Professional Program of Study
For the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine leading to the degree doctor of veterinary medicine, see Veterinary Medicine, Curriculum.
The curriculum of veterinary clinical sciences explores the preventive health care, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases of companion and competitive athletic animals. Veterinary specialists lead didactic and laboratory based learning in the clinical sciences. Experiential based courses conducted through the Veterinary Medical Center during the fourth year provide the student an opportunity to participate in the application of clinical skills and knowledge.
Graduate Study
The department offers work for the degree master of science with major in veterinary clinical science, and minor work for students majoring in other departments. Within the veterinary clinical sciences major, the student may specialize in veterinary medicine, surgery, or theriogenology. The D.V.M. degree or equivalent is prerequisite to a major graduate work.
Both thesis and nonthesis options are available and require the completion of a minimum of 30 graduate credits and a final examination.
World languages and cultures requirements may be established by the student’s program of study committee.
Courses
Courses primarily for professional curriculum students:
Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: First year classification in Veterinary Medicine or with permission of instructor
An elective course designed to educate the veterinary student about issues of relevance to companion animal population and shelter medicine and welfare.
Cr. R. F.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Introduction to the veterinary profession and the various career opportunities available.
(1-1) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. The course covers selected topics on moral and ethical issues affecting the practice of veterinary medicine.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will focus on helping students develop their communication, leadership, team building and conflict resolution skills.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
A continuation of the Veterinarian in Society series. This course will emphasize veterinary law.
(Cross-listed with B M S). (0-2) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Canine physical examination; basic behavior, animal handling and restraint; medical record keeping.
Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Classification in veterinary medicine
Seminars and case presentations on selected clinical subjects by fourth-year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Attendance is required for a passing grade.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: First-year classification in veterinary medicine
Evaluation of morphologic anatomy of the dog and cat utilizing clinical imaging methods - radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear imaging. Emphasis will be placed on normal radiographic anatomy.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Second year classification in veterinary medicine
General principles of surgery of companion animals.
(0-3) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Second year classification in veterinary medicine
General principles of surgery of companion animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 394
Small animal surgery.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 394
This elective course is an introduction and overview of the clinical aspects of common conditions in horses and related conditions, including pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. It is not designed to teach the student how to perform specific procedures, but rather to improve knowledge base of students interested in equine or mixed animal practice. Class will include lecture, photos, video presentations, and other formats.
(2-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine
Anesthetic equipment, agents and procedures, including pain management for core species.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Third year classification in veterinary medicine
Principles and techniques of medical and surgical ophthalmology.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Third or fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine; V CS 444 or concurrent enrollment in V C S 444
Elective course in diagnosis and management of cardiac diseases. Emphasis on interpretation of electrocardiography.
(1-3) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: third classification in veterinary medicine
Elective course in management and diseases of pet birds and exotic species.
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective course in feline internal medicine.
Cr. 2-4. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in oncology.
(1-0) Cr. 1. S.
Prereq: Third or fourth -year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective course in small animal and equine nutrition.
(1-2) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Third or Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective course in dermatology.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine, permission of department curriculum committee
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine, permission of department curriculum committee
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine, permission of department curriculum committee
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine, permission of department curriculum committee
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments.
Cr. 2-6. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine, permission of instructor-of record/V C S Department Curriculum Committee
Elective course in veterinary practice under the guidance of veterinarians in approved practice settings. Maximum of 6 credits in 2 credit increments.
Cr. R. Repeatable.
Prereq: VM4 classification, permission of instructor
External practical experiences in the fourth year curriculum for additional professional development of the veterinary student.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 4. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine and completion of V C S 405. Enrollment by permission of instructor.
Clinical experience in husbandry, nutrition and training of exotic animals in a zoo environment. Students will get instruction and learn the application of the clinical skills required when dealing with exotic animals, including the hands-off visual examination obtaining historical and clinical information from zookeepers, and the use of immobilization drugs for patient exams. Students will learn the common medical disorders of exotic species and treatment techniques.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Third year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week elective rotation at an animal shelter/humane society that works with the public to place pets in homes. This rotation will encompass population medicine (medicine, surgery, intake, adoption, behavior and temperament, neglect and cruelty) that animal shelters deal with on a daily basis. The selected animal shelter/humane society must have a veterinarian(s) on staff and be approved by the course coordinator. More than one VCS 437 may be taken upon approval of the course coordinator.
Cr. R. S.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Rotating assignments through multiple sections within the Veterinary Medical Center.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine.
Elective clinical assignment in rehabilitation.
(1-2) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Second or third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Orthopedic diseases of the equine.
(4-0) Cr. 4. F.S.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of small animals.
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases of equine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical rotation in neurology with an emphasis on neurolocalization, disease processes, use of diagnostics in medical and surgical neurology and treatment options. Exposure to neurosurgical techniques.
(3-0) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine - preference to equine track student. Limited to 16 students.
Hands on experience with equine veterinary diagnostic skills related to theriogenology, medicine, surgery, radiology, and ophthalmology.
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Essentials of diagnostic image interpretation. Essentials of radiobiology, radiation therapy and protection from radiation.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
Pre-laboratory presentations and laboratories introduce the student to anesthetic and surgical principles and techniques that can be applied to all animal species.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
This laboratory introduces the student to anesthetic and surgical principles - and techniques that can be applied to all animal species. Consists of only neutering humane society animals throughout the laboratory.
(1-6) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Third-year classification in veterinary medicine
This laboratory introduces the student to anesthetic and surgical principles and techniques that can be applied to all animal species. Provides a broader range of surgical experiences throughout the laboratory.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 449
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 449
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. Consists of only neutering humane society animals throughout the laboratory.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 449
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. Exposure to more advanced surgical techniques with most surgical principles.
