AN 219 - Animal Wellness and Treatment

3 Credits

Outline Effective Date 2018 Fall
1

Lecture Hours: 42
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Tutorial Hours: 0

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 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:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

Define biosecurity, identify risks, and determine appropriate protocols to be implemented in order to reduce the spread of disease to animals and humans.
Define zoonosis and identify common zoonotic pathogens in domestic species.
Identify nutritional requirements for dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses to maintain a state of health in various life stages.
Describe the appropriate husbandry practices and techniques for horses, alpacas, rabbits and dogs and cats.
Identify and describe common diseases seen in horses, alpacas, rabbits and dogs and cats.
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
- Zoonosis
- Chain of infection
- Sanitation and Disinfection
- Biosecurity Management
Introduction to Nutrition and Digestion
- Nutrients and Energy
- The Digestive system
- Feeding a balanced diet
- Feed and Feedstuffs
- Feeding behaviors
- Pet Foods and Marketing
- Nutrition of Canines
- Nutrition of Felines
- Nutrition of Equines
- Nutrition of Rabbits
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Cats
- Routine care and management
- Common diseases
- Vaccination protocols
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Dogs
- Routine care and management
- Common diseases
- Vaccination protocols
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Rabbits
- Routine care and management
- Common diseases
- Vaccination protocols
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Horses and Donkeys
- Routine care and management
- Common diseases
- Vaccination protocols
Husbandry and Common Diseases of Alpacas and Llamas
- Routine care and management
- Common diseases
- Vaccination protocols

Course Assessments:

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

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course. Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.