College of Veterinary Medicine

8 lecture hours +15 lab hours = 1 credit

Clinical Reasoning will introduce students to clinical reasoning and require them to apply clinical reasoning in case examples. It will also serve as a preparation for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

Clinical Reasoning will introduce students to clinical reasoning and require them to apply clinical reasoning in case examples. It will also serve as a preparation for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

7 lecture hours + 0 lab hours = .5 credits

This course will facilitate the transition to first year veterinary medical school. Students will apply research from learning science, components of positive psychology, and well-being to their individual contexts to best support academic transitions. Topics include organizational strategies to assist with cognitive load, facilitating a reasonable study plan that demonstrates forethought, monitoring learning through sustaining practice with different types of knowledge, among other topics.

39 lecture hours + 68 lab hours = 5 credits

A systemic and topographic study of macroscopic body structure is presented via lecture and laboratory. This course the dog and cat as the primary models for the study of general mammalian form. A team approach is used for laboratory work with demo specimens and dissection. Clinical applications are incorporated throughout the course in alignment with the ultimate goal of contributing to the education of a practitioner.

39 lecture hours + 68 lab hours = 5 credits

A systemic and topographic study of macroscopic body structure is presented via lecture and laboratory. This course the dog and cat as the primary models for the study of general mammalian form. A team approach is used for laboratory work with demo specimens and dissection. Clinical applications are incorporated throughout the course in alignment with the ultimate goal of contributing to the education of a practitioner.

83 lecture hours = 5.5 credits

The CVM 711 course is a detailed study of cellular, tissue, organ function and their control and integration in animals. Emphasis will be placed on cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, muscular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive physiology. The basic physical and chemical principles that underlie physiological processes will be described.

83 lecture hours = 5.5 credits

The CVM 711 course is a detailed study of cellular, tissue, organ function and their control and integration in animals. Emphasis will be placed on cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous, muscular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive physiology. The basic physical and chemical principles that underlie physiological processes will be described.

30 lab hours = 1 credit

This course is a series of laboratories designed to develop the necessary skills to identify microscopic anatomy of basic cell types, tissues, organs, and organ systems. Principles learned in this course will be applied in simultaneous and subsequent courses in the CVM curriculum.

43 lectures + 6 lab hours = 3 credits

This course teaches principles of parasitology, including etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of selected parasitic diseases in animals. Students will gain knowledge of life cycle biology, transmission strategies, and natural hosts of major parasites of animals.

8 lecture hours = .5 credit

This course will focus on the aspects of One Health that relate to the individual and professional foundations of veterinary medicine. It will include the history of veterinary medicine to introduce them to their professional cultural inheritance, human animal bond, animal welfare, the role of animals in human psychosocial health, professional ethics and jurisprudence, work life balance, professional organizations and future opportunities for veterinarians.

30 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be taught safe handling and restraint techniques and will be introduced to the general physical examination of various domestic animal species, including small animals (dogs & cats), companion animals (horses) and production animals (cows & small ruminants). Students will also be introduced to psychomotor skills needed for surgery and other clinical procedures.

17 lecture hours = 1.5 credits

This course builds on the basics of One Health II by applying evidence-based veterinary medicine in understanding clinical research in infectious disease management.  The understanding of the application of evidence-based veterinary medicine is used throughout the working life of veterinarians in contemporary veterinary practices.  Basic training in research methodology will be covered to learn clinical study processes and how new scientific evidence is discovered.  These skills will be applied to investigating an infectious disease spread within and between populations utilizing mock case studies by appraising scientific evidence about the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitological diseases. 

15 lectures hours = 1 credit

This course is designed to help students develop their skills in critical thinking, communication, resource
identification and evaluation, and clinical decision-making through small group management of a hypothetical veterinary case Through case-based learning, students will revisit and apply knowledge from previous courses as well as preview the application and interpretation of content from upcoming semesters. Students will maintain any and all appropriate medical records during the management of the case.

2 lecture hours + 26 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary
medicine. Students will be introduced & exposed to the Calgary Cambridge Guide for client consultation
and key components to support it. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

2 lecture hours + 26 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary
medicine. Students will be introduced & exposed to the Calgary Cambridge Guide for client consultation
and key components to support it. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

15 lectures = 1 credit

This course will provide a review of foundational and general medical knowledge required of a veterinarian. Subjects will include: medical terminology, medical chemistry, medical math, and medical physics.

