Course Descriptions

This course examines mechanisms, physiology, impacts, and recognition and treatment of animal pain and is designed to teach the fundamental principals of veterinary anesthesia. It will focus on pharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology as it relates to anesthesia of domestic species with commonly encountered conditions.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 1 of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program.
Note: Students with credit for VBMS 304.3, VBMS 305.2 or VSAC 356.1 will not receive credit for this course.

An introduction to the science and pathophysiology of veterinary surgery. Multiple species are used to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and technical skills associated with the management of surgical conditions.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 1 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 357 will not receive credit for this course.

An introductory course on veterinary medical imaging focusing on the physics of medical imaging, radiation safety, image acquisition and an understanding of normal radiographic anatomy.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 1 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 362 will not receive credit for this course.

A series of lectures dealing with clinical examinations of the domestic animal species, localizing disease within a body system based on the clinical exam, exploring the diagnostic techniques available for patient evaluation and using the problem oriented approach to making a diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of taking an accurate history and performing a thorough physical examination and on comparative aspects of clinical examination.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 1 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 376 will not receive credit for this course.

An introduction to the practical aspects of veterinary surgery prior to entering clinics. The student is expected to demonstrate solid basic surgical skills and peri-operative patient management. Multiple species are used to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles and technical skills associated with the management of surgical conditions.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

This is a hands on course focusing on emergency simulations, communication and hands on procedures. Topics that will be covered include wound management, ECGs, CPR, as well as common emergency presentations. Hands on techniques include thoracocentesis and chest tube placement.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the D.V.M. program.
Note: This is a Year 3 elective for students in the D.V.M. program.

Teaches the fundamentals of veterinary medical imaging, emphasizing x-ray and ultrasound, through a series of illustrated lectures. The course focuses on the basic principles of image analysis and interpretation through developing an understanding of clinical anatomy.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program

Will focus on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and staging, treatment options, and prognosis for common or important cancers in dogs and cats. The emphasis will be on establishing an appropriate diagnostic approach and developing knowledge necessary to recommend optimal cancer therapy for tumours that will be commonly encountered in veterinary practice. Laboratory sessions will allow the student to learn common diagnostic techniques, interpret advanced imaging of cancer and become familiar with common chemotherapeutic agents.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

Further in-depth information is provided to enhance material presented in the core veterinary anesthesia program and is aimed at small animals alone. Expansion on dealing with sicker patients, new techniques and further information on monitoring equipment and patient assessment is provided.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

Will introduce the student to the principles of small animal clinical nutrition. They will explore the vital role that nutrition plays in wellness and in disease management. This is accomplished through a lecture series given by the instructor and invited industry representatives, assigned case studies and nutrition project. At the end of the elective, students will present their assigned cases and completed projects to the group.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

A case-based approach to small animal orthopedics. Clinical cases will be used to practice lameness localization, illustrate abnormalities of the skeletal system of dogs and cats, and discuss principles of fracture management. In-hospital cases, videos and medical imaging will be used. Two laboratory sessions (on cadavers) will provide experience in fracture repair techniques as well as stifle arthrotomy and stabilization for cruciate deficiency.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

A comprehensive course covering the clinical signs, diagnostic features, appropriate management, and prognosis of common and/or important small animal diseases affecting each body system. The emphasis is on establishing a solid diagnostic approach to cases and developing the clinical skills necessary to manage medical and surgical cases.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 453 or VSAC 473 or VSAC 463 or VSAC 465 will not receive credit for this course.

Will provide a comprehensive review of large animal (primarily equine) medical imaging. It will cover the basic equipment, radiography, positioning, and interpretation of radiographic images. If time allows a brief overview of nuclear scintigraphy, computed tomography, ultrasound and MRI may be provided. (Anatomical review is recommended to gain maximum benefit from this course).

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

This is a case-based seminar course intended to familiarize students with the work-up and treatment of patients with selected skin and ear diseases. More in-depth discussion of treatment options is offered than in the core curriculum. The laboratory presents some common dermatologic conditions and their associated laboratory specimens. Advance preparation of case material is required.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

A comprehensive course covering applied dental (oral cavity) anatomy, embryology, clinical signs, diagnostic features, treatment planning, principles, prognosis, and post-operative management (both short and long term) of oral diseases. The emphasis is on establishing and identifying the key criteria necessary for diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning and home care to ensure long-term success. The laboratory sessions will allow the students to learn principles, imaging techniques and interpretation, and the necessary technical skills required for the management and diagnosis of entry level surgical cases.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 358.1 will not receive credit for this course.