(1-6) Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: V C S 449
8 weeks. Continuation of surgical laboratory experience. Techniques and advanced principles learned are applicable to all animal species. A second repeat for students with a special interest in small animal surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine. Must have instructor permission to repeat this course.
Study of clinical dermatological problems via computer-aided instruction, case simulations, and/or lectures. Clinical management of cases presented to Veterinary Medical Center.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in small animal medicine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in soft tissue surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in orthopedic surgery.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in equine medicine.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in equine surgery.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in Veterinary Medicine
A 2-week surgical emphasis, elective rotation at a humane society that addresses the issues facing veterinarians and non-veterinary humane society personnel who deal with small animal overpopulation issues. Each section can be taken for credit once.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in veterinary radiology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical experience in hospital based general practice.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in equine ambulatory practice.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine.
Elective clinical assignment on the principles and practices of normal and therapeutic horseshoeing and equine foot care.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in small animal and large animal anesthesiology.
Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 2 credits.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment with emphasis on pain management.
Cr. 4. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment to provide supervision of hospital cases requiring intensive care and including emergency cases.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in ophthalmology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine. Completion of V C S 460 Radiology is required. Enrollment by permission of instructor.
Elective clinical assignment in veterinary radiology.
Cr. 2.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in animal reproduction. Equine, Small Animal, Comparative, and Food Animal reproduction only.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. SS.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine.
Elective comparative clinical assignment in Theriogenology with caseload management in Food Animal, Equine, Small Animal and Small Ruminants sections. Rotation through these different sections will depend on the caseload (by species)and include routine breeding management, semen collection and cryopreservation in different species, advanced laparoscopic and non-surgical procedures for insemination and embryo flushing/transfer, pregnancy diagnosis as well as management of reproductive emergencies.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in Equine Theriogenology involving both mare and stallion breeding management, cool-shipped semen preparation and semen cryopreservation, embryo transfer, foaling of high-risk pregnant mares as well as normal mares, breeding soundness exams of the mare and stallion, treatment of retained fetal membranes and neonatal care.
Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in Small Animal Theriogenology. Primary reproductive management in the canine involving breeding management of the bitch and stud dog, advanced surgical and non-surgical insemination using fresh or frozen semen, infertility case management for the male and female. High risk pregnancy management, whelping and neonatal care case management as required.
Cr. 1.
Prereq: fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in small animal surgery split between soft tissue surgery (one week) and orthopedic surgery (one week).
Cr. 1.
Prereq: fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in small animal surgery split between soft tissue surgery (one week) and orthopedic surgery (one week).
Cr. 1.
Prereq: fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical assignment in small animal surgery split between soft tissue surgery (one week) and orthopedic surgery (one week).
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in cardiology.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
Cr. 2. Repeatable.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Assignments in equine, small animal, and large animal anesthesiology. Experience includes case work-up, management and recovery. Understanding of the unique physiology and potential complications of anesthetized patients. Pharmacology of commonly used drugs. Specific protocols and management for both field and general anesthesia.
(2-0) Cr. 2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Elective clinical assignment in intensive care.
Cr. 1. F.
Prereq: Third or Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
All aspects of veterinary dentistry, prophylaxis, endodontics, and orthodontics. This course is an on-line course.
Cr. 2. S.
Prereq: Fourth year classification in veterinary medicine
Clinical rotation in equine dentistry with an emphasis on routine equine dental examinations, specialized equipment, and corrective procedures. Offered only offered for one 2-week rotation. Enrollment is limited.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Permission of Course Instructor-of-Record and Sponsoring VCS Faculty Member.
Independent Study in veterinary medicine focusing on basic / translational research or learning issues. Enrollment in this course is not appropriate for clinical experiences in the Veterinary Medical Center or extramural experiences in clinical veterinary practice (i.e., preceptorships).
(2-0) Cr. 1. Repeatable. S.
Prereq: Classification in veterinary medicine
8 weeks. Predeparture orientation for group study abroad. Cultural considerations for the study abroad experience and a conversational language introduction. Out of class work may be assigned.
Cr. R. S.
Prereq: Fourth-year classification in veterinary medicine
Seminars and case presentations on selected subjects by fourth year students of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Completion of a seminar presentation is required for graduation.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Cr. 1-12. Repeatable.
Prereq: Second-year classification in veterinary medicine. Permission of Course Instructor-of-record and sponsoring VCS Faculty
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Provides opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.
Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.
Special topics in Ophthalmology.
(0-40) Cr. 1-12. Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Admission to graduate college
International Preceptorships and Study Abroad Group programs. Provides opportunities for students to be involved in applied clinical, production, and/or research experiences in international locations. The course consists of 40 hour per week experiential learning opportunities.
Cr. arr.
Prereq: Enrollment in nonthesis master's degree program
Courses for graduate students:
Cr. 1. Repeatable. F.S.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 448
Detailed principles of clinical radiology with particular reference to radiographic interpretation.
(1-3) Cr. 2.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Course designed to discuss and perform advanced surgical procedures in soft tissue, orthopedic and neurological surgery. Minimally invasive surgical procedures and organ transplantation will be included.
(1-3) Cr. 2.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Innovative techniques in microvascular, thoracic, gastrointestinal, neurological and reconstructive surgery will be investigated.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 445
Principles of general medicine. A study in depth of factors that contribute to the development of clinical signs as related to the pathogenesis of disease.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
Prereq: V C S 445
An advanced study of metabolic diseases.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Graduate Level Research.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Graduate Level Research.