The pony will serve as the primary model for studying large animal anatomy and for comparing equine anatomy with small animal anatomy. Large animal anatomy of the horse, large and small ruminants and the pig which is vital to matriculate through the veterinary curriculum in preparation to understand the principals of practicing veterinary medicine and entering the medical profession will be pursued. Anatomical concepts will be studied of the various regions of the body and will be correlated with the systemic and with topographical and other regional anatomy. To encourage student participation in the learning process, information exchange periods will precede most labs. Lecture 4.5 Lab 1.0. Pre-Requisites: Successful completion of CVM 710. Spring.

38 lecture hours = 2.5 credits

This course presents current concepts in basic and clinical immunology with special emphasis on protective immunity against infectious diseases and the role of aberrant immune responses in disease.

22 lecture hours = 1.5 credits

This course introduces veterinary students to important viral diseases of animals and help them develop a conceptual framework of best practices that can be adapted to incorporate novel approaches to the control of viral diseases encountered during their veterinary medical careers.

38 lecture hours = 2.5 credits

This course will introduce students to important bacterial and fungal diseases of animals and help them develop a conceptual framework that can be adapted to incorporate novel approaches that they will encounter during their veterinary careers.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course introduces the basic concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to veterinary and One Health problems. Emphasis is placed on the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation, epidemiologic definitions, appropriate summaries and displays of data, and the use of classical statistical approaches to describe the health of populations. Topics include the dynamic behavior of disease; usage of rates, ratios and proportions, odds ratios, and other statistical tools. Various epidemiologic study designs for investigating associations between risk factors and disease outcomes are also introduced, culminating with criteria for causal inferences. The application of these disciplines in the areas of health services, screening, and environment policy are presented. The influence of epidemiology and biostatistics on legal and ethical issues are also discussed. Critical review of scientific literature will be examined. To the extent possible, we will draw from the Appalachian region for examination of issues.

30 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be taught basic ligatures and suturing techniques, phlebotomy, intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection techniques using models and live animals. Students will perform physical examinations of canine, equine, bovine and ovine species and be introduced to the Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan (SOAP) format for medial record keeping. Professional skills will be taught using lectures and subsequent laboratories, both small group and individual encounters in the DCOM client simulation laboratory.

60 lab hours = 2 credits

This course provides an introduction to animal husbandry, welfare and behavior in major species. The course will allow students to describe normal husbandry of multiple species and behavior and also to identify abnormal behavior.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

The course will build on material covered in the infectious disease and research methods course and infectious disease course. Students will systematically work through the steps of evidence based veterinary medicine (EBVM) using peer reviewed literature in the fields of bacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology to apply information gained during the infectious disease course to answer clinical questions.

2 lecture hours + 26 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

30 lab/case study hours = 1 credit

This course expands upon knowledge from previous courses and introduces critical care topics and techniques.Students will apply this information during case-based exercises and discussions. Students should prepare in advance for case-based activities by reading assigned material and/or watching pre-recorded presentations. Students will also complete group-based activities and individual assessments.

90 lecture hours = 6 credits

The first half of this course will introduce the student to general pathology of all organ systems. The second half of this course covers systemic pathology of domestic animals. Students will apply knowledge from previous courses (anatomy, histology, physiology, parasitology, immunology, and infectious disease) with the new knowledge of general pathology to describe the pathogenesis of and diagnose diseases

90 lectures = 6 credits

The first part of this course will introduce the student to general pathology of all organ systems. The second part of this course covers systemic pathology of domestic animals. Students will apply knowledge from previous courses (anatomy, histology, physiology, parasitology, immunology, and infectious disease) with the new knowledge of general pathology to describe the pathogenesis of and diagnose diseases. The pathophysiology of diseases will be covered for the hepatic, pancreatic, urinary cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, respiratory, CNS, special senses, reproductive, gastrointestinal, integumentary, and ophthalmic systems of domestic animals.