An introduction to basic husbandry and common clinical presentations for common exotic pets. The species covered will include common avian pets, small mammals and reptiles primarily lizards and turtles. The emphasis will be on common conditions that are most commonly seen in general practice.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

A comprehensive course designed to provide the veterinary student with a basic knowledge and skill level pertaining to ocular disease in large and small animals. The course will cover topics such as ocular anatomy and physiology, the basic components of the ophthalmic examination, causes of red eye, vision and blindness, eyelid, third eyelid, and nasolacrimal disease, ocular neoplasia, and ophthalmic surgery techniques for general practice. Laboratories will cover ophthalmic examination in small animals (dogs and cats) and in the horse.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

This 2-credit course will allow students with an interest in feline medicine to expand on their current knowledge base and skills. Emphasis will be placed on common feline health problems and on disorders that are not well covered in the current curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of year 2 of the D.V.M. program.
Note: This is a Year 3 elective for students in the D.V.M. program.

Further in-depth information is provided to enhance material presented in the core veterinary anesthesia program and is aimed at large animals alone. Expansion on dealing with sicker patients, new techniques and further information on monitoring equipment and patient assessment is provided relevant to large animals. Includes wildlife and game ranch immobilization techniques.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

This course will train veterinary students in the diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of common behaviour problems in dogs, cats, and companion exotic animals. The course will begin with basic learning theory and principles of behaviour modification, and progress to its application to the treatment of specific conditions such as: aggression, anxiety disorders, repetitive behaviour disorders, and more. Clinical psychopharmacology will be covered. Lab time will allow students to develop hands-on force free training skills and gain experience with desensitization/counter-conditioning training techniques.

Restriction(s): Successful completion of Year 2 of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program.
Note: This course will be an elective in Year 3.

Deals with the pathophysiology of animal disease on a body system or organ basis. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease, the rational approach to diagnosis and therapy, and a review of common medical disorders affecting each organ system will be emphasized.

Note: This course will be offered every third year.

Total immersion in the area of study pertinent to the graduate student. A complete report is required and should come from a daily log of activities and be organized from a protocol set up by the student's advisory committee prior to going out on this experience.

Note:Requires 40 hours of practicum over a period of 2 or 4 weeks.

Total immersion in the area of study pertinent to the graduate student. A complete report is required and should come from a daily log of activities and be organized from a protocol set up by the student's advisory committee prior to going out on this experience.

To develop a thorough understanding of ocular pathology in domestic animals and to understand ocular fixation and processing. These will be viewed in a live electronic classroom where the congenital, developmental, and acquired diseases of the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, orbit, eyelids, glaucoma, uvea, lens, vitreous, retina, optic nerve and ocular neoplasia are presented. Participants will be expected to describe the ocular findings on a variety of glass slides provided at random during the interactive session at the end of each week.

Weekly hours: 1.5 Lecture hours and 1.5 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisites(s): DVM or equivalent.
Note: Pre-recorded lectures with slides are viewed online prior to weekly Internet Chat.

This course provides advanced clinical training for graduate students enrolled in a SACS clinical residency and a Master of Science – Project degree. This course is designed for the first year of clinical training in such programs. The goal of this course is to assist in preparation for specialty board certification examinations, to facilitate development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, to foster a culture of academic inquiry based on clinical experiences, to instruct students in the critical review of veterinary literature and to develop the students’ presentation and discussion skills. In addition to clinical training received as a component of daily clinical practice, students receive formal instruction in the form of weekly journal club/textbook rounds/topic discussions. Specific expectations and course details for each specialty are outlined in the discipline-specific sections below. Grading is based on the graduate students’ performance of their clinical duties, their participation and performance in structured instructional sessions, and their progress towards becoming board-certified specialists.

