VTEC 1240