AN 219 - Animal Wellness and Treatment

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Aug 14, 2025
Date Approved: Aug 14, 2025

Lecture Hours: 42

Course Description:
Individuals who work with animals should have a basic understanding of the health issues that can occur. This course covers common diseases in dogs, cats, rabbits, alpacas, donkeys and horses for the Animal Assisted Wellness student. The emphasis is on the prevention of disease and disease transmission, as well as an understanding of diseases which are contagious to other animals, or potentially humans. The course also discusses the husbandry needs of the above species, including an overview of nutrition.

Rationale:
This is a required course for Animal Assisted Wellness certificate students. Optimal health and wellness of the animals used in therapeutic interactions is essential and is the responsibility of the owner/handler. While animal interaction with humans has many benefits, it is important to also be aware of potential health risks to both the humans and animals they work with during this time. Proper nutrition, husbandry and other preventative measures can help minimize these risks.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

1. Define biosecurity, identify risks, and determine appropriate protocols to be implemented in order to reduce the spread of disease to animals and humans.

2. Define zoonosis and identify common zoonotic pathogens in domestic species.

3. Identify nutritional requirements for dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses to maintain a state of health in various life stages.

4. Describe the appropriate husbandry practices and techniques for horses, alpacas, rabbits and dogs and cats.

5. Identify and describe common diseases seen in horses, alpacas, rabbits and dogs and cats.

6. Describe preventative measures and vaccination protocols recommended for common domestic species involved with animal assisted interventions.

Required Resource Materials:
None

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
This course consists of 42 hours of lecture.

This course includes online lectures, discussions via discussion boards, and PowerPoint presentations to provide an understanding of animal wellness and treatment. Self-study using referenced texts and articles is recommended. Examination of materials is also a component of the course, and may take the place of online quizzes, or require invigilation from an outside source such as a public school or public library.

Because this course is on-line, attendance is demonstrated by keeping up with readings and assignments, participation in dialogue on the discussion board and completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor.

In cases where illness impedes participation, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Content of Course:

Biosecurity and Disease Transmission
Introduction to Nutrition and Digestion
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Cats
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Dogs
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Rabbits
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Horses and Donkeys
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Alpacas and Llamas

Course Assessments:

Unit Tests and Quizzes	20%
Assignments	15%
Paper	15%
Midterm Exam	20%
Final Exam	30%
Total	100%

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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