Restriction(s): For students in the M.Sc. Project option in Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

This course provides advanced clinical training for graduate students enrolled in a SACS clinical residency and a Master of Science – Project degree. This course is designed for the second year of clinical training in such programs. The goal of this course is to assist in preparation for specialty board certification examinations, to facilitate development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, to foster a culture of academic inquiry based on clinical experiences, to instruct students in the critical review of veterinary literature and to develop the students’ presentation and discussion skills. In addition to clinical training received as a component of daily clinical practice, students receive formal instruction in the form of weekly journal club/textbook rounds/topic discussions. Specific expectations and course details for each specialty are outlined in the discipline-specific sections below. Grading is based on the graduate students’ performance of their clinical duties, their participation and performance in structured instructional sessions, and their progress towards becoming board-certified specialists.

Restriction(s): For students in the M.Sc. Project option in Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

This course provides advanced clinical training for graduate students enrolled in a SACS clinical residency and a Master of Science – Project degree. This course is designed for the third year of clinical training in such programs. The goal of this course is to assist in preparation for specialty board certification examinations, to facilitate development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, to foster a culture of academic inquiry based on clinical experiences, to instruct students in the critical review of veterinary literature and to develop the students’ presentation and discussion skills. In addition to clinical training received as a component of daily clinical practice, students receive formal instruction in the form of weekly journal club/textbook rounds/topic discussions. Specific expectations and course details for each specialty are outlined in the discipline-specific sections below. Grading is based on the graduate students’ performance of their clinical duties, their participation and performance in structured instructional sessions, and their progress towards becoming board-certified specialists.

Restriction(s): For students in the M.Sc. Project option in Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

The majority of instruction in this course is received as part of the daily interaction between graduate students and faculty working together on clinical cases. The intern spends the majority of time on clinical duty and students are expected to take responsibility for their education, to engage in self-directed learning and to seek out learning opportunities such as student rounds, and group discussions. Formal evaluation occurs every 3 months.

Restriction(s): Registration in a graduate program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

The majority of instruction in this course is received as part of the daily interaction between graduate students and faculty working together on clinical cases. The intern spends the majority of time on clinical duty and students are expected to take responsibility for their education, to engage in self-directed learning and to seek out learning opportunities such as student rounds, and group discussions. Formal evaluation occurs every 3 months.

Prerequisite(s): VSAC 825.

This course provides the student with the opportunity to complete a scientific manuscript suitable for publication. Students are supervised and advised by a faculty member throughout the process. The manuscript content may be research related or a clinical case report. Publication is not a requirement.

Restriction(s): Registration in a graduate program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

This course provides instruction and training in qualities required for success as a clinical veterinarian. The course is recommended for clinical interns and residents of the WCVM. Modules are directed at improvement in oral communications, clinical teaching, scientific investigation, as well as development of self-care and personal wellness strategies. The course is designed to enhance the students’ professional and personal growth.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 2 Practicum/Lab hours
Restriction(s): Registration in a graduate program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.

This course will cover the therapeutic use of photon and electron beams and treatment calculations pertaining to veterinary radiation oncology.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor is required.

This course provides advanced clinical training for graduate students enrolled in a SACS clinical rotating internship with Certificate of Proficiency in Veterinary Medicine. The goal of this course is to assist in preparation for clinical practice or residency training, to facilitate development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, to foster a culture of academic inquiry based on clinical experiences, to instruct students in the critical review of veterinary literature and to develop the students’ presentation and discussion skills. In addition to clinical training received as a component of daily clinical practice, students receive formal instruction in the form of journal club/textbook rounds/topic discussions. Grading is based on the students’ performance of their clinical duties, their participation and performance in structured instructional sessions.

Restriction(s): Registration in a graduate program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Science

This course provides advanced clinical training for graduate students enrolled in a SACS clinical rotating internship with Certificate of Proficiency in Veterinary Medicine. The goal of this course is to assist in preparation for clinical practice or residency training, to facilitate development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, to foster a culture of academic inquiry based on clinical experiences, to instruct students in the critical review of veterinary literature and to develop the students’ presentation and discussion skills. In addition to clinical training received as a component of daily clinical practice, students receive formal instruction in the form of journal club/textbook rounds/topic discussions. Grading is based on the students’ performance of their clinical duties, their participation and performance in structured instructional sessions.

Weekly hours: 3 Clinical Service hours
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of VSAC 831.3; a D.V.M., or equivalent degree; and enrolment in a clinical rotating internship Certificate of Proficiency program.

This course covers the physics of veterinary anesthesia including pressure, flow, solubility, gas laws, electricity, thermodynamics, operating theatre safety and equipment function. It also covers all aspects of large animal anesthesia including the pathophysiology, individual species variations and clinical application. The course is offered once every 3 years.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Prerequisite: DVM, enrolled in a clinical veterinary anesthesia residency program.
RestrictionPermission of the instructor required.