44 lecture hours = 3 credits

The first part of this course will introduce the student to general pathology of all organ systems. The second part of this course covers systemic pathology of domestic animals. Students will apply knowledge from previous courses (anatomy, histology, physiology, parasitology, immunology, and infectious disease) with the new knowledge of general pathology to describe the pathogenesis of and diagnose diseases. The pathophysiology of diseases will be covered for the hepatic, pancreatic, urinary cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, respiratory, CNS, special senses, reproductive, gastrointestinal, integumentary, and ophthalmic systems of domestic animals. 

45 lecture hours = 3 credits 

This course serves as a continuation of CVM 730A-A0: Veterinary Pathology I.  The pathophysiology of diseases will be covered for the musculoskeletal, respiratory, CNS, integumentary, and ophthalmic systems of domestic animals. 

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course covers the basic concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that underlie the correct use of drugs in veterinary therapeutics. The course is designed to build a foundation of pharmacologic knowledge. Drug modes of action and physiologic effects that stem from drug actions are introduced with emphasis placed upon prototypical drugs.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course covers the basic concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that underlie the correct use of drugs in veterinary therapeutics. The course is designed to build a foundation of pharmacologic knowledge. Drug modes of action and physiologic effects that stem from drug actions are introduced with emphasis placed upon prototypical drugs.

20 lecture hours + 2 lab hours = 1.5 credits

This course is an introduction to principles of toxicology in domestic animals. The student will learn basic principles of veterinary toxicology and learn how to locate toxicological information. The course will present some common toxicants of chemicals and plants (focusing on those found in North America) affecting domestic animals and to learn basic approaches to treatment of poisoned animals.

41 lecture hours + 8 lab hours = 3 credits

This course explains pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for abnormal findings in hematologic, biochemical, urinalysis and cytologic tests in health and disease of animals. Students will learn a selection of appropriate diagnostic tests for various diseases and how to interpret the results of these tests. They will learn basic principles of laboratory medicine including quality control, reference intervals, specificity, sensitivity and positive and negative predictive values

30 lecture hours =2 credits

This course will introduce the concepts of distribution, diagnosis, treatment, and control of zoonotic diseases and transboundary diseases. It will draw from knowledge gained in with courses regarding infectious agents, immune system, pathophysiology, clinical pathology, and parasitology. The course will examine the One Health aspects of disease and the interrelatedness between individual and population human health, animal health, and the environment. Included will be student team literature search, critical literature analysis and presentations. Students will complete phase one of the United States Department of Agriculture Initial Accreditation Training.

45 lab hours = 1.5 credits

Continued development of expertise in handling and interpretation of general physical examination findings in large animals (equine, bovine, small ruminants), exotics/birds and small animals. Continued progress toward mastery of psychomotor skills for surgery including catheter placement, closure of abdominal incisions, gloving techniques and clamping/ligating. Introduction of basic diagnostic techniques.

28 lecture hours + 4 lab hours = 2 credits

This course is a comprehensive overview of domestic animal nutrition, including digestion and metabolism of nutrients, feedstuffs and feeding, ration formulation, and the interaction of nutrition and disease for small animals, horses and food animals. Clinical nutrition aspects will be focused upon.

30 lecture hours = 2 credits

This course will cover principles of surgery, including aseptic technique, fracture healing, perioperative patient care, and basic principles of surgical procedures and techniques. Application of anatomic knowledge to surgical approaches will also be included.

30 lecture hours = 2 credits

This course will cover principles of surgery, including aseptic technique, fracture healing, perioperative patient care, and basic principles of surgical procedures and techniques. Application of anatomic knowledge to surgical approaches will also be included.

24 lecture hours = 1.5 credits

This course will cover clinical conditions seen in small animals with an emphasis on surgical treatment and prognosis. It will integrate and build upon the principles of surgery and surgical diseases covered in CVM 737A-A0 applying and expanding anatomical knowledge acquired, and go beyond the genetic and developmental aspects of small animal conditions to address surgical interventions to consider when conservative and medical therapies alone are not appropriate or not producing satisfactory results. Case-based examples and exercises will be utilized throughout the course to improve students’ ability to apply the information to practical clinical situations.