This course will allow resident graduate students to build upon their knowledge of anatomy, particularly as it pertains to diagnostic imaging. The course serves to prepare residents both for American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) qualifying and certifying examinations, as well as for clinical practice.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Restriction: Permission of the instructor required.

This course provides comprehensive instruction in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for a variety of emergency and critical care conditions as well as approach to common non-emergent conditions. This course is required for rotating small animal intern students at the WCVM.

Weekly hours: 5 Lecture hours
Restriction(s): Registration in a graduate program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Science.

This course will allow resident graduate students to gain knowledge in ultrasound and x-ray physics. The course serves to prepare residents both for American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) qualifying and certifying examinations, as well as for clinical practice. Primary species for review in this course will be the canine, feline, equine and bovine patients. Practical application will be emphasized. Exotic species will be discussed but to a lesser extent.

Permission of the instructor (D.V.M. Degree) is required

This course will allow resident graduate students to gain knowledge in physiology and pathophysiology of specific organ systems as it relates to medical imaging. The course serves to prepare residents both for American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) qualifying and certifying examinations, as well as for clinical practice. Primary species for review in this course will be canine, feline, equine and bovine patients. Exotic species will be discussed to a lesser extent. Practical application will be emphasized.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours

This course will provide an overview of the basic biological principles underlying the use of therapeutic ionizing radiation.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor is required.

This advanced course provides the latest concepts and advances in cell and molecular mechanisms of inflammation and subsequent repair.

Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours
Note: Students with credit for VBMS 851 will not receive credit for this course.

A discussion course covering the pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of selected important medical diseases in small animals. The emphasis will be on critical review of the current literature and discussion of the implications for management of small animal patients. Note: This course will be offered every 3rd year.

Weekly hours: 2.5 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): DVM degree.

Provides students with formal instruction in large animal (equine and food animal) ophthalmology. Students will learn to critically review classic and current literature on large animal ophthalmology topics. Students will acquire the ability to diagnose and discuss pathogenesis and design treatment plans for ophthalmic diseases of the horse and food and fiber producing species.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): DVM or equivalent.

Provides an in-depth review of the current literature on canine and feline ophthalmic diseases. It will review the anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pathology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and medical and surgical therapy of diseases of the orbit, eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, uvea, lens, vitreous, retina, and optic nerve of both the dog and cat.

Weekly hours: 1 Lecture hours and 1 Seminar/Discussion hours
Prerequisite(s): DVM or equivalent.

A lecture and laboratory course that will familiarize students with the use of endoscopy as a diagnostic and research technique in small animal practice and will allow students hands-on practice sufficient to become proficient at a wide variety of endoscopic techniques.

Weekly hours: 1.5 Lecture hours and 1.5 Practicum/Lab hours
Prerequisite(s): DVM degree, enrolment in M.Sc. degree program in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences.
Note: This course will be offered every third year.

The aim of this course is to provide veterinary medical oncology residents with knowledge of anticancer chemotherapy and targeted therapies for clinical practice and preparation for the ACVIM specialty examination.

The course includes pharmacology of anesthetic and related drugs for small animal use, pathophysiology and anesthesia for procedures and disease states encountered in small animals. Anesthetic complications pertinent to small animal anesthesia and anesthetic equipment are included. The course includes pain physiology and prevention of pain in small animals.

Prerequisite(s): An undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine
Note: Students with credit for VSAC 868 will not receive credit for this course.

To be defined and described each time it is offered. A thorough study of a special topic pertinent to the specific goals of the candidate and their program.

Weekly hours: 3 Reading hours

To be defined and described each time it is offered. A thorough study of a special topic pertinent to the specific goals of the candidate and their program.

Weekly hours: 3 Reading hours

Recognizes the many clinical activities of students in the program that may not be otherwise credited. Students are required to make satisfactory progress in this course to maintain full-time status in the program.

Discussion on research plans, protocols, and results by graduate students and faculty. Graduate students are required to attend and participate. Faculty and visiting scientists may also contribute to the course.

Students undertaking the project Master's degree must register in this course every term for the duration of the program.

Students writing a Master's thesis must register for this course.

Students writing a PhD thesis must register for this course.