22 lecture hours = 1.5 credits

This course will cover orthopedic and other clinical conditions seen in small animals with an emphasis on surgical treatment and prognosis.  It will integrate and build upon the principles of surgery and surgical diseases covered in CVM 737 applying and expanding anatomical knowledge acquired and go beyond the genetic and developmental aspects of small animal orthopedic and other clinical conditions to address surgical interventions to consider when conservative and medical therapies alone are not appropriate or not producing satisfactory results.  Case-based learning will be utilized throughout the course to improve students’ ability to apply the information to real-world practical clinical situations.

2 lecture hours + 26 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. The Professional Life Skills course will focus on aspects of: Building Professional Identity, Communications, Leadership, Wellbeing, & Financial Literacy.

The course is designed to utilize the foundation acquired in CVM 731 (Basic Pharmacology) to understand and utilize data for specific drug classes as relates to their clinical utilities and limitations. Drug modes of action and physiologic effects that stem from drug actions are introduced with emphasis placed upon prototypical drugs.

This course covers the basic concepts of pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and pharmacodynamics (the action or effects of drugs on living organisms) that underlie the correct use of drugs in veterinary therapeutics. The course is designed to build a foundation of pharmacologic knowledge. Drug modes of action and physiologic effects that stem from drug actions are introduced with emphasis placed upon prototypical drugs.

45 lecture hours = 3 credits 

This introductory course covers methods of imaging, radiation safety measures and principles of image interpretation. Radiography and ultrasonography are emphasized, but computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear scintigraphy are also discussed. Lectures on basic image interpretation include normal findings and classical imaging signs of common conditions. A working knowledge of small animal and equine anatomy and physiology is a pre-requisite for this course. 

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course introduces the basic concepts of the role environmental component of One Health. This will include a broad analysis of environmental impacts of livestock production, climate change, food safety and security, emerging and transboundary diseases. These will be examined across a broad spectrum of ecosystems including air, land, fresh water, and oceans. The links between the environment, human health and animal health will be highlighted including a focus on the Appalachian region. Students will complete the USDA Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals for Initial Accreditation Training.

(45 lab hours = 1.5 credits)

Students will continue to develop expertise in handling and interpretation of general physical examination findings in large animals (equine, bovine, small ruminants). Students will demonstrate continued progress toward mastery of psychomotor skills for surgery including aseptic technique, anesthetic monitoring, and using a spay model.

30 lecture hours = 2 credits

This course serves as an introduction to veterinary anesthesia, analgesia, and peri-operative case management.  It will lay the foundation for the basic principles of anesthesia and analgesia, relying on the student to review and be familiar with basic pharmacology and physiology presented in previous semesters. This course is also a prerequisite for the Applications in Anesthesia & Analgesia course in the 5th semester of the curriculum, in which students will apply the knowledge learned in the introductory course to formulate specific anesthetic plans for various species and cases with pre-existing conditions or comorbidities. 

30 lecture hours = 2 credits

This course serves as an introduction to veterinary anesthesia, analgesia, and peri-operative case management.  It will lay the foundation for the basic principles of anesthesia and analgesia, relying on the student to review and be familiar with basic pharmacology and physiology presented in previous semesters. This course is also a prerequisite for the Applications in Anesthesia & Analgesia course in the 5th semester of the curriculum, in which students will apply the knowledge learned in the introductory course to formulate specific anesthetic plans for various species and cases with pre-existing conditions or comorbidities. 

This course will cover clinical conditions seen in small animals with an emphasis on surgical treatment and prognosis. It will integrate and build upon the principles of surgery and surgical diseases covered in CVM 737, applying and expanding anatomical knowledge acquired, and go beyond the genetic and developmental aspects of small animal conditions to address surgical interventions to consider when conservative and medical therapies alone are not appropriate or not producing satisfactory results. Case-based examples and exercises will be utilized throughout the course to improve students' ability to apply the information to practical clinical situations.

1 lecture + 28 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

1 lecture + 28 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

15 lectures = 1 credit

The emphasis of this course is directed toward the integration of foundational courses with diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology while working through a clinical case.  Utilizing small group settings, students will develop their skills in critical thinking, communication, resource identification, evaluation, and clinical decision-making. Through case-based learning, students will revisit and apply knowledge from other courses as well as preview content from upcoming semesters.

60 lecture hours = 4 credits

Diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of non-surgical diseases of the dog and cat. Emphasis will be on diagnosis and treatment. In addition, students will have a series of interactive anesthesia lectures over the course of the academic year that will integrate knowledge gained from the small animal medicine block with that of the introductory anesthesia and analgesia courses.

60 lecture hours = 4 credits) 

Diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of non-surgical diseases of the dog and cat. Emphasis will be on diagnosis and treatment.   

30 lectures = 2 credits

Integration of reproductive physiology, endocrinology, pathology, and pharmacology as they apply to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of reproductive disorders of domestic animals. Normal estrous cycles, breeding management, pregnancy, dystocia management and parturition in domestic animal species will be covered. Breeding soundness in male and female animals, and normal pregnancy and production.

45 lectures = 3 credits

This course is designed to educate the veterinary student on the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of non-surgical and surgical diseases of food and fiber animals (bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine, camelid) and includes production animal medicine,emerging diseases and common husbandry practices.

45 lectures = 3 credits

This course is designed to educate the veterinary student on the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of non-surgical and surgical diseases of food and fiber animals (bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine, camelid) and includes production animal medicine, emerging diseases and common husbandry practices.

45 lecture hours = 3 credits

This course is designed to educate the veterinary student on clinical conditions seen in the horse, with emphasis on clinical signs, diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatment, and prognosis.

45 lecture hours = 3 credits

This course is designed to educate the veterinary student on clinical conditions seen in the horse, with emphasis on clinical signs, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, and prognosis.

60 lab hours = 2 credits

Continued development of expertise in handling and interpretation of general and specific physical examination findings in large animals (equine, bovine, small ruminants) and small animals. Continuation of anesthesia and surgical skills training with introduction of anesthesia and surgery in the live canine or feline patient.

3 lecture hours + 24 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. The Professional Life Skills course will focus on aspects of: Building Professional Identity, Communications, Leadership, Wellbeing, & Financial Literacy.

3 lecture hours + 24 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. The Professional Life Skills course will focus on aspects of: Building Professional Identity, Communications, Leadership, Wellbeing, & Financial Literacy.

3 lecture hours + 24 lab hours = 1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. The Professional Life Skills course will focus on aspects of: Building Professional Identity, Communications, Leadership, Wellbeing, & Financial Literacy.

7 lecture hours = .5 credits

Course CVM 759 is designed to prepare students for their clinical year rotations in fourth year. Clinical Rotation policy, procedure, coursework, organization, expectations and how to maximize success on rotations will be explored and discussed. Instruction will consist of self-guided online modules, in-person sessions and small group discussions. 

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

The purpose of this "Avian & Exotic Animal Medicine": course is to build confidence, competence, and commitment to the species of small, "exotic", mammalian, avian, and reptilian species that are most commonly presented to clinicians in North American practices. Each of these three taxons represented include between 6000 to 8000 species. The representative species discussed and studied in this basic medicine course will enable the veterinary student to gain a basic understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of these increasingly popular, companion animals. Likewise the veterinary student will learn that (s)he will not only broader one's knowledge and skill base, but also potentially increase one's income capacity by provided professional care for these species. This "Avian & Exotics" (A&E) course will build on the knowledge & skills the sixth semester veterinary student has developed over the previous five semesters. This A & E course will require a sound knowledge of parasitology, anatomy, physiology, general pathology, immunology, infectious diseases, and other disciplines of medicine and surgery. The veterinary student will be expected to be able to adapt and modify their skill sets and knowledge base to adapt to the unique characteristics of these species of other taxons of the vertebrate phylum.

23 lecture hours = 1.5 credits

Diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of dental diseases of the dog, cat, horse, and exotic pets.

90 lab hours = 3 credits

Students will be introduced to more advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for small and large animals including ophthalmology procedures, ultrasonography, radiography, bandaging, semen evaluation,and epidurals using a combination of live animals, models and cadavers. Students will demonstrate continued practice with completing medical records including SOAPs, case presentations, and discharge instructions.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

In this course students will be exposed to key concepts in veterinary practice management and ownership. Students will gain insights to the operational workings in a variety of clinical settings. Students will acquire knowledge of business operations, team management and client acquisition and retention

15 lab hours =1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

15 lab hours =1 credit

Students will be introduced to professional communication skills and their importance in veterinary medicine. Students will demonstrate these skills in simulated client interactions.

15 lecture hours + 15 lab hours = 1.5 credit

Advanced integration of reproductive physiology, endocrinology, pathology, and pharmacology as they apply to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of reproductive disorders of large animal species.  Advanced normal and abnormal estrous cycles, breeding management, pregnancy, dystocia management, parturition, synchronization protocols, assisted reproductive techniques (embryo transfer, ovum pick-up, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, etc.), and additional reproductive pharmacologic agents in large animal species will be covered.  Advanced breeding soundness in male and female animals, and normal, abnormal pregnancy and production, and advanced procedures.  Advanced topics will have a more in-depth view of the reproductive health and treatment of large animal species. 

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course teaches principles of Poultry Health. Students will gain knowledge of avian (poultry) clinical anatomy and physiology, nutrition, basic management, clinical signs of common diseases / disorders, generation of differential diagnoses lists, development of diagnostic plans, treatment, control, and prevention strategies. The course stresses critical thinking and problem solving.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course teaches principles and practice of veterinary oncology.  Students will gain knowledge of the most common malignancies seen in both small and large animals, including both diagnosis and appropriate treatment options with their associated prognosis.  Information will be presented in both didactic and case-based format.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

The purpose of this “Wildlife & Zoological Medicine” course is to introduce & expose veterinary students to the diversity of this discipline of veterinary medicine.  This course will expose the third-year student to species within the classes of mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian, and fish.  Each of these taxons represented include between 6000 to 20,000 species.   The representative species discussed and studied in this course will enable the veterinary student to gain a basic understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of medicine and surgery involving diverse species in ex situ locations within zoological parks and in situ within natural habitats or other environments.  Likewise, the veterinary student will learn that (s)he will not only broaden one’s knowledge and skill base, but also potentially increase one’s income capacity by providing professional care for these species. This “Wildlife & Zoological” (W & Z) course will build on the knowledge & skills the sixth semester veterinary student has developed over the previous five semesters.  This W & Z course will require a sound knowledge of parasitology, anatomy, physiology, general pathology, immunology, infectious diseases, and other disciplines of medicine and surgery.  The veterinary student will be expected to be able to adapt and modify their skill sets and knowledge base to adapt to the unique characteristics of these species of other taxons of the vertebrate phylum. 

15 lecture hours = 1 credit

This course is an introduction to clinical nutrition that will cover recognition and management of common diseases of dogs and cats in which proper diet and nutrition play important roles. 

30 lab hours = 1 credit

This course expands on principles introduced in the CVM 753, 763 (Equine Medicine and Surgery), CVM 715, 725, 735, 745, 755, and 765 (Clinical skills), and other courses taught in the LMU-CVM curriculum. 

Students will learn to use advanced diagnostic procedures and techniques commonly applied in equine medicine, surgery, and theriogenology.

This course is particularly recommended for equine oriented students before the beginning of their clinical year rotation. The course is designed to allow students to become competent and confident in using a number of the diagnostic procedures and techniques encountered in equine practice.

An emphasis will be placed on the individual student to prepare in advance for the labs, by reading assigned material and completing laboratory assignments.

30 lab hours = 1 credit

This course is designed to increase expertise in certain food animal skills, expose food animal students to techniques and skills not previously taught in prior courses or labs and offers opportunity to increase their food animal problem solving and critical thinking skills. This course is primarily directed toward students that wish to specialize in food animal practice or intend for food animal practice to be the majority of their overall practice.  Diary, beef and small ruminants' topics and exercises will be conducted and will include at least one “outbreak” investigation.

10 lecture hours + 8 lab hours = 1 credit

This course will introduce the concepts and issues involved in veterinary disaster medicine at the local, and international level. Lectures, case studies, table top exercises and hands-on laboratories will be used to train in basic response processes and techniques. Online Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) courses will to build background training.

15 lecture hours = 1 credit)  

This elective course covers principles and application of radiographic image interpretation using the foundation of Roentgen signs. Each case will give students the opportunity to practice the skills of basic image interpretation, including identifying normal findings as well as classical imaging findings associated with commonly encountered radiographic diagnoses. A working knowledge of small animal and equine anatomy and physiology is a pre-requisite for this course.  

Supervised clinical instruction in a selected, pre-approved, high quality, small animal general practice (canine, feline, pocket pets). Students see a wide variety of medical and surgical cases and are active participants in their diagnostic and therapeutic management, to include documentation of findings and care in problem-oriented medical records and performance of clinical procedures.

Supervised clinical instruction in a selected, pre-approved, high quality, small animal general practice (canine, feline, pocket pets). Students see a wide variety of medical and surgical cases and are active participants in their diagnostic and therapeutic management, to include documentation of findings and care in problem-oriented medical records and performance of clinical procedures.

Supervised clinical instruction in a selected, high quality, specialty practice focusing on small animal species, primarily canine and feline. Instruction will take place in practices with board certified internists, radiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, or other specialists, and/or access to those specialists. Students are active participants in diagnostic and therapeutic management of a wide variety of cases with instructive pathophysiological learning issues requiring appropriate medical and/or surgical management in veterinary advanced care, emergency and critical care situations.

Supervised clinical instruction in the medical and surgical areas of a busy community shelter practice. Students perform medical, dental and surgical treatments for the benefit of animals owned by the shelter. LMU-CVM faculty work with the shelter medical and surgical teams in the supervision of students. Students perform physical examinations on dogs and cats, and discuss their findings with LMU-CVM faculty, shelter veterinarians and staff. Students are intimately involved in providing medical, surgical and preventive care to shelter animals. Students are involved in the preparation and performance of elective surgeries (such as ovariohysterectomy, orchiectomy, and dentistry) on dogs and cats under the supervision of LMU-CVM faculty, shelter veterinarians and staff. Students take part in discussions and/or demonstrations in regard to animal behavior problems and potential solutions. Students participate in medicine and surgery rounds. Students make formal rounds presentation to other students and staff during the course and prepare a presentation relevant to the shelter experience with the approval of the course director for presentation at rotation end. The course is composed of hands on medical and surgical care of shelter-owned animals, lectures, self-study, case write ups and presentations and team based exercises.

Supervised clinical instruction in clinical and anatomic pathology at a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Students are active participants in diagnostic examination of specimens from animal patients and gain experience in necropsy of a variety of animal species under the supervision of veterinary pathologists. Interpretation of gross pathology, clinical pathology, toxicology, microbiology, serology, and parasitology findings.

Students will be introduced to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for large animals which may include internal medicine, surgery, preventative medicine, lameness, herd and flock health consultation, routine procedures, diagnostic imaging, reproductive technology, wound care, dentistry, anesthesia, and general surgical procedures using a combination of live animals, case discussion, models, and cadavers. Students will demonstrate continued communications skills development including communication with owners through written discharge instructions and communication with colleagues via referral letters. Small animal wellness and surgery may be included in the rotation.

Supervised clinical course with mixed animal practice veterinarians (canine, feline, beef, dairy, equine, small ruminants, swine) working in ambulatory and/or clinic-based practice. Students see a wide variety of cases and are active participants in their diagnostic and therapeutic management, to include documentation of findings and care in problem-oriented medical records and performance of clinical procedures.

Course CVM 776 is a Required Course offered in fall semester. Students will prepare and sit for the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE®). Students will conduct independent studies and review in order to prepare for the NAVLE®.

This required course is offered to students at the conclusion of the clinical year rotation blocks to assist in their transition from veterinary student to DVM. Course design involves a multifaceted approach to content delivery through exit surveys, financial literacy education, veterinary imaging monitoring verification, and interactive professional communication. This course includes four internal CVM programmatic surveys, one LMU-CVM Graduating Senior Survey, one AVMA Graduating Senior Survey, one Doctors Without Quarters (DWQ) education seminar, submission of dosimeter badge, and various communication activities. Students will have access to online education materials and learning tools provided by the CVM, DWQ, and AVMA. Instructors will track individual student progress in each respective learning unit by tracking performance metrics provided by the LMU-CVM Outcomes Assessment program. The course assignments and self-directed completion of units will span approximately 2-4 weeks.

This course will provide a structured means for students in the clinical year of the DVM program to apply and synthesize the knowledge gained in the pre clinical training into the clinical setting. Students will use the knowledge and skills gained in the Radiology Short Course to perform radiographic interpretation during their clinical placements.

(2 weeks = 2 credits)

This course will build on the core concepts of clinical pathology as presented in CVM 733, while fostering higher-level interpretation of laboratory data. Clinical biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, cytology, and molecular diagnostics will be reviewed in this asynchronous, virtual course. 

Elective courses consists of supervised clinical instruction in high quality learning experiences available at institutions and practices in North America and around the world, to include general practices, specialty practices (such as medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology), species-specific practices, other accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, zoos, and other LMU-CVM approved public and private biomedical institutions.

Students are active participants in their elective rotations, participating in the wide variety of cases with instructive learning issues and situations to which they will be exposed. Elective clinical rotations can either be selected from a preapproved list, or a proposal (student proposed elective, SPE) can be submitted and approved through the Clinical Relations Office (CVM780SPE and CVM781SPE).

Prerequisite: successful completion of pre-clinical course work, clinical year standing.

Elective courses consists of supervised clinical instruction in high quality learning experiences available at institutions and practices in North America and around the world, to include general practices, specialty practices (such as medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology), species-specific practices, other accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, zoos, and other LMU-CVM approved public and private biomedical institutions.

Students are active participants in their elective rotations, participating in the wide variety of cases with instructive learning issues and situations to which they will be exposed. Elective clinical rotations can either be selected from a preapproved list, or a proposal (student proposed elective, SPE) can be submitted and approved through the Clinical Relations Office (CVM780SPE and CVM781SPE).

Prerequisite: successful completion of pre-clinical course work, clinical year standing.

Elective courses consists of supervised clinical instruction in high quality learning experiences available at institutions and practices in North America and around the world, to include general practices, specialty practices (such as medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology), species-specific practices, other accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, zoos, and other LMU-CVM approved public and private biomedical institutions.

Students are active participants in their elective rotations, participating in the wide variety of cases with instructive learning issues and situations to which they will be exposed. Elective clinical rotations can either be selected from a preapproved list, or a proposal (student proposed elective, SPE) can be submitted and approved through the Clinical Relations Office (CVM780SPE and CVM781SPE).

Prerequisite: successful completion of pre-clinical course work, clinical year standing.

Elective courses consists of supervised clinical instruction in high quality learning experiences available at institutions and practices in North America and around the world, to include general practices, specialty practices (such as medicine, surgery, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology), species-specific practices, other accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, zoos, and other LMU-CVM approved public and private biomedical institutions.

Students are active participants in their elective rotations, participating in the wide variety of cases with instructive learning issues and situations to which they will be exposed. Elective clinical rotations can either be selected from a preapproved list, or a proposal (student proposed elective, SPE) can be submitted and approved through the Clinical Relations Office (CVM780SPE and CVM781SPE).

Prerequisite: successful completion of pre-clinical course work, clinical year standing.

The emphasis will be on introducing advanced orthopedic topics that were not covered in the Orthopedic Surgery CVM 767 course and expanding on the topics introduced in that course. The topics will focus on fracture stabilization methods and the diagnosis and treatment of select orthopedic conditions. In addition, there will be 2 laboratories to allow students to perform a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) and an extracapsular stabilization procedure for the CCL deficient stifle using canine cadavers.

Course CVM 782R is designed as a review of foundational clinical knowledge for students who will track large animal or mixed practice in their clinical year. Medical records, case progression, and tips for succeeding on large animal rotations will be reviewed. Students are active participants in this elective rotation, with access to a variety of cases and topics that provide a robust learning opportunity and exposure to clinical scenarios. T**See syllabus for more information.

CVM 782-S0 /782V Small Animal Clinical Practice Preparation immersive two-week rotation consists of supervised clinical instruction in high quality learning environments. Students are active participants in this elective rotation, with access to a wide variety of cases that have robust learning opportunities and interactive scenarios which they will be expected to work through as clinicians. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of medical and surgical cases and will be active participants in the diagnostic and therapeutic management.

The primary objectives of this elective course are to reinforce the foundations of clinical pathology established in CVM 733 and further promote interpretive acumen through clinical